Larry Johnson - A Bengal

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4660283

I like it. Especially going against 3 pretty bad teams in a row...Give Benson some rest and get him 100%

League minimum salary....Win win situation in my opinion

[gladdenguy]

I like it a lot.....especially if Cedric's injury lingers.
Hop on Larry......join us to Miami

[XU2424]

I hope he doesn't mess with team chemistry, or start complaining like he did in KC. He is over 30 I believe, usually the limit on the effectiveness of running backs that have a lot of carries. Although he was cheap and if he can be anything like 06 LJ, then he be a HUGE help behind Ced. Anyone else think it is a slap in the face to Scott and Leonard?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I hope he doesn't mess with team chemistry, or start complaining like he did in KC. He is over 30 I believe, usually the limit on the effectiveness of running backs that have a lot of carries. Although he was cheap and if he can be anything like 06 LJ, then he be a HUGE help behind Ced. Anyone else think it is a slap in the face to Scott and Leonard?

If he does mess with chemistry, they'll just cut him...

If LJ is smart, he'll be on his best behavior. This is his last chance and now with a successful team.

The next three weeks we can afford to rest Benson if the injury is serious or nagging/long term.

[drudy23]

I hope he doesn't mess with team chemistry, or start complaining like he did in KC. He is over 30 I believe, usually the limit on the effectiveness of running backs that have a lot of carries. Although he was cheap and if he can be anything like 06 LJ, then he be a HUGE help behind Ced. Anyone else think it is a slap in the face to Scott and Leonard?

It's an insurance policy. Nothing more nothing less. If he acts like a douche, he gets cut...it's that simple. He's making the league minimum.

Honestly, I'm fine if he nevers sees the field...but having him there makes us a better team.

I don't think this assumes Scott and Leonard get less action.

[Flyer1407]

I hope he doesn't mess with team chemistry, or start complaining like he did in KC. He is over 30 I believe, usually the limit on the effectiveness of running backs that have a lot of carries. Although he was cheap and if he can be anything like 06 LJ, then he be a HUGE help behind Ced. Anyone else think it is a slap in the face to Scott and Leonard?

Dumb move. The Bengals have talked all year about the chemistry in the lockerroom and now you bring in Larry Johnson. Scott and Leonard have been nothing short of great in the limited snaps they have gotten. I see this blowing up in their faces.

When Ced is 100% do they keep Johnson activate? Does this mean that Leonard won't be active? What about that special team spot or 3rd down back?

[waggy]

I think it's a good move. The team is putting itself in a position to make a run at the Superbowl. Remember when the Bengals last had multiple running back threats?? I have no idea if Johnson still has that potential, but the "locker room" risk seems overstated IMHO.

I would think the team would embrace it - that management is trying everything.

[nuts4xu]

Johnson won't mess with team chemistry, the chemistry this team has is already established. They have a good mix of veterans that seem to keep control of that lockeroom. Even after yesterday's huge win, reports were the Bengals took as business as usual, and didn't leave the field high fiving and celebrating.

As it was said above, if LJ doesn't fall into line with this team, this team will cut him. Marvin Lewis has built the current team with cast offs and guys that have something to prove. LJ fits right in with this mold, and he'll either comform or be gone. It's that simple the way I see it.

No down side to this move in my opinion. Keep in mind, Mike Brown is the "Redeemer"!!

[Smails]

Ok Flyer, answer me this. If Cedric is out, then we're down to two viable tailbacks one of which is a rookie who has yet to prove he can take any kind of prolonged pounding. What happens if Scott turns an ankle and Larry Johnson has signed with another team? We ride to the playoffs with Brian Leonard and who else? Hopefully Cedric will be fine and this will all be moot.

This is a classic case of bet hedging. If he's a turd, he gets cut. Larry Johnson is not a bad 3rd string tailback.

[bobbiemcgee]

I like it. Half the team are guys nobody wanted, They kept running Ced in the Bears game cuz nobody else was healthy enough.

