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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > July > 21 > Entry
Bengals O-line needs to serve and protect
The Cincinnati Bengals makeshift offensive line is being described as the weak link for an offense with the potential to become one of the most explosive in the NFL. Inquiring minds want to know if the revamped unit can protect franchise quarterback Carson Palmer. Good question, considering Bengal quarterbacks were sacked like a bag of chips last season — a total of 51 times, third most of any team in the league.
The team’s front five will have an opportunity to prove themselves during training camp, which begins July 31 in Georgetown, Ky. One of the players looking to open some eyes is starting left guard Nate Livings. He has paid his dues after spending most of 2006 and ’07 on Cincinnati’s practice squad. Now the undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State is being asked to help keep the team’s prized pupil upright.
“I want to take one game at a time and work together as a unit,” Livings said during a recent phone interview. “We did pretty well during OTA and minicamp, but our focus is on getting better every day. We will continue to work as a unit and let the chips fall where they may.”
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Livings started the final six games of the 2008 season at left guard, due to injury. In those six games, the Bengals surrendered 12 sacks with Livings being credited with allowing a half sack. The versatile Livings has developed into a pretty solid run and pass blocker. His true strengths, however, may be his ability to pull and his quickness. He moves very well for a big guy.
Livings spoke on what needs to happen in order for the scrutinized offensive line of LT Andrew Whitworth, RG Bobbie Williams, C Kyle Cook, rookie RT Andre Smith and Livings, to be successful.
“The biggest thing is trust,” he said. “I think the key thing for us is to trust each another. (Andrew) Whitworth and I played together in college and he knows my style of play and I know his. Once we all get together and continue to trust each other and play our game, I think we’ll be very good.”
So what makes this year’s team different from the 4-11-1 team of last season?
“I think the focus is there,” Livings said. “You can look at each guy and pretty much tell that they didn’t like the taste in their mouths from last season. I think a lot of the clowning around is out with more focus on the football season and what we’re there for. It’s more of a locker room focused on what we have to do, first and foremost.”
On paper the Bengals look just as good as my pinup poster of Beyonce, but the players on the team know that it’s all about how you perform on center stage, game day.
“You always get hype during the offseason based on acquisitions and trades,” Livings said. “Hype is for the fans and that stuff just doesn’t enter the locker room. We’re focused on each game and not concerned about the hype. It’s just about coming together and being a great football team.
“We don’t want teams looking at us like it’s an automatic win on their schedule. We want to be one of the teams that when you look at us on the schedule you know you got to bring you’re A-game.”
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Todd
July 22, 2009 6:57 AM | Link to this
Big C, Boy you got me amped about the Bengals season. I purchased season-tickets on Saturday and can’t wait for the preseason. Keep it comin’ yo!By BengalBacker
July 22, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
I believe I read some place on the site that Chick Ludwig is off on vacation. I got news for you, ain’t missing you STUD! I don’t believe that people are giving the Bengals offensive line enough credit. Look at the turnabout the Cleveland Browns O-line made from 2006 to 2007 the year they drafted Joe Thomas. The Bengals have made some real progress this offseason and with their schedule should make the playoffs. At lease that’s what I’m hoping.By richardb
July 22, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
Bengals need to keep fresh blood flowing to their O line with every off season. They did that this offseason unlike previous years. Relying on aging vets and Stacy Andrews just got Carson nearly killed last season. This Oline has potential to be good but it will take some time and likely a few losses before we’ll see them at their best. I doubt too that Whitworth is the final answer at LT.By Arkfan1
July 22, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
If they get the running game going, it will ease the pressure on protecting Carson. I think this line is capable of running against anyone and if they do, it will make defenses hesitate before coming with pressure.By cocobuff
July 22, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
If the O-line does its job, everything else will fall into place, especially if Cedric Benson handles his business the way he’s supposed to.By cocobuff
July 22, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
If the O-line does its job, everything else will fall into place, especially if Cedric Benson handles his business the way he’s supposed to.By Becca
July 22, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
I agree with you cocobuff. The Bengals will be just fine. If not, just beat the Steelers! Who-Dey!By Jason
July 22, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
Im about done with the Reds….. OMG I cant wait till football season!!!By Eric
July 24, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Just beat the steelers? I need a bit more than that, let’s expect greatness instead of mediocrity, I’m tired of it. I am, on the same token excited for this year, but I become more and more wary each off season about my excitement level for the impeding season.