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.
This upcoming season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green will attempt to avoid having a sophomore slump. (AP Photo)

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.
What's new: Defense

One reason for the Bengals’ success last season was a defensive line rotation that went eight players deep.

End Jonathan Fanene and tackle Frostee Rucker departed in free agency, but the Bengals added ends Jamaal Anderson and Derrick Harvey in free agency and drafted tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson. Anderson is better as a pass rusher, while Harvey is better against the run.

There are also two new position coaches—Mark Carrier in the secondary (replacing Kevin Coyle, who became defensive coordinator in Miami) and Paul Guenther at linebacker (Jeff FitzGerald's contract was not renewed, and he went to Indianapolis).

Former Oakland head coach Hue Jackson also has joined the staff as an assistant secondary/special teams coach. Jackson was the receivers coach in Cincinnati for three seasons.

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco to Try Major League Soccer

National Football League and reality star Chad Ochocinco is set for a four-day tryout with the Sporting Kansas City's Major League Soccer club.

The club said Wednesday that after the tryout it would determine whether to extend the trial period.

"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter 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. We're excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our 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 stated.  He also went on to say he started playing soccer at age four but chose to focus on football in high school. He emphasized that he was thankful to Sporting Kansas City for giving him the opportunity.

The NFL reality star considers many of the sport’s biggest stars as close friends, including New York Red Bulls Designated Player Thierry Henry, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho.

In January, Ochocinco visited Ronaldo, Kaka and the rest of Real Madrid’s squad and was introduced to Manager Jose Mourinho.
Do you think Ochocinco should only stick to the NFL?
Yes NO Let him play soccer! Not even worth a reponse. Submit Vote vote to see results

Ochocinco was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Oregon State University. He went on to become the most distinguished wide receiver in Bengals history and holds the team’s all-time records in receiving yards, receptions and touchdown receptions.

Ochocinco is also one of only six players in NFL history to compile 10,000 or more receiving yards with a single team.

Away from the playing field, Ochocinco has become a media sensation with a massive fan following. He appeared on Dancing with the Stars after having his own reality TV show on VH1 called Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch and co-hosting The T.Ocho Show with Terrell Owens and Sports Soup on the Versus Network.

We can't help wondering if this is another futile attempt for Ochocinco to grab more of the limelight during the lockout.

Chad, you may have played soccer well as a child. Please stick with the one thing you are good at—American Football.  You will eventually become that "Ultimate Catch" when you stop trying so hard!

Bengals Defensive End Michael Johnson And His Career Performance Against The Redskins

Michael Johnson's performance against the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon was arguably the best in his young NFL career. Entering Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, Johnson has only generated 12.5 quarterback sacks in 47 career regular season games. After Cincinnati's 38-31 win over the Redskins, his career sack total increased by 24 percent, upping his total to 15.5. And it wasn't just the sacks. He generated a team-high seven quarterback hits, a pass deflection, six total tackles as a general nemesis for Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

After the game a returning Carlos Dunlap, who may have helped free Johnson on many pass rushes, said of Michael Johnson's performance:

    "When (RG III) goes to the bathroom tonight he's going to see Mike Johnson right behind him."

Now in fairness we have to point out that his performance wasn't against Washington's starting left tackle, Trent Williams, who left the game early with a knee injury. So if you want compare Johnson's performance to that of Antwan Odom, who generated five quarterbacks sacks in 2009 against a backup offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers, go ahead.

Otherwise let's celebrate Johnson's performance.

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But first a strong effort against Washington's running early rushing performance. With 6:36 remaining in the first quarter from Washington's own 10-yard line, quarterback Robert Griffin III hands off to Alfred Morris targeting the left side of the offensive line. Johnson clearly overpowers left tackle Jordan Black, who replaced the injured Trent Williams, three yards deep into the backfield. It wasn't a straight bull-rush either. Johnson was in control the entire time.  

