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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2007 > October > 22 > Entry
Chad’s Not The Problem
CINCINNATI — Here are a few observations — and one point of debate — I have after the Cincinnati Bengals topped the New York Jets, 38-31, Sunday.
Before this victory — when all anybody had to focus on were the four straight losses by this under-achieving team — one popular line of thinking shared by some sportswriters and fans was that Chad Johnson might just be more trouble than he’s worth.
I couldn’t disagree more.
I know the argument. They say his extra-curricular activities — jawing with his head coach, his quarterback, the other teams defenders, not to mention those touchdown celebrations — are a distraction.
They say they too often cost the team its focus. They awaken the opposition. They make it tough for Marvin Lewis to dispense equal discipline and keep calm in his dressing room and on the sideline.
Me, I don’t think Chad’s the problem.
If only the defensive players — with a couple of exceptions — had the same talent, same passion and same ability to make the big play in crunch time.
I know there’s a knock from some that Chad doesn’t always block and others think he’s quit on some routes, but I’ve seen him game after game after game make catches few players around the league can make. He had 102 yards in receptions again Sunday and has 680 for the season, second only to New England’s Randy Moss.
If the Bengals mostly had been winning these first two months of the season, none of this would have come up. When you lose, you need someone to point the finger at and he makes an easy target.
Rather, the critical attention should remain squarely on the defensive unit. It had its hands full with the lowly Jets.
Defensive end Justin Smith — designated the franchise player — has just 1 1/2 sacks and missed another Sunday when Chad Pennington brushed him off like unwanted dandruff before running six yards for a first down.
And veteran cornerback Deltha O’Neal — after getting burned on a touchdown pass to Laveranues Coles on the Jets’ first possession — ended up tackling air rather than Coles — same as his teammate Jonathan Joseph did — in the second quarter and that resulted in a second Jets’ score.
This team’s Achilles heel is still its defense — and not Chad Johnson — that will mean trouble when Pittsburgh comes to town next Sunday.
But there was one especially promising thing to surface Sunday. It was the coming out party that running back Kenny Watson had.
Filling in for injured Rudi Johnson, the often-marginalized Watson, carried the ball a yeoman 31 times for 130 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 27 yards.
The offensive line and fullback Jeremi Johnson certainly blocked for him, but Watson put on a versatile show of his own. I agreed with quarterback Carson Palmer, who admitted afterward: “In the past, we haven’t used him enough.
“Most people look at him as a small back, but he’s all of 210, 215 pounds and he runs like he’s 225. When he gets to the hole, he runs people over. He never dives at the ground and avoids hits. He always hits people and falls forward.
“When he gets in the open field, he’s got a quick little sidestep he puts on safeties. At times he runs like a scatback. He can do it all. He’s got vision, hands, quickness and power. He can do anything.”
If Watson finally gives the Bengals a running game again, this is going to be a better season than it appeared it would be just before kick-off.
And finally here’s a Marvin Lewis’ note.
After the Bengals last home game here — an embarrassing loss to New England — the head coach ripped into his team big time in the dressing room. His yelling was heard by some writers through the closed dressing room doors.
A day later — after his eruption had been made public — he vowed no one would hear something like that again.
Sunday he had an entire posse of security types and team personnel guarding the outer doors that lead to a hallway approaching the dressing room. Too bad that much attention wasn’t put on the team’s other defense, the one on the field.
And too bad Lewis didn’t let folks get close enough to hear a dressing room rarity again.
For the first time since Sept. 10, he was able to give a victory speech.
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Comments
By howard
October 25, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
I didn’t say Carson or TJ were 2nd string You mis understood my post I believe they are the only quality players they have the rest of the team is who I ws calling 2nd string
By Jonah
October 25, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I don’t usually pick on other people’s posts, but Howard, calling Carson and TJ 2nd string?!?!? You, good sir, are an ignorant fool. Carson is at least the 3rd or 4th best QB in the league, and TJ is a #1 or 2 receiver on any team in the league with maybe the exception of Indy. Get real.
