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Health, linemen, attitude keys to Bengals' recovery
Sunday, October 07, 2007
CINCINNATI — The Bengals are down, but they're not out. They still have time to make a postseason push.
History shows eight teams that started 1-3 since 2000 made the playoffs.
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The odds of making the postseason for 1-4 teams? Not good. Since the current playoff format was instituted in 1990, five of 83 teams (6 percent) made the playoffs from that crippling start — the Chargers (1992), Oilers (1993), Jets and Titans (2002) and Packers (2004).
Here are five things the Bengals can do to turn around their 1-3 record:
Heal, baby, heal: The bye week must be used for more than just soul searching. It's a time for the injury-riddled roster to heal, study film and work on fundamentals. Tackling, anyone?
Linebackers Ahmad Brooks (groin), Rashad Jeanty (shin) and Caleb Miller (back); tailback Rudi Johnson (hamstring), wide receiver Tab Perry (hamstring); and free safety Ethan Kilmer (left knee) have a chance to return against Kansas City next week.
Shape the roster: Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, a first-round draft pick (No. 12 overall) of the St. Louis Rams in 2003, was among 11 players given a tryout by the Bengals last week.
It sends a message that the current defensive linemen need to step forward.
Head coach Marvin Lewis said he wants to see more from Frostee Rucker. So far, the 2006 third-round draft pick hasn't shown anything. Why hold a roster spot for a player who doesn't produce?
Solidify the offensive line: The eight-man rotation must end. Now. Left to right, the starting five should be Levi Jones, Andrew Whitworth, Alex Stepanovich, Bobbie Williams and Scott Kooistra.
Willie Anderson's season is in doubt because of a right heel injury. What's more, his career is in jeopardy.
Leaders must lead: The veterans, especially the captains, quarterback Carson Palmer and defensive tackle John Thornton, need to start standing on a few throats. Instead of players being allowed to bolt out of the stadium for fast food at lunchtime, they should be forced to stay and dine in together.
Lose the attitudes: The Bengals can be a tough team to root for because they feel a sense of entitlement. They talk the talk, but don't always walk the walk.
Ex-Bengal-turned-sportscaster Solomon Wilcots said it best: "You've got to start taking wins and not expect anything to be given to you. They took the game against Baltimore. You've got to take the games against Cleveland and Seattle. They're there to be had. Take 'em. This one (New England) wasn't there to be had."
Next game
Who: Bengals (1-3) at Chiefs (2-2)
When: 1 p.m. Oct. 14
TV: WHIO (CBS, Ch. 7)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