Johnson shed off Black's attempted block and dropped Morris for a limited three-yard gain. The Bengals defense forced a three and out during the possession after Griffin threw an incomplete to Leonard Hankerson near the right sidelines.

By the 3:28 mark in the first quarter, the Bengals have secured a 14-7 lead when the Redskins take possession at their own 20-yard line. Following an 11-yard screen to Joshua Morgan, Griffin fakes the handoff to Morris with 2:52 in the first. Michael Johnson began with a bee-line down the line of scrimmage before redirecting into a pass rush once he realized Griffin held onto the football. The secondary really dominated this play, forcing the rookie quarterback to hold onto the football.

Wallace Gilberry split a double team, forcing Griffin to step into the pocket. By this time Johnson's spin move shredded Logan Paulsen's block, who pulled from the right during the run fake, opening a lane for the defensive end.

Cleveland Browns : Solid Play Of WR Mohamed Massaqoui at Bengals, Reason For Optimism

Overshadowed by the franchise-record performances of running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden, was the solid play of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaqoui.

Massaqoui, a second-round pick out of the University of Georgia, would catch five passes for 90 yards on seven targets against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-27 Week Two loss.

Massaqoui would average 18 yards per reception and make timely catches to help keep drives alive. With his performance, Massaqoui leads the team in receiving yards with 131 yards, receptions with eight and yards per catch with 16.4

While Massaqoui has shown flashes of brilliance in possibly being the Browns No. 1 wide receiver in the past, the main issue with him is his inability to avoid injury.

A four year veteran, the 25-year old Massaqoui has had a career hindered by various injuries, most notably two helmet-to-helmet head injuries within the last two years.

At 6’2 and 207 pounds, Massaqoui is a perfect fit for Cleveland’s version of the West Coast Offense (WCO).  Unfortunately, Massaqoui has yet to show that he can develop into the reliable playmaker that the much-maligned Browns offense—and wide receiver corps—desperately need.

Since being drafted in 2009, Massaqoui’s receiving yards have gone down from 624 yards in 2009-10, 483 yards in 2010-11 and 384 yards in 2011-12.

While averaging 33.6 receptions a season, Masaaqoui’s catches have dropped from a career-high 36 in 2010-11 to 31 in 2011-12.

Combine that with his recent head injuries, and you can understand why many Browns fans were—and still are—on the proverbial fence when it came to the under-achieving Massaqoui due to his inconsistency.

Could the 2011-12 season be the year that he breaks out? Possibly.

While Massaqoui has not yet scored a touchdown, based on his performance in Cincinnati, he has a good chance of equaling—or breaking—his season total of two in 2011-12 and his career total of seven touchdowns based on the growing chemistry that he has with Weeden.

If Massaqoui can continue his solid play that he would display against the Bengals, there is a real possibility that he will finally emerge into the No.1 wide receiver prospect and provide a real reason for optimism in the Browns offense in 2012.
Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/09/17/cleveland-browns-solid-play-of-wr-mohamed-massaqoui-at-bengals-reason-for-optimism/?X7feKqp01lymf0q0.99

Bengals Morning Beat: The RGIII Problem, Why Carlos Dunlap Returns This Week

Usually when we have time to manage it on Monday, we'll begin generating a file for the next opponent. All the while reviewing the previous game, trying to afford you as much perspective as possible, or at least information to generate your own quality-based perspective, while gearing up for the next game. It's a service we provide in the business of being awesome. But that's a taste of how busy one of our days can become, even if the number of postings are down for a certain day, the level of work we put into this entity, this beastly, accumulates to 12-14 hour days. And that's not including school and/or our day jobs (I have a 50-hour/week job as a systems analyst).

Anyway. During those moments when building next week's file, we'll watch the previous two games of Cincinnati's next opponent. We figure two games addresses trends, how a team is playing and the most current roster on the field. Granted. We're not doing an analytically exhausting breakdown of the next opponent. Rather a more generalized "scouting" of the next opponent, players that look good, positions that they play and philosophies that they use, etc... (mostly thinks that make me sound less stupid). Most of that information will be refined throughout the week for our game previews -- which is already being developed for later in the week.

