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Posted
[b]DRAFT: Dish | Mock Draft | Super 99 | Rankings by pos.
FREE AGENTS: By position | Super 99

Team Report

1/28/2007 Print it

By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News

Re-signing free-agent LG Eric Steinbach is the No.1 offseason priority because he's the team's most versatile lineman. His resume includes starts at left tackle and center, and he's excelled at every position because of his skill and enthusiasm. Steinbach isn't a bruising, road-grading mauler. He's a tall, extremely athletic player who prides himself on being technically sound. Steinbach displays tremendous body control and adjusts quickly to every situation. He works hard to sustain blocks and is excellent on pulls and traps. He's important to the run game because of his ability to reach the second level and cut off linebackers. Steinbach has great vision and quickness in pass protection and is adept at picking up stunts and blitzes. His talent and versatility make him one of the most highly-sought-after free agents on the open market in March. The team has spent a lot of money on LT Levi Jones and RT Willie Anderson. Now it's Steinbach's turn to get paid. With C Eric Ghiaciuc and RG Bobbie Williams in the fold for 2007, it's vital to keep the fortress around QB Carson Palmer intact. . . .
The team will consider moving FS Madieu Williams to cornerback because of his athletic ability. Williams has the strength to jam and re-route wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, the speed to cover deep downfield and the ball skills to generate more interceptions. His toughness and willingness to tackle will boost the much-maligned run defense.

SCOUTING REPORT: SLB Rashad Jeanty, a rising star who is loaded with potential, has the inside track on the starting job for 2007. The former Canadian Football League defensive end was viewed as a rookie project in 2006, but he blossomed in the wake of David Pollack's season-ending neck injury. Jeanty is a big, strong and rugged defender with a knack for being around the ball. He's able to shed blockers because of his strong hands, and he's learning to read and react quicker in order to contain the outside run. He needs to continue working on his coverage skills as he makes the transition from end. Look for Jeanty to become more of a pass-rushing force now that he has a year of experience to draw from.

DRAFT BUZZ: The Bengals must draft the best defensive player available, regardless of position, at No. 18 because their final defensive ranking of 30th is unacceptable. A versatile end (Jamaal Anderson) would make up for the loss of Justin Smith, who will likely bolt in free agency, and a tackle (Amobi Okoye or DeMarcus Tyler) would strengthen the interior and help fortify the run defense. Keep an eye on S Reggie Nelson. The Bengals have struggled to get consistent play at both safety positions, and Nelson is the kind of instinctive playmaker with great ball skills who makes plays all over the field.



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Posted
I don't think Jeanty is as good as this guy is saying... but who knows? I haven't seen him play enough yet to really know much about him.

What are we going to do with Whitworth if Steinbach is resigned??? Have him be the first OL off the bench and shuffle the starters if someone goes down?

I'm hoping Eric gets resigned. We know from this coming year that you can't ever have too many good offensive lineman. It would be unbelievably better for us to have Whitworth as a primary backup to the oline and have Wilkerson, Andrews behind him.

Here's to keeping the line that has kept Palmer off his ass (most the time) the past two years!!
Posted
[quote name='Tigris' post='434156' date='Jan 29 2007, 09:12 AM']I don't think Jeanty is as good as this guy is saying... but who knows? I haven't seen him play enough yet to really know much about him.

What are we going to do with Whitworth if Steinbach is resigned??? Have him be the first OL off the bench and shuffle the starters if someone goes down?

I'm hoping Eric gets resigned. We know from this coming year that you can't ever have too many good offensive lineman. It would be unbelievably better for us to have Whitworth as a primary backup to the oline and have Wilkerson, Andrews behind him.

Here's to keeping the line that has kept Palmer off his ass (most the time) the past two years!![/quote]
[b]Steinbach is too versatile in my opinion to let go..I think Ghiaciuc improved his play last year but if he does not get better Steinabch can always play center..The guy's too good to let go...[/b]
Guest Whodey420
Posted
I just wish they'd make up their minds already. First it's Justin Smith as the top priority free agent and
now it's Eric Steinbach.
Posted
I think we should let Steinbach walk and look to draft a reserve lineman in the mid rounds. Steinbach didn't have that great of a season, and I think he's reached his peak in terms of development. He's not that strong, which means he doesn't get great push when blocking straight ahead, and it also means he can get pushed around by a strong DT, even a few no-namers as we've seen in the past few years. Also, he's just looking for too big of a salary. I think he wants to be paid like a left tackle or at the very least, be the second highest paid guard in the league (next to Hutchinson) when I don't even think he's top 5 in the league at his position.