By Anita G
October 25, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Thank you for coming the Chad Johnson’s defense. I totally agree with you. If the others that think Chad is the problem with the Bengals play, then they need to reconsider. He does seem to require attention on his own, but that’s like a good actor getting the attention..what’s wrong with that? It’s a little show while we’re at it. The fact he doesn’t do drugs, get arrested, in my book makes him a candidate for the kids to look up to. Come on people open your eyes wider.
By howard
October 25, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Their bums all but Palmer and TJ the rest are at best 2nd string on any other team. Can’t stop the run and don’t do real well on a passing team.they will be lucky to win 3 more games this season.
By marco
October 24, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Since Paul Brown past away we have seen the front office make one mistake after another until they hired Marvin as Head Coach. By some great miracle they had Carson Palmer fall into their lap with Chad, T.J., and a few others. Do you remember Corey Dillon? All I can say is if I was in Charge I would contact Jimmie Johnson and offer him the G.M. job and we would have a Great defense in Cincy to go along with Carson, Chad, and T.J. This is a no brainer….
By Tom
October 24, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Tom, You are right on the money on your article about Chad..he is definately NOT the problem…the “Defense” is and the ESPN reporter that started all this should be called out on this one…The front office of the Bengals should comment on this and stop this nonsense,the team needs no more distractions
By Tom
October 24, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Tom, You are right on the money on your article about Chad..he is definately NOT the problem…the “Defense” is and the ESPN reporter that started all this should be called out on this one…The front office of the Bengals should comment on this and stop this nonsense,the team needs no more distractions
By Tom
October 24, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Tom, You are right on the money on your article about Chad..he is definately NOT the problem…the “Defense” is and the ESPN reporter that started all this should be called out on this one…The front office of the Bengals should comment on this and stop this nonsense,the team needs no more distractions
By Tom
October 24, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Tom, You are right on the money on your article about Chad..he is definately NOT the problem…the “Defense” is and the ESPN reporter that started all this should be called out on this one…The front office of the Bengals should comment on this and stop this nonsense,the team needs no more distractions
By null
October 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
While I don’t always agree with Tom’s commentaries, he is right on with this one. Chad is not the real issue—and “escape goat” is very appropro here. Unfortunately for all of us Bengal followers, it is in essence a front-office problem. While they pretend to know the game, their knowledge of football hardly exceeds mine, which is not much. Further, they should decide whether their mission is to simply make money or to provide the fans the very best of the sport for their money. Tom
By null
October 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
While I don’t always agree with Tom’s commentaries, he is right on with this one. Chad is not the real issue—and “escape goat” is very appropro here. Unfortunately for all of us Bengal followers, it is in essence a front-office problem. While they pretend to know the game, their knowledge of football hardly exceeds mine, which is not much. Further, they should decide whether their mission is to simply make money or to provide the fans the very best of the sport for their money. Tom
By Matt
October 24, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Give me a break people Chad is not the problem. He stopped all the celebrating stuff as soon as the team lost in Cleveland. Against the Jets he had several big plays (in the air and on the ground) and didn’t trash talk celebrate or anything. He just did his job and the team won. We need to fix the breakdowns on tackling an coverage on D and make few 3rd down conversions and the Bengals will be riding high on the easy 2nd half of the season.
By M
October 24, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Chad is not the problem. How can you be a problem when your outperforming your WR competition for 4 years running. Poor drafting and bad defense is the problem. The media just decides to make up whatever story it thinks will sell and pushes it on the masses like its the Bible.
By M
October 24, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Chad is not the problem. How can you be a problem when your outperforming your WR competition for 4 years running. Poor drafting and bad defense is the problem. The media just decides to make up whatever story it thinks will sell and pushes it on the masses like its the Bible.