But I was really interested in Washington's quarterback. How can you not be?

+ THE ROBERT GRIFFIN III PROBLEM. Most of the offensive philosophy that the Washington Redskins have applied at this point seemingly attack the outside. Remember the regular season opener when Robert Griffin III connected on his first seven passes during the team's opening two possessions? Six of those passes were quick outside routes, mostly bubble screens to receivers, presumably to get the rookie quarterback comfortable to generate some confidence. In truth it was a masterful gameplan by head coach Mike Shanahan and his son Kyle, the team's offensive coordinator.

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When the Redskins called RGIII on a designed run, it was usually to the outside. That being said they're not afraid to call an RGIII run on third and long, which he converted in the first quarter against the Saints.

RGIII could pose a huge problem for the Bengals, who have struggled against quarterbacks with speed. During the preseason opener against the New York Jets, Tim Tebow generated 34 yards on four rushes. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers added 52 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the third preseason game.

Last year in only his second career start, Texans quarterback T.J. Yates ran for 36 yards, including a 17-yard scramble on third-and-15 with :44 seconds remaining that eventually led to a Kevin Walter game-winning touchdown. Colt McCoy scrambled 20 yards on third-and-18 in the third quarter when the Bengals hosted Cleveland on November 27 last season. And during the third game of last year's preseason, Cam Newton ran for 49 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

On the other hand the Cincinnati Bengals secondary plays strong when playing press coverage off the line of scrimmage. Leon Hall has no issue mixing it up with ball carriers. Think if the Bengals invite Taylor Mays back to the defensive secondary. You know there will be some detonations involved -- especially since the deep pass may be a limited concern. Most, though not all, of Griffin's biggest passing plays were the result of huge runs, not necessarily passes in the air. Anyway, it's a non-refined Monday evening (Tuesday morning by the time you read this) thought about next week's game.

+ EXPECT CARLOS DUNLAP TO RETURN. With the injury suffered by Jamaal Anderson during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns, we highly expect Carlos Dunlap to be activated during this weekend's game against the Washington Redskins. It's simply a matter of numbers at this point. Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers are your only healthy defensive ends who are playing a significant number of snaps, in turn wearing them down later in the game.

+ On that note it wouldn't be surprising if the Bengals hosted a handful of free agents on Tuesday for a tryout/workout. Tuesdays are usually off days for players and a day that the team invites free agents if they're looking to sign someone. Such as a defensive end. Just saying.

+ THE NFL'S VETTING PROCESS. We find the story of Brian Stropolo a little amusing. Stropolo was the sideline judge that the NFL was forced to remove from the Saints/Panthers game early Sunday morning, after ESPN reported that the replacement official was wearing Saints gear on his Facebook page. We don't care if an official is a fan of a certain team, though it's probably not good etiquette for that official to call a game that includes his favorite team.

Either way it's fascinating that the NFL didn't even know about this, saying: "He was replaced because of the information that surfaced disclosing that he is a Saints fan," confirmed league spokesman Michael Signora.

As much scrutiny that the league is receiving having replacement officials, one would think that they'd take the time to run a background check on these officials before allowing them to officiate an NFL game. It's not like Stropolo was hiding nuclear secrets during an 80s espionage movie. It was on his friggin' Facebook page.

Bengals report: A.J. Green could be nightmare for Browns

CINCINNATI—A.J. Green had marginal success against the Browns last year, but with Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden starting a four-game suspension, Green could have a big game Sunday.

Green had five receptions for 70 yards in last Monday's loss to the Ravens as the Bengals moved him around in a bunch of different spots. Expect to see the same against the Browns, especially with their unsettled secondary. 

