Notes: Andre Smith on guard; Joseph misses McKinley; Mates try to ice Nugent

[oldschooler]

[b][size="5"]Notes: Smith on guard; Joseph misses McKinley; Mates try to ice Nugent[/size][/b]
By GEOFF HOBSON

Posted 22 minutes ago

Bengals backup right tackle [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/andre-smith/5796e85d-6992-4b91-9630-fde615747967/"]Andre Smith[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] is getting about 10-15 snaps a day at right guard in practice after head coach Marvin Lewis told him he needed to play more than one spot as long as he's a backup. It's the first time he's played guard since his freshman year in high school and upon hearing that center [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/kyle-cook/08372b6a-54c6-41a4-9f45-cda2ee64e29c/"]Kyle Cook[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] chimed in jokingly with, "I played tackle in high school. Time to make the move?"

Smith played about 15 snaps last Sunday against the Ravens, mainly as the extra tackle when the Bengals went big and made starting right tackle [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/dennis-roland/c75f3b1c-fdcf-4326-8005-cff3ad960c4e/"]Dennis Roland[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] an eligible receiver. Smith, as he always has since he arrived as the club's No. pick in 2009, is saying the right things.

"I'm happy to be competing with my teammates and working hard every day and getting prepared for the next game," Smith said before Thursday's practice.

But his time may be soon. He says this is the healthiest and best conditioned he's been since he was drafted with the sixth pick. He says the foot he broke in his third practice last year and had surgically repaired after the season is something he doesn't think about anymore while he's playing…

Cornerback [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/johnathan-joseph/1cab22b0-ee96-4888-859d-0b246e57308b/"]Johnathan Joseph[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] is still stunned about the alleged suicide of his former South Carolina teammate, Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley. Joseph was a red-shirt junior when McKinley arrived and immediately took to him. They stayed in touch after Joseph left Columbia and he called McKinley the week the Broncos played the Bengals in Cincinnati last month. McKinley had just had his second surgery on his knee and was out for the year.

"But he was upbeat and looking ahead," Joseph said. "He always had a smile. He was great to play cards with or hang out. I don't think anybody knows what happened. It's just really surprising and sad." …



On the basis of his five field goals against the Ravens, kicker [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/mike-nugent/44701177-8bcb-4bb1-a348-e81af4d4583a/"]Mike Nugent[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week and just barely missed a dunking in the club's cold tub at the urging of [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/andrew-whitworth/3a81696e-e6b3-4abd-8dd0-85e8748fa086/"]Andrew Whitworth[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] and [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/bobbie-williams/05db5b12-9c1f-4a94-b6c8-61f72348303f/"]Bobbie Williams[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] in the moments after the game.

"That's the thing I don't need. A cold tub bath, so I just ran the other way," Nugent said.

"The week isn't over," warned Williams.

One guy who to be wary of some kind of prank Thursday is Lewis. It's his 52[sup]nd[/sup] birthday.

"And it's very hot outside," Williams said with an evil grin.



[url="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Notes-Smith-on-guard-Joseph-misses-McKinley-Mates-try-to-ice-Nugent/a9d697f1-1036-4a0c-90f3-a27250aa57dd"]http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Notes-Smith-on-guard-Joseph-misses-McKinley-Mates-try-to-ice-Nugent/a9d697f1-1036-4a0c-90f3-a27250aa57dd[/url]

[Bengals1181]

I would hope Andre's been getting snaps at RG. He's been listed as Bobbie's primary backup all season.

[-GoBengals-]

id rather it be LG..

*EDIT* actually id rather he was just ready to start and be good at RT>.

[turningpoint]

[quote name='GoBengals' timestamp='1285263217' post='921870']
id rather it be LG..

*EDIT* actually id rather he was just ready to start and be good at RT>.
[/quote]


I know it's always been a common thought through out the nfl the rg is a big fat road grader, while the LG is usually a pass blocking finesse type G, who could honestly step in at LT if case of emergency.

It's a good thought to think Andre could play LG, but honestly he doesn't seem fit or molded for the position.


So is it possible he could play it?

[scharm]

This doesn't sound like good news to me. Sounds like he is an entrenched back up for now. If that assumption is correct then that mean he hasn't gained ground on Roland as a starter.

