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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > May > 12 > Entry
Carson Palmer will be on a ‘pitch count;’ Henry must produce to get a new deal
BENGALS FAN IN MYRTLE BEACH:
‘GOOSE BUMPS 800 MILES AWAY’
Question: Hey, Chick: Since you have the inside info, I was wondering a few things. Has Chris Henry been going to the team workouts? Has something changed in the way Marvin and Mike Brown deal with each other? I’ve never seen the Bengals make this many moves and they all seem well thought out. How is Carson looking? Are you as genuinely enthused as me? I believe they are going to the playoffs. What do you think?
Answer: Yes, Chris Henry is participating in the offseason workouts. He’s entering the final season of a two-year contract. He knows he has to have a good year in order to get a new contract — if not here, then someplace else. He also has to stay free from trouble in order to remain in the NFL.
Mike and Marvin meet every morning and seem to be on the same page. Carson looks good, but know this: The team is taking four QBs to camp, and Carson is going to be on a strict “pitch count.” I believe the Bengals will go 10-6 and make the playoffs.
Question: I can’t believe how the Bengals have upgraded at all the positions of need — linebacker, safety, defensive line, There are certainly good numbers at wide receiver, but offensive line is the key. We can always switch the power runs to the left side — the old Raiders style. Running to the left pins down the speed rusher and makes him do something he does not want to do. What do you think?
Answer: You’re right about the offensive line. That’s why the team drafted Andre Smith. The best way to protect your quarterback is with a solid running game. Last year’s defense finished 12th in total yards yielded, and the unit accomplished the feat with the worst offense in the league. With a better running game, a more consistent offense and a punter who is skilled at pinning opponents inside the 20, the defensive numbers should improve.
Question: Chick, I’m a transplanted Bengals Fan in Myrtle Beach. Lawrenceburg, Ind., is from where I hail!! I’m just wondering … when did Mike Brown fire himself and hire a real general manager? The team has made some amazing acquisitions and had an amazing draft. I’m getting goose bumps 800 miles away! I’m telling you everyone feels things are going to be different this year. My Maualuga Jersey should be here by now!!! Chick, YOU are our guy! Make us proud!
Answer: Hey, Walt. Appreciate the comments. I’m just doing my job. You have a right to feel good. The team’s scouts all say this is the best draft they’ve been a part of. But that’s on paper. Now the players have to stay healthy and perform.
Question: Hey, Chick, this is off the subject. I’m watching the Reds and have concluded that Adam Rosales is Cris Collinsworth’s goober twin. Any disagreements?
Answer: I honestly believe Adam Rosales is Roadrunner on amphetamines.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By gobengals
May 12, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this
Chick: I have to respectfully disagree with your 10-6 prediction for the following reasons. While the draft was good, the offensive line will need some time to get in sync and gel. Bratkowski is perhaps the WORST OC in the NFL, with him there is no way Bengals go 10-6. His “play-calling” is so predictable, boring, unimaginative, lame and ineffectual that even if you had Joe Montana and his 49ers on the field, Bratkowski would foul it up. Please contact Mike Brown ASAP and have Brat fired, Oh wait, that’s right, when Marvin leaves Brat will be made Head Coach. OK it makes sense now.By LBD
May 12, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
When will you people in Cincinatti ever learn.By NotSoFastMyFriend
May 12, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
I have drunk the koolaid wayyy too many times,like chickster said a few weeks back,WINS will convince,still dont forget about the cut down day,theres where you may pick up a gem of a Ol and CB,remember it takes many drafts like that to make a solid team,and Katie Blackburn may be the reason you see the changes,cause Mikey might also been feeling the heat since she will be taking over…think about it.By NotSoFastMyFriend
May 12, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
I have drunk the koolaid wayyy too many times,like chickster said a few weeks back,WINS will convince,still dont forget about the cut down day,theres where you may pick up a gem of a Ol and CB,remember it takes many drafts like that to make a solid team,and Katie Blackburn may be the reason you see the changes,cause Mikey might also been feeling the heat since she will be taking over…think about it.By Gary
May 12, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
Remember, at this time everyone is undefeated. It is too early to use the word upgraded to describe the off/def lines. Yes, new people, but only with potential at this time.By Robert Y
May 12, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Chick I can’t share your optimism. Looking at the schedule where do you see 10 wins?By BnOPanther
May 12, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
I swear this is the movie “Dave”. Mike Brown had a stroke and for some tax purpose is being kept alive in a room beneath PBS. Tobin and Marvin are making all the moves while they wheel out a look alike in Mikey Boys same Ford Taurus.By VoHo
May 12, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
I’m 99.99% with “gobengals” and Chick has heard me squawk for years about how bad “the Brat” is. How long did it take last season before they crafted any small portion of the offensive scheme to take advantage of Fitzpatrick’s mobility? I bet it was six games or more. Bratkowski must have some real dirt on Marvin to keep his job after the pile of manure he served up last season. Can we circulate a petition?By Andy C
May 12, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
The Bengals should not be done with their offseason moves. I believe they still need a veteran CB to play the nickle and to provide depth if Joseph or Hall should go down. I believe they also need to add a veteran offensive tackle to provide depth in case one of the young guys don’t pan out.By kyle
May 12, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
i wonder how many times chick ludwig has been beat up in his lifetime.By kyle
May 12, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
i wonder how many times chick ludwig has been beat up in his lifetime.By Chick Ludwig
May 12, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
I, Chick Ludwig, AKA The Chickster, have been punished repeatedly over the years, starting in 1997 when I was named the Cincinnati Bengals beat writer for the Dayton Daily News. I wore the “interim” robe in ‘97. Afterward, my boss told me the beat was mine if I wanted it. Yes, I welcome the pain and suffering. I’m bruised, battered, but not beaten.By metal4ever
May 12, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this
Chickster: you are the eternal optimist of Bengal nation. We salute you! Below is the 2009 schedule and the predicted Wins/ Losses (7-9). L Sep 13 DEN @ CIN L 2 Sep 20 CIN @ GB L 3 Sep 27 PIT @ CIN W 4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE L 5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL L 6 Oct 18 HOU @ CIN W 7 Oct 25 CHI @ CIN 8 Bye 9 W Nov 08 BAL @ CIN L 10 Nov 15 CIN @ PIT W 11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK W 12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN W 13 Dec 06 DET @ CIN L 14 Dec 13 CIN @ MIN L 15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD L 16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN W 17 Jan 03 CIN @ NYJBy metal4ever
May 12, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the word wrap. Wins: Cleveland, Chicago, Baltimore, Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit, Jets Losses: Denver, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, San Diego, Kansas CityBy photoman
May 12, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Chickster! Even if the Bengals go 10-6, how are the CB’s gonna finish ahead of Pittsburgh and Baltimore at the season end?By BnOPanther
May 13, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
Metal let me ask you a question. If they split with Pitt and Bmore that’s 9-7. No way they lose to Denver, Houston and Kansas City. That’s one one more win which makes it 10-6. I say Chick pretty much nailed this one.