[Flyer1407]

Ok Flyer, answer me this. If Cedric is out, then we're down to two viable tailbacks one of which is a rookie who has yet to prove he can take any kind of prolonged pounding. What happens if Scott turns an ankle and Larry Johnson has signed with another team? We ride to the playoffs with Brian Leonard and who else? Hopefully Cedric will be fine and this will all be moot.

This is a classic case of bet hedging. If he's a turd, he gets cut. Larry Johnson is not a bad 3rd string tailback.

I'm not questioning Johnson as a back. What I am questioning is this, all the reports pointed to Benson being able to play this weekend. If he can't he can't then Johnson is a fine back-up policy. But when Benson is 100% healthy what do you do? Do you cut Johnson? Which back do you deactivate for the game? They struggled without Leonard on 3rd down against Houston, it's obvious he is the best option for a 3rd down back. He is also a good special teams player. Scott returns kicks, they are not going to deactivate him. Will they carry 4 backs? Unlikely. Do they sign Johnson and then not activate him?

I guess I don't see the point of bringing a guy like Johnson into the lockerroom at this point in the season. It's not like when they brought Benson in last season in a year that was going nowhere and had to worry about throwing off team chemistry.

Will he be ok with being a 3rd string back or not even being active? If he's not and goes off and throws drinks at a woman in a club or unleashes a string of gay slurs and the Bengals have to cut him in week 14 they are in the same spot as before.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I'm not questioning Johnson as a back. What I am questioning is this, all the reports pointed to Benson being able to play this weekend. If he can't he can't then Johnson is a fine back-up policy. But when Benson is 100% healthy what do you do? Do you cut Johnson? Which back do you deactivate for the game? They struggled without Leonard on 3rd down against Houston, it's obvious he is the best option for a 3rd down back. He is also a good special teams player. Scott returns kicks they are not going to deactivate him. Will they carry 4 backs? Unlikely. Do they sign Johnson and then not activate him?

I think you bench Benson if he is not 100% this week regardless of what Ced says. His health is crucial to this teams success and is not worth the risk against Oakland. That last run he had in Pitt he was literally running on one leg.

If you're going to sign a backup RB and rest Ced to get him healthy, now is the stretch to do it. AT Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit...

[Flyer1407]

I think you bench Benson if he is not 100% this week regardless of what Ced says. His health is crucial to this teams success and is not worth the risk against Oakland. That last run he had in Pitt he was literally running on one leg.

If you're going to sign a backup RB and rest Ced to get him healthy, now is the stretch to do it. AT Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit...

I agree. If Benson is not 100% you bench him this week and get him healthy. IMHO it seems Johnson isn't worth the headache. He rushed for 377 on 132 carries before getting suspended and released. Coming off a season where he played 7 games. I question him staying healthy as much as Scott if he has to be a featured back.

[Flyer1407]

Just saw this from the Bengals.com twitter account.

CinBengalsNFL Bengals have talked to larry johnson and he will visit

CinBengalsNFL But lewis says if he signs it would be only as a fourth back for insurance

Does this mean he is Scott's backup if Benson is out?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20091116/SPT02/311160083/1066/Report++RB+Johnson+on+way

[D-West & PO-Z]

Larry Johnson has been pretty horrendous this year and really no good since '06. I dont think it can be blamed on his offensive line either considering Charles for the Chiefs is avergaing 5.4 yards a carry to LJ's 2.9.

I wouldnt say it is a no lose situation but the risk certaintly isnt great. The one thing I would be worried about though is LJ doing something stupid while with the Bengals, whether it be something on Twitter again, or getting in trouble with the law. Then it would be a media circus and players would have to answer questions about LJ, regardless if he were cut immediately or not, instead of answering questions about their great season or the next game. You can tell a guy all you want to stay out of trouble, or that it is his last chance, or whatever, but sometimes with guys like him they will still find a way to F it up and cause problems.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If they are truly signing him to be a 4th back I dont get it. Why bring a guy on with that much baggage if he is going to be your 4th back? You have to be able to get depth another way. Lewis cant be telling the truth there. Not to mention he has to have interest from other teams where he wouldnt be the 4th back.