As for Jeanty, I was very impressed by him as well. While the rest of the Bengal linebackers were getting pushed around and blocked out of the play, Jeanty was able to get off his block very well and was always near the ballcarrier. I agree 100% with the scouting report on him. Needs to get a bit more disciplined and contain better and needs to be able to do something in coverage. I wouldn't mind seeing him as the starter on the strong side.
Guest mongoloido
Posted
The talk about Justin had me thinking about the whole 4-3 / 3-4 thing, and I just remembered something I heard on the radio. These guys were talking about the two defenses, and made a couple of interesting points.

1) 3-4's are nice because a 3-4 defense can play some 4-3, and still be successful. 4-3 players have a much tougher time mixing it up.

2) The guy made the case that a 3-4 defense is more expensive to play than a 4-3 because the players required cost more. Something about nose tackles earning big bucks, and the need to have more elite linebackers in order to make it work well.

I'm not sure how valid those arguments are, but I thought it was nice food for thought. With the offense getting the lion's share of the salary cap, I wonder if we can afford to run a good 3-4.
Posted
[quote name='SlantNGo' post='434161' date='Jan 29 2007, 09:42 AM']I think we should let Steinbach walk and look to draft a reserve lineman in the mid rounds. Steinbach didn't have that great of a season, and I think he's reached his peak in terms of development. He's not that strong, which means he doesn't get great push when blocking straight ahead, and it also means he can get pushed around by a strong DT, even a few no-namers as we've seen in the past few years. Also, he's just looking for too big of a salary. I think he wants to be paid like a left tackle or at the very least, be the second highest paid guard in the league (next to Hutchinson) when I don't even think he's top 5 in the league at his position.[/quote]

Agree totally.

[quote name='Whodey420' post='434159' date='Jan 29 2007, 09:26 AM']I just wish they'd make up their minds already. First it's Justin Smith as the top priority free agent and
now it's Eric Steinbach.[/quote]

Remember that these are the people who write about the Bengals, not the Bengals themselves. Hobnob is saying that Justin's the top priority and Ludwig is saying it's Steinbach. In reality all either of them knows is the vague remarks Marvin's made to the effect of "we will try to re-sign them" (well no shit) and anything that they hear or are told about the progress of contract negotiations.
Posted
[quote name='SlantNGo' post='434161' date='Jan 29 2007, 09:42 AM']I think we should let Steinbach walk and look to draft a reserve lineman in the mid rounds. Steinbach didn't have that great of a season, and I think he's reached his peak in terms of development. He's not that strong, which means he doesn't get great push when blocking straight ahead, and it also means he can get pushed around by a strong DT, even a few no-namers as we've seen in the past few years. Also, he's just looking for too big of a salary. I think he wants to be paid like a left tackle or at the very least, be the second highest paid guard in the league (next to Hutchinson) when I don't even think he's top 5 in the league at his position.

As for Jeanty, I was very impressed by him as well. While the rest of the Bengal linebackers were getting pushed around and blocked out of the play, Jeanty was able to get off his block very well and was always near the ballcarrier. I agree 100% with the scouting report on him. Needs to get a bit more disciplined and contain better and needs to be able to do something in coverage. I wouldn't mind seeing him as the starter on the strong side.[/quote]

I agree. Defenses just keep getting bigger and faster and Steiny is maxed out (even the writer eludes to it in the article).
Posted
If the Bengals re-sign Steinbach, they want him to be the center. Yeah, he is going to command alot of money, but they know how valuable a good center is by just looking at what happened when Richie went down. It's obvious they aren't sold on Ghiaciuc.
Posted
[quote name='Soundwave' post='434238' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:38 PM']If the Bengals re-sign Steinbach, they want him to be the center. Yeah, he is going to command alot of money, but they know how valuable a good center is by just looking at what happened when Richie went down. It's obvious they aren't sold on Ghiaciuc.[/quote]

