MVN - Most Valuable Network

Bengal Bites; Bengals Increase Ticket Prices

This week the Bengals very quietly announced they are raising ticket prices $5 across the board.  This follows a similar increase from the previous year.  The lowest ticket prices will be $55/game.   With ticket prices ranging from $55-$73 (not including club seats) the Bengals anticipate having a price which will remain below the league average.  The biggest anomaly in this pricing is the best seats in the house (lower level sidelines) cost just $18 more than upper level corners.   This seems to mean the premium is on being in the stadium more so than the seat location itself.

Overall, the team ranked 22nd in the league in average ticket price in 2006.   Just for season’s ago a ticket in the lower level end-zone cost $44/game.  That same ticket in 2007 will be $65/game.  An increase of nearly 50% in 4 years.    The $5 increase represents up to a 10% increase in ticket prices which is believed to be the maximum allowed under the team’s lease with the city.   With a 28 game sellout streak, one could say the increases are the price of success.

Bengal Bites:

- The Robert Geathers signing is positive first salvo in what many anticipate to be in important off-season for the Bengals.

- The departure of WR coach Hue Jackson, ensures the coaching staff has at least one new voice next season.  The new coach will have big shows to fill as Jackson set a high bar with the team’s WR corp. 

- This week’s Sporting News gave insights into the upcoming off-season:

Under “Inside the AFC” they note: LB Ahmed Brooks will get special attention this off-season.  He is a big, rugged, aggressive defender, but he overan too many plays as a rookie.  Once Brooks understands the system he will become an impact player.

Under “Free Agent Buzz” they note: The Bengals defense needs an infusion of talent.  If the team switches to the 3-4, the Texans’ Antwan Peek would be a good fit at outside linebacker because he has a high motor and is a solid situational pass rusher.  If Cincinnati stays with the 4-3, Dolphins DE Vonnie Holiday would provide help right away and bring needed leadership to the locker room.  Lions DT Cory Redding is a rugged inside defender who generates sacks by getting good leverage and push up the middle.  Bills MBL London Fletcher-Baker is a speedy bullet.  Eagles SS Michael Lewis would breathe life into a stagnant secondary with his big-hitting ability.

- Antwan Peek has local ties after playing for UC.  An inside pass rusher at DT would fill a big need as collapsing the pocket up the middle is among the pass rushes biggest weaknesses.

Bengals Geather In A Pass Rusher

The Bengals announced today the re-signing of third year defensive end, Robert Geathers.  The deal is said to be worth up to $33.7 million over 6 years with $14 million in guaranteed money.  While some in Bengal-dom were surprised to see such a large investment for a non-starter, Geathers age and pass rushing prowess could prove to be a steal in the long run.   Just 23 years old, Geathers’ best seasons are likely ahead of him and with an average of $20 million in cap room around the league, price tags for players esp. pass rushers are expected to jump significantly this off-season.  Free agency in 2007 is likely to resemble the price escalation we saw in baseball this off-season.   There is the risk Geathers will slide next season but the best risks are the ones you take on your own players.  The coaches know his work ethic and potential.

While the initial word is the Bengals will now be able to focus their efforts on re-signing Justin Smith don’t expect anything in the near future.  Smith was reported to have removed his name plate from his locker and will surely want to at least explore the free agent market before signing.  While it won’t preclude his return, Smith is likely to exceed the deal Geathers got by $1-$2 million.   The re-signing of Geathers makes Smith’s return less of a necessity.  Right end would be a better spot for Geathers to enter the starting lineup and $33 million guys generally start.    Look for an attempt to re-sign Smith but the odds at this point are 50-50 at best.  Don’t forget even with Smith and Geathers the defense finished 30th in the league.   The Geathers signing is a good start but there is still much work to be done in the Jungle this off-season.

Bengal Bites: BENGAL BLITZ Awards and End of Season Notes

Bengal fans have now had a week to digest Shayne Graham’s missed field goal and subsequent missed playoff opportunity.   As mentioned previously, the loss to the Steelers typified the Bengals season - a season of missed opportunities.   Let’s face it, in the end we can blame the brutal schedule all we want (and it was brutal) but this team did not play like a playoff team.   With the season behind us it is time for the Bengal Blitz Awards for 2006.

Most Valuable Player:  Carson Palmer - Coming off a serious knee injury, Carson managed to start all 16 games and passed the 4,000 yard mark for the first time.  While he was not as consistent as in 2005, he was still among the best in the NFL at his position. 