[JimCoker]

I think it is a great pickup even if Cedric is 100%. If LJ can carry 12 times a game, that takes a lot of wear and tear off of Benson. I would rather see him get 80 yards in a Super Bowl win than have him grind 30 times in a playoff loss.

Johnson won't be a locker room problem. He was on the same scrap heap that Cedric was a year ago. Nobody wanting him for the last three weeks wil be humbling. He will appreciate and bust his rear end for the next 10 games.

[drudy23]

Just saw this from the Bengals.com twitter account.

CinBengalsNFL Bengals have talked to larry johnson and he will visit

CinBengalsNFL But lewis says if he signs it would be only as a fourth back for insurance

Does this mean he is Scott's backup if Benson is out?

Of course it's what it means. Why does everyone assume he is Benson's replacement? It's an insurance policy, just as I stated.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think it is a great pickup even if Cedric is 100%. If LJ can carry 12 times a game, that takes a lot of wear and tear off of Benson. I would rather see him get 80 yards in a Super Bowl win than have him grind 30 times in a playoff loss.

Johnson won't be a locker room problem. He was on the same scrap heap that Cedric was a year ago. Nobody wanting him for the last three weeks wil be humbling. He will appreciate and bust his rear end for the next 10 games.

See thats the thing, nobody knows that for sure. You would think a reasonable person would respond this way but with some of these guys and their egos who knows?

Also according to Mrvin Lewis LJ is goign to be the 4th back and this signing will have no effect on Leonard or Scott. If thats true (I dont think it is), there isnt a chance he gets 12 carries a game.

[waggy]

Marvin is hoping he has something left in the tank, and that Larry might be invigorated by being on a contender. But Marvin saying he comes in as the 4th back is not untrue.

[Smails]

I definitely think that Bernard Scott is the starter if Benson is out at all. The Bengals need to know what he can do considering Benson is only signed through next season.

[Flyer1407]

I don't see many similarities between the Benson and Johnson signings other than they were both perceived as thugs when brought it.

Benson was brought into an awful team that had no chance of doing anything for the rest of the season other than being a spoiler. Benson was also brought in to be the feature back.

Johnson is being brought into a team that is 7-2 and considered a Super Bowl quality team. Where he may or may not be active and may or may not get a few carries a game.

[waggy]

How many "Johnson" running backs would this make for the Bengals?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Marvin is hoping he has something left in the tank, and that Larry might be invigorated by being on a contender. But Marvin saying he comes in as the 4th back is not untrue.

"Lewis also said the move would have no affect on Bernard Scott or Brian Leonard."

That is the quote from the Enquirer. If what you wrote above is what happens (he has something left in the tank and the Bengals want to use it), the statement above made by Marvin is most certainly untrue.

[waggy]

"Lewis also said the move would have no affect on Bernard Scott or Brian Leonard."

That is the quote from the Enquirer. If what you wrote above is what happens (he has something left in the tank and the Bengals want to use it), the statement above made by Marvin is most certainly untrue.

:rolleyes:

"would have no affect" means what? ...they'll still be on the team, will they not??

[xavierj]

I have to think Ced's injury will linger. He could not run yesterday after getting hurt and anytime you mess with the hips it can be a problem. I mean running backs have to be able to shift, cut and turn on a dime and if you have a bad hip you cannot do that. Plus the risk of the hip continuing to get sore is a high probability. If i were the Bengals I would sit Cedric for at lest two weeks maybe even more to get him ready for the playoffs. Bring in LJ, start Scott and see what happens. The worst thing right now would be to rush Cedric back and risk losing him for the year. This signing would make perfect sense. Use him and if he can make plays great and if not at least use him as an extra back until Cedric gets healthy and then you can release him. Chemistry will not be a problem. These guys get paid to play and they are winning. What can LJ do? Come in and tell everyone to go f themselves and start taking out knee's? Like many have said if he comes in and starts any problems I am sure he will quickly be shown the door.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What can LJ do? Come in and tell everyone to go f themselves and start taking out knee's? Like many have said if he comes in and starts any problems I am sure he will quickly be shown the door.

