Browns Blog

Heading south

What has been often called the “zoo” continues to spin out of control. Receiver Chris Hentry was released recently after another brush with the law. Receiver Chad Johnson has yet to stop campaigning for a trade out of Cincinnati and as far from the Bengals as possible.

It’s hard to believe how far the Bengals have fallen in such a short amount of time. A couple of years ago they were considered the powerhouse of the future in the AFC North. Now they’re considered a third- or last-place team.

Coach Marvin Lewis is paying for his decision to bring in players of questionable character. He gambled that talented players like Henry would stay out of trouble and give the Bengals an all-star caliber lineup. Instead, he’s dealing with one of the biggest messes in the NFL.

Nothing seems to have gone right for the Bengals from the moment former Steelers defensive lineman Kimo Von Oelhoffen tore apart quarterback Carson Palmer’s knee in a playoff game in January of 2006. Palmer healed quicker than anyone anticipated, but the damage done throughout the rest of the roster seems irreparable at this time.

There are still some offensive strengths that can’t be denied. Palmer is as good as any quarterback at times. Johnson will probably be with the team next season, which gives them an outstanding deep threat. Running back Rudi Johnson, when healthy, is good for 1,000-plus yards, and the offensive line looks solid.

But there are plenty of holes on defense to go along with the off-the-field problems. The Bengals don't have enough draft choices to fix all of their defensive problems.

Lewis is hindered in that free agents don't want to go to Cincinnati. Defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, whom the Browns acquired from the Detroit Lions in a trade, reportedly turned down a chance to go the Bengals by refusing to waive a contract clause that would have delayed a roster bonus by a few days. He reportedly waived the clause to go to Cleveland.

The Bengals can't be counted out of the AFC North race in mid April, but their chance of winning the division don't look good.