DaytonDailyNews.com

Stop the presses! Running back Cedric Benson has re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals!

Such is what passes for NFL excitement in Ohio these days as the rest of the league improves.

In Cleveland, it's been all about departures, with tight end Kellen Winslow shipped to Tampa Bay for draft picks, safety Sean Jones probably gone in free agency, and the Browns' best defensive player, tackle Shaun Rogers, so hacked off at the new regime that he reportedly just wants out.

There was a speck of good news recently when deposed coach Romeo Crennel declined new coach Eric Mangini's request to stick around in some advisory capacity, but that's been about it.

While it's unfair at this early date to say the Bengals and/or Browns won't be manifestly improved over last season, let's just say it's good that tickets generally sell themselves in NFL cities, because only a buffoon could like what's been taking place with either of these teams.

While Mangini is busy dumping and alienating players, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis tries to rationalize losing his most dependable receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, in free agency while franchising a placekicker.

I might feel better about Mangini's approach if only a track record existed to back it up, but last season's Jets collapse is too fresh in my mind.

Lewis had one playoff season with the Bengals, but it's almost a distant memory at this point, although we all know where the problem lies with that franchise.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.