Bengals fans more than anyone should certainly know the consequences of one or two guys being jackasses. Like I stated above I would have some concern for LJ coming in and doing something stupid on Twitter or getting in troubl with the law. Once that happens, even if he is immediately cut, there will be questions from the media about and guys will have to talk about LJ instead of the game.

[X-band '01]

How many "Johnson" running backs would this make for the Bengals?

Let's not forget D-lineman Tank Johnson.

[boozehound]

Bengals fans more than anyone should certainly know the consequences of one or two guys being jackasses. Like I stated above I would have some concern for LJ coming in and doing something stupid on Twitter or getting in troubl with the law. Once that happens, even if he is immediately cut, there will be questions from the media about and guys will have to talk about LJ instead of the game.


That is the only concern that I would have, really. I don't think that he could hurt the locker room chemistry at this point. I think that the locker room is strong enough to withstand an aging 4th option running back with a bad attitude, if that is in fact that happens.

Hip injuries can be tricky, and they can most definitely linger. I see this as LJ being brought in in case Ced is out for a prolonged period of time. Nothing more.

[vee4xu]

Hmm. Another player of tainted character picked up by the Bengals. It has worked so far this year, but one match among these explosives and the whole place goes up in smoke. Henry, Benson, Othello whathisname a couple of years ago and now gay-basher Johnson. Who next in
Who Dey-land? Well, Pac Man Jones is available. Too bad the trading deadline passed because surely the Eagles would trade Vick to the Bengals as insurance against Palmer getting hurt.

The Bengals seem real this year but are only as strong as their weakest link. And they seem to have a fair share of those. Nice win yesterday.

[xavierj]

Hmm. Another player of tainted character picked up by the Bengals. It has worked so far this year, but one match among these explosives and the whole place goes up in smoke. Henry, Benson, Othello whathisname a couple of years ago and now gay-basher Johnson. Who next in
Who Dey-land? Well, Pac Man Jones is available. Too bad the trading deadline passed because surely the Eagles would trade Vick to the Bengals as insurance against Palmer getting hurt.

The Bengals seem real this year but are only as strong as their weakest link. And they seem to have a fair share of those. Nice win yesterday.

I hate when people lump bad characters with the Bengals because of the past. Yes The Bengals have had their fair share of problems but probably about 99% of the guys on the team are as good as you will get in the NFL. Heck the entire line gets together for bible study once a week and the Bengal players do a ton for the community. Yes Cedric had a few problems in the past but seems like a pretty good guy. I applaud the Bengals for giving guys a second chance and it seems like those guys are taking advantage of the second chance. It is funny that the Pittsburgh Steelers have had more guys with legal trouble the past couple of years but for some reason you never hear anyone question the character of their team.

[boozehound]

Hmm. Another player of tainted character picked up by the Bengals. It has worked so far this year, but one match among these explosives and the whole place goes up in smoke. Henry, Benson, Othello whathisname a couple of years ago and now gay-basher Johnson. Who next in
Who Dey-land? Well, Pac Man Jones is available. Too bad the trading deadline passed because surely the Eagles would trade Vick to the Bengals as insurance against Palmer getting hurt.

The Bengals seem real this year but are only as strong as their weakest link. And they seem to have a fair share of those. Nice win yesterday.

I strongly disagree with this last part. A strong locker room can overcome a few weak links. Look at what the Patriots have done with Randy Moss. He was the definition of "Malcontent" and nobody has heard a peep out of him since he went to NE.

Pittsburgh has had 'bad apples' as well. It hasn't blown that locker room up.