Bengals WR A.J. Green should have more space to get open Sunday with the Browns' top CB, Joe Haden, serving the first game of his suspension. (AP Photo)

The emergence of Andrew Hawkins and Armon Binns also means that teams can't consistently double-team Green.
In the two games last year, Green had four catches for 151 yards.
“We've got a lot more improvement to do, myself as well, making some of the big plays that I should have made. But it's Week 1 and we've just got a lot of football to play,” Green said.
INJURY UPDATES: The defense should get back some reinforcements for the pass rush. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (knee) is limited but could see some playing time. The pass rush was limited in last week’s 44-13 loss to Baltimore, but defensive tackle Geno Atkins produced two sacks. With Atkins in the middle and Michael Johnson and Dunlap coming off the edge, the Bengals should be able to turn up the pressure on rookie Brandon Weeden.

Bengals Say Richardson ‘Nothing Spectacular

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Richardson totaled just 39 yards in his first game (Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE)

BEREA — Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga said he didn’t see anything ‘spectacular’ from running back Trent Richardson last Sunday.

“He can run you over and you can miss a tackle, at the same time, from what we’ve seen, he didn’t do nothing spectacular,” Maualuga told CBSSports.com earlier this week. “From running screens, missing passes, trying to find a hole when he’s running the ball, he just didn’t do anything spectacular from what I’ve seen. I’m pretty sure he’s going to want to get after it once he plays us.”

Maualuga was the 37th player selected in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Bengals, one spot after the Browns selected wide receiver Brian Robiskie. Maualuga had seven tackles in the season opener against the Ravens.
Richardson did have very pedestrian numbers in his debut with 39 yards in 19 carries for a 2.1 average. He caught one pass for five yards and dropped a pass in his first action after missing a month of training camp and the entire preseason.

Richardson’s response to Maualuga’s comments was short and to the point.

“Of course, it sparked me,” Richardson said after practice Thursday. “I’ll just let my game speak for itself on Sunday.”

Pat Shurmur said it wasn’t his style to put stories or quotes like that in a player’s locker to give the player extra incentive.

Offensive coordinator Brad Childress said he there’s no doubt in is mind that Richardson will break loose soon.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Childress said. “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”

 Shurmur said he expects more from Richardson this week.

“I think so,” he said. “I saw him practice yesterday better than he did a week ago. I anticipate he’ll have a better performance.”

Childress said there was no formula on how much work Richardson could handle in his first game.

 “I think he was strong,” Childress said. “We saw more spryness Wednesday at practice. We were comfortable with him obviously.

“We didn’t want to overdo it and didn’t,” he said. “You have to trust your eyes. It’s more a feel thing as you go along.”

Richardson said he expects more this week.

“Yeah, most definitely,” he said. “My expectations are always going to be high. I always set my goals high, and the sky is always the limit as I see it as how good I can be or how good this team can be, as a group and as a unit, how much we can come together, and try to do the best we can to win.”

Richardson said he’s more than ready to expand his role, whether that be more carries or on third downs.

“I’m going to play my role,” he said. “If coach needs me on third down, I’m going to go in on third down. If he needs Brandon (Jackson) to be in there, if he needs Chris (Ogbonnaya) to be in there, Montario (Hardesty), whoever it is, we are all out here hungry for the same thing.

“We are all ready to win, so whichever one of us he puts in there, we will do everything it takes to win.”

Ravens-Bengals predictions

NFL experts are weighing in with their Week 1 picks, and they are nearly unanimous in their belief that the Ravens will take care of the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on Monday night.

The Ravens figure to be charged up playing a season-opener on Monday night at home, and now have the added emotion of playing in the wake of Art Modell's death on Thursday.

Seven of eight CBSSports.com experts pick the Ravens to win, with Will Brinson being the renegade on the Bengals.  Also, all 12 ESPN experts have picked the Ravens to win. Then again, that might spell trouble; all 12 ESPN experts also picked the Giants to beat Dallas on Wednesday, and that didn't happen.

