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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 > August > 25 > Entry
Tackling Bengals & politics with triple scoop of ‘I believe … ‘
BENGALS’ OFFENSE ‘OFFENSIVE;’
‘SLIM 15’ GETS HIS NUMBER BACK;
PRESIDENTIAL RACE REMINDS ME
OF AFFIRMED AND ALYDAR IN ‘78,
AND ‘ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS’
===LUDWIG AT LARGE ALERT: Watching the Bengals, I’m reminded of a line from the late Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach John McKay. Reporter: “Coach, how do you feel about your team’s execution?” McKay: “I’m all for it.”===
ONE
I never, ever, ever, ever, Ever, EVER thought I’d be saying this, but I BELIEVE …
The Bengals’ biggest problem, on the field, is OFFENSE.
It’s downright pinch-your-nose offensive.
Chad Johnson has a sprained left shoulder; T.J. Houshmandzadeh is sandbagging a hamstring strain; Jeremi Johnson is struggling with “Fatosis” disease and Rudi Johnson can’t get on the field.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has a broken nose, the line is mechanically and maniacally matador-ish, and pretty soon the unit will have “Slim 15” to deal with.
TWO
I BELIEVE …
The return of Chris Henry — who got his old uniform number “15” back; Clyde Logan is now wearing No. 12 — has divided Bengals players, Bengals management AND THE ENTIRE CITY OF ZINZINNATI.
Even though he can’t play until Oct. 5 because of a four-game suspension, Henry’s mere presence adds one more distraction to the dysfunction and drama that’s already unfolding.
On the surface, owner Mike Brown’s decision to re-sign Henry was a sort of kindly, innocent gesture designed to help a young man resurrect and restore his once-promising career.
In reality, the move strips head coach Marvin Lewis of all the perceived power he relentlessly accumulated in five previous years.
Lewis seemed to re-gain control of the locker room with strong stances against Chad Johnson and Henry in the offseason.
But Mike Brown took it away.
THREE
I BELIEVE …
The race for The White House between Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona is going to come down to the wire.
It’s going to remind us of the 1978 Belmont Stakes between Affirmed and Alydar.
Remember?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2sjDivffYE
I’m so fired up for the presidential race that I feel like breaking out in song, and breaking out my dancin’ shoes.
Let’s go back to 1968, live from Houston, Texas, with fabled R&B studs Archie Bell & The Drells, and groove to the “Tighten Up.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n7C1AyU-9Q
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Comments
By garland
August 25, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Maybe Mr.Brown did cut Marvins tires.Most bosses have a tendency to that.It sure seems this team needs coaching up.Do you think Marvin is starting to look like Bill Cosby?By LB
August 25, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Yaaawwwwn!! Does anyone believe the pre-season matters one iota?? … okay, maybe to guys on the bubble trying to make the show … but as fans, let’s not go checking-out before the real losses start mounting-up and the locker room circus takes over … have faith, the Bengals will find a way to keep fans entertained … if not on the field then certainly in the media (Chad) or the courtroom … welcome back Chris!By LGDave
August 25, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
It’s sad to say this but the Bengals blow. Again. After Saturday’s spectacle, I don’t think they’ll be able to beat much of anyone on our schedule. I thought we’d be 6-10 this year but now I suspect we may end up 2-14, if we’re lucky. You aren’t going to get wins if our line won’t block and we don’t get pressure on the QB. Embarrassing.By Greg Martin
August 25, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Yes - I’m concerned. Our O-line and D-line are playing poorly. No way we’re having a winning season with the way they are playing. The injuries have nothing to do with them except for Odem. It seemed like after Brahm retired and Steinbach went to Cleveland, our O line went downhill. I know we have more size now but hell, pick up a blitz once in a while!By VoHo
August 25, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Chick — These are disparate times. I want to continue to be a loyal Bengals fan - I started this dreadful habit in 1968 - but things are as bad as ever. The offensive line has no energy, Palmer has no weapons, the defensive is allergic to tackling and, worst of all, Mike Brown is setting us up for a Sam Wyche style ending to the days of the Marvin Lewis. I cannot condone the rehiring of that punk/thug Chris Henry and it appears I am not the only one. Brown’s “redemption” act may be the irreconcilable difference between “Mean Mike” and “Mild Marvin”. I think Coach Lewis walks in January 2009 (if not sooner). Is there some where I can go for therapy?By deuce
August 25, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I was lucky to have free tickets for that game on saturday. These are the reasons I won’t spend $77 on a ticket to watch the crap I saw on the field. They’ll be lucky to win 5 games. Is there a reason Boldin couldn’t be persued to pick up some slack for what we lost in receiving corp?By Diamond Dave
August 25, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I have been an extremely passionate Bengals fan throughout their history - sometimes bordering on the absurd. I have programs and media guides dating back to the ‘60’s and games on videotape and DVD dating back to the Thom Darden-Pat MacInally game of 1980, the last before the stripes, and the day I was baptised into Bengaldom after being taunted all day by a host of Browns fans screaming “Siper Bowl” at a tweenager. After the final season of Dick Lebeau, I’d had enough and packed up all of my gear and stuck it in the basement. Marvin Lewis was hired about a month after that season ended and I decided to give him a chance, thinking Mike Brown had finally learned that HE HAS TO STEP ASIDE AND LET THE FOOTBALL PEOPLE DO WHAT THEY DO in order for the team to be successful. Then, at the Arizona game last year - a typically dreadful, lifeless game played by the home team - I thought to myself, “Why am I doing this? What joy is this adding to my life? It’s back to where it was before Marvin.” That day - that moment - in the 3rd quarter with my 9-year-old son by my side, I ceased to be a Bengals fan and severed my 37-year “relationship” with this franchise. I cannot consciously support such a dysfunctional, extortion-minded organization. The Chris Henry thing just affirmed to me that I made the right choice. Chick, thanks so much for providing this blog and forum where I could state that to the world. And you have my apologies that you have to continue watching that dismal bunch of sad sacks on a daily basis.By Len
August 25, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Archie Bell and the Drells ! Thanks Chick. You made my day helping me relive my youth .Amazed that you found Archie and the Drells on You Tube .Now I’m going to search for Major Lance .By Roho Radio
August 25, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Dear Bengals: Sack the season now. Draft “Beanie” Wells first if he comes out. Wait, don’t do that. It would ruin his career. I can’t believe how negative I am regarding games in the preseason, but you did the same thing last year (1st string offense was horrible). I predicted 6-10 last year….I can’t even come close to predicting that this year. 3-13 and another year of trying not to lose my temper and yell at the TV while my sons watch with me.By dave
August 25, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Chris Henry is not the problem with the Bengals. Everyone has a boss and must still do their job. Poor decisions from the office is no excuse for not blocking or tackling. Mike Brown is not missing tackles or running the wrong routes. I didn’t see him miss one block all night. His job is to write the checks. Coaches jobs are to teach players how to put themselves in the best position to make plays. Players job is to execute tackles, blocks, throw, catch and run. Place the blame where it belongs. Overpaid, spoiled athletes that don’t know what it’s like to give 100%. All too deserving of the millions they demand.By Bob
August 26, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this
Loved the video, it’s always been one of my favorite R&B classics. It was a throw back to my youth, as was a parallel thought of how much Mike Brown reminds me of one of my favorite cartoon characters from that tme, Mr Magoo, with his sport coat and fedora and glasses making myopic, nearsighted decisions that are well-meaning but total disasters. Just not quite as funny when they have a twenty year run and affect a whole city. This is really getting old!