If one weak link was all it took every NFL team would be in shambles, because pretty much every team has at least one character concern on the roster. Teams with strong chemistry in the locker room do not allow those players to become a problem.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hate when people lump bad characters with the Bengals because of the past. Yes The Bengals have had their fair share of problems but probably about 99% of the guys on the team are as good as you will get in the NFL. Heck the entire line gets together for bible study once a week and the Bengal players do a ton for the community. Yes Cedric had a few problems in the past but seems like a pretty good guy. I applaud the Bengals for giving guys a second chance and it seems like those guys are taking advantage of the second chance. It is funny that the Pittsburgh Steelers have had more guys with legal trouble the past couple of years but for some reason you never hear anyone question the character of their team.

Umm, why would people not lump bad characters with the Bengals given their past?

I would like to see some concrete evedcience with your Steelers claim too. Besides the bogus rape accusation against Big Ben and Joey Porter in Vegas, I cant think of too many other run ins with the law when it comes to their players. I think there was one with James Harrison too.

[PM Thor]

While at Pittsburgh, Porters dogs ATE A HORSE. I kid you not.

I HATE dayton.

[boozehound]

I know that Joey Porter punched another player and took his gold chains (maybe Levi Jones???) while in a Casino in Vegas a few years back.

I believe that Santonio Holmes has been in legal trouble since in Pittsburgh.

Najeh Davenport had a Domestic Violence charge while in Pittsburgh. He also broke into a girl's college dorm room and crapped in the closet when he was in Green Bay.

Jeff Reed has been in trouble 2x in the last year for alcohol-related events (public intox, disurbing the peace type stuff)

A lot of this is in the past 2 years. Pittsburgh may not have had the legal trouble the Bengals did in their heyday but they aren't lilly white either. No NFL roster is.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I know that Joey Porter punched another player and took his gold chains (maybe Levi Jones???) while in a Casino in Vegas a few years back.

I believe that Santonio Holmes has been in legal trouble since in Pittsburgh.

Najeh Davenport had a Domestic Violence charge while in Pittsburgh. He also broke into a girl's college dorm room and crapped in the closet when he was in Green Bay.

Jeff Reed has been in trouble 2x in the last year for alcohol-related events (public intox, disurbing the peace type stuff)

A lot of this is in the past 2 years. Pittsburgh may not have had the legal trouble the Bengals did in their heyday but they aren't lilly white either. No NFL roster is.

Davenport really pooped in a closet? Did not know that...how the hell did I miss this news?

And here it is. He pooped in a laundry basket of some girl. Unbelievable. Imagine being her in that scenario. You are sleeping and you wake up to a large random man defacating in your closet. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/10/29/packers_davenport_ap/

[bobbiemcgee]

Davenport really pooped in a closet? Did not know that...how the hell did I miss this news?

And here it is. He pooped in a laundry basket of some girl. Unbelievable. Imagine being her in that scenario. You are sleeping and you wake up to a large random man defacating in your closet. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/10/29/packers_davenport_ap/

Guess nobody wanted to do the DNA test.

[chico]

:rolleyes:

"would have no affect" means what? ...they'll still be on the team, will they not??

My guess is it means that if they are the better back they will play - meaning Johnson will get no preferential treatment.

[vee4xu]

I knew that post would bust some balls. Don't get all defensive Bengals fans. Your team is doing well so don't let a smart ass like me come in and bust your chops. As I've posted before, though I am no Bengals fan I am happy for those of you (Xavier fans only) Bengal fans. Yesterday was a great win for the franchise. Enjoy the ride! I envy you.

[Snipe]

Ced Benson hurt his hip before the Pittsburgh game. We were talking to Larry Johnson last week. Ced couldn't go against Pitt much and his last run looked scary. I agree with XavierJ. I would like to sit Benson for a few weeks, or in my scenario the better part of a month.

We have three winnable games coming up, and if you add the week leading up to them you can sit Benson for around a month and get him healthy for the stretch run. Sit Benson and let the other three running backs share the time. I want to see them all play. I think it would be exciting.

