amazing how RBs careers are considered over when they near the age of 30
amazing how RBs careers are considered over when they near the age of 30
Larry Johnson to Cincinnati?
Mike Brown isn't ready to crown his team, and could be adding to it
Posted by Mike Florio on November 14, 2009 7:45 PM ET
As the Cincinnati Bengals continue to make their way through a schedule that has yielded a 6-2 record to date, the guy who signs the checks is taking a cautious approach to the team's fortunes.
"We aren't like Indianapolis that just tears people apart week after week or New England," Brown told Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com. "We've put together a pretty good season to this point, but for the most part, it's been very close games. . . . It's too early for congratulations. We're at the midpoint of this season. Who knows what the second half will bring? We're just fighting and scrapping and we'll see where it goes."
Brown's team is "fighting and scrapping" with a roster consisting of more than a few players who have had trouble in the past, and who have become quality players when given a second (or, as in the case of receiver Chris Henry, fifth or sixth) chance. Brown himself admits that roughly half his team's starters have "come off the scrapheap somewhere or at least had to overcome something that was difficult."
It's no surprise, then, that we're catching wind of rumors that the Bengals are on the short list to add veteran tailback Larry Johnson. Though Cedric Benson is thriving, Johnson's presence would bolster a depth chart currently consisting of Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...-adding-to-it/
I'd give him a shot, why not? We could use some RB depth.
If Benson becomes injured, the Bengals' season might be over. Depth is a good idea, but I'm not sure LJ is someone I'd want on my roster.
Go get him
I dont doubt we are seriously looking at him.
Despite Bernard Scott holding serve today, an incredible game for the rookie, I would certainly check the temp of the water with LJ. He could be a key addition to an already good team and the new scenery could perhaps keep his attitude and off field shenanigans in check in the short term.
As we Bengals fans should all know from experience, screwed up programs breed a lot of contempt and often bring out the worst in people. And if we learned anything from Ced Benson, this could be an instant replay. The biggest risk is that he remains an attitude problem, the upside is a talented back behind a very good Oline.
I generally am loathe to talk about chemistry, but this is a scenario where I think it really does come into play. The Bengals have a good thing going, and I think Scott/Leonard is more than capable if Benson is out for a week or two. LJ doesn't make sense from where I sit.
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
I'd go after him, but as above, I'd make it clear to him that if it even appears that he might be hurting the team's chemistry, he's out the door.
It's kind of crazy to think that for once, The Bengals have a chance to be the team that gives a talented but troubled guy the chance to thrive under new scenery, and not the bad team that's parting ways with that guy.
It's a nice feeling.
The Patriots could have said the same about Randy Moss. We took a chance on Cedric Benson before and it has paid off tremendously.
I'm worried that Benson is going to be shot before the season is even over. We held our own against Pittsburgh, but we are going to need somebody late in the season. I'm not sure a rookie and a pass catching FB can do it.
As a Bengals fan, I'd rather LJ sign with Pittsburgh than Cincinnati. He does absolutely nothing for me.
I just don't think Randy Moss, who is one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, and Cedric Benson who is still young with fresh legs can be compared to Larry Johnson who has been ridden hard over the years and is getting old (for a running back). It's not that he's controversial so much as the talent level doesn't match the risk. It did for Benson and Moss.
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
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