By Joseph
October 24, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Thank You Mr. Archdeacon. When you look at Romo and the Cowboys at the end of the first half against the Patriots, first thing I noticed was Samuel’s position near the end zone i.e. very similar to his position in the Bengals game. Then, Crayton’s position in the end end zone i.e. almost identical to Chad’s position against the Patriots in the Bengals game. How is it then that Mr. Palmer throws a pick to Samuel and Mr. Romo throws a completion to Mr. Crayton for a touchdown? I’d really like to see an aerial view of both plays overlayed to see if my suspicions are really what they seem. Media types like Shannon Sharpe can stuff it with their “Ocho No-Show” comments! You have to throw to him before you can call him “No-Show.” On many of T.J.’s completions, Chad has thrown the key block. He’s gone over the middle, knowing he’s going to get hit (and hard). He’s been seen downfield throwing blocks that keep Rudi and Kenny on their feet for a few extra yards, while he’s been hung out to dry on balls overthrown, underthrown and behind him. All the while accuracy does not seem to be a problem when the ball is going to T.J. and others. Blame the defense, offensive line, play calling even coaching. But it ain’t Chad! If you don’t want him, send him to Cleveland, Baltimore or Pittsburgh. Better yet, send him to New England or Dallas! I’ll still be wearing Chad Johnson jerseys, they just won’t be Black and Orange. hrown
By Joe
October 24, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Chad’s not the problem at all. The fans are all for him when he makes a guarantee of victory and we win. God forbid he makes a guarantee and we lose. Chad has something that I wish all of the fair weather fans would have…100% uncondiotional belief in the Bengals and himself. I was at the game Sunday and the only thing that was more dissapointing than the 1st half performance was the swaying of the supposed Bengal”FANS”. They are worse than a politician riding the proverbial fence and talking out of both sides of their mouth. We all can get emotional, but I have never heard such negative B.S. from our fans as I did Sunday. We need to support our team thru thick and thin…I would think that when they are down they will be more apt to rally with cheers of support rather than BOO’S. How embarrassing it is to sit next to a die hard fan that Boo’s his own team..Where are the real fans ?
By Kanika
October 24, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
I really dislike the media when it comes to sports. If the Bengals were having a winning season then we would not be having this blog. How can you blame Chad Johnson for the Bengals’ problems? He is not on the field when the other team is scoring. If you want to get to the foundation of their problems then it has to start with the defense. They are awful, and if they traded Chad today the defense would still be awful. Leave Chad alone, he is not hurting anyone and his fans love him.
By Kanika
October 24, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I really dislike the media when it comes to sports. If the Bengals were having a winning season then we would not be having this blog. How can you blame Chad Johnson for the Bengals’ problems? He is not on the field when the other team is scoring. If you want to get to the foundation of their problems then it has to start with the defense. They are awful, and if they traded Chad today the defense would still be awful. Leave Chad alone, he is not hurting anyone and his fans love him.
By Richard
October 24, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
There is not a thing going to change, in my opinion, as long as Paul Brown Stadium sells out. Mike Brown is making money and that is all that he cares about.When the fans quit showing up at the games and gets into Mike Browns wallet, then changes will be made.
By bob
October 24, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
Chad is a problem and so is everyone on this team including the coach. The officials were responsible for both Bengal victories. The simultaneous catch call was ludecrous. It was an interception and the Jets win. Much like the fantom pass interference call against Todd Heap in the opener. Marvin Lewis needs to go.
By Otis
October 23, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Scooter’s right … the Bengals have the secondary … the linebackers are fairly strong; they just need better pressure up the middle or on the ends. Had there been at least one top DT and at least one upper/top tier end the bengals would have given New England a very difficult time. On another note … I’m still confused that the Bengals never even tried to go for Joey Porter. LOL! He’s wasting away in Miami. Rivalry aside … they should have flipped enough cash his way to change his mind.