This is a vital time in Larry Johnson's career. If he can't make it here I think he is finished. It is a great incentive for a man who has been one heck of a running back. If Johnson wants to play in the NFL next year with any sort of contract, he needs to behave and play well when asked. I like the situation that we are in. I think the man with be focused and dedicated. If not, he is cut and nothing is really lost.

I like the thought of being able to rest Benson for a month. If Johnson can produce and we can mix up the other backs, I think we can win these games and have a fresh Benson for the stretch drive.

I think Johnson will be motivated. If he still has anything in the tank, I think our line can help him on his way. He is also a veteran that has been through the wars of all those seasons. And everyone wants to be part of a winner. And I expect we will start playing our first round draft pick in one of these next three games, and he is an offensive lineman that was considered the best run blocking O-lineman in all of college ball last year. Might be fun for the guys to run behind our line coming up.

I think it is a great choice even if it fails. I think we took a great chance, and I want to rest Benson. And if Johnson still is a stud, it prevents other people from signing him, mainly Pittsburgh. I am not sure that Pittsburgh is strong at running back right now from what they showed me. Say Benson snaps back to 100% quickly, it still might pay to keep Johnson out of anyone else's reach.

I am pumped up beyond belief for the Bengals. I am happy for Marvin Lewis. This was a do or die year for him and things are going well. When you win you are a genius.

And I hate the Steelers. That sweep was so remarkable. So satisfying. And I love that Mack is a Bengals fan and he tweets about it. Hell to the Yeah C-Mack!

[waggy]

Marvin Lewis is a Genius! Who Dey?!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ced Benson hurt his hip before the Pittsburgh game. We were talking to Larry Johnson last week. Ced couldn't go against Pitt much and his last run looked scary. I agree with XavierJ. I would like to sit Benson for a few weeks, or in my scenario the better part of a month.

We have three winnable games coming up, and if you add the week leading up to them you can sit Benson for around a month and get him healthy for the stretch run. Sit Benson and let the other three running backs share the time. I want to see them all play. I think it would be exciting.

This is a vital time in Larry Johnson's career. If he can't make it here I think he is finished. It is a great incentive for a man who has been one heck of a running back. If Johnson wants to play in the NFL next year with any sort of contract, he needs to behave and play well when asked. I like the situation that we are in. I think the man with be focused and dedicated. If not, he is cut and nothing is really lost.

I like the thought of being able to rest Benson for a month. If Johnson can produce and we can mix up the other backs, I think we can win these games and have a fresh Benson for the stretch drive.

I think Johnson will be motivated. If he still has anything in the tank, I think our line can help him on his way. He is also a veteran that has been through the wars of all those seasons. And everyone wants to be part of a winner. And I expect we will start playing our first round draft pick in one of these next three games, and he is an offensive lineman that was considered the best run blocking O-lineman in all of college ball last year. Might be fun for the guys to run behind our line coming up.

I think it is a great choice even if it fails. I think we took a great chance, and I want to rest Benson. And if Johnson still is a stud, it prevents other people from signing him, mainly Pittsburgh. I am not sure that Pittsburgh is strong at running back right now from what they showed me. Say Benson snaps back to 100% quickly, it still might pay to keep Johnson out of anyone else's reach.

I am pumped up beyond belief for the Bengals. I am happy for Marvin Lewis. This was a do or die year for him and things are going well. When you win you are a genius.

And I hate the Steelers. That sweep was so remarkable. So satisfying. And I love that Mack is a Bengals fan and he tweets about it. Hell to the Yeah C-Mack!

If Benson is cleared and can go I think the Bengals have to play him. I dont care who you have coming up, you cant get one dimensional against any team in the NFL. Benson is the biggest reason the Bengals are where they are.

I dont think it could possibly be a do or die season for any Bengals coach who has years remaining could it?

[Snipe]

Did they re-sign Marvin Lewis. I thought that this was his contract year.

