Cincinnati Bengals

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports Some NFL headliners across the league: Patriots’ tight-end, Rob Gronkowski, is having surgery today, and is still questionable for Week 1 of the 2013 season. This is his fifth surgery since November. Brady would certainly like to have his star back, as his numbers took a heavy hit once Gronk went down mid-season of last year. English soccer star David Beckham was reportedly contacted by an NFL scout trying to gauge his interest in trying out, according to the UK Daily Mirror. However, it looks like the chances of that happening are slim to none. “The offer came in, and he politely said that it wasn’t right for him,” a source told the Mirror. Mike Gleason received an official apology from former Atlanta radio hosts after they mocked his ALS. In accepting the apology, Gleason had this to say on his official face book page: “Regarding the DJ skit in Atlanta yesterday. I would like to thank the public for their support. “’Defend Team Gleason’ now has been officially redefined. Additionally, the DJs have provided genuine apology. Received and accepted. We have all made mistakes in this life. How we learn from our mistakes is the measure of who we are.” LB Desmond Bishop was recently cut by the Green Bay Packers, as was announced by the team. He will reportedly visit the Chiefs and Raiders, although Kansas City’s 3-4 scheme is probably a better fit. Stay tuned at Stripe Hype for Cincinnati Bengals and NFL news.

Aug 21, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) runs with the ball after taking a lateral from safety Eric Smith (33) following an interception as Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) closes in during a preseason game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports During the 2007 NFL Draft, Darrelle Revis was the player I coveted most for the Bengals. His physicality on the line, instincts in space playing zone, and ability to shadow a wide receiver downfield left me downright giddy. And, with the 18th pick, the Bengals were primed to select him. Until the Jets swooped in to trade up to 14 and select Revis. So we were left with Leon Hall, for whom I had great respect as a prospect. Hall had the most sound technique in the draft, but questions about his speed and memories of Ted Ginn Jr. abusing him mercilessly were still fresh in my head. But, after the trade  to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that sent Darrelle Revis from the New York Jets, who received a 2013 first-round selection and a conditional mid-round pick in 2014, I began to consider which player I would have rather selected if I were Mike Brown. Consider this: Leon Hall – 87 games with 81 starts since 2007: drafted 1st rnd, 18th overall 22 INT, 6 single season high 89 PD, 24 single season high Before injuries, averaged 4.5 INT and 17.75 PD Darrelle Revis 79 games with 79 starts since 2007: drafted 1st rnd 14th overall 19 INT, 6 INT single season high 97 PD, 31 single season high Before injuries, averaged 3.6 INT and 15.67 Of course, the money is the first aspect to consider. Revis will now average $16 million annually. That is definitely an acceptable number for the most dominant defensive player in the game not named J.J., but is the value there?

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports For years, even as the Bengals found success against Baltimore, the answer to the Pittsburgh Steelers has seemed to elude them. Outside of Cincinnati’s division sweep in 2009, the Bengals have beaten the Steelers just two other times since 2006. One of those times was last year’s Week 16 game at Heinz Field, a game that decided who would go onto the playoffs. It was the type of game you where you wouldn’t expect the Bengals to fly back home with a win. Indeed, it wasn’t a pretty game, as Leon Hall’s interception returned for a touchdown in the first half was the only touchdown that the Bengals mustered in their 13-10 defensive win. But perhaps that’s what makes it so special for Cincinnati. The fact that the team that had faced so little success against their rival was able to win a gritty battle in the trenches speaks volumes on a possible shift of power in the AFC North between the two teams. When analyzing Pittsburgh’s roster, for the first time in a while, we see holes. There are questions about the offensive line, about Roethlisberger’s health, and about aging veterans that once kept the team solidified in a playoff mentality all year long. Then you look at Cincinnati’s roster and can’t help but smile if you’re a Bengals fan. It’s been quite some time since the Bengals have had such a complete team, one that’s built to win with both offense and defense. And Bengas fans also see what I see: a changing of the guard in the AFC North. When the Steelers make their annual visit to PBS in Week 2, I don’t expect them to leave with a win, and that’s a great feeling to have.

