Nashville, Tenn. -- The New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals have held joint practice session before, working out together for a couple of practices in Cincinnati in 2007 leading up to a preseason game between the squads.
joe-vitt-in-cincy.jpgThe Associated PressNew Orleans Saints coach Joe Vitt in Cincinnati.
This time, though, there wasn't enough time to plan and execute the joint session. The Saints, who play the Tennessee Titans in their preseason finale on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., didn't decide to evacuate to Cincinnati until early Monday morning, making the logistics of planning a joint practice nearly impossible.
"It wasn't (feasible)," Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt said of practicing with the Bengals. "We wanted to. We've done this before with Cincinnati. They have a kind of similar format as far as practice goes. I don't want to put words in (Bengals coach) Marvin's (Lewis) mouth, but they were getting off the field at about 12:30, 1:00 and there was no way we could be on the field that early.
"We had a lot of unfinished business we had on closure from our game on Saturday night. We had to get ready for Tennessee. We couldn't get to the field until 2:30 today. That was the only reason we couldn't mesh (schedules)."
The Saints started the day with meetings, which included breaking down the film from Saturday's 34-27 victory against the Houston Texans, a task that ordinarily would have been done within two days after the game.
Following meetings, the team broke for lunch, then hit the field for their practice.
Among the players working Tuesday was rookie receiver Nick Toon, a fourth-round pick who hadn't practiced since injury his foot in practice on Aug. 2.
Vitt said on Sunday he expects Toon to play in his first preseason game against the Titans.
After a walkthrough on Wednesday in Cincinnati, the Saints plan to travel later in the afternoon to Nashville for the Thursday's game, before flying back to New Orleans immediately follwing the game.
2012年8月28日星期二
This injury a break for Bengals' Muckelroy
“I’ve got a lot of experience out of getting the snaps,” Muckelroy said.
“Just getting the reps after being out all of last year, it has allowed
me to get back in the swing of things.”
Drafted in the fourth round in 2010, Muckelroy made an impact on special teams, finishing second in tackles with 12. He saw action on defense in just two games, but had a key stop on third-and-1 from the Bengals’ 5 on Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis.
Last year, though, Muckelroy’s season ended two hours into training camp with a torn Achilles tendon. After rehabbing, he was ready for the start of training camp and has seen increased reps after Maualuga sprained his right knee in the preseason opener against the Jets.
In rehabbing from his injury, Muckelroy said, he tried to regain his overall strength while working on little points of technique. He also got to see how veterans like Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard approached the game.
“You learn a lot, especially looking at the older guys. I saw how they worked on an off day. Just going outside and doing little stuff to keep the body going,” he said.
So far the leg hasn’t been a problem during the preseason, and Muckelroy’s progress has pleased the coaching staff. Linebackers coach Paul Guenther said he thought it would be little bit of a slow comeback for Muckelroy, but he has been happy with the progress.
Guenther said Muckelroy understands the defense better and he has the versatility to go to one of the outside spots, even though he has been playing strictly in the middle.
“His biggest strength is that he is a good run stopper. The biggest point of emphasis has been having him improve in the passing game with progressions,” he said.
Maualuga has practiced the past couple of days, but whether he plays against the Colts remains to be seen. Since the starters are likely to play a maximum of two series, head coach Marvin Lewis is trying to get his core as healthy as possible for the Sept. 10 opener at Baltimore.
Going into training camp, the Bengals knew their starting linebackers were Maualgua, Lawson and Howard, but there were many questions about how much depth they had, especially after Keith Rivers was traded before the draft and the team didn’t use any of its 10 draft picks on a linebacker. But the play of Muckelroy, along with Dan Skuta, Vincent Rey, Vontaze Burfict, Dontay Moch and Emmanuel Lamur, has been encouraging.
The Bengals usually keep seven linebackers on their 53-man roster, but they could have three middle linebackers with Maualuga, Muckelroy and Burfict. Rey and Lamur might be vying for the final spot, but defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer indicated that Burfict is also in that mix. Moch, who is tied for the league lead in sacks with 3.5, is suspended for the first four games for a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, meaning a decision on him doesn’t need to be made until Week 5.