Lets just draft Datish. That guy is a swiss army knife player, ...oh, ...and long snapper too!
Posted
Don't forget Pollack.A friend of mine who's a spine surgeon said that Pollack's operation went very well and he'll be even stronger in the future Whether he wants to play is obviously up to him. I suspect we'll hear more on that as we approach training camp.
Posted
[quote name='Jeb' post='434239' date='Jan 29 2007, 02:40 PM']Lets just draft Datish. That guy is a swiss army knife player, ...oh, ...and long snapper too![/quote]
If Steinbach doesn't get signed, then Ghiaciuc will remain the center, and Wilkerson his backup. There is almost no chance we draft another center this year.
Posted
[quote name='Patmo' post='434243' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:56 PM']Don't forget Pollack.A friend of mine who's a spine surgeon said that Pollack's operation went very well and he'll be even stronger in the future Whether he wants to play is obviously up to him. I suspect we'll hear more on that as we approach training camp.[/quote]

Pollack's return along with a pristinely clean Thurman would save their draft class and be an enourmous help to Marvin's defense.
Posted
[quote name='Soundwave' post='434244' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:58 PM']If Steinbach doesn't get signed, then Ghiaciuc will remain the center, and Wilkerson his backup. There is almost no chance we draft another center this year.[/quote]

Datish has played tackle, guard, and center during his career at OSU, and played all 3 fairly well. If he is still there in 4 (which I doubt), jump on him.
Posted
[quote name='Soundwave' post='434244' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:58 PM']If Steinbach doesn't get signed, then Ghiaciuc will remain the center, and Wilkerson his backup. There is almost no chance we draft another center this year.[/quote]

Datish is projected to be a backup for the near future and is capable of filling in at any position on the O-line and special teams as the long snapper. If you want to get more defensive guys and consolidate the offense a bit then get this guy. He will save you at least one (maybe 2) backup spot(s) that could be filled by a D player(s) on the roster.
Posted
If I had to choose between Steiny and Smith I would have to choose Steiny as he is able to play all 3 positions on the o-line at a very high level, versatility like that is rare and makes Steinbach valueable. Plus he showed he can play through pain by playing with one arm for the majority of the 2004 season. Smith is a hard worker and great all-round player, but Stieny's versatilty makes him more valuable imo.
Posted
[quote name='Nelson Muntz' post='434253' date='Jan 29 2007, 02:21 PM']If I had to choose between Steiny and Smith I would have to choose Steiny as he is able to play all 3 positions on the o-line at a very high level, versatility like that is rare and makes Steinbach valueable. Plus he showed he can play through pain by playing with one arm for the majority of the 2004 season. Smith is a hard worker and great all-round player, but Stieny's versatilty makes him more valuable imo.[/quote]

IMO, Steiny's maxed out and will be dominated more and more from here on out.
Posted
[quote name='Patmo' post='434245' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:59 PM']Pollack's return along with a pristinely clean Thurman would save their draft class and be an enourmous help to Marvin's defense.[/quote]

I hope you are right.
Posted
[quote name='Jeb' post='434261' date='Jan 29 2007, 02:29 PM']IMO, Steiny's maxed out and will be dominated more and more from here on out.[/quote]

Why do you think he's maxed out? He's fairly young and he has room to improve his strength and technique, if he's able to improve both he would be able to improve his overall play. You can't under-estimate the lingering effects of the elbow injury he suffered, that severely limited what he could do as far as lifting weights were concerned.

I have to disagree when it comes to Steiny, his future is very bright and there is room for improvement, which is good because he's already a Pro Bowl caliber type of player. Good teams don't let go of a versatile player whom they drafted who can play every spot on the o-line, he's too valuable to lose imo.
Posted
[quote name='Patmo' post='434245' date='Jan 29 2007, 01:59 PM']Pollack's return along with a pristinely clean Thurman would save their draft class and be an enourmous help to Marvin's defense.[/quote]


Man if we could get both back, that would be huge.
Posted

[quote name='Nelson Muntz' post='434264' date='Jan 29 2007, 02:50 PM']Why do you think he's maxed out? He's fairly young and he has room to improve his strength and technique, if he's able to improve both he would be able to improve his overall play. You can't under-estimate the lingering effects of the elbow injury he suffered, that severely limited what he could do as far as lifting weights were concerned.