Dec 9, 2012; Cincinnati, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) escapes Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Cowboys won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA Today Sports The likelihood of Geno Atkins leaving the Cincinnati Bengals is very slim.  After all, the team saved a lot of their salary cap money this season so it would carry over into 2014 for the expressed purpose of having enough to keep the star defensive tackle in orange and black.  Still, as the NFL has proven in the past anything can happen.  Through new deals and franchise tags a player can somehow slip into the open market if the right situation presents itself.  Should that happen, where could the All-Pro defensive tackle land in 2014? Cincinnati Bengals not very active on Atkins negotiations One can say time is on the side of the Cincinnati Bengals.  Their star defensive tackle Geno Atkins is under contract for the year, giving them all that time to work out a new deal.  It shouldn’t be very hard.  They have more than enough money to do it.  The problem is the longer they take the greater the risk becomes of something going wrong.  Franchise tag aside Atkins is the most critical part of the Bengals defense.  His 12.5 sacks last season was the best by far of any defensive tackle in the league.  It is the kind of interior pressure other teams salivate over in NFL free agency.  Among certain possibilities that might hold up a deal is the situation with defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.  Both are scheduled to enter the open market in 2014 as well.  If they put together solid seasons it will stretch the amount of money Cincinnati can spend on Atkins.  It all comes down to demands.  Another All-Pro season pretty much affords Geno the right to demand the biggest defensive tackle contract in league history.  Considering that was $100 million paid to Albert Haynesworth, it should compel the Bengals to make a deal sooner than later. Kyle Love and Brandon Deadrick are not solutions for Gus Bradley Looking ahead for the moment at the improbable but still possible chance Atkins hits free agency, where does he end up?  One surprise player in that bidding war is the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Based on early projections the team will have at least over $35 million in salary cap space by 2014, provided they don’t extend any of their current players.  Head coach Gus Bradley came in with a clear plan in mind and thus far has executed it.  Being the defensive coach he is he spent a good deal of the off-season rebuilding the league-worst unit through free agency and the draft.  His main focus was defensive end and the secondary.  The area he left somewhat overlooked was defensive tackle.  The Jaguars did add some nice depth in former Patriots Kyle Love and Brandon Deadrick but they are not permanent solutions to the problem.  Tyson Alualu, the 10th overall pick in 2010, will shift to defensive end in hopes of overcoming three disappointing seasons at tackle.  This leaves the area rather thin in terms of proven producers.  By that notion it should make them big players for Geno Atkins.  His interior presence would be a natural fit in the Bradley defense and give Jacksonville something to really rally around for the first time in years. Will it happen?  Nobody can know for sure.  Is it possible?  History says Bengals fans should worry until that dotted line is signed.

The Bengals are looking to rebound in week two against the Cleveland Browns after getting blown out by the Baltimore Ravens in week one, 44-13. Heading into this matchup the Bengals have won three in a row and six of the last seven against Cleveland. These two teams have combined for some high scoring classics over the years. In ’04 they combined for 106 points in a week twelve Bengals win, 58-48, and then in week two of the ’07 season they combined for 96 points as the Browns held on for a 51-45 win. This game would not be that high scoring, but the two teams did battle back and forth. Unlike week one, the Bengals are able to get off to a quick start after stopping the Browns on four plays. On the drive Cleveland is able to pick up one first down on a thirteen yard run by rookie running back Trent Richardson, but then they are forced to punt three plays later as Michael Johnson sacks Brandon Weeden. Cincinnati’s offense never gets on the field thanks to an 81 yard punt return touchdown from Adam “Pacman” Jones, putting the Bengals up 7-0. The Browns are able to get on the scoreboard with a nine play drive ending with a 50 yard field goal from Phil Dawson. With the score 7-3, the teams exchange punts before the first quarter comes to an end. Sep 16, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) scores a touchdown during the first half against Cleveland Browns strong safety T.J. Ward (43) at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports To start the second quarter the Bengals go on an eight play, seventy-four yard touchdown drive, taking up a little more than four minutes off the clock. They are able to pick up three big first downs, the first on a twenty yard pass from Dalton to Armon Binns, the second on an A.J. Green twelve yard reception, and the third on a Green-Ellis nineteen yard run down to the Browns 10 yard line. Andy Dalton then hits Green for a ten yard touchdown making it 14-3. Cleveland wastes no time getting a touchdown of their own and keeping the game close, by taking just two minutes and getting a big 32 yard run by Richardson to finish off the scoring drive. The Bengals are then able to get a Mike Nugent 39 yard field goal to cap off the first half scoring. It is 17-10 Bengals heading into halftime.

January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; AFC center Chris Myers of the Houston Texans (55) prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during practice at AFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports First off, my Power Rankings for the AFC, in case you missed them. 1. Denver Broncos 2. New England Patriots 3. Baltimore Ravens 4. Cincinnati Bengals 5. Houston Texans 6. Pittsburgh Steelers 7. Indianapolis Colts 8. Miami Dolphins 9. San Diego Chargers 11. Kansas City Chiefs 12. Tennessee Titans 11. Kansas City Chiefs 12. Cleveland Browns 13. New York Jets 14. Buffalo Bills 15. Jacksonville Jaguars 16. Oakland Raiders In a survey of the rankings, I placed the Bengals at No. 4, as they have already-proven talent. The Dolphins find themselves at No. 8 on my list, but could just as easily work their way up to No. 6 with a strong finish. The Ravens stay high on the list following a productive draft – that and being the Super Bowl champions. The first two spots could be interchanged, as they are across professional rankings from NFL analysts. The only reason I have Denver listed above is that the defense makes them a fuller team, and Wes Welker just can’t be replaced by Danny Amendola. Welker provides a different kind of underneath threat. The Chiefs have some to prove yet, although they are certainly moving up. Really, the interesting battles this season will be in spots No. 3 – No. 8: the Ravens, Bengals, Texans, Steelers, Colts, and Dolphins. The Ravens and Bengals will undoubtedly vie for the AFC North title, and I think that battle will be determined by who reaches eleven wins on the season. Taking a step further out, the Wild Card battle will probably be decided by which team performs the best between the Bengals/Ravens, Steelers, and Dolphins, as each of those teams plays the others at least once during the season. Other important games will be: Colts @ Bengals Dolphins @ Steelers Ravens @ Bengals Ravens @ Steelers Dolphins @ Colts It will certainly be interesting to see how the season plays out, and especially how those No. 3 – No. 8 spots shake out. I guess we’ll know by playoff time