“I like the things that those guys have done,” Lewis said. “All in all, that group, as far as special teams players, has been a bright spot and a step up. The attitude taken by those guys has been very good.”
Drafted in the fourth round in 2010, Muckelroy made an impact on special teams, finishing second in tackles with 12. He saw action on defense in just two games, but had a key stop on third-and-1 from the Bengals’ 5 on Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis.
Last year, though, Muckelroy’s season ended two hours into training camp with a torn Achilles tendon. After rehabbing, he was ready for the start of training camp and has seen increased reps after Maualuga sprained his right knee in the preseason opener against the Jets.
In rehabbing from his injury, Muckelroy said, he tried to regain his overall strength while working on little points of technique. He also got to see how veterans like Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard approached the game.
“You learn a lot, especially looking at the older guys. I saw how they worked on an off day. Just going outside and doing little stuff to keep the body going,” he said.
So far the leg hasn’t been a problem during the preseason, and Muckelroy’s progress has pleased the coaching staff. Linebackers coach Paul Guenther said he thought it would be little bit of a slow comeback for Muckelroy, but he has been happy with the progress.
Guenther said Muckelroy understands the defense better and he has the versatility to go to one of the outside spots, even though he has been playing strictly in the middle.
“His biggest strength is that he is a good run stopper. The biggest point of emphasis has been having him improve in the passing game with progressions,” he said.
Maualuga has practiced the past couple of days, but whether he plays against the Colts remains to be seen. Since the starters are likely to play a maximum of two series, head coach Marvin Lewis is trying to get his core as healthy as possible for the Sept. 10 opener at Baltimore.
Going into training camp, the Bengals knew their starting linebackers were Maualgua, Lawson and Howard, but there were many questions about how much depth they had, especially after Keith Rivers was traded before the draft and the team didn’t use any of its 10 draft picks on a linebacker. But the play of Muckelroy, along with Dan Skuta, Vincent Rey, Vontaze Burfict, Dontay Moch and Emmanuel Lamur, has been encouraging.
The Bengals usually keep seven linebackers on their 53-man roster, but they could have three middle linebackers with Maualuga, Muckelroy and Burfict. Rey and Lamur might be vying for the final spot, but defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer indicated that Burfict is also in that mix. Moch, who is tied for the league lead in sacks with 3.5, is suspended for the first four games for a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, meaning a decision on him doesn’t need to be made until Week 5.
“I like the things that those guys have done,” Lewis said. “All in all, that group, as far as special teams players, has been a bright spot and a step up. The attitude taken by those guys has been very good.”
2012年8月26日星期日
Bengals' safeties in two for one battle
With almost all of the starting spots set going into the final
week of the preseason, the one position for the Bengals that remains too
close to call is at strong safety between Taylor Mays and Jeromy Miles.
Said Miles of the competition: “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t important to both of us. I know for myself I see it as we help each other grow. It’s a great combination.”
Not many knew what to expect at the position coming into training camp, but both third-year players have been solid. Mays has made more headlines because of his physical hits, which have knocked out three players, including two on his own team, but Miles has made some nice plays in coverage.
•
That trend continued in the first half of the 27-13 loss to Green Bay Thursday. Mays made a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Packers tight end Tom Crabtree, but the flag was thrown over a misinterpretation of the defenseless receiver rule. Miles made a key stop in pass coverage when Aaron Rodgers tried to hit Greg Jennings on a bomb up the left sideline.
Earlier in the drive, Miles broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage that was intended for Cedric Benson.
“The whole time you are always looking for opportunities to go out there and compete,” said Miles of the play on Jennings. “I kept running and tried to get my eyes back and tried to play the football. You hate to toot your own horn and all that stuff, but obviously it’s a nice play.”
Both Miles and Mays have qualities that head coach Marvin Lewis likes. Lewis has been pleased with Mays’ physical presence, but has said Mays has become more confident in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Lewis has also noted that Mays has become a better tackler, with the exception of one he missed during the first half of the Packers game.
Miles brings versatility because he can play some corner in nickel situations and might be the more consistent in coverage. In the Aug. 16 win at Atlanta, Miles dropped back in coverage and intercepted a Chris Redman pass in the end zone that preserved the lead.