We just beat the Super Bowl Champs at home without Benson. We can beat the Raiders without Benson. He needs some rest. He was injured last week, and he couldn't make it on Sunday. I would want to rest him even if Johnson doesn't sign on the dotted line tomorrow.

I agree that Ced Benson is a big part of where we are at right now, which is why we need to get him healthy for the drive to the Super Bowl.

[PM Thor]

channel 12 is saying Johnson is signed.

I HATE dayton.

[waggy]

Also now reported at NFL.com

Bengals agree to terms with ex-Chiefs RB Johnson to fill backup role (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8144058d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

[boozehound]

If Benson is cleared and can go I think the Bengals have to play him. I dont care who you have coming up, you cant get one dimensional against any team in the NFL. Benson is the biggest reason the Bengals are where they are.

I dont think it could possibly be a do or die season for any Bengals coach who has years remaining could it?

You could (and I would) make a pretty good argument that defense is why the Bengals are where they are, not a running back. The Bengals are playing good defense and controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. I really don't think that we need Benson against lesser teams. A lot of the running game is derived from blocking and the offensive line play. The backups looked very good against Pittsburgh as well. I don't see how losing Benson makes the Bengals one dimensional if they still get good line play and have capable backups.

[xu drew]

I dont think it could possibly be a do or die season for any Bengals coach who has years remaining could it?

Marvin's contract is good through the 2010 season, so he had one more year after this one.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Marvin's contract is good through the 2010 season, so he had one more year after this one.

Ya, that supports what I was saying doesnt it?

[D-West & PO-Z]

You could (and I would) make a pretty good argument that defense is why the Bengals are where they are, not a running back. The Bengals are playing good defense and controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. I really don't think that we need Benson against lesser teams. A lot of the running game is derived from blocking and the offensive line play. The backups looked very good against Pittsburgh as well. I don't see how losing Benson makes the Bengals one dimensional if they still get good line play and have capable backups.

Ya, I mean I dont know too much about their backups. I know Leonard is a good 3rd down guy. Are their backups capabale of being more than backups? The Johnson signing sheds some doubt on that even if Lewis is saying he wont jump ahead of the other two.

I agree that the defense is also a huge reason.

[Jumpy]

I don't think the Johnson signing is necessarily a statement that Marvin doesn't trust Leonard and Scott. I (and I hope the team does as well) consider it an insurance policy. If you have the chance to sign a former Pro Bowler for pennies on the dollar compared to what he was making just 4 weeks ago during a playoff run, wouldn't you?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think the Johnson signing is necessarily a statement that Marvin doesn't trust Leonard and Scott. I (and I hope the team does as well) consider it an insurance policy. If you have the chance to sign a former Pro Bowler for pennies on the dollar compared to what he was making just 4 weeks ago during a playoff run, wouldn't you?

Not if he is as bad as Larry Johnson, and brings as much baggage. Not to be a 4th string back. I dont get it. I have a feeling LJ is hearing a different story then we all are. I dont think he believes he will be an insurance policy. If that was the case he could have waited for a bigger injury to another team. Lets be realistic here people.

[GetUp5]

Is LJ going to come into Cincinnati and be the 4th back? No. Marvin is lying when he says that, but on the other hand, he's telling the truth when it comes to not affecting Scott and Leonard.
Would any of the 4 be that upset if the roles were:

Ced- featured back
LJ- change of pace back (6-8 carries/game)
Scott- Kick returner
Leonard- 3rd down back

I think this is the scenario that will evolve. It doesn't affect Leonard's role because he'll still be the third down back and Scott was hardly getting in the game before the Steelers game. He will surely be the kick returner the rest of the way barring a string of fumbles or something (knock on wood).

I'm all for it. Carson and co. has already established the chemistry in the locker room. If LJ has any negative effect at all, he gets cut. It's a win win situation.

[Jumpy]

Not if he is as bad as Larry Johnson, and brings as much baggage. Not to be a 4th string back. I dont get it. I have a feeling LJ is hearing a different story then we all are. I dont think he believes he will be an insurance policy. If that was the case he could have waited for a bigger injury to another team. Lets be realistic here people.