I had NFL Sunday Ticket last year on my 120 inch projection screen. Sadly both the program and the screen are gone. As we approach the long boring stretch before training camp I'm looking to re-watch some old games, submit some articles, stir up conversation. I'm having a hard time finding anywhere I can watch replays from last season for free. Found plenty of places for movies and TV shows, no NFL games. Is there somewhere out there I don't know about? Am I forced to pay a subscription somewhere? If anyone can point in me the right direction it would be much appreciated.

Oct 7, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) calls a play during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium. The Dolphins won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports The balance of power is shifting in the AFC. A few teams have seen salary caps from early on in the offseason lead to downsizing in the form of lost veteran players. Namely, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. The New York Jets were perennial playoff favorites just a few years ago, as they seemed to have a reserved Wild Card spot behind the AFC East champion Patriots. With a bit of a debacle at the quarterback position, and following their trade of Darrelle Revis, the Jets are facing a near complete player overhaul. By focusing on strengths on the line and, specifically, the pass rush, New York is trying to stay good at what is does best, while taking pressure off of the new face of their franchise in Geno Smith. After trading for Alex Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs will finally have the offensive catalyst that has eluded them so well: A solid pocket-passing quarterback. They probably won’t provide a significant challenge to Denver so soon, but a Wild Card spot should be within reach soon. Possibly this year, if they can take jump out of the gate and take advantage of a relatively undemanding schedule. The Cincinnati Bengals have playmakers at almost every position. Now it all falls on the shoulders of the man under center, Andy Dalton. With young talent in every receiver spot on the roster, and a new elusive running back behind him, Dalton should be able to march Cincinnati right into a 2013 division crown. Mike Zimmer and the defense will keep the Bengals competitive in every game, and those outside the Queen City are slowly realizing the potential powerhouse that Cincinnati is building. Another team seems to slip the minds of fans outside the Sunshine State as a playoff contender. The Miami Dolphins have created a game-plan centered around a line that doesn’t give up much ground in the trenches, a pass-rush spear-headed by Cameron Wake. With time in the pocket, and having added Mike Wallace to a talented group of receivers, the Dolphins are hoping Ryan Tannehill can become a household name around Miami. The New England Patriots already have their name trademarked as division champions for as long as Brady remains in his prime, but Miami will certainly look to create some movement underneath them in the AFC East. With the Bills trapped with EJ Manuel at quarterback, and the Jets being…the Jets, a 9-7 , and even a 10-6 record will likely be in reach this year.

Even though the Bengals suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Houston Texans, on Wild Card weekend, to end their 2011 season, the team and its fans have a lot to look forward to heading into the 2012 season. 2011 showed the emergence of rookies A.J. Green (WR) and Andy Dalton (QB). The duo combined for six touchdowns while leading the Bengals to a 9-7 record. To start the 2012 season the Bengals had to head to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Monday Night Football. The Ravens had lost in the AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots to end their 2011 season. So both teams had high hopes heading into the new season. The game gets off to an explosive start as Joe Flacco completes a big pass to Torrey Smith for 52 yards down to the Bengals 27 yard line. The defense is able to settle down and hold the Ravens to a field goal after a big sack on 3rd down from Geno Atkins. After a quick three and out from the offense, the defense was back on the field. Baltimore takes the ball down the field in twelve plays, and gets a touchdown on a Ray Rice seven yard run. Ravens go up 10-0. On their next possession the Bengals are able to go 76 yards on 13 plays and get a 34 yard field goal from Mike Nugent, making the score 10-3 Ravens. A few key plays on the drive are a nineteen yard pass to A.J. Green, a Ravens offside penalty on 3rd down, Green-Ellis picks up thirteen yards on 3rd down, and a quarterback sneak picking up five yards on 3rd and one. The Ravens do not waste any time once they get the ball back, it takes only five plays to go eighty-two yards, ending with the Flacco to Boldin 34 yard touchdown pass. Baltimore is now winning 17-3. The teams exchange punts before Cincinnati is able to march down the field and get back into the game. On the second play of the drive Dalton hits Andrew Hawkins for 27 yards up to their 46 yard line. Before the two minute warning, Green-Ellis goes for four yards on 4th and one, keeping the drive alive. Five plays later Green-Ellis runs in a touchdown from six yards out bringing the Bengals within a touchdown. Baltimore kneels on the ball to end the first half up 17-10. The Bengals will receive the ball to start the second half.

Colin Cowherd reacts to the news that Bengals CB Adam “Pacman” Jones will speak at the NFL Rookie Symposium, despite a recent arrest.