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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 > 2008 > May > 12 > Entry
Somebody likes the Bengals
‘FAB FIVE?’
Somebody out there likes the Cincinnati Bengals.
He’s national sports columnist Randy Hill.
Hill includes the Bengals (7-9 in 2007) among his “five teams that could get over playoff hump” in 2008.
The others are the New Orleans Saints (7-9), Philadelphia Eagles (8-8), Carolina Panthers (7-9) and Denver Broncos (7-9).
Check it out at:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8107036/Five-teams-that-could-get-over-playoff-hump
MORE ON SHAUN
Wanna make the NFL playoffs?
You had better be able to run the football, which the Bengals weren’t able to do consistently in 2007.
Clifton Brown of the Sporting News believes ex-Seattle tailback Shaun Alexander has enough gas in his tank to help a team.
That team could be the Bengals.
Check it out at:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=408172
REGARDING BOB JOHNSON:
From Richard Scott: “Dear Chick: Although I followed the Bengals early on, I didn’t follow the draft that closely. I was wondering why the Bengals chose a center (Bob Johnson) with the first pick of the 1968 draft as centers generally aren’t chosen until about Round 3. Are we to believe that Johnson, at that time, was equal to today’s young tackles coming out in the top 5 picks every year?”
The Chickster’s Response: “Hi Rick: The only true center the Bengals got in the expansion draft was John Matlock (Jets) of Miami, Fla. The team desperately needed a center and Bob Johnson of the University of Tennessee was the best. He was immediately installed as team captain, which tells you about his leadership skills. Matlock lasted just one season. Johnson was needed to team with QB John Stofa and be the offensive line’s anchor. Johnson played from 1968-79, taking every offensive snap until he fractured his left ankle at Houston on Nov. 17, 1974.
BRUTAL SCHEDULE
The AFC North Division (Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore and Pittsburgh) faces the NFC East and AFC South this season.
I believe 9-7 will win the division.
Cleveland is the favorite on paper, but I don’t believe the Browns will win the division.
My picks: Pittsburgh (9-7), Cincinnati (8-8), Cleveland (7-9), Baltimore (6-10).
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
May 12, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Pittsburgh (9-7), Cleveland (8-8), Cincinnati (4-12), Baltimore (3-13). Waaaay too much about the upcoming season hinges on rookies contributing like veterans, historically unreliable players suddenly becoming reliable, and Chad NOT poisoning the team out of the shoot.By Matt
May 12, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
My guess: Cincinnati (9-7), Cleveland (9-7), Pittsburgh (6-10), Baltimore (3-13) IMO, Chad will show up and play.By T Loth
May 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Chick, you are being too pessimistic! The newly drafted young players, and the exhuberant will to win of 2005 is going to be restored this 2008 year. This will be a great year, as long as Chad is gone, and I think he has already been traded to Dallas, effective June 1, for the 4th round draft pick of Tashard Choice.By KP
May 15, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Matt, Matt, Matt. Two words - LASIK Surgery. I don’t know what you’re seeing, other than a sober Odell Thurman. No way the Bengals, with 1) this schedule and 2) that defense, wins the AFC North.