Here is how some of the national media see the game Monday night:

Albert Breer, NFL Network: Ravens 23, Bengals 17

"Joe Flacco has been seen as a quarterback whose numbers are depressed by the system he plays in and what he's being asked to do. This year, with Terrell Suggs down and the Ravens going more fast-break on offense, that will change." 

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Ravens 31, Bengals 24

"Cincinnati gets its first chance in 2012 to win a game that it shouldn’t. Though in time those wins will come, the Ravens have too much talent on both sides of the ball."

Peter King, Sports Illustrated:  Baltimore 30, Cincinnati 23

"Black crepe paper over the stadium in Baltimore Monday evening. The man who brought the Ravens to Baltimore, Art Modell, who died Thursday morning, gave that community a team for generations to treasure."

Pete Prisco: Baltimore 28, Cincinnati 24

"The Bengals have a chance here to show right off the bat that 2011 wasn't a fluke. This is not an easy place to play, especially on a Monday night. The Ravens unveiled their no-huddle offense this summer and Joe Flacco looked good running it. I think that carries over here. The Bengals will have some matchup problems. Andy Dalton can't keep up"

Mark Schlereth, ESPN: Ravens (no score given)

"I have serious concerns about that (Ravens) defense without Terrell Suggs, but still, at home, season opener, Ray Rice, a little too much for Cincinnati."

Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk: Ravens 16, Bengals 13

"The Bengals took a big step forward last year with the emergence of a young offense led by Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. This is an opportunity for them to make a very big statement about reordering the AFC North, but I see the Ravens’ defense making a big statement that they’re not going to let their young rivals get the best of them just yet."

Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to try out for MLS club Sporting Kansas City

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."
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

Round 1, Pick 17: Cincinnati Bengals select Dre Kirkpatrick, CB from Alabama

How he fits: With the Bengals needing a young corner and a shutdown guy since Johnathan Joseph departed, they needed to grab the last of the three corners worthy of first-round selection. He has been called by some scouts the prototype shutdown corner.
Kirkpatrick was rarely tested in coverage last season and was inconsistent at times. But he's physical and plays aggressive.
When he'll play: On a team that has only one corner under the age of 25, Kirkpatrick doesn't have to be an immediate starter. He comes into a veteran-laden situation with Leon Hall and Nate Clements expected to be the starters and Jason Allen, Terence Newman and Adam Jones also on the roster.
This is a pick for two or three years down the line especially with Clements, Hall, Jones and Newman having contracts that expire at the end of the upcoming season. — Joe Reedy

Strengths: Kirkpatrick has the best combination of size and athleticism of any cornerback in this year's draft. He has hip flexibility, foot quickness and agility to turn and run without losing a step after transitioning out of his pedal.
He is adept at reading the quarterback's set-up and receiver's break. This skill enables him to plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him. His quick and compact backpedal is not only rare for a tall cornerback, but it helps him to react fast to the receiver.
Kirkpatrick's long arms and ball skills allow him to easily breakup passes when he's in position. He is an aggressive defender who consistently attacks the play in front of him, fights through blockers and is willing to make hard hits.
While his long strides hide his speed, he has the ability to stay on the hip of a receiver down field. Kirkpatrick was an excellent gunner on Alabama's punt coverage team. He will be able to make a big impact on special teams.
Weaknesses: Kirkpatrick allows too many catches when he loses focus or gets sloppy with his technique. He can't transition quickly to close in on passes in front of him when he's straight-legged in his backpedal. When Kirkpatrick is in position in a press alignment, he doesn't use his hands to aggressively jam a receiver. This allows a receiver to have an easy release.
His aggressiveness to make plays on the ball often leads him to react to pump fakes and double moves. When he responds in this manner, he allows separation behind him. Consequently, despite having elite speed, he doesn't have the explosive closing burst to catch up.
While he's willing to make hard hits, he doesn't consistently tackle with the proper technique. He tends to lunge in order to reach for ball carriers' feet as opposed to wrapping up.