I have to disagree when it comes to Steiny, his future is very bright and there is room for improvement, which is good because he's already a Pro Bowl caliber type of player. Good teams don't let go of a versatile player whom they drafted who can play every spot on the o-line, he's too valuable to lose imo.[/quote]

He hurt his elbow in '04. By '05, he should have been rehabbed fully and lifting. Fast forward to this year and his performance and especially since it was a "contract year." We should have, and most likely have seen, his best capable performance this year. I don't think he has any more room to grow, IMO.

I mean, Justin busted it to show to the world what he could do this year. I expected at least that performance or maybe better out of him but Steiny's performance fell well flat for a "contract year." I think we've seen his best this year. I don't think it gets any better than this. Nowhere to go but down from here.

In '05, Steiny blocked a guy into Carson = result was a torn up knee.

In '06, Steiny blocked a guy into Rich = result was a broken leg.

I say we franchise him then trade him off for draft picks and as a secret weapon, ...who do we hate the most? :D

Posted

[quote name='Jeb' post='434268' date='Jan 29 2007, 03:03 PM']He hurt his elbow in '04. By '05, he should have been rehabbed fully and lifting. Fast forward to this year and his performance and especially since it was a "contract year." We should have, and most likely have seen, his best capable performance this year. I don't think he has any more room to grow, IMO.

I mean, Justin busted it to show to the world what he could do this year. I expected at least that performance or maybe better out of him but Steiny's performance fell well flat for a "contract year." I think we've seen his best this year. I don't think it gets any better than this. Nowhere to go but down from here.

In '05, Steiny blocked a guy into Carson = result was a torn up knee.

In '06, Steiny blocked a guy into Rich = result was a broken leg.

I say we franchise him then trade him off for draft picks and as a secret weapon, ...who do we hate the most? :D[/quote]

I wouldn't blame Steiny for what Von AssholeOffen did to Carson, Steiny didn't make him reach up from the ground and twist the weight of his body into Carson's knee after Carson had clearly let go of the ball.

Posted
[quote name='Nelson Muntz' post='434272' date='Jan 29 2007, 03:36 PM']I wouldn't blame Steiny for what Von AssholeOffen did to Carson, Steiny didn't make him reach up from the ground and twist the weight of his body into Carson's knee after Carson had clearly let go of the ball.[/quote]
[b]Word[/b]
Posted
[quote]DRAFT BUZZ: The Bengals must draft the best defensive player available, regardless of position, at No. 18 because their final defensive ranking of 30th is unacceptable. A versatile end (Jamaal Anderson) would make up for the loss of Justin Smith, who will likely bolt in free agency, and a tackle (Amobi Okoye or DeMarcus Tyler) would strengthen the interior and help fortify the run defense. Keep an eye on S Reggie Nelson. The Bengals have struggled to get consistent play at both safety positions, and Nelson is the kind of instinctive playmaker with great ball skills who makes plays all over the field.[/quote]




jamaal anderson is seen as a top ten and in most of the mock I saw he went to Wash at number 6

okoye won't be there and it more and more look like nelson won't either so of the 4 players he cited it leave only tyler.


I like tyler but he more and more look like a boom or bust and I don't like that at all
WE NEED STABILITY GODDA**IT! we don't need another askew!
Posted
[quote name='Nelson Muntz' post='434253' date='Jan 29 2007, 03:21 PM']If I had to choose between Steiny and Smith I would have to choose Steiny as he is able to play all 3 positions on the o-line at a very high level, versatility like that is rare and makes Steinbach valueable. Plus he showed he can play through pain by playing with one arm for the majority of the 2004 season. Smith is a hard worker and great all-round player, but Stieny's versatilty makes him more valuable imo.[/quote]


but that augments the problem we have of devoting too much of our payroll to the offensive side of the ball. you get what you pay for.... 4 straight years (and more) of 30th ranked defenses. go compare the salary ratios (offense vs. defense) of the teams in the playoffs this year. this team needs more of a balance.

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