Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... Smart Personnel Moves - In the draft, I really liked the selection of TE Chase Coffman from Missouri.  I think he will grow to become their best pass-catcher at TE since Dan Ross in the 1980s.  On talent, you have to like T Andre Smith, ILB ...

Mark Sanchez signs deal; sets the ceiling for what's offered for Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — Reports are surfacing, via Pro Football Talk, that quarterback Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets have agreed to a deal. The five-year deal has $28 million guaranteed with a maximum value of $60 million. Sanchez was picked fifth in the 2009 NFL draft. The Bengals picked sixth, and selected Andre Smith. We're likely looking at the ceiling for Smith's deal. He'll probably get five years, but less than $28 million guaranteed. How much less? Knowing the Bengals, they'll want to know the floor before offering Smith ...

Fantastic Friday Links and Notes: Defensive line will make linebackers better
Cincy Jungle — ... Paul Alexander, the Bengals’ offensive line coach, said N.F.L. coaches sometimes watch only film of goal-line plays — which are more likely to be runs — or tapes of drills to determine whether a prospect can run block. He recently watched five-year-old tape of a player as a freshman to see him blocking for the run. This year, the Bengals took Alabama tackle Andre Smith with the sixth overall pick. ...

What happens if Bengals' tackle Andre Smith holds out?
Cincy Jungle — ... The reality is that Andre Smith is likely missing some portion of training camp while contract negotiations possibly continue into August. Note, however, that this isn't fact. Signing top-ten draft picks before training camp isn't only a problem that the ...

Will Andre Smith hold-out all of training camp because of contract negotiations?
Cincy Jungle — Chick Ludwig writes that it would be a shock, if Andre Smith "surfaces at Georgetown College". We're not talking about a 2-3 day holdout; the Chickster is talking about missing all of training camp. When the Bengals drafted Smith, he was represented by Rick Smith to presumably improve his stock during the NFL Draft after severely declining during a series of misguided choices in which people rose more red flags than the Red army. So the rookie offensive tackle figured that Rick Smith will help his stock, hired him, ...

Around the NFL: FAVRE!, Making a Fashion Statement; and Andre Smith
Acme Packing Company — Has QB Brett Favre already signed a contract with Minnesota? Maybe not, of course the denial came from Favre's never reliable agent, Bus Cook. We've already covered the fashion of RB Ryan Grant, but he might have nothing on the 49ers TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree. The week before the NFL draft, I was warming up to the idea of drafting Alabama OT Andre Smith, even after all his antics at the NFL combine. Of course, now I'm glad that NT B.J. ...

Kyle Cook won the bench press competition -- 39 reps at 225 pounds
Cincy Jungle — ... Our center, pumping 225 pounds 39 times. Strength. Nastiness. To put that in perspective, only one player at the NFL Combine matched Cook -- not that we're comparing incoming rookies with a second-year player. Close enough. In further perspective, Andre Smith benched 225 pounds only 19 times (not even half) during his Alabama Pro Day in early March. No word on ...

Cedric Benson is the workhorse; Jordan Palmer closer to backup role than we think?
Cincy Jungle — ... The next time that we see Andre Smith, it'll be when he's signed to a contract. Since that could take some time, the ...

The Bengals Feel Optimistic and Confident
Cincy Jungle — ... .  To help with the offensive line, they drafted Andre Smith who should start but lacks experience with the offense.  Currently the Bengals have only 2 centers on their roster with a total of 5 years experience between them, which could leave Carson vulnerable to up the middle blitzes.  So the Bengals have a bit of a dilemma.  Do they move Whitworth who has some experience with the center position or do they go with the inexperience of ...

Paul Alexander's Camp isn't Eric Mangini's "Magic Bus Ride"
Cincy Jungle — ... The problem with the wording is that not all Bengals rookies are asked to attend. It's just rookies on the offensive line, as evident that Kindred's piece references only Andre Smith and ...

Bengals draft picks typically sign in the 11th hour
Cincy Jungle — ... However, "team officials foresee no problems in signing their middle- to late-round picks. It's the first-round pick though that continues to be a concern as the team looks to be preparing for a long standoff with Andre Smith." ...

Bengals offensive line is a question about inexperience
Cincy Jungle — ... has no career starts. Andre Smith has yet to sign his first NFL contract and Anthony Collins -- the tackle that would likely start over Smith if contract negotiations are drawn out -- made all of six career starts at left tackle. The following chart is easy enough to read. Games started isn't total NFL starts; it's games started at that position ( ...

Charting Contracts for the Bengals 2009 Rookie Class
Cincy Jungle — ... Base Signing Total 1 1 Andre Smith OT       ...

Owning Up to Past Mistakes
Acme Packing Company — ... Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith with their first round pick.  While Cincinnatti was kind enough to take him three spots before us, I still would like to say that I am deeply, deeply sorry. ...

Andre Smith wants to sign so he can learn new position at right tackle
Cincy Jungle — I agree with reader chazerize that Andre Smith is saying all of the right things when he says he wants to be in camp because a "holdout could hamper his transition from left tackle to right tackle." However, along with Joe Reedy, there's the reality that Smith wouldn't say anything to contradict the point. There are a lot of things at work here. There's the fact the Bengals have developed a reputation of signing first-round draft picks late -- sometimes deep into training camp. There's the reputation that ...

July 15th is deadline for long-term deals of franchise players; Bengals are ranked 118th; Now we're ranking fashion in the NFL?
Cincy Jungle — ... AHN's Matthew Harvey writes that Andre Smith will attend training camp; whether he signs or not, saying "while contract negotiations continue, he ...

Marvin Lewis must show improvement; Andre Smith and the Bengals to start negotiations soon
Cincy Jungle — ... a good track record hiring head coaches. So charging them with that responsibility makes me a bit nervous. However, I agree. With this team, and the return of several players, he needs to show improvement. We're not talking playoffs because I believe, in reality, that's still a stretch at this point. We just don't know about a lot of things -- how are the free agent veterans going to play, are the rookies going to contribute right away and will they produce? The Bengals and Andre Smith are expected to be in contact in the next week or so, ...

Report: Chase Coffman close to signing
Cincy Jungle — ... You know the count, you know numbers. As of this posting, the Bengals have signed all five of their sixth and seventh round picks. Left are Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga, Michael Johnson, Chase Coffman, Jonathan Luigs and punter, Kevin Huber. We figure that Smith will be a long holdout and that Maualuga, Johnson, Coffman, Luigs and Huber will sign at the eleventh hour. Of those, Coffman is the most confident to sign soon with the Bengals, writes Carlos Holmes. "There is no way I am not ...

