Comments on: LJ not a “4th” Running Back

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:30:54 +0000

Yes I agree with your assessment of Warren being edgy, but he does make a point. With this O line and already having an established running game there is no need to pick up a troubled guy. If he is a 4th RB get a guy like DeDe or Watson who know the system and are traditional special teams players. Is LJ going to play special teams? No way.
Again though I like the move and I have no idea what the reliable way to get a #1 RB is. Draftniks thought Mcfadden was going to be the next AP, he barely plays. Matt Forte and Steve Slaton were the shiz last season and both are doing pretty poor.

By: Jimbo

Jimbo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:40:49 +0000

Matt you are refering to:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/cincinnati-bengals/09000d5d8144263b/Bengals-own-AFC-North

I presume?

I watched that too and thought Warren was trying to play contrary and a little edgy. I don’t think he pulled it off well very well. He implies that any team can pluck a good running back out of thin air for 2 mil and that is of course false. If it were true all the 32 teams would have good running backs for 2 mil each.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:59:32 +0000

Warren Sapp said rbs in this scheme are dime a dozen or two for a nickle. Good point on Dickson. I think the Bengals take a DT in the first round if they don’t resign Tank. I think they take McCoy in the second

By: Ron E

Ron E — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:23:24 +0000

How does LJ fit into the Bengals running/blocking scheme, is there much of a learning curve for him? Can he come in and start or play a significant amount of time this week against Oakland, or is it better he stays on the bench the majority of the time and let Scott be the starter this week?

By: JJ

JJ — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:56:37 +0000

Also forgot to mention that Ed Dickerson has been a Special Teams stud for Oregon, which is one of the reasons why Chase hasn’t been active on gameday.

By: JJ

JJ — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

@Brad – I think if we draft a DE, OL or S in the 1st or 2nd round, they will be a backup. Which is always needed but if Reggie Kelly doesn’t come back and we draft a TE in the 1st or 2nd round, they will be starting.

@Matt – I agree that Dickerson needs to prove he can run block. But unlike Chase who we’re reading stories about needing to work with Chip & Mort every day to build his strength, Ed Dickson is a weight room beast already. From what I’ve read he’s one of the strongest TE’s in Oregon’s history and one of only two to bench over 400 lbs. So the strength is already there, he just needs to work on technique. Which is what coaching is for.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:41:57 +0000

JJ- your research is good but I disagree. Dickson is a product of the spread and will have similar problems to Chase Coffman. McCoy seems to be legit, but as really only been good this year. I like Gresham, hope we get him but he has had surgery on same knee twice.

By: Brad

Brad — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:42 +0000

JJ I like the idea of a pass catching TE but fact remains, TE on the Bengals have to block. Chase Coffman is a great pass catching TE but was never asked to block. He was more or less a big WR at Mizzu. I just don’t see the Bengals investing a first or second round pick in a TE next year. Kelly will be back hopefully from his injury, and a surprise in JP Foschi and Coffman will still be on this team.

I think a Safety, OL, DE are probly gonna be the targets early in the draft. Can never have to much depth at DL or OL, plus if Roy Williams doesnt come back you leave a hole to fill behind Chinny, and do we really have someone who can be an every day starter if Crocker were to go down.

By: Brad

Brad — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:57:29 +0000

I agree that LJ is gonna move into the back up role but I can also see him being a Health scratch on game days depending on who the Bengals are playing. I know with the Vikings coming up I would think Leonard might be a better option then LJ with his ability to catch the ball and things of that nature. Running right into the Williams wall with Ced and LJ doesnt seem like a winning formula.

By: JJ

JJ — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:47:30 +0000

There are 3 really good TE’s coming out in years draft (Or at least I think they are really good).

Jermaine Gresham – Oklahoma
Anthony McCoy – Southern Cal
Ed Dickson – Oregon

If we can get any of those 3, I think we’ll be alright.