Offensive Player of the Year: Willie Anderson - With the line ravaged with injuries, Willie Anderson was the linchpin of a patchwork unit featuring as few as two 2005 starters at times.  His value was never more evident than when he was forced out of the Colts game with an injury.

Defensive Player of the Year:  Robert Geathers - Becoming the first Bengal with 10+ sacks in a long time by itself wins him the defensive player of the year.  Unfortunately, on this Bengals defense that is all it took to be the DPY.

Coach of the Year: Paul Alexander (O-Line) & Ken Zampese (Quarterbacks) - It was not a banner year for the Bengals coaching staff.  A 30th ranked defense eliminated all of the defensive coaches from consideration.  Key special team’s guffaws in weeks 16 and 17 eliminated Darrin Simmons.  Offensively the unit was great at times but surprisingly inconsistent considering its talent.  Alexander (whom I have been critical in the past) did a good job patching a respectable unit together.  Of course, his unit was hardly stellar when it was healthy, so pre-season prep could be questioned.  Zampese did a good job working with Carson especially in helping him improve throughout the season.  But even he too can be questioned.  #1 He coached a talent such as Carson. #2 Why did it take the national media talking about his knee positioning and lack of follow through for an adjustment to be made.   In the end, coaching was as big a problem as the playing this season.  8-8 is not good enough.

Breakout Player: Robert Geathers - After being picked for this award in 2005 and falling on his face (3 sacks), Geathers had to fight for a roster spot in 2006.  Not only did he earn his playing time but he became the first Bengal in over 10 years get 10 sacks.  Overall, he actually proved to be a more menacing pass rusher than Justin Smith this season.

Rookie of the Year: Andrew Whitworth - In a banner year for Bengal rookies, Whitworth was the head of the class.  After Levi Jones went down early in the season, Whitworth started 10+ games at the hardest position on the offensive line.  He was vulnerable to speed rushers but was a solid protector of Carson’s blind side.  His strong performance allows the Bengals to let Eric Steinbach go in free agency.    Honorable mention: Johnathan Joseph - After starting out as the team’s nickel back, he earned the starting CB job by season’s end and proved to be the team’s top corner.  Others: Domata Peko, Ethan Kilmer, Ahmed Brooks.

Most Disappointing Player: Deltha O’Neal - You can’t pick the entire defense, so we will single out O’Neal.  He was a Pro Bowler in 2005 with 10 interceptions, in 2006 he had just 1.  Teams rarely tested him deep in 2005 yet showed no such fear in 2006.  The inconsistency that dogged him in Denver has found him in Cincinnati.  Maybe injuries slowed him in 2006 but whispers seem to indicate it is was more about attitude.  A heart transplant may be required to resussitate his Bengal career.   Honorable mention (not on the defense): Chad Johnson - his stats look great as usual but he disappeared in clutch games down the stretch most notably in Denver.

Jon Kitna Leadership Award: Willie Anderson - He played through pain and continued to lead by example holding together a battered offensive line.  He also wins points for his strong but careful comments after the season ending loss.  

Special Teamer of the Year: Ethan Kilmer - The defense needs to find a place for Kilmer, the surprise 7th round pick.  Rarely do special teamers have the impact Kilmer did.  He was one of the NFL’s top gunners this season. 

Bengal Bites:

- You may have noticed the website’s name has changed.  Due to trademarks we were no longer able to call it “Eye of the Tiger”. I figured the Bengal Blitz had to still be available because the Bengals didn’t use it all season.  Humor aside, be sure to update your favorites for the updated web address as well: mvn.com/nfl-bengals

- The end of the year mantra is about selfishness, discipline and accountability and those areas are important but in doing so, I believe the coaching staff should be held accountable as well.  Aside from Chuck Breshnahan, the entire defensive staff has been with the team throughout Marvin’s tenure yet has never even finished in the top 20.  If nothing else, add a new voice to the mix (Donnie Henderson is available).   On offense, something has to be done about the predictable offense.  If the fans in the stands can predict the plays, I am sure opposing coaches who actually watch game film can too.  There was too much talent on the offense for the level of inconsistency in 2006.  Before other team’s start looking at Zampese as an offensive coordinator, I think we should too.  Of course, Marvin’s comments that the coaches are under contract virtually assures there will not be any coaching changes barring defections.

- I think the Cowboys can relate to the Bengals pain after Romo fumbled the snap in their playoff loss on Saturday.  At least their’s was in the playoffs.

- Chad Johnson needs to re-focus himself on catching the ball with his hands next season.  In the last couple of games he seemed to catch the ball with his body - a WR no-no.  It explains both his drop and his fumble vs. Denver.