Quick Bytes: July 10th, 2009
Big Cat Country —   Uni Watch: Which uniforms are in the most desperate need of a redesign? - ESPN The Jaguars uniforms come in at #2. Bengals, Smith To Start Talking This Week | ProFootballTalk.com This is important to the Jaguars because Andre Smith's contract may have the most weight on Eugene Monroe's situation. Marcedes Lewis: Ready To Shine for the Jacksonville Jaguars | Bleacher Report Is Marcedes Lewis finally able to show off the pass catching skills that made him a ...

Reactions to Chad Ochocinco's pledge to Tweet during games
Cincy Jungle — ... are, right now, in the middle of a total restructuring effort within the offensive playbook. New things. New philosophies. Changes which required Chad to "make up" time and get into the new flow of things. Reportedly, he did quite well. There's also new players, younger players. If there's a time in which this organization needs team-minded attitudes, it's right now. Things are developing. Younger players are impressionable (uh hum, Andre Smith). I made this point with the Washington Post Panel, saying that ...

The Bengals Offensive Line Could Be Its Achilles Heal
Cincy Jungle — ... Coming into this season, Marvin and Bratkowski have their work cut out for them as they decide who should be starting on the offensive line due to the level of experience.  Williams and Whitworth figure to be starters due to their experience with the offense, and possibly Kooistra, who has spent most of his time with the Bengals as a backup.  But that is when it gets thin.  Everyone expects 1st round draft pick Andre Smith to start at tackle, but he has not signed yet.  The early report on him after OTA's is he is above expectations but ...

Bengals sign their fifth-round pick, punter Kevin Huber
Cincy Jungle — ... Huber is the team's sixth player from the 2009 NFL Draft that the Bengals have signed. The remaining players are Andre Smith, ...

Why the Cincinnati Bengals could be in store for a prolonged holdout with Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — ... The rotation of agents surrounding Andre Smith this offseason caused additional concern. After the NFL Combine, Smith fired Keels, his first agent. His draft stock plummeted; many considered him a late first-round pick after so many thought he'd be a first overall pick during the 2008 collegiate season. Rick Smith was hired, bringing his stock up so much that the Bengals, desperate to rebuild their offensive line, drafted him sixth overall. Soon after that, Andre Smith fired Rick Smith and brought Alvin Keels back. Rick Smith and Priority Sports ...

Links and Notes: Marvin Lewis' last stand?
Cincy Jungle — ... Bowen also called Andre Smith a risk because of off-the-field red flags. In truth, what off-the-field red flags? When you read off-the-field red flags in such a generic terms, without pointing out what those flags are, then you think the worst. He was suspended in the Sugar Bowl for talking to an agent. Had two instances where he wasn't prepared to workout in front of NFL teams and used one agent to improve his draft stock and then subsequently firing him afterwards. These are flags of a mature nature. Red flags? Maybe. But quantify it a little. Someone ...

Bengals sign fourth-round draft pick Jonathan Luigs; seven down and only four to go
Cincy Jungle — ... deal, which we presume is the minimum base pay ($1.75 million) but a higher signing bonus than what punter Kevin Huber signed. Both Luigs and Huber's deals are still undisclosed. (UPDATE: Joe Reedy writes that Luigs' deal is around $2.259 million "with a signing bonus of approximately $509,000") Luigs brings the count of drafted players signed to NFL contracts to seven, with Chase Coffman, Michael Johnson, Rey Maualuga and Andre Smith unsigned -- all players drafted in the first, second and ...

The offensive line is the main story for training camp; the Cincinnati Bengals lottery instant game
Cincy Jungle — The biggest story during the Bengals training camp will be the offensive line. Who plays where? I doubt that the initial starting lineup, or leading candidates to start, will all start against the Denver Broncos. Can Kyle Cook keep the center spot? What about Nate Livings? Will Anthony Collins start over Andre Smith because of a prolonged holdout? If so, when does Smith start? Sure, there's plenty of other stories to focus on during training camp. Carson Palmer's return. The Chris Henry maturation angle. Chad ...

Bengals Training Camp: Is the Bengals offensive line better than last year? "We'll see".
Cincy Jungle — ... But that's all secondary, isn't it? The biggest storyline with this group, is right tackle. Specifically, Andre Smith. We've examined and talked about (a lot) the backstory of our first-round draft pick. Lack of maturity. Perceived red flags of character issues. Whatever you want to call it, the backstory exists and it's been front and center this offseason. Musical chairs with agents. After that, contract issues. Will he sign soon? And if he signs late into training camp, will he be ready against the ...

Report: Maualuga and Coffman could be signed as early as Monday; breaking down possibilities during Andre Smith negotiations
Cincy Jungle — ... holding their first Training Camp practice this Friday (yes, this freaking Friday, baby!), there's a likelihood that we'll start seeing the final four draft picks sign this week. Well, three I suppose, presuming Andre Smith doesn't sign before Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory ...

Quick Bytes:July 27th, 2009
Big Cat Country — ... . Things like this make me happy he was there to be picked rather than BJ Raji or Andre Smith. Now, let's just see if he gets to camp on time. ...

Bengals Release their 2009 Depth Chart for Training Camp
Cincy Jungle — ... are the team's first backups. Andre Smith is listed as the starting right tackle (which is expected, but could change). ...

Report: Bengals and Rey Maualuga agree to a four-year deal
Cincy Jungle — ... Maualuga is the ninth rookie signed, all four year contracts. Defensive End (and potential tweener -- not related to Twitter) Michael Johnson and Offensive Tackle Andre Smith remain unsigned. ...

Report: Bengals and Michael Johnson agree to a four-year deal
Cincy Jungle — ... Now that Johnson is reportedly signing, the focus, from fans and the media, will turn exclusively to Andre Smith (as if it wasn't before). However, there's a lot of questions. Like how close to ...

Carson's Palmer's Arm = Strong
Cincy Jungle — ... with the Baltimore Ravens are as follows: Five-year deal includes a total maximum value of roughly $13.8 million and $7.8 million in combined guaranteed money plus his playing-time incentive, according to a league source. A consensus All-American from Ole Miss, Oher receives a $940,000 roster bonus this year. And the 23rd overall pick of the NFL Draft is due a $4.7 million option bonus next March. Considering Oher was picked later than Andre Smith, it doesn't do much to Smith's negotiations. Nevertheless, ...