[oldschooler]

The Bengals.com billboard said 93 degrees again Thursday. The only players not dressed for practice were cornerback [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/adam-jones/70893f56-2c88-4a74-93ec-15f2886cca42/"][color="#f04e23"]Adam Jones[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/color][/url] (shoulder)and defensive lineman [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/frostee-rucker/241cca42-8cb0-4b49-95a6-913e8bd765ba/"][color="#f04e23"]Frostee Rucker[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/color][/url] (toe).

[fredtoast]

[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285264595' post='921882']
This doesn't sound like good news to me. Sounds like he is an entrenched back up for now. If that assumption is correct then that mean he hasn't gained ground on Roland as a starter.
[/quote]

That is exactly what I was thinking.

UGHHHH!!!

[Jason]

[quote name='turningpoint' timestamp='1285263629' post='921874']
I know it's always been a common thought through out the nfl the rg is a big fat road grader, while the LG is usually a pass blocking finesse type G, who could honestly step in at LT if case of emergency.

It's a good thought to think Andre could play LG, but honestly he doesn't seem fit or molded for the position.


So is it possible he could play it?
[/quote]

He was a left tackle in college, and a damn good one. I'd be shocked if he couldn't play left guard.

[turningpoint]

[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285264595' post='921882']
This doesn't sound like good news to me. Sounds like he is an entrenched back up for now. If that assumption is correct then that mean he hasn't gained ground on Roland as a starter.
[/quote]


Na i think it's motivational football for Andre to get his ass in shape to play like a probowler at RT so he doesn't have to put in extra work as a RG.

I think marvin is just pushing and letting him know he doesn't have it easy as a backup, he's going to have to work his ass off even more then he would if he came into camp in football shape ready to play RT.

i would make his life hell so next offseason he thinks twice about going to dunkin donuts instead of the gym.

[oldschooler]

[b][url="http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/09/23/an-andre-smith-update/"][size="5"]An Andre Smith update[/size][/url][size="5"] [/size][/b]
Posted by [email="jreedy@enquirer.com"]jreedy[/email] September 23rd, 2010, 3:20 pm

Andre Smith, who could not practice during offseason workouts and most of training camp after having foot surgery, said he is pretty close to catching up to everyone else but is not yet all the way there.

The second-year right tackle also said that his foot continues to feel good and that it continues to be a matter of just continuing to build trust in it. In an Enquirer review of the broadcast from the first two games, Smith saw 11 snaps against New England and 10 last Sunday against Baltimore.

Smith has been mainly used when the Bengals have run goal-line and unbalanced line plays, but he has seen a couple snaps too spelling Dennis Roland.

He has also been seeing time daily in practice at right guard, which is a position he has not regularly played since his freshman year in high school. Smith estimates he is seeing about 10-15 reps there every practice.



(Click the link for the entire article)

[url="http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/09/23/an-andre-smith-update/"]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/09/23/an-andre-smith-update/[/url]

[oldschooler]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1285262729' post='921864']
[b][size="5"]Notes: Smith on guard; Joseph misses McKinley; Mates try to ice Nugent[/size][/b]
By GEOFF HOBSON

Posted 22 minutes ago

Bengals backup right tackle [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/andre-smith/5796e85d-6992-4b91-9630-fde615747967/"]Andre Smith[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] is getting about 10-15 snaps a day at right guard in practice after head coach Marvin Lewis told him he needed to play more than one spot as long as he's a backup. It's the first time he's played guard since his freshman year in high school and upon hearing that center [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/kyle-cook/08372b6a-54c6-41a4-9f45-cda2ee64e29c/"]Kyle Cook[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] chimed in jokingly with, "I played tackle in high school. Time to make the move?"

Smith played about 15 snaps last Sunday against the Ravens, mainly as the extra tackle when the Bengals went big and made starting right tackle [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/dennis-roland/c75f3b1c-fdcf-4326-8005-cff3ad960c4e/"]Dennis Roland[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] an eligible receiver. Smith, as he always has since he arrived as the club's No. pick in 2009, is saying the right things.

"I'm happy to be competing with my teammates and working hard every day and getting prepared for the next game," Smith said before Thursday's practice.

