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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > November > 22 > Entry
Chance to play spoiler, groom the rookies
SIMPSON NEEDS AND DESERVES
MORE PLAYING TIME, CATCHES
===LUDWIG AT LARGE alert: The angriest Bengal in the locker room after the team’s 27-10 loss at Pittsburgh was rookie second-round draft pick WR Jerome Simpson. The Bengals sent Chad Ocho Cinco home with a deactivation and flew Jerome Simpson to Pittsburgh, where he was dressed and activated. He played, barely, and didn’t catch a pass. “I warmed the bench,” he said.===
Four of the Cincinnati Bengals’ five remaining opponents (Ravens, Colts, Redskins and Browns) have playoff aspirations, so one of the team’s goals is to play spoiler.
“We have a chance to say who goes, and we’re going to do everything in our power — everything in my power — to win these games and help determine that,” coach Marvin Lewis said.
Jerome Simpson
At the same time, Lewis wants the rookies, especially the draft picks, to get more work so they can be groomed for larger roles in 2009.
Third-round DT Pat Sims has emerged as an impact starter with his strength, power, quickness and leverage, and fourth-round LT Anthony Collins deserves another start after not allowing a sack against the Steelers.
It’s vital to develop second- and third-round WRs Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell because the futures of Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are uncertain.
Simpson’s progress has been slowed by a right ankle sprain and lack of work. The coaching staff can restore his confidence by feeding him more playing time down the stretch.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Disgruntled Fan
November 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
When Marvin Lewis had his one, and only one, winning season, why wasn’t the Chickster praising Mike Brown for that success? If Brown is at fault for this ugly season then Brown deserves credit for that one, and only one, desent season!By John
November 22, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
I believe ML is always doing the best he can with what he has to work with from MB. I liken this team to a AAA professional baseball team. The players come here, “season”, and go onto contending NFL professional teams. This seems to be the mode of operation for the Bengals top management since PB departed.By ShockMonkey
November 23, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Disgruntled fan: you picked the wrong week to stop drinking. Lewis has one winning season under his belt. Mikey Boy can take credit for 16 losing seasons as GM. Are you a family member? The absolute worst owner in all of sports! His father is rolling over in the grave after the legacy his son is leaving behind.