Andre Smith negotiations: Benchmark is set; could the Bengals look at Aaron Curry's deal for a ceiling?
Cincy Jungle — ... So, whatever is being negotiated, Andre Smith's deal will not be higher than what Sanchez received. Here's the rub. ...

Is it do-or-die; Bengals players excited about the upcoming season
Cincy Jungle — ... , two under the limit." One, you figure, goes to Andre Smith when he signs, giving the Bengals an opportunity to sign an 80th player. Once Smith signs, that will give the Bengals four offensive tackles under contract. Five, if you give ...

Even though Andre Smith isn't at Bengals camp, he's still learning
Cincy Jungle — Even though rookie Andre Smith isn't with the team in Georgetown, it doesn't mean he's not learning. Geoff Hobson writes that ...

Cornerback David Jones could be out for awhile; Bengals sign Jamar Fletcher
Cincy Jungle — ... Bengals in 2008, recording "21 tackles, three passes defensed, a fumble recovery and two special-teams tackles" in 11 games played and two starts. From 2005 until 2008, Fletcher played on four different teams -- Chargers, Lions, Texans, Bengals -- before re-signing with Cincinnati this weekend in response to David Jones' injury he suffered on Saturday. The signing brings the roster back up to 79 signed players with the 80th being Andre Smith, whenever he signs. As for David Jones, Geoff Hobson ...

Once signed, Smith will have every opportunity to win right tackle job; Maualuga runs with first-team defense
Cincy Jungle — ... I believe the more interesting storyline running right now outside of Training Camp happenings, is contract negotiations with Andre Smith. While no news has been presented this weekend about his holdout -- or, as Marvin Lewis said, "it's not a holdout", he's just unsigned and forbidden by NFL law to be here -- the head coach did say that once Smith makes his debut with the team, ...

B.J. Raji Remains Unsigned
Acme Packing Company — Since NT B.J. Raji was the No. 9 overall draft pick, he needs some players just above or below him to sign so his contract can be slotted in between them. I noted earlier that the No. 10 overall pick, WR Michael Crabtree, might be causing problems for both Raji and OT Eugene Monroe, who was the No. 8 overall pick. Or maybe No. 6 overall pick OT Andre Smith is causing a problem. But the bigger problem might be the signed player, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was the No. 7 overall pick, and just signed with ...

Coffman and Coats given opportunities with Kelly's injury; Bengals sign Augustus Parrish
Cincy Jungle — ... be, at the minimum, the end of his Bengals career. Joe Reedy plays out scenarios, suggesting that Ben Utecht likely moves up with Chase Coffman getting plenty of snaps. The wild card now is Daniel Coats and whether or not Coffman can block. Bengals signed Offensive Tackle Augustus Parrish, writes Chick Ludwig. The Cincinnati Bengals signed an offensive tackle on Monday, but he’s not first-round draft pick Andre Smith. He’s rookie Augustus Parrish of Kent State. ...

Will Kelly's impact be lost; Cook is confident and Whitworth wants the O-line to be nasty; another reason to keep Watson?
Cincy Jungle — ... have someone to help Andre Smith, pick up the blitzing linebackers the backfield like Kelly did. You assume that ...

Bengals offered Andre Smith (sixth-round pick) less than what Darrius Heyward-Bey (seventh-round pick) received
Cincy Jungle — Sometimes Twitter can bring a smile to your face; especially as an astute observer. Of course, the Denial of Service that hit Twitter on Thursday caused so many people so much social networking pain aside, I've been watching what people are Tweeting Alvin Keels (Andre Smith's agent). Here's some notable Tweets. "Please bring Andre to Georgetown by Monday, Alvin. Please. Collins is no slouch and Andre's losing out, man!" "Don't you have some Bengals work to do?" ...

Andre Smith holdout isn't the most important storyline; but it is the most popular
Cincy Jungle — ... It's not the biggest story this offseason. There's more going on this offseason than simply standing by and updating things that aren't updated with Andre Smith negotiations. But it is the most popular right now. Why is that? The ...

Report: Andre Smith looking for a five-year deal worth $40 million
Cincy Jungle — ... Hours after I said that the Andre Smith storyline isn't the most important right now, I found an update that I somehow missed. I know, shocking. We know a few things. We know that the ...

Willie Anderson comments on Andre Smith negotiations; Bengals need a Ring of Fame to honor Bengals greats
Cincy Jungle — ... Four-time Pro Bowler and a leader in the clubhouse, Anderson was the only guy that would say shut up, and Chad Ochocinco Johnson shut up. When he joined the Ravens, and Baltimore made it to the AFC Championship game, I found myself pulling for the Ravens simply so Anderson can get his day in the sun. Since he retired, Anderson decided to get into this Twittering thingy. On Monday, Willie tweeted on the Andre Smith negotiations: That Andre Smith situation may get ugly. I negotiated 3 contracts with ...

Fingers pointing in Aaron Maybin holdout
Buffalo Rumblings — ... Arrington refers, of course, to the borderline hostility between Crabtree - selected immediately before Maybin in this past April's draft - and the San Francisco 49ers.  The two sides are firmly entrenched in what has the feel of a lengthy holdout, and like it or not, the progress (or lack thereof) in these negotiations are having a profound effect on Maybin's negotiations in Buffalo - not to mention with three other unsigned rookies as well (Bengals OT Andre Smith, Jaguars OT Eugene Monroe and Packers NT B.J. ...

How did Chinedum Ndukwe react; who starts at TE this Friday; the NFL beat MLB's last Sunday
Cincy Jungle — ... 7.9 million viewers". At the same time slot on ESPN, the Boston Red Sox played the New York Yankees. That game drew 4.7 million viewers. I would normally say that this is evidence that the NFL is kicking baseball's ass. A preseason game beats out one of the most popular rivalries in sports? Are you kidding me? However, the NFL game was also the first live action game that anyone has seen in months. We've kind of been eager to see live NFL action. Andre Smith isn't the only holdout among first round picks. There's a lot of finger ...

