After releasing Quincy Wilson, running back seems a bit unstable

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 7, 2008 9:12 PM EDT in Analysis

In somewhat of a surprising move, the Bengals waived running back Quincy Wilson Monday -- the second player released from the character driven West Virginia University. Rich Rodriguez goes to Michigan and Michigan fans are pumped. Seriously.

Wilson, once departed and returned, leaves the Bengals running back position somewhat confusing. Whatever do you mean? Let's list our running backs signed for 2008 and why the position can be a story of two tales.

Rudi Johnson. Mark Curnutte is pretty pumped about Rudi Johnson's ambition to improve on his 2006-7 seasons. Forgive all of us when we say, "we will see". What we know of Johnson is that he's getting worse with each carry.
Chris Perry. Seriously. Will he ever carry a ball without a break, a tear or a tweak? If he can remain healthy, the Bengals have a tremendous weapon on offense. Sadly, not a soul in Cincinnati believes he could play a 16-game season.
Kenny Irons. Plenty of questions about how well a running back can recover after shredding a knee.
Kenny Watson. The team's most productive running back in 2007 and the likely feature back if none of the above can't overcome perceptions.
DeDe Dorsey. A surprise in 2007 that could become the team's best third down option if two-carry Perry can't avoid injury in 2008.

Sad, if you ask me. With so many questions at running back, it makes you wonder if the Bengals will go after a running back in the NFL Draft.

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RBs

Rudi was bad all last season and if he bulks back up to his '06 weight he will be even slower. However, Jamal Lewis looked done in Baltimore and had a decent season last year so maybe there is hope. That being said, if we can find someone to put his salary toward, I think he should be cut.
I see Watson and Dorsey as a poor man's version of Perry and Irons respectively. And while none of those four can be a featured back, I think it is worth taking our chances with them and using the draft to bolster other more glaring weaknesses.

Watson and Dorsey ran reasonably well and I think improvement will center more on the O-line then anyone we can get in the draft(McFadden excluded). Even with the injury issues, if we can keep 2 of the 4 healthy, we will be ok.

by Smigelskas on Apr 7, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

Re:

I don't think the Wilson cut makes us any less stable at running back. While I like him (mostly because of that sick play at WVU), I didn't expect him to make the team.

According to PFT, we are bringing in Mendenhall this week. I don't like it. I'd welcome a new RB taken with one of our third round picks, but if his name is not Darren McFadden, I don't think I want to take one with the 9th overall pick.

I think you've got it right. We want Ellis (or Dorsey, however unlikely) first and foremost and if we stay at nine and the draft goes as expected, take Rivers.

by mp45242 on Apr 8, 2008 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

Quincy