By Scooter
October 22, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
What the bengals need to do is hire better recruiters, find solid draft picks and build a good defense. Trading for free agents is only a bandaid to temporarily stop the bleeding. Go after Laurinitas in the draft, or a solid pass rushing end. If there is not 8 of the 11 or so draft picks this year used on D line, LB, or Offensive line, there needs to be some coaching changes.
By ickeyshufflin
October 22, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
chad might be 2nd in the league in yards but he’s had his bye, something Moss hasn’t. CJ will lead the AFC in yards once again; his 5th consecutive year. Heprobably wont lead in TD’s or catches(maybe not even on his team for both) but he is a damn good player. so who thinks he’s struggling other than Chad Johnson himself, who thinks he can carry the team behind his back no matter what and shouldn’t be 2-4. If Chad were to look at the stats he’s on pace for an 1800 yard season. That’s certainly not struggling. Wasn’t Palmer also yelling at CJ when he threw the interception? Wasn’t a two way exchange? Both player’s have the right to be pissed off when they cannot execute in a big game. You gotta play to win. What I notice is that CJ has very good press conferences where he is able to explain himself properly, which are never aired on ESPN or anything. The Keyshawn Johnson interview did not do him justice; Keyshawn was obviously looking that one misquote for the headline of Sportscenter. Good thing KJ has no credibility talking about CJ being a selfish WR.
By Otis
October 22, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
It’s coaching and defense. Other teams have figured the Bengals out. You can run and pass on them. They’ve relied too much on “lucky” tips and such in the past from LBs and CBs and, fact is, they have no pass pressure and can’t stop the run: a recipe for failure. Justin Smith needs to shape up or ship out and the team needs better pressure up the middle. Hmmm? Wouldn’t Spikes be a welcome re-addition to the team? LOL! If there was a hint of a chance to get Jason T, the Bengals should have made the move. Too bad. Pitt is gonna run right through this team if they don’t play with some attitude, focus and heart. Or is it they are just getting manhandled up front? Would that point to poor technique and conditioning? How much can we lay on the players and the coaches of the Defensive unit.
By Jamdrummer
October 22, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Amen, Tom….It’s nice to see someone calling it like it is instead of the political correctness running amok in our society these days, even pro sports!
By Doctor Flyer
October 22, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
The solution is easy … stop wasting draft picks on hopeful that may or may not pan out. Our history shows we stink in the draft. Trade your draft picks for veteran defensive stars right now while you have a SuperBowl Offense. What does New England do, they bring in veterans like Seau and Moss. Jason Taylor could have been traded for with a first round pick last week. So could a lot of other defensive stars who could turn this team around tomorrow. The problem is not Chad, it is the front office and Marvin who have not brought in any real talent on defense. Sam Adams . . please!
By RJ
October 22, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Chad Johnson is not to blame for the problems the Cincinnati Bengals are having. It is first and foremost our lack of defense. Which is very hard to understand when Marvin Lewis is supposed to be a defensive specialist? But I will continue to support and cheer on the Bengals, even in the bad times!
By Cait
October 22, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I agree. It’s like Reds fans blaming Griffey and Dunn for the team’s ills. They and Chad are easy targets. But Chad doesn’t play D and Griffey and Dunn don’t pitch.
By Cait
October 22, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I agree. It’s like Reds fans blaming Griffey and Dunn for the team’s ills. They and Chad are easy targets. But Chad doesn’t play D and Griffey and Dunn don’t pitch.
By Sam
October 22, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Does Chad play defense? Actually, no one really does and it shows. He does have some attitude but this team needs more swagger-and better tackling. The Bengals have a ton of problems and Chad Johnson is far, far down the list of problems to fix.
By Jonah
October 22, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I agree with you 100% - Chad has never been the problem, he has just been an easy target for the journalists who love a sensational story.The defense has been pathetic, particularly in the first half of games.The last two weeks the D has pulled it together in the 2nd half, but has already left the O in a hole.Thats a difficult position to win many games from.A very disappointing season, but I think they ought to win 6-8 games anyway.I’ll be rooting for them in any event. WHO-DEY!!