DaytonDailyNews.com

What's going on with the Cincinnati Bengals? What is on the minds of owner Mike Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis? Are they way ahead of the rest of the NFL, or way behind and just plain out of touch?

They surprised their fans by parting ways with cornerback Deltha O'Neal, running back Rudi Johnson and right tackle Willie Anderson, generally viewed as the heart and soul of the team, all on Aug. 30.

O'Neal was beaten out by Johnathan Joseph. Lewis said Johnson and Anderson were injured last season, and neither had shown improvement in the preseason. OK. It's hard, but it's fair, right? Sure, but is it smart?

Does it seem strange to you that the Bengals castoffs would be seen by other teams as valuable players. I mean, when you think Bengals do you think depth? On Monday, Sept. 1, the New England Patriots scooped up O'Neal. On that same day, the Detroit Lions took Johnson. And Friday, Anderson signed a three-year, $11 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, $1.67 million of that is guaranteed.

The strangest of these moves is the jettisoning of Johnson. That leaves Chris Perry as Cincinnati's featured back. He's quick. He's a good receiver, a fine back, for about three games, then there is that annual injury and see you next year. Behind Perry there is Kenny Watson, an elusive runner who won't wear down defenses in the fourth quarter late in the season.

Seems like Brown and Lewis are doomed to suffering a lack of depth in general and no running game. Seems as though they're out of touch.

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or gsimms@DaytonDailyNews.com.