Lewis also lauded Miles for how well he does blitzing, while last week he said that was the one area where Mays needed to improve.
Thursday marked the one-year mark since Mays was acquired from San Francisco for a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft. He saw the replay of the hit on Crabtree and said he has to do a better job of lowering his head more.
“I should. I weigh almost 240 pounds. I should be (physical),” Mays said. “There are some plays where I could have been more physical still, and if that’s the best part of my game I need to show it all the time.”
“I feel like I made a lot of strides coming from OTAs to minicamp. That was the most important thing, knowing what I needed to do and how they wanted me to play defense. I feel good where I am right now, but I have to keep pushing my game. I feel content right now, but I just have to keep going.”
How much work each will get in next Thursday’s preseason finale against Indianapolis remains to be seen. Whoever is on the first line of the depth chart for the Sept. 10 opener at Baltimore, both figure to get their share of work on defense and special teams.
“You want to have 16 or 17 guys who feel like they’re starters on each side of the ball, and then you’re a much better football team. And I think we’re going to have that defensively,” Lewis said.
Added Mays: “It’s been fun, but it brings the best players out. If I’m the best safety I can be, then I can live with that.”
Said Miles of the competition: “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t important to both of us. I know for myself I see it as we help each other grow. It’s a great combination.”
Not many knew what to expect at the position coming into training camp, but both third-year players have been solid. Mays has made more headlines because of his physical hits, which have knocked out three players, including two on his own team, but Miles has made some nice plays in coverage.
•
That trend continued in the first half of the 27-13 loss to Green Bay Thursday. Mays made a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Packers tight end Tom Crabtree, but the flag was thrown over a misinterpretation of the defenseless receiver rule. Miles made a key stop in pass coverage when Aaron Rodgers tried to hit Greg Jennings on a bomb up the left sideline.
Earlier in the drive, Miles broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage that was intended for Cedric Benson.
“The whole time you are always looking for opportunities to go out there and compete,” said Miles of the play on Jennings. “I kept running and tried to get my eyes back and tried to play the football. You hate to toot your own horn and all that stuff, but obviously it’s a nice play.”
Both Miles and Mays have qualities that head coach Marvin Lewis likes. Lewis has been pleased with Mays’ physical presence, but has said Mays has become more confident in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Lewis has also noted that Mays has become a better tackler, with the exception of one he missed during the first half of the Packers game.
Miles brings versatility because he can play some corner in nickel situations and might be the more consistent in coverage. In the Aug. 16 win at Atlanta, Miles dropped back in coverage and intercepted a Chris Redman pass in the end zone that preserved the lead.
Lewis also lauded Miles for how well he does blitzing, while last week he said that was the one area where Mays needed to improve.
Thursday marked the one-year mark since Mays was acquired from San Francisco for a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft. He saw the replay of the hit on Crabtree and said he has to do a better job of lowering his head more.
“I should. I weigh almost 240 pounds. I should be (physical),” Mays said. “There are some plays where I could have been more physical still, and if that’s the best part of my game I need to show it all the time.”
“I feel like I made a lot of strides coming from OTAs to minicamp. That was the most important thing, knowing what I needed to do and how they wanted me to play defense. I feel good where I am right now, but I have to keep pushing my game. I feel content right now, but I just have to keep going.”
How much work each will get in next Thursday’s preseason finale against Indianapolis remains to be seen. Whoever is on the first line of the depth chart for the Sept. 10 opener at Baltimore, both figure to get their share of work on defense and special teams.
“You want to have 16 or 17 guys who feel like they’re starters on each side of the ball, and then you’re a much better football team. And I think we’re going to have that defensively,” Lewis said.
Added Mays: “It’s been fun, but it brings the best players out. If I’m the best safety I can be, then I can live with that.”
