Bengals backfield is a mess
Mark Curnette had a number of nuggets yesterday about the Bengals that helps to clear up the running back situation for 2008.
* The team expects to bring Rudi Johnson back. I thought he might get cut after averaging 2.9 yards-per-carry, but they have plenty of cap room to delay any decision. I still believe they could cut him in camp, but they will see how he looks then.
* The most surprising thing I read was that the Bengals "were a little bit unsure" about Kenny Irons. Considering the context of the quote, I believe this was in reference to his knee injury. They were very high on Irons before he tore his knee ligaments, but it sounds like he may have suffered a setback.
* The Bengals were more optimistic about getting some production from Chris Perry, who missed all of 2007, than Irons. Perry still has a lot to prove just to make the team.
* Despite all these backs (we haven't even mentioned Kenny Watson), it sounds like the Bengals will sign or draft yet another. They are in a tough spot, but it's the only way to go. They need to improve the running game, and Rudi, Irons, and Perry are all total question marks.
Comments
Not entirely sure of their cap situation- but i think it is good from what you said Greg, i can't think of a better fit for Michael Turner than Right Here. Cut ties with Rudi - keep Watson as a pure back up - and hand Turner the keys to the back field they would not be sorry.
Posted by: scott l. | February 14, 2008 04:34 PM
i dont disagree. i think atlanta is a good fit too. maybe seattle.
Posted by: gregg | February 14, 2008 07:02 PM
Aside: Congrats on winning best Fantasy Football Writer of the year Gregg! Keep up the good work, my man.
Posted by: Hazean | February 14, 2008 08:10 PM
Rudi Johnson is the best running back in the NFL. His power and speed is the best in the league.
Posted by: Cappy | February 14, 2008 11:47 PM
Cappy - Put down the pipe!
Rudi was horrible last year... I hope he rebounds, but I don't think he will...
Posted by: john | February 15, 2008 10:16 AM
I think the running back draft is really deep this year. I am not sure of the irons situation but I think running backs like Tashard Choice, Mike Hart, Matt Forte will be arround and could provide value in the later rounds of the draft. Nobody says they have to use a 1st or 2nd round pick on a rb. I am not a Cinn fan but I couldn't argue with picking 2 def players then going rb in the draft.
Posted by: Shawn | February 15, 2008 10:25 AM
Cappy's comment is so ridiculous I can only guess he's joking.
His aforementioned skills aren't in the top 3 on his own team, much less the league.
Will not be surprised if he is cut.
Posted by: Cappy Idiot | February 15, 2008 11:06 AM