The Golden Calf

In 2008, the wheels came off of the Bengals’ bandwagon and crashed. The survivors of that tragedy have regrouped and are viewing the organization’s attempt at 2009 with binoculars; safely out of reach from another meltdown, but still keeping a close eye on things just in case something does work.

The first run through the gauntlet is that annual NFL Golden Calf: free agency. As a fan it’s hard to not get excited with all the big-named players flying around the free-agent universe. Every casual fan that knows their way around a roster begins to conceive, not just the correct course of action, but the only one. “Why wouldn’t management make that decision?” you ask the empty room around you. “It makes such perfect sense.” Then, when realities like former injuries and salary cap difficulties begin to poke gaping holes in your GM logic, you sit down flustered and start to question your team’s direction.

But not this year. Thanks to the ignored public outcry of Bengal fans over the lack of scouts and general management, expectations of failure and ineptitude on Mike Brown’s behalf are now the commonplace attitude toward the team’s future. Brown never pays a lot for that muffler, and has had some noticeable mishaps when negotiating with free agents – Warren Sapp, Sean Rodgers and Lorenzo Neal come to mind (the Bengals refused to pay Neal $1 million. He went on to play many more quality years with other teams). Yet with this year’s free agent class, Brown would be smarter to do what he does best: keep his money in his pocket.

I admit, Albert Haynesworth would be superb, Ray Lewis would be cool and Matt Birk would help, but these veterans would likely select more adept organizations in places where they could finish their careers. Even Houshmandzedah – sadly – is moving on without us. Cincinnati just isn’t turning heads these days.

The team already made one questionable move by slapping the franchise tag on kicker Shane Graham. Graham is money inside 47 yards, and he’s a champion in the community. His drawbacks, however, are that his kick-offs are short, he can’t reach 50 yards or longer and he’s missed the two biggest kicks of his career (2006 Week 16 at Denver, Week 17 vs. Pittsburgh). If we’re going to pay him as a top-5 kicker in the league – that which the franchise tag entails – then he must meet the criteria of an elite kicker.

The next decision is based around Cedric Benson. He’s said publicly that he’d like to remain in stripes and sign a long-term contract here, but the more he talks, the more he says words like open market and fair value. If this man thinks he’s in demand, than he’s drinking his agent’s Kool-Aid. Quick, think of a team that needs Benson more than the Bengals. If you’ve managed to come up with an answer, would that team need to outbid the Bengals to get him? I doubt it.

Benson appeared serviceable, even explosive at times last season, but I wouldn’t dare murmur the phrase “feature back” within earshot of him. If he does return, the Bengals will certainly need to compliment him with the appropriate speed-back in order to keep up with necessary NFL trends. Let’s not forget that Benson failed to average even four yards a carry last year. If he holds out for a big payday, then happy trails, because the most replaceable position in today’s league is the running back.

Whether it be in the form of running back or wide receiver, special teams coach Darren Simmons needs a kick-returner to help make him look good. Glen Holt is absolutely not the answer. In fact, no one on the team can return kicks, and this too, has become a trendy point of emphasis among the successful franchises in the league. The best part is that the Bengals can fill two needs with a player like this: They can either get the speedy running back who can catch (Derrick Ward sounds pricey, Maurice Morris sounds shaky), or the smallish slot-receiver who can be a deep threat as well (Devery Henderson sounds nice). One of these two concerns need met, might as well get a return guy to boot out of the deal.

(Actually, both of these concerns need met – that’s why they’re concerns – but this is the kind of attitude that us Bengal folk have cultivated through our rapid decline of enthusiasm.)

The Bengals could also use a new fullback, backup quarterback and a busload of offensive lineman, but some of these needs will be filled in the draft, which will be discussed in the near future.

Defensively, it seems that we’re always on the lookout for more fat guys; can’t get enough giant stomachs. With the departure of John Thornton, the unit could use another wide load to shuffle between Peko and the emerging Pat Sims. Outside of Haynesworth, there are no quality free agent defensive tackles, so Mike Brown might as well throw a house full of cash at him and hope for the best.

There is a decent pool of linebackers in this year’s market, headlined by the visceral Ray Lewis. Ray’s primal explosiveness mixed with his spiritual leadership make him priceless to any team. Our only glimmer of hope, our reason to dream, is that Marvin Lewis was his coordinator in Baltimore and helped Ray become the X-Men character we see him as today. He will command serious money on the open market and I doubt he ends up in Cincinnati.

Other linebackers of intrigue include Angelo Crowell, Jonathan Vilma, Bart Scott and Channing Crowder. A possible gem could be Kevin Barnett who played under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer in Dallas and would probably come with an affordable price tag.

Free safety Chris Crocker – who joined the Bengals mid-season last year – played well enough to be re-signed and compete with Marvin White for the starting spot next training camp. Outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty is a bit slow for the ways Zimmer uses him, but if re-signed would add depth to an injury-prone position.

One need not to be a wise man to know great teams are built through the draft. Free agents are available for good reason, and it’s up to Mike Brown and his people to see through the bright packaging and fancy displays. If you want to spend money in free agency this year, Mr. Brown, give lump sums to the few head-liners that are available. If these players refuse your offers, use that money to purchase more player personnel and succeed through the draft for years to come.

Mojokong – ask Daniel Snyder if championships are made through free agency.