2012年8月24日星期五
The Cincinnati Bengals surprised a great deal of people by making the playoffs in 2011 as a wildcard team. After all, this was a franchise that was coming off a 4-12 season in which they exiled Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Cincinnati was able to do this with a dynamic young tandem in the form of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Those two made the Pro Bowl in their rookie seasons and led a vastly improved offensive unit. The defense also stepped up a great deal with a combination of veteran cast-offs and talented young players. Now Cincinnati is looking to build on that surprising nine win 2011 season and take the next step towards division contention in the ultra-competitive AFC North. Let’s take a look at what they did this offseason to take that next step. One of the Bengals primary issues in 2011 was a lack of talent and depth in the secondary. They set out to fix this issues in a big way by signing both Jason Allen and Terence Newman in free agency. While both do leave a lot to be desired, they will should provide a great amount of depth and veteran leadership. Cincinnati also spent a first-round pick on another ‘corner in the form of Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama. The young defensive back might struggle on the outside as a rookie due to less than fluid hips, but he could make a strong impact in the slot as the Bengals primary nickel guy. What was a weakness in 2011 has all of a sudden become a strength for the Bengals defense. They now seem to go about five or six deep with the likes of Nate Clements, Leon Hall, Terence Newman, Jason Allen, Dre Kirkpatrick and Pacman Jones. Cincinnati then went out to address the guard position by selecting Kevin Zeitler with the second of their two first-round picks. Zeitler, who performed well in a pro-style blocking scheme at Wisconsin, should be able to come in and start immediately. Following the initial two rounds, Cincinnati made it a point to go best player available throughout the remainder of the draft. They picked up wide receiver Mohamed Sanu from Rutgers in the third round. The talented pass-catcher was considered a late first-round talent prior to a disastrous performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Bengals then went with interior defensive lineman Brandon Thompson with their final third round selection. The Clemson product was an intimidating force against the run in the ACC and should help out as a rotational guy as a rookie in 2012. The two best picks that Cincinnati made in the draft were Orson Charles in the fourth round and Marvin Jones in the fifth. Both were considered second-round prospects, but fell down the draft board due to a combination of different issues. Jones, a standout at CAL, reminds me a great deal of the aforementioned Chad Ochocinco. While Charles has some character concerns and doesn’t possess prototypical size for a NFL tight end, he has a tremendous amount of upside. If the Bengals goal was to add as much young talent to an offense bordering on dynamic levels, they did an amazing job. The one area that Cincinnati seemed to avoid during the offseason, running back, could come back to haunt them. The Bengals picked up BenJarvus Green-Ellis from the New England Patriots in free agency. The veteran running back does not possess the ability to be an every-down back in the National Football League. Cincinnati would have been much better off ponying up the money for a player like Michael Bush instead. Overall, the Bengals improved enough to be considered a favorite to capture one of the six AFC wildcard spots. They have a wide array of young talent on the roster that should be able to take the next step after some more seasoning. Expect Cincinnati to win double-digit games and surprise pundits who believe that their 2011 season was nothing more than a mirage.
The Cincinnati Bengals surprised a great deal of people by making the playoffs in 2011 as a wildcard team. After all, this was a franchise that was coming off a 4-12 season in which they exiled Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens.
Cincinnati was able to do this with a dynamic young tandem in the form of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Those two made the Pro Bowl in their rookie seasons and led a vastly improved offensive unit.
The defense also stepped up a great deal with a combination of veteran cast-offs and talented young players.
Now Cincinnati is looking to build on that surprising nine win 2011 season and take the next step towards division contention in the ultra-competitive AFC North.
Let’s take a look at what they did this offseason to take that next step.
One of the Bengals primary issues in 2011 was a lack of talent and depth in the secondary. They set out to fix this issues in a big way by signing both Jason Allen and Terence Newman in free agency. While both do leave a lot to be desired, they will should provide a great amount of depth and veteran leadership.
Cincinnati also spent a first-round pick on another ‘corner in the form of Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama. The young defensive back might struggle on the outside as a rookie due to less than fluid hips, but he could make a strong impact in the slot as the Bengals primary nickel guy.
What was a weakness in 2011 has all of a sudden become a strength for the Bengals defense. They now seem to go about five or six deep with the likes of Nate Clements, Leon Hall, Terence Newman, Jason Allen, Dre Kirkpatrick and Pacman Jones.
Cincinnati then went out to address the guard position by selecting Kevin Zeitler with the second of their two first-round picks. Zeitler, who performed well in a pro-style blocking scheme at Wisconsin, should be able to come in and start immediately.