But his time may be soon. He says this is the healthiest and best conditioned he's been since he was drafted with the sixth pick. He says the foot he broke in his third practice last year and had surgically repaired after the season is something he doesn't think about anymore while he's playing…

Cornerback [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/johnathan-joseph/1cab22b0-ee96-4888-859d-0b246e57308b/"]Johnathan Joseph[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] is still stunned about the alleged suicide of his former South Carolina teammate, Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley. Joseph was a red-shirt junior when McKinley arrived and immediately took to him. They stayed in touch after Joseph left Columbia and he called McKinley the week the Broncos played the Bengals in Cincinnati last month. McKinley had just had his second surgery on his knee and was out for the year.

"But he was upbeat and looking ahead," Joseph said. "He always had a smile. He was great to play cards with or hang out. I don't think anybody knows what happened. It's just really surprising and sad." …



On the basis of his five field goals against the Ravens, kicker [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/mike-nugent/44701177-8bcb-4bb1-a348-e81af4d4583a/"]Mike Nugent[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week and just barely missed a dunking in the club's cold tub at the urging of [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/andrew-whitworth/3a81696e-e6b3-4abd-8dd0-85e8748fa086/"]Andrew Whitworth[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] and [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/bobbie-williams/05db5b12-9c1f-4a94-b6c8-61f72348303f/"]Bobbie Williams[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] in the moments after the game.

"That's the thing I don't need. A cold tub bath, so I just ran the other way," Nugent said.

"The week isn't over," warned Williams.

One guy who to be wary of some kind of prank Thursday is Lewis. It's his 52[sup]nd[/sup] birthday.

"And it's very hot outside," Williams said with an evil grin.



[url="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Notes-Smith-on-guard-Joseph-misses-McKinley-Mates-try-to-ice-Nugent/a9d697f1-1036-4a0c-90f3-a27250aa57dd"]http://www.bengals.c...f3-a27250aa57dd[/url]
[/quote]



Added to the article ...


The Bengals.com billboard said 93 degrees again Thursday. The only players not dressed for practice were cornerback [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/adam-jones/70893f56-2c88-4a74-93ec-15f2886cca42/"][color="#f04e23"]Adam Jones[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/color][/url] (shoulder)and defensive lineman [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/frostee-rucker/241cca42-8cb0-4b49-95a6-913e8bd765ba/"][color="#f04e23"]Frostee Rucker[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/color][/url] (toe)....

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has been saying it all week as the Bengals prepare for Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen’s first NFL start: “The running game is the quarterback’s best friend.”

Bengals safety [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/chinedum-ndukwe/5e47f154-3a71-4768-9c15-de01e8af8547/"][color="#f04e23"]Chinedum Ndukwe[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/color][/url] isn’t Clausen’s best friend, but he knows him and since he’s a fellow Golden Domer from Notre Dame he’ll usually be pulling for him. But not Sunday.

“I have a soft place in my heart for Jimmy. I wish him nothing but the best,” Ndukwe said. “Even watching the game Saturday night (ND’s late loss to Michigan), it was tough. Hate to see bad things happen to good people. I always feel for our guys that are part of our Irish tradition.”

Ndukwe, a senior when he met Clausen during the recruiting process, was familiar with the situation since he said one of his best friends, then Irish quarterback Brady Quinn, was instrumental in getting Clausen to South Bend.

“Jimmy is a good quarterback. He’ll have a long career in the NFL,” Ndukwe said. “Hopefully we can give him some problems this Sunday.” ...

The Bengals' vote whether to to de-certify the NFL Players Association as union or not is a week from Thursday. The issue may not come up at all if talks heat up for a new collective bargaining agreement. The club's NFLPA player rep, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, says it is still a long way off, but he says every NFL player needs to vote on decertification.

"The only reason we're really doing it is so when it comes time for the executive committee and the player reps to make a decision that we do have permission whether or not do it. So you're not really voting to do it, you're voting if this ever comes up, we need to know what our teams feel."

[BBR]

I still think Smith is a future probowl right guard. Unless he can get down to around 330 - 335, there's no reason to put him at RT full time. He just won't have the speed or conditioning to keep up with the pass rushers from that side. That's why he's a great candidate for RG if he's going to be 350+. That way, he can pancake fools left and right and not have to worry about getting run around on the edge of the line.