- The biggest thing lacking from this year’s team was leadership.  From the outside, it didn’t appear as if anyone picked up where Kitna left off. Finding a vocal leader (internally or externally) should be a goal for 2007.  Re-signing character guys/locker room leaders such as Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly would be a start - those types are not always easy to replace.

- Kudos to Bill Cowher for an excellent 15 year career with the Steelers. A break is well deserved.  Hopefully, the rumors of him coaching in Atlanta, Miami or anywhere else next season stop.  If he were to coach someone else next season (even with the Steelers getting compensation) it would appear as if his departure was about $$$ not burn out.   I’d be willing to bet he’d be an even better coach if he stepped aside for a season too.

- In free agency, the Bengals need to go out and find a playmaker for the defense.  While the team has never done it before, and indications are they won’t do it now, the team needs to find a playmaker to build the defense around.  The current roster includes some talent but the losses of David Pollack and Odell Thurman took away from the overall talent level.  Possible free agents include CB Nate Clements, LBs Adalius Thomas, Lance Briggs, Cato June, and London Fletcher.   Getting a top of a line guy would be better than a group of average players.

- If the team doesn’t want to spend money to upgrade the defense the team might as well re-sign Justin Smith.  He may never be a star but he won’t be easy to replace either.   Re-signing Geathers needs to be a priority ahead of Justin however due to age and cost.

- Why not franchise tag Justin Smith while letting the other teams know the team will accept a 1st or 2nd round pick for him instead of the tradition 2 first round picks.  At least this way the team gets a something for him.  Without a 3rd round pick due to the Ahmed Brooks supplemental pick, it would allow the team to get a 3rd first day pick.

- An off-season priority needs to be to find a position for Ahmed Brooks and stick with him there.  He has the size, speed combination to play DE, OLB or MLB.  He has excellent pass rushing skills and playmaking ability.  Those that knock his lack of coverage skills need to name a Bengal linebacker with coverage skills.

- With their first two picks in the draft the Bengals need to select the best available defensive players regardless of position.  Overall defensive weaknesses allow them the luxury of taking what the draft gives them.  Top positions would be CB, DE or LB but a defensive tackle who can push the pocket would be a big help as well.  Aside from safety, a defensive starter could be found with either of our top two picks.

Odell’s Bengal Career Over?

In his post-season press conference, asked Marvin Lewis whether he expected Odell Thurman back next year and Marvin’s response was hardly a surprise:

Odell is not a member of this football team, he’s on suspension by the NFL. He’s got a long road to go. I’m not even going to spend any time talking about Odell….We’re talking about our ‘07 season. He’s not part of this football team. We don’t need to talk about it.

While he does not specifically say Odell will not be back, his message is clear.  #1 Marvin will only talk about players he can count on - He can’t count on Odell.  #2 It demonstrates that Odell’s problem is a big one.  It isn’t about his DUI, Odell’s problem is much bigger than that.  If Odell is able to truly put his drug and attitude problems behind him, I believe Marvin will welcome him back (he is still under contract).  From keeping him out of training camp practices, mob up only duty in his one pre-season game and calling the league to push for the full season suspension on the DUI demonstrates the severity of Odell’s problems.  While he hasn’t 100% given up on him, he has basically put the ball in Odell’s court. 

All this said, it will be a huge surprise if Odell comes back to the Bengals or any NFL team for that matter.

In other news, it was great to hear Carson come out in support of re-signing teammates Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly.

There are a number of things that need to happen here, and I’d like to stick around and make sure things happen, there are guys that need to be here next season. Guys like Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly need to be on this team next year. I feel like Kenny Watson is a guy that every time he touches the ball he gets a first down. Reggie Kelly is the best teammate I’ve ever had — the best I’ve ever had on a team, and I know he’s that way for a number of guys on this team. So, I’m going to stick around.

Comments like this show Carson’s development as a leader.  With all the talk about the team’s selfishness and a lack of chemistry, it was good to hear Carson salute the locker room leaders.  Neither Watson or Kelly will be esp. costly to retain and both fulfill multiple thankless roles.  Hopefully, Marvin and Mike Brown listened.

Also, it was surprising to see the team sign undrafted MLB Jason Berryman out of Iowa State.  While the team didn’t waste a draft pick on him, it sends the wrong message on the character issue.  A year ago, most of us would say it was not a big deal but when you have 8 player arrests in one year, it is not the time to be taking flyers on potential “bad seeds”.  Maybe Berryman is not really a bad guy but a track record which includes a nearly 300 day stint in jail for assault and battery and dismissal from his Iowa State team (separate incident) is not a risk the Bengals should be taking.