Nobody can't call Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis a gambler. Lewis, head coach since 2003, has made the playoffs twice in his six year stint with the Bengals, including winning the AFC North Division with a 10-6 record this past season as well as earning AP Coach of the Year honors.
He has done this with a group of players that can be called (at the least) rambunctious. According to a San Diego Union-Tribune database of arrests involving NFL players since 2000, the Bengals have a league-leading 32, with 21 since 2005 and 10 since 2007. This includes three Bengal arrests this off season. One of the players is RB Cedric Benson, who was charged with two DWI's while wearing out his welcome in Chicago. He has been charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face on May 30. Last season, he led the Bengals in rushing with a career-high 1,251 yards and set a team single-season record with seven games of 100 yards or more. In 24 career games with Cincinnati, Benson has totaled 2,167 yards and nine touchdowns rushing. Heck, he was a mainstay with my fantasy football team last year. Other co-stars of this show include Tank Johnson and 'Pacman' Jones.
Having said all this, Lewis's latest gamble has a different kind of spin. The Bengals have signed future HOF receiver Terrell Owens, who is more known for his 'love me some me' attitude. His name even comes up first when I google him. During his tenure, he has thown two quarterbacks under the bus and singlehandely destroyed two locker rooms. Having said that, he only trails Randy Moss and Jerry Rice for career touchdowns by a wide receiver.
On the opposite WR side is six-time Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco, a guy with his own history. This includes bringing the Mohawk back, his actually enjoyable end zone celebrations and his phrase, made famous by the HBO show 'Hard Knocks', "Child, Please".
Colorful does not begin to describe this duo. I don't know what to expect from them. I have to say in T.O.'s defense, that he kept his nose clean this past season while with the Buffalo Bills. He almost became a league pariah from his antics in the past. But as the saying goes, "as long as you can play the game..there will always be a spot for you in the league". Or something like that. Also these two guys have never been on any police blotters and they both have had their own reality TV shows. If this potential NFL reality show works on the field...you better get your popcorn ready.
Have a great weekend!!!
Song of the Blog: Brittney Spears - "Circus"
I cheer for the Bengals strictly for Marvin Lewis who created the Ravens defense and won them a Super bowl with it .... That's how I see it in Charlotte Andy .... back to you
ReplyDelete