Andre Smith's camp sends proposal to Bengals on Wednesday
Cincy Jungle — You know the best part about Twitter? You get first hand information at a moment's notice. As a matter of fact, right now, Chad Ochocinco Johnson is level three pissed, "that's losing your keys mad" after learning the outcome from Tweets of the soccer match between USA and Mexico. We also learned that Andre Smith's camp has sent a proposal to the Bengals Wednesday afternoon. Smith's agent Alvin Keels tweets, "Sent over what I thought was a very good and fair proposal today to the Bengals! Lets hope it ...

Hard Knocks Episode One: Fullbacks, Tight Ends and Pissitivity
Cincy Jungle — ... points out that Gus Parrish looks like American Idol's Randy Jackson with his glasses. He does. It's freaking scary. They momentarily featured Andre Smith working out and losing weight in Alabama. Smith talks about wanting to move on about perceptions of him. ...

B.J. Raji signs deal with Green Bay Packers; no updates with Cincinnati's Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — ... Mark Sanchez Five $50.5 $10.1 $28 $5.6 6 CIN Andre Smith       ...

Interview: Football Outsiders' Bill Barnwell sits with Cincy Jungle
Cincy Jungle — ... at center, Nate Livings at left guard and Andre Smith at right tackle. The Football Outsiders Almanac says the 2009 offensive line will be younger and inexperienced, however shows promise. Why is that? ...

Eugene Monroe Signs, Still No Word on Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — ... expected to be worth a little more than the reported five-year, $28.5 million ($18 million guaranteed) that the ninth pick, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji , agreed to Thursday, according to the Times-Union, which cited an unnamed NFL source. So I ask, yet again:  Why on earth, with EVERY OTHER TEAM signing their first rounder to a contract that's higher than the player(s) picked after, do the Bengals think offering Andre Smith LESS THAN Darrius Heyward-Bey is good and wise business ...

Positives from tonight's game
Cincy Jungle — ... 7.)  I actually wasn't disgusted by the offensive line for the most part while the first team was on the field.  Randy Jackson has to GO, yes, but it's not his fault we're too cheap to bring Andre Smith in to sign a contract.  Most of the time Carson was on the field he had time to go through his progressions which is progress over last year.  They've got some work ahead of them, yes...but I think what I saw tonight (read: Carson not running for his life and the ...

Report: Alvin Keels and the Bengals met on Friday; no word on progress
Cincy Jungle — ... At what point in time last night did you think to yourself, "boy, we need that Andre Smith in camp, RIGHT NOW!" You probably didn't. You probably were far more focused on how Palmer threw the ball, or remarking how well the ...

Bengals Win Super Bowl XLIV - A Look Back on How They Did It
Cincy Jungle — ... against some of the leagues toughest defenses.   The Bengals were glad they ultimately signed 1st round pick OT Andre Smith when he filled in admirably at both RT and LT during the course of the regular season. ...

The Bengals will look at where Smith fits best
Cincy Jungle — On August 6, Marvin Lewis said Andre Smith will "get every opportunity to start at right tackle." We have to believe that that opportunity is fading. With one preseason game in the books, we're hitting that period in which unsigned rookies are risking missed miss time during the regular season. Of course, that depends on the position. A quarterback might not be ready, whereas a running back just needs to know the gap he's attacking. An offensive linemen could take more time. Not only does he have to know all of the protection schemes, ...

Buying a Bengals Jersey Sucks
Cincy Jungle — ... hasn't played a down for the Bengals since 2005, but yet, you can still rock his jersey if his rookie season meant that much to you.  The awesome jersey hits don't stop there either -- there are jerseys for Rudi Johnson, Housh, and Deltha O'Neal.  In fact, there are as many jerseys for non-Bengals (three) as there are for current Bengals (Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Rey Maualuga). Oh, and adding insult to the injury that is the Andre Smith debacle, there's also a jersey for him as well.  Truth ...

Hard Knocks Episode Two: Barbershop talking shop and Palmer's hand smells
Cincy Jungle — ... Katie Blackburn is coming off very badly in the show. In the last segment, Blackburn was on the phone with Andre Smith's agent Alvin Keels, who only asks he get paid according to the slotting system. Katie just wants to pay something that's fair. You'll hear more of that tomorrow. I'm sure of it. ...

Keels Tweets that he'll meet with Katie Blackburn and Bengals front office on Thursday
Cincy Jungle — Sure. The Bengals are heading to New England (actually they're already there) for a preseason Thursday night game. I suppose that's important. However, it won't be the only running storyline for tomorrow. Andre Smith's agent Alvin Keels tweets: "spoke with Katie today and i am thinking that i am going to sneak into Cincy after the game 2mrw sit down with ownership. Wish me luck!" The story is the same. The Bengals offered $28 million (maximum value of $33 million) for five years. That's far less than ...

Understanding the NFL slotting system is a critical component to understanding Andre Smith's holdout
Cincy Jungle — ... I need your help. Because honestly, I don't understand. Perhaps it's just lacking the common sense needed to understand the issue. We've probably spoken about the Andre Smith holdout more than any specific topic during Training Camp. Two sides are emerging. You have those that just want Smith in camp. They don't care about the specific details. But they blame Smith. Some calling him greedy, immature, while suggesting he's possibly wrecking the first year of his NFL career -- and there might be truth to that, I admit. ...

Depth of the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals Part 1: Offense
Cincy Jungle — ... Tackle: The Bengals have at least insurance-level depth at both tackle positions this year, assuming Andre Smith at some point signs a contract. ...

Question of the Day: Who do you support more? Andre Smith (Alvin Keels) or Mike Brown and the Bengals
Cincy Jungle — ... But the reality is this. There is a slotting system. And Andre Smith's representative wants his client to be slotted fairly, like the rest of the first round picks. If you're not going to adhere to the slotting system, then you're not going to get your draft pick signed. And if you do get him signed, he might be disgruntled enough to be a distraction, knowing that he got screwed financially to what the sixth overall pick would have received if selected by another team. The argument against that of course is that if it wasn't the Bengals selecting ...

Cincinnati Bengals Links and Notes: Wednesday 8/26
Cincy Jungle — ... talked to Quan Cosby, one of the guys vying for that spot. Which of the "depth" guys do you think we should keep? He also talked to the other resident Longhorn, Cedrick Benson about his preseason progress. Benson is one guy itching to have Palmer return to the field; he said New England dropped a safety in the box frequently last week. Will the running game look better when Carson returns? Do other teams respect our passing game? Keeping up with the ever-infuriating Andre Smith storyline, James Walker took a mailbag question on contract ...