Following the initial two rounds, Cincinnati made it a point to go best player available throughout the remainder of the draft.
They picked up wide receiver Mohamed Sanu from Rutgers in the third round. The talented pass-catcher was considered a late first-round talent prior to a disastrous performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
The Bengals then went with interior defensive lineman Brandon Thompson with their final third round selection. The Clemson product was an intimidating force against the run in the ACC and should help out as a rotational guy as a rookie in 2012.
The two best picks that Cincinnati made in the draft were Orson Charles in the fourth round and Marvin Jones in the fifth. Both were considered second-round prospects, but fell down the draft board due to a combination of different issues. Jones, a standout at CAL, reminds me a great deal of the aforementioned Chad Ochocinco. While Charles has some character concerns and doesn’t possess prototypical size for a NFL tight end, he has a tremendous amount of upside.
If the Bengals goal was to add as much young talent to an offense bordering on dynamic levels, they did an amazing job.
The one area that Cincinnati seemed to avoid during the offseason, running back, could come back to haunt them. The Bengals picked up BenJarvus Green-Ellis from the New England Patriots in free agency. The veteran running back does not possess the ability to be an every-down back in the National Football League. Cincinnati would have been much better off ponying up the money for a player like Michael Bush instead.
Overall, the Bengals improved enough to be considered a favorite to capture one of the six AFC wildcard spots. They have a wide array of young talent on the roster that should be able to take the next step after some more seasoning.
Expect Cincinnati to win double-digit games and surprise pundits who believe that their 2011 season was nothing more than a mirage.
2012年8月23日星期四
Cincinnati Bengals camp outlook: Building on 2011 success
Editor's note: As offseason work across the league comes to an end, the focus is shifting to the steamy summer workouts ahead. The countdown to training camp has begun. To get you fully primed for the preseason and beyond, Sporting News provides in-depth looks at all 32 teams leading into camps. Today: Cincinnati Bengals. Monday: Pittsburgh Steelers.
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many last season by going 9-7 and reaching the playoffs with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green.
While many had low expectations for the Bengals last year, they are now looked upon as one of the up and coming teams in the AFC because of Dalton, Green and a defense that has been in the top 10 two of the last three seasons.
In order to continue that development though, they must do something they haven't done in 30 years—make consecutive playoff appearances. With another solid draft and some key additions in free agency, coach Marvin Lewis believes he has the nucleus to contend. The key though is creating one of the more competitive training camps for roster spots in team history.
Said Lewis at the conclusion of the team's minicamp: "We’re a bigger football team. I believe we’re a faster football team. The depth and development of our young guys has been impressive. That’s what will make it a competitive camp. It will make it competitive for the preseason and playing these games. That’s where guys will win or lose jobs, in playing these preseason games. That’s the exciting thing, is when we get out there against the Jets and open things up in the preseason, we’ll have a lot of guys playing for keeps."
What's new: Offense
After having Cedric Benson as the workhorse running back for the better part of four seasons, the running game will be more by committee this season.Gone is Benson, who was not re-signed, and in is BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who was signed in free agency, and Bernard Scott, who has shown flashes of potential the last three years.
Both backs also have the potential to offer more than Benson because they are more adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, and Green-Ellis' major strength has been in short yardage and red zone.
To supplement the running game, there are two new starters at guard—Travelle Wharton on the left side and first-round pick Kevin Zeitler on the right. Over the past two years the Bengals have ranked in the lower quarter of the league in runs off guard.
2012年8月22日星期三
He's got good hands, but is Chad Ochocinco just as skillful with his feet?
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver will find out next week when he joins Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City for a four-day trial, the team announced on its website Wednesday.
With the future of the 2011 NFL season in limbo, Ochocinco accepted an invitation from Sporting head coach Peter Vermes to try out for the team.
"Due to the NFL lockout, I'm excited to be able to follow my childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team," Ochocinco said. "Thanks to Sporting Kansas City for giving me this opportunity.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver will find out next week when he joins Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City for a four-day trial, the team announced on its website Wednesday.
