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PETA folks aren’t gonna like it
ROOKIE DTs SIMS & SHIRLEY
‘LIKE BIG ST. BERNARDS … ‘
So we’re in Marvin Lewis’ news conference on Wednesday, discussing rookie defensive tackle Jason Shirley, who finally got to play in Game 12 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Shirley, a fifth-round draft pick from Fresno State, recorded three tackles (one solo) in his NFL debut. He’ll likely see more action at Indianapolis on Sunday.
But he needs to improve his strength, stamina, intensity and technique in order to break into the starting lineup.
“Jason got his first chance to play,” Lewis said, “and hopefully he’ll understand some of the things we’ve been climbing up his tail about all the time are true now.”
Sims and Shirley are considered rising stars.
Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are pushing them hard because both rookies represent the future at defensive tackle.
“As Mike calls ‘em, they’re like big St. Bernards,” Lewis said. “You’ve just got to keep hitting ‘em with a bat. They somewhat look the part with their stature. But obviously they’re not the same as some of these great players in the NFL that come in the first round.
“These guys weren’t first-round picks. So there are some holes. But yet there are some signs of ability, and you’ve just got to keep beating them over the head with that bat until we get it out there, play in and play out.”
The animal activist organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) might not appreciate that comment about St. Bernard dogs.
“It’s all right,” Lewis said. “That’s the way it comes sometimes. Corporal punishment is still legal.”
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals

Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.
Comments
By Brian
December 4, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
It seems appropriate to bring up that Michael Vick will be ready for some patented Mike Brown redemption soon…By Aaron
December 4, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Marge is coughing up some lung butter in her grave …By professor
December 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I suggest the same Corporal punishment for a coach with such a losing record. How ignorant. Hitting creatures - dogs or people - yup this mind is the one that brought about this year’s winning season. He needs to go back to elementary school to learn that hands are not for hitting. Disgusting.By professor
December 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I suggest the same Corporal punishment for a coach with such a losing record. How ignorant. Hitting creatures - dogs or people - yup this mind is the one that brought about this year’s winning season. He needs to go back to elementary school to learn that hands are not for hitting. Disgusting.By professor
December 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I suggest the same Corporal punishment for a coach with such a losing record. How ignorant. Hitting creatures - dogs or people - yup this mind is the one that brought about this year’s winning season. He needs to go back to elementary school to learn that hands are not for hitting. Disgusting.By professor
December 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I suggest the same Corporal punishment for a coach with such a losing record. How ignorant. Hitting creatures - dogs or people - yup this mind is the one that brought about this year’s winning season. He needs to go back to elementary school to learn that hands are not for hitting. Disgusting.