Getting to know the Bengals
Turf Show Times — ... thinking of all that, just remember, Chad is determined to have his best year in his career to make up for the disaster that he experienced last year. He’s expressed immense guilt over all of that. With all of that said, we also have Andre Caldwell, who shows remarkable similarities to Houshmandzadeh. Jerome Simpson has made some amazing catches and is arguably the fastest wide receiver on the team. We have one hell of a wide receiver group. Is Andre Smith ever going to sign? One can hope. All I’m good ...

Car fires and other notes from the Rams win over the Bengals
Turf Show Times — ... of asthma irritation. Why? The coach explains: ...I don't know if you saw but there was a car on fire (near the south end zone), and I guess the smoke got to both of them. Well, it was Cincinnati. At least it wasn't a riot. The Bengals offensive line didn't exactly make an impression, a good impression. From Cincy.com: The offensive line looked good only to Alvin Keels, the agent for first-round holdout Andre Smith. You'd never know there were any other ...

Bengals will need to release five players by September 1
Cincy Jungle — ... will be forced to cut five by this Tuesday. While I won't name players, I believe they'll address three positions at least. And if Andre Smith decides to join us before Tuesday, the team will need to cut six. ...

Carson Palmer Likes His Meat Smoked
Cincy Jungle — ... There's a lot of serious analysis going on at CJ right now, and seeing how it's Friday, you have no job and you have nothing to do, I figured I'd lighten the mood a little. Hey, look: no Andre Smith bitching or Ocho tweets from me today. Instead, how about a nifty little commercial featuring ...

Smith and Bengals tied up in Rookie Salary Knot; typical rookie salary mess
Cincy Jungle — ... It seems to never fail.  A team in need of a big time player from college drafts a player in the top 10 but finds itself mired in contract negotiations that cause the player to hold out for more money.  Andre Smith, the 6th pick overall in this past draft, feels that he should be paid more than what the ...

Question of the Weekend: Is the Offensive Line being unfairly blamed?
Cincy Jungle — ... blocking scheme is about to be exposed. If there's anything that requires a team effort of all eleven guys, it's the passing game. Yet, I believe the offensive line is becoming unfairly demonized. Recently, while still calling them out, I've tried to show when failures weren't theirs. Furthermore, too much expectation turned into a belief that this offensive line was suddenly the next coming of the 2005 version, where it was often considered one of the league's best. Calls of Andre Smith getting signed became loud, took on a new urgency. ...

UPDATE: Andre Smith deal could come within 24-48 hours
Cincy Jungle — Twitter is abuzz with Andre Smith rumors. Hat tip to cinbengal_85 for the initial report of Chad Ochocinco's tweet that Smith signed. Since then, numerous twits have tweeted to ask whether or not Smith has signed. Agent Alvin Keels says no, calling internet reports premature. Does this mean that the Bengals and Smith are close? Or is Ochocinco just trying a new attention-grabbing scheme wherein he breaks news. In case Smith signs sometime soon and people want to talk about it, feel free to discuss here. If not, ...

Deal between Andre Smith and the Bengals reportedly close; Smith is heading to Cincinnati for Sunday afternoon practice?
Cincy Jungle — ... Last night we updated that the Bengals could be within 24-48 hours of signing a deal with the team's first round draft pick. Andre Smith is ...

It's over. Andre Smith signs deal that could be worth $42 million
Cincy Jungle — ... The Bengals have signed first-round pick Andre Smith in a deal that could be as much as $42 million and the Alabama right tackle is expected to be on the field in Sunday's 3 p.m. practice at Paul Brown Stadium. ...

Reedy: Carson Palmer looks like he'll practice today
Cincy Jungle — Literally minutes after it became known that the Bengals and Andre Smith finally came to an agreement, Joe Reedy tweets that Carson Palmer is returning to practice for the first time since having sprained his ankle against the New Orleans Saints. Palmer is still putting that call whether to play or not on the trainers. But we suspect that this is a good first step. With three practices left before the team's preseason finale, Palmer could work this week in preparation with some last minute work so he won't be totally ...

UPDATE: Additional numbers on club option for Andre Smith; Maximum deal is for six seasons worth $42 million with $29.5 million guaranteed
Cincy Jungle — Contract details for Andre Smith are beginning to emerge. Joe Reedy tweets that the deal is four years worth "$26M with $21M guaranteed. There is an option after 2010 that would push the deal to $42M over 6 yrs. Max: $50M" From all appearances, the pay is less than expected. However, if you factor in that Smith's deal is only four years -- he's the only first round draft pick to sign a four-year deal -- the contract is in-line with the slotting system when talking about guaranteed money. ...

Well, Of Course He Does (Andre Smith)
Cincy Jungle — ... about Andre Smith's first day at practice, courtesy of Paul Alexander. I think we can file this under the "You Don't Say" category. ...

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer practiced on Tuesday; playing against the Colts a "possibility"
Cincy Jungle — ... Buried not far underneath the story/debate/discussion/rants of getting Andre Smith signed, was that Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer could go a full month before seeing any game action if he missed the preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts this Thursday. The mild high sprain he suffered against the New Orleans Saints reduced his practices to observations and, starting this week, working out his ankle. There's really no doubt that Palmer will start against the Denver Broncos, barring any set backs ...

Andre Smith's Heavy Contract Stipulation
Cincy Jungle — ... When Andre Smith (finally) signed his rookie contract, many viewed it as a win for the Bengals franchise.  Katie and Mike didn't allow the slotting system to dictate the terms they agreed upon, and the result was a performance-laden contract that doesn't break the Bengals' bank and puts the onus of earning the deal's maximum potential on Smith.   Because one of the biggest concerns about Smith is his playing weight, that too was addressed in the contract.  According to ProFootballTalk, if Smith weighs in at 350 ...

Andre Smith Fractured His Foot
Cincy Jungle — Confirming what reader firstPick said in the comments of the previous Andre Smith post, the Bengals newly-signed offensive tackle has a fractured foot and will miss time.  Smith hurt his left foot in a non-contact drill, according to Bengals.com. And the frustrations surrounding this pick continue to mount. Is it safe to say Smith's rookie season is an official bust yet?  I can't remember this much bad luck associated with one pick.  Oh wait, the name Ki-Jana Carter just ...