With the future of the 2011 NFL season in limbo, Ochocinco accepted an invitation from Sporting head coach Peter Vermes to try out for the team.
"Due to the NFL lockout, I'm excited to be able to follow my childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team," Ochocinco said. "Thanks to Sporting Kansas City for giving me this opportunity.
Although Kansas City already has handed in its official roster for the recently
begun MLS season, Vermes insists that Ochocinco still can make the squad
if he impresses during his tryout, which begins on Tuesday.
"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent," Vermes said. "We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer and he did play a lot when he was younger."
A 10-year veteran of the NFL, Ochocinco played competitively as a striker from his youth until his days at Miami Beach Senior High School. Despite abandoning the game for the gridiron, he remained a die-hard soccer fan and even formed friendships with some of the sport's biggest names.
"I know a couple of guys. Ronaldinho is one of them. Thierry Henry is good friend of mine. Cristiano Ronaldo, I talk to him all the time on Twitter. We DM back and forth. Ashley Cole is a good friend of mine. I used to go watch Thierry Henry play at Arsenal every off-season," Ochocinco told SportingKC.com.
Whether or not he can compete on their level remains to be seen, but Ochocinco is confident in his abilities on the pitch.
"I played soccer before football and I was good. That's where I get my quick feet - my feet are unbelievable," he said. "There's not one person in soccer right now that would beat me running, that's including Lionel Messi."
After the initial, four-day test, Kansas City will decide whether to extend Ochocinco's trial period or release him.
"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent," Vermes said. "We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer and he did play a lot when he was younger."
A 10-year veteran of the NFL, Ochocinco played competitively as a striker from his youth until his days at Miami Beach Senior High School. Despite abandoning the game for the gridiron, he remained a die-hard soccer fan and even formed friendships with some of the sport's biggest names.
"I know a couple of guys. Ronaldinho is one of them. Thierry Henry is good friend of mine. Cristiano Ronaldo, I talk to him all the time on Twitter. We DM back and forth. Ashley Cole is a good friend of mine. I used to go watch Thierry Henry play at Arsenal every off-season," Ochocinco told SportingKC.com.
Whether or not he can compete on their level remains to be seen, but Ochocinco is confident in his abilities on the pitch.
"I played soccer before football and I was good. That's where I get my quick feet - my feet are unbelievable," he said. "There's not one person in soccer right now that would beat me running, that's including Lionel Messi."
After the initial, four-day test, Kansas City will decide whether to extend Ochocinco's trial period or release him.
2012年8月21日星期二
The Cincinnati Bengals extended the contract of coach Marvin Lewis two years
The Cincinnati Bengals extended the contract of coach Marvin Lewis
two years—through the 2014 season—the team announced Tuesday.
The Bengals were one of the NFL’s pleasant surprises in 2011, making the playoffs with a young nucleus led by rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. Lewis, who had been entering the final year of his contract, was rewarded for the team’s rise to the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is 69-77-1 in nine seasons with three trips to the playoffs. (AP Photo)
“First, I want to make sure, obviously, I’m glad this is all behind
now, and we can move forward and coach,” Lewis said at a news
conference. “There is still a lot of work to do. The goals that we have
in place are very, very important to achieve.’’
Lewis has not won a playoff game (0-3) in his nine seasons (69-77-1), but he has won two division championships—something only Paul Brown and Sam Wyche have accomplished with the Bengals.
The extension is a show of faith that owner Mike Brown believes Lewis can lead the Bengals to the next level.
“One thing hangs over my head,” Lewis said. “That’s to win a championship.”
The Bengals were one of the NFL’s pleasant surprises in 2011, making the playoffs with a young nucleus led by rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. Lewis, who had been entering the final year of his contract, was rewarded for the team’s rise to the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is 69-77-1 in nine seasons with three trips to the playoffs. (AP Photo)Lewis has not won a playoff game (0-3) in his nine seasons (69-77-1), but he has won two division championships—something only Paul Brown and Sam Wyche have accomplished with the Bengals.
The extension is a show of faith that owner Mike Brown believes Lewis can lead the Bengals to the next level.
“One thing hangs over my head,” Lewis said. “That’s to win a championship.”
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