[The Scales]

[quote name='turningpoint' timestamp='1285267795' post='921894']
Na i think it's motivational football for Andre to get his ass in shape to play like a probowler at RT so he doesn't have to put in extra work as a RG.

I think marvin is just pushing and letting him know he doesn't have it easy as a backup, he's going to have to work his ass off even more then he would if he came into camp in football shape ready to play RT.

i would make his life hell so next offseason he thinks twice about going to dunkin donuts instead of the gym.
[/quote]



I feel your point of view in this above quote could very well maybe be a possibility.


[quote name='BBR' timestamp='1285274841' post='921914']
I still think Smith is a future probowl right guard. Unless he can get down to around 330 - 335, there's no reason to put him at RT full time. He just won't have the speed or conditioning to keep up with the pass rushers from that side. That's why he's a great candidate for RG if he's going to be 350+. That way, he can pancake fools left and right and not have to worry about getting run around on the edge of the line.
[/quote]


That is an awfully high draft slot tied to a mountain of cash to pay an almost rookie guard.

[BBR]

[quote name='The Scales' timestamp='1285275707' post='921917']
That is an awfully high draft slot tied to a mountain of cash to pay an almost rookie guard.
[/quote]


I agree, but all I can say about that is "it is what it is". I just think he's the next Shawn Andrews and I honestly don't have a problem with that if they can find another competent RT and LG. Especially since Andre doesn't seem to have the issues with depression and general crazies that Shawn had problems with.

As far as the money:
1.) It's not mine
2.) They knew he might be a problem - thus the long negotiations and extra clauses in his contract for weight
3.) He's not currently making the weight clause so he isn't getting it all anyways. Probably isn't going to make any of the performance bonuses either.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1285262729' post='921864']

[b][u]But his time may be soon.[/u] [/b]He says this is the [u][b]healthiest and best conditioned he's been since he was drafted[/b][/u] with the sixth pick. He says the foot he broke in his third practice last year and had surgically repaired after the season is something he doesn't think about anymore while he's playing…

[/quote]


[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285264595' post='921882']
This doesn't sound like good news to me. Sounds like he is an entrenched back up for now. If that assumption is correct then that mean he hasn't gained ground on Roland as a starter.
[/quote]

huh?

sounds to me like his playing time is an example of marvins tough love teach a lesson style that he has consistently used over the years... and that fatboy could easily start against cleveland or so...

push him a bit more and make him earn it a bit longer... and toss him in..

at least thats my feel...

even the whole playing multiple positions thing seems like marvins tough love program....

trying to hit home with it being very serious so maybe he doesnt show up as human jello next offseason..

[scharm]

[quote name='GoBengals' timestamp='1285276766' post='921921']
huh?

sounds to me like his playing time is an example of marvins tough love teach a lesson style that he has consistently used over the years... and that fatboy could easily start against cleveland or so...

push him a bit more and make him earn it a bit longer... and toss him in..

at least thats my feel...

even the whole playing multiple positions thing seems like marvins tough love program....

trying to hit home with it being very serious so maybe he doesnt show up as human jello next offseason..
[/quote]

Maybe. Sounds to me like he isn't progressing at tackle.

If it's tough love that's eventually going to turn into a starting gig at RT then why fuck around with RG?

That's the way I read it.

[|Bunghole|]

[quote name='BBR' timestamp='1285274841' post='921914']
I still think Smith is a future probowl right guard. Unless he can get down to around 330 - 335, [b]there's no reason to put him at RT full time[/b]. He just won't have the speed or conditioning to keep up with the pass rushers from that side. That's why he's a great candidate for RG if he's going to be 350+. That way, he can pancake fools left and right and not have to worry about getting run around on the edge of the line.
[/quote]

As soon as the Bengals offensive coaches determine that he's a better option than Roland (and let's be honest, at some point he's GOT to be at least that...right?) then he should play RT. If Collins or a future player exhibits a better knack for playing that position then slide Andre to RG next season and wish Bobbie all the best or resign him as a backup (I have no idea what Williams' contract status is, BTW).