In the past year, Andre Smith's karma has been epic
Cincy Jungle — ... What a year for Andre Smith. The world is going great. Discussions are plentiful with Smith possibly being first overall pick early in the 2008 college football season. Definitely the best offensive tackle. He proved it several times throughout the season. ...

Random Ramsdom 9/2
Turf Show Times — ... by passing on Andre Smith in the draft. He may well turn out to be a great tackle in the NFL, but his holdout and now broken foot have already caused the ...

Final Preseason Practice: Injuries, Barnett and Matthews, and Final Preseason Roster Battles
Acme Packing Company — ... , but I can't help myself. Cincinnati finally signed OL Andre Smith last week after a lengthy contract dispute and almost immediately  ...

Hard Knocks IV: Cutdown day looms
Cincy Jungle — ... The relationship and conversation between Katie Blackburn and Alvin Keels presents the most awkward moments of the show. I don't hate Mike Brown as a man or anything other than an NFL owner. But when he's on the show, I just bury my head. Replayed the game against the Rams, which ended with Augustus Parrish's disastrous attempt at blocking a guy who would eventually sack Jordan Palmer, who fumbled the ball. Game over. The show ended with Andre Smith's signing and subsequent broken foot. ...

The Linc - That's my table McNabb!
Bleeding Green Nation — ... fingers crossed Rex (AP Photo) The New York Jets take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday (Meadowlands, 7pm) in their last preseason game of the year. While the Jets have escaped the preseason relatively injury free, it appears that … More after the jump, including a bunch of interesting news from around the NFL... In the past year, Andre Smith's karma has been epic - Cincy Jungle After being the second to last draft pick to sign a contract, Andre Smith breaks his foot a couple days later. More NFL TV ...

Say It Ain't So, Chad
Cincy Jungle — ... , they speculate Ocho's Andre Smith tweets might have played a part in his decision, implying the front office didn't appreciate Chad's jumping of the signing gun.  However, if, after all that's happened with Chad's account (Skip Bayless and Mark Schlereth for starters), this is what his bosses complained about, then they are even more out of touch with modern technology than I first thought.  ...

Predicting the Cincinnati Bengals' 53-man roster. A look into the minds of CincyJungle writers
Cincy Jungle — ...   Morgan Trent   Anthony Collins   David Jones   Andre Smith       Scott ...

Final list of cuts, just hit the wire.
Cincy Jungle — ... Andrew Crummey S Corey Lynch G Jason Shirley DE Chris Harrington HB James Johnson TE Kolomona Kapanui WR Maurice Purify WR Freddie Brown TE Darius Hill DT Ventrell Jenkins CB Rico Murray OT Augustus Parrish FB Chris Pressley LB Dan Skuta K Sam Swank FB Fui Vakapuna. With the exception of White, all the palyers waived are eligible to be signed to a practice squad if they lclear waivers tomorrow. -Andre Smith is on a roster exemption, it expires Sept. 14 - TE Matt ...

Presenting the Cincinnati Bengals 53-man Roster; and immediate reaction, of course
Cincy Jungle — ...   Kyle Cook   Tom Nelson   Andre Smith *   Kyries Hebert ...

Bengals News and Notes: Labor Day Edition
Cincy Jungle — ... Roto World confirms that David Jones will miss week one against Denver. They think the Bengals will struggle in 3+ wideout sets, noting that we face Brandon Stokley and James Jones in Week 1 and Week 2, respectively. In case you missed it in yesterday's paper, Joe Reedy gave an excellent rundown of the Bengals roster, and answered five crucial questions that will dictate the Bengals' success this year. Included are projections for Andre Smith's impact on the team (Reedy says November) and Chad ...

Bengals announce Team Captains for offense, defense and special teams
Cincy Jungle — ... -- well, 54 if you include Andre Smith's roster exemption; so that makes 21, for now. They had to rummage through the 700-plus players ...

PUT YOUR NAME ON IT: Texans Will Finish (Gulp) 10-6
Battle Red Blog — ... --WIN. But the Bengals get a far more important victory...the moral kind, courtesy of Andre Smith getting the first glimpse of his toes in four years after the game. ...

Practice Report: Broncos @ Bengals (Wednesday)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI CB David Jones (foot) OUT     T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

A Few Good Questions With....Josh Kirkendall, CincyJungle.com
The Mile High Report — ... What does the offensive line look like?  Andre Smith finally signed, then got hurt.  Is there depth behind him?  Is this a concern heading into last season? ...

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals; Friday Injury Report
The Mile High Report — ... CB David Jones Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate OUT T Andre Smith Foot Did Not Participate Did Not ...

Broncos @ Bengals: Final Injury/Practice Report
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI CB David Jones (foot) OUT OUT OUT T Andre Smith (foot) OUT OUT OUT G ...

Key to the Season: Offense rides on how much the offensive line improves
Cincy Jungle — ... Then there's Andre Smith. You know the background. I know the background. Here's a quick version. Bengals draft Smith with a bunch of red flags. Prolonged contract negotiations lasted until late in the preseason. Smith broke foot and is very unlikely to take a snap in the first month of the season. If you want more on Smith, do a search on this site. ...

Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Schedule: Week 16
Arrowhead Pride — ... were always a rhythm team. The best way to break down our offense is that we’ve always been a pass-first, run-second kind of football team. If you can generate a pass rush and force a ton of pressure on Palmer, you might not just get the sack, you could force him into a bad throw. As Chiefs fans, we know plenty about first day draft picks not panning out.  Can you talk a little bit about the frustration with Keith Rivers going down last year and now Andre Smith's rocky start? When Keith Rivers was injured ...

Open Thread: Denver Broncos (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)
Cincy Jungle — ... QUESTIONABLE PROBABLE CB David Jones (foot) G Scott Kooistra (knee) WR Chris Henry (thigh) T Andre Smith (foot)   QB Carson Palmer (ankle) ...

Bengals put DeDe Dorsey on Waivers to make room for Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — ... announced, well Tweeted on Monday, that in order to make room for Andre Smith, whose roster exemption expires at 4 PM today, that ...

Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers (Wednesday)
Cincy Jungle — ... FRI CB David Jones (foot) OUT     T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

Friday Injury Report: Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Acme Packing Company — ... the ankle injury he suffered during the Arizona game, which again will leave RB DeShawn Wynn as the only running back behind RB Ryan Grant. LG Daryn Colledge and NT B.J. Raji both are listed as questionable, but it seems like Mike McCarthy expects them to play. They're both game time decisions. Everyone else on the injury list should be good to go. Obviously the biggest name on the Bengals' injury report is No. 6 overall pick OL Andre Smith. After a lengthy holdout, he broke his foot ...