Winning cures everything. Plus, LJ knows this is his last chance. I don't expect any trouble out of him while he's here. And if he does, then he simply gets cut, like GetUp5 said.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Winning cures everything. Plus, LJ knows this is his last chance. I don't expect any trouble out of him while he's here. And if he does, then he simply gets cut, like GetUp5 said.

Winning doesn't cure everything when you have an ego and don't feel u are getting enough play(see TO). This is not a no lose situation. How many guys have "had their last chance" (see Pac Man) and still blown it? If he gets in trouble while with the bengals it will have a negative effect.

[Kahns Krazy]

Winning doesn't cure everything when you have an ego and don't feel u are getting enough play(see TO). This is not a no lose situation. How many guys have "had their last chance" (see Pac Man) and still blown it? If he gets in trouble while with the bengals it will have a negative effect.

I wouldn't call 3-6 "winning".

[Jumpy]

Winning doesn't cure everything when you have an ego and don't feel u are getting enough play(see TO). This is not a no lose situation. How many guys have "had their last chance" (see Pac Man) and still blown it? If he gets in trouble while with the bengals it will have a negative effect.

Please. You can't even be dumb enough to try and compare TO to Larry Johnson. 1) TO has a much longer/worse history of being a douchebag than LJ. 2) the 3-6 Bills aren't comparable to the 7-2 Bengals. 3) The Bengals have a much less volatile and impressionable locker room than the Bills.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I wouldn't call 3-6 "winning".

TO with the Cowboys and Eagles is what I meant. They were winning and he still was causing problems. ie.) winning does not cure everything.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Please. You can't even be dumb enough to try and compare TO to Larry Johnson. 1) TO has a much longer/worse history of being a douchebag than LJ. 2) the 3-6 Bills aren't comparable to the 7-2 Bengals. 3) The Bengals have a much less volatile and impressionable locker room than the Bills.

See above post. I meant TO with Eagles and Cowboys. I am also not saying LJ is as bad as TO but LJ definitely has some issues of his own and my TO example is to show winning does not cure everything.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

This is a great move by the Bengals, LJ adds great depth for Ced who can now get his carries limited over the next three weeks. Can't wait to see LJ against the Chiefs later this year, it will be Ced v Bears all over again (though with less yards and likel even more emotion). Anyone who says this is a bad move by the Bengals is stupid. Do you seriously think LJ is not going to be on his best behavir for the rest of the year? If he doesn't dispell the bad teammate rap he won't have a job next year. That, coupled with the fact he now has a chance to play in his first ever playoff game, will lead to a happy rest of the season for us Bengal fans.

[Jumpy]

See above post. I meant TO with Eagles and Cowboys. I am also not saying LJ is as bad as TO but LJ definitely has some issues of his own and my TO example is to show winning does not cure everything.

Fair enough, but I don't think that TO applies even in that sense. TO was a member of both those teams for a while, meaning that he was there long enough to be considered "one of them". He had friends on the team and enough involvement with others to be able to do damage to the locker room chemistry when he started getting upset.

Cut to Larry Johnson, who is joining the Bengals in week 11. Those guys have been together for 3+ months and in walks a guy with only 1/3 of the season left. Even if he came in kicking and screaming (which he was never on the level of a TO or Tiki Barber), the guys in the locker room would just shun him. They would all side against him because he hasn't been here long enough to create factions.

LJ is a rented player who comes in with his own motivation to keep his head on straight. Sure, he could end up creating controversy/tension in the locker room, but it would surprise me greatly if he did.

[Berger]

I also would doubt he would create a distraction just for the fact that he is on a WINNING team.

[Fireball]

All of our top 3 tailbacks have been nursing some injuries over the past few week. Johnson can eat up some carries, has a history of being a very good back, and help our top 3 backs get well.

Can't say that I have a problem with the signing.