I'm still holding out hope that Andre can become the dominant tackle we drafted him to be. He's shown some flashes. He just needs to keep working on forgetting about his foot (and foot issues are a big deal for men this size), getting reps and gaining confidence. I'm hoping that he just had a young person immaturity lapse by becoming suddenly rich and is now getting a rude awakening as to life in the NFL. Lets see how he responds.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285289304' post='921973']
Maybe. Sounds to me like he isn't progressing at tackle.

If it's tough love that's eventually going to turn into a starting gig at RT then [b]why fuck around with RG?[/b]

That's the way I read it.
[/quote]


well, if it can save you a game day roster spot down the line...


Every team is looking for versatile players, whether they're starters or backups.

[beastmaster]

We've got a quality guard playing LT, two nobodies fighting for LG, a continuing question mark at C, father time creeping up at RG, and utter chaos at RT. The line did find some mojo running the ball last year but I would hope they could at least do that considering their pass-protecting inabilities...This line scares the shit out of me =/ Probably Carson too.

[oldschooler]

[b][size="5"]Andre Smith feels he's making progress[/size][/b]
Posted on: September 23, 2010 9:59 pm[i]
Posted by Josh Katzowitz[/i]

I know that you're hungering for some [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1255104"][color="#3b5998"]Andre Smith[/color][/url] news. The [url="http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/09/23/an-andre-smith-update/"][color="#6e8dcf"]Cincinnati Enquirer's[/color][/url] Joe Reedy is aware of it as well. That's why he gives us an update on one of the biggest busts from the last few NFL Drafts.

The [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/CIN"][color="#3b5998"]Bengals[/color][/url] OT continues not to get much playing time. Partially it's because he's battled injuries in his two seasons in the league, and partially, it's because he's still not in the type of shape Cincinnati's staff expects.

Now, Smith says he's not back to where he needs to be but he's getting closer.

From Reedy's blog post:
[i][b]
Smith has been mainly used when the Bengals have run goal-line and unbalanced line plays, but he has seen a couple snaps too spelling [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1114646"][color="#3b5998"]Dennis Roland[/color][/url].

He has also been seeing time daily in practice at right guard, which is a position he has not regularly played since his freshman year in high school. Smith estimates he is seeing about 10-15 reps there every practice.

"Coach Lewis told me as long as I'm a backup to make sure I can play more than one position," Smith said. "I just have to take advantage of the snaps when my number is called. That's the frame of thought that I'm taking when it comes to playing time."[/b] [/i]

Still, not a great spot to be in – whether you're talking about Smith or the Bengals – if you're the No. 6 overall player drafted in 2009.




[url="http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/24783275"]http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/24783275[/url]

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285289304' post='921973']
Maybe. Sounds to me like he isn't progressing at tackle.

If it's tough love that's eventually going to turn into a starting gig at RT then why fuck around with RG?

That's the way I read it.
[/quote]

10-15 snaps isnt a big deal thats like 10% of the snaps he is taking....and will only help his conditioning and techniques, he is getting 15 more snaps than he was before, where he was standing there before between his reps.. he is taking other reps.. not replacing reps at RT with ones at RG im thinking..

[scharm]

I just want the Andre Smith that had a large majority of us considering tanking the last games of 08 so we could be assured to pick him No. 1 overall.

Taking snaps at RG is just like ugggggh at this point.

[-GoBengals-]

[quote name='scharm' timestamp='1285347886' post='922115']
I just want the Andre Smith that had a large majority of us considering tanking the last games of 08 so we could be assured to pick him No. 1 overall.
[b]
Taking snaps at RG is just like ugggggh at this point.[/b]
[/quote]

i dont see why....it hurts nothing.

if he were taking starting reps there majority of the time, i could see that thinking.. but...he isnt.

[Bengals Scout (1991-2002)]

Damn, what a fat piece of shit. So we take him with the #6 overall pick, and after 1.5 seasons of inactive play, he's being transitioned to a backup guard role. Atleast Chris Perry had some nice plays as a 3rd down back on occasion. What a waste.

[|Lucid|]

[quote name='Bengals Scout (1991-2002)' timestamp='1285348270' post='922119']
Damn, what a fat piece of shit. So we take him with the #6 overall pick, and after 1.5 seasons of inactive play,[b] he's being transitioned to a backup guard role.[/b] Atleast Chris Perry had some nice plays as a 3rd down back on occasion. What a waste.
[/quote]


Uhh.... What?