Final Injury/Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
Cincy Jungle — ... PROBABLE CB David Jones (foot) T Scott Kooistra (knee) T Andre Smith (foot) RB Brian Leonard (chest) G Nate Livings (knee) ...

Bengals @ Packers Week in Review: Best part about losing opening weekend is that there's 15 more games to go
Cincy Jungle — ... against the Packers; offensive tackle Andre Smith and cornerback David Jones will be out for the second straight week. Green Bay will be without their starting strong safety, ...

Open Thread: Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) @ Green Bay Packers (1-0)
Cincy Jungle — ... PROBABLE CB David Jones (foot) T Scott Kooistra (knee) T Andre Smith (foot) RB Brian Leonard (chest) G Nate Livings (knee) ...

Bengals leave Green Bay healthy; expect to be healthier against the Steelers
Cincy Jungle — ... left early in the game for several snaps, but returned. On Monday, Geoff Hobson updates the older injury files after Marvin Lewis' press conference on David Jones, Andre Smith and ...

Practice Report: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-1): Q&A With Cincy Jungle
Behind the Steel Curtain — ... 5) The Bengals rookie class was widely considered the best of the AFC North teams this year. Are any rooks making an early impact on the Bengals season thus far? We know 1st round pick Andre Smith was lost to injury, but have any of the other draft picks gotten early playing time and made the most of it? ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... Questionable PROBABLE CB David Jones (foot) DT Jonathan Fanene (illness) RB Cedric Benson (ankle) T Andre Smith (foot) DE Michael Johnson (illness) WR Chris Henry ...

Open Thread: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... Jordan Palmer CB David Jones (foot) RB Cedric Benson (ankle) David Jones T Andre Smith (foot) WR Chris Henry (quadricep) Andre Smith   CB ...

Marvin Lewis on injuries after game: "We have the usual football soreness"
Cincy Jungle — ... No word during Monday's press conference about a David Jones or Andre Smith update. Last week, Jones participated during practice on Thursday and Friday in a limited capacity and should be close. It would also seem likely that Smith won't return until after the bye week; after he recovers from injury, he'll still need time to work into the system. ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... can make them.  The big surprise to me is how well their offensive line is playing, even without top draft pick Andre Smith.  ...

Slow Going for Andre Smith
Cincy Jungle — ... top draft pick, Andre Smith, is undergoing a slow recovery process as he tries to get back from a broken foot; one he injured two days after ending one of the most unnecessary hold-outs known to man.  According to  ...

Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

Updating the injury file; Kyle Cook has his work cut out for him.
Cincy Jungle — Updating the injuries file. Andre Smith is finally out of his walking boot. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph has dealt was a foot injury the better part of a year (like, actual calendar year). He's missed Wednesday's practice because of a foot injury and rested on Thursday. However, David Jones went through a full practice on Thursday. Even so, Joe Reedy writes, if Joseph can't go, then Geoffrey Pope would be the one whom replaces him. Maualuga, who learned that his younger brother is alright in Samoa, returned to ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Cincy Jungle — ... OUT Questionable PROBABLE T Andre Smith (foot) DT Tank Johnson (foot) RB Cedric Benson (knee) ...

Open Thread: Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Cincy Jungle — ...   INACTIVES OUT PROBABLE Jordan Palmer T Andre Smith (foot) RB Cedric Benson (knee) Roy Williams   ...

Report: Except for Andre Smith, everyone should be available for the Baltimore Ravens
Cincy Jungle — ... Lewis did say that everyone except Andre Smith "should be available for next Sunday's AFC North showdown in Baltimore against the ...

Andre Smith to start practicing soon; favorable reports about conditioning; game-day ready against Chicago?
Cincy Jungle — ... Even though Andre Smith is definitely out against the Baltimore Ravens, NFL.com's Steve Wyche writes that Andre Smith is making so much progress that he could be "game-ready by Cincinnati’s Oct. 25 game against Chicago." However, he also points out that it's more likely Smith "won’t play until the Nov. 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens, following the Bengals’ bye week." This much we've known. So we're not presented with anything new. What is new is that Smith should be ...

Bengals First Quarter Review: Saying satisfied like only Billy Dee Williams can
Cincy Jungle — ... Most important note: 122 rushing yards a game is good news. If we can get Andre Smith working into the rushing game on the right side of the line later this season, that number could improve. We might finally be a solid rushing offense. ...

Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

How To Beat The Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Beatdown — ... plus an offensive line that should get even better when they see the return of first round pick Andre Smith in a short time. When Palmer gets time to throw, he has a solid group of receivers led by some guy with a number for his name. ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT OUT OUT RB ...

Sage advice from Mo Egger for new/returning Bengals bandwagon fans:
Cincy Jungle — ... Brad St. Louis is now the object of our frustration. He's the long snapper.  (Note from Craig, here's the reference to St. Louis I wrote about earlier.  When this was posted two whole days ago he was still a Bengal.)  Actually he was the long snapper when you were last with us, but you didn't know who he was because no one knows who the long snapper is if he's good, which he is not. You'll hear some grumbling about a guy named Andre Smith too. He was the Bengals' first round pick this year. He weighs as much as your Prius. ...

Practice Report: Houston Texans (2-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT     ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Houston Texans (2-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-1). Brian Leonard listed as doubtful
Cincy Jungle — ... BENGALS WED THUR FRI T Andre Smith (foot) OUT OUT OUT RB ...

The Offensive Line Part 4: A Failure Not Earned
Field Gulls — ... fourth overall in 2009. Linebacker is not typically a foundational position, but Stafford was gone, Sanchez was iffy, the tackle class overblown -- its best talent taken at two and its second best talent Andre Smith. ...

Question about Bengals tight ends; Andre Smith is practicing; what will Bengals do to pressure quarterbacks now
Cincy Jungle — There's two players that apply to the same question. When are Chase Coffman and Andre Smith going to make their NFL debuts? Coffman more than Smith, for now. Even though Daniel Coats and J.P. Foschi played well against the Cleveland Browns, combining for seven receptions and 80 yards receiving, there's plenty of reason to be up in arms with both players. In the past two games, Foschi and Coats have combined for six receptions for 44 yards receiving, several drops and a couple of fumbles. However, it's not like ...

Practice Report: Chicago Bears (3-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
Cincy Jungle — ... DT Domata Peko (knee) DNP     S Roy Williams (forearm) DNP     T Andre Smith (foot) LP     ...

Andre Smith claims he's down to 330 pounds; limited practice on Wednesday
Cincy Jungle — ... draft Andre Smith. Smith sits out a long time during negotiations. Smith signs a month after training camp begins. Smith has noticeably gained weight. Smith goes to practice. A few days later, Smith breaks foot. Smith out until November. Smith nominated for the "I can't catch a break award". Pun totally intended. ...

CJ says welcome back Chickster; the Ochocinco iPhone app
Cincy Jungle — ... Chad Ochocinco has an iPhone app you can use for $4.99. Do you even need to take a guess on what his app is about? The proceeds will go, in part, to paying the $10,000 find Chad was handed after wearing a black chin strap against the Texans. Mike Zimmer doesn't think the defense is very good because of a combination of missed tackles and plays that go longer than 20 yards (which the Bengals have given up more than any other NFL team). Andre Smith finally got in some contact work on Thursday. Roy ...

Final Injury/Practice Report: Chicago Bears (3-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
Cincy Jungle — ... DNP FP S Roy Williams (forearm) DNP DNP DNP T Andre Smith (foot) LP LP FP TE ...

Week in Review: Bengals must play the rest of the season like it's the playoffs
Cincy Jungle — ... The Return of the Giant. Andre Smith's return, or actually making a debut, is happening. This week, Smith practiced on Wednesday, though it was only non-contact drills. On Thursday, Smith practiced limitedly, but had contact. On Friday, Smith practiced fully. Furthermore, Smith claims he dropped his weight to 330 pounds and most observers are saying he's " ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... g.  The Bears' 7 man fronts were getting blown off the ball consistently.  Just wait until Andre Smith gets started playing at RT.  He is going to flat-out dominate in the running game, if he can keep his head on straight.  He was clearly the best lineman in the 2009 draft, and only his erratic pre-Draft behavior made him last to the 6th pick.  ...

Welcoming back the Bengals routine with open arms and a divisional showdown against Baltimore coming
Cincy Jungle — ... The debut of Andre Smith. After going through what Smith has gone through from the NFL Combine until now, one has to think that karma will repay the young man in kind. Smith still isn't expected to start anytime soon. However, expect him to play on big-package formations where Smith lines up at Tight End. ...

Practice Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Cincy Jungle — ...     RB Bernard Scott (knee) FP     T Andre Smith (foot) FP   ...

Will We See Andre Smith Against the Ravens?
Cincy Jungle — ... see their first round draft pick hit the field for the first time this season?  Considering what we were told going into the bye week, no doubt many Bengals fans were thinking, "Yes, I'll finally get to see Andre Smith play when the Ravens come to town," however, those thoughts might have been a bit premature.  It's either that or ...

Final Practice/Injury Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Cincy Jungle — ... LP LP RB Bernard Scott (knee) FP FP FP T Andre Smith (foot) FP FP FP DT Tank ...

Jaguars Return to Roots in Victory Over Chiefs: Offensive edition
Big Cat Country — ... 33, the savvy veteran showed he can still bring it. Our interior line is clearly better at run-blocking than they are at protecting David. Rookie Tackles Showing Improvement The first and second-round picks in this year's draft are both starting for the team, and both continue to improve each week. I don't want to hear anyone say that they're not doing great, because clearly they are. Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are outperforming both Andre Smith, and Jason Smith, and continue to improve each week. We ...

Bengals Banter: Head coach Marvin Lewis has Coors Light commerical materials. He just needs that moment.
Cincy Jungle — ... great passing games and previously ineffective power blocking as "finesse", but any opponent harboring that assumption about the current Bengals is making a very big mistake. This is as much a power team as any AFC North bully could be, with its stacked lines and inside running, and the schematic variations tell the story of a line with great confidence and continuity. If the Bengals capitalize on their hot start down the stretch, the line will be a major factor -- with or without Andre Smith. ...

PUT YOUR NAME ON IT: What Will The Texans' Record Be At The End Of The Regular Season?
Battle Red Blog — ... --WIN. But the Bengals get a far more important victory...the moral kind, courtesy of Andre Smith getting the first glimpse of his toes in four years after the game. ...

The PBP: offensive line basics, and the education of Jason Smith (pt. 1)
Turf Show Times — ... of the 2009 draft, eight tackles were selected, with the first being Jason Smith.  Of course, in drafting him, we knew were getting a bit of a project; however, that term didn't necessarily apply to his pass protection.  His athleticism lent itself very naturally to pass protection in being able to slide as well as anyone at the college level.  It's something he's shown a proficiency for at the NFL level.  What was a concern was his run blocking.  Compared to Andre Smith, considered the best run blocker in the draft, Jason Smith ...

Six-Pack of Hu-Dey: Bengals rookies, offensive line and beating the rest of the schedule
Cincy Jungle — ... half of the offensive snaps. We've read that Coffman is still struggling with his blocking technique. And if Coffman isn't going to be playing the bulk of the offensive snaps, then he'd at least have to contribute on special teams. Marvin Lewis has already said that he has to do one or the other. Block. Contribute on special teams. While the demand for Coffman is justified, loud and unified, he's going to have to do more than just catch passes in this offense. Could Andre Smith's debut be coming after Scott Kooistra was released? ...

Bengals are playing winning brand of football with powerful rushing offense and dominant defense
Cincy Jungle — ... When stargazing, you finally find the star named Andre Smith. The problem with watching the offensive line during a live game, is that you don't always know who is in the game before the snap. More than any team, the Bengals employ a rotation with their offensive tackles that no two plays will have the same personnel on the line. On the first play of the second quarter, the Bengals lined up at Cincinnati's 48 yard-line on first down. Andre Smith made his first appearance (that we could tell) at right tackle with Andrew Whitworth on Smith's outside ...

Bengals Banter: Was a deal struck to sellout the Lions game?
Cincy Jungle — ... "The most important consideration about when he gets on the field is what do we have to do to win the game?" (offensive line coach Paul) Alexander said. "Winning the game is way more important than the development of Andre Smith and that's the approach we're taking. We're right in the thick of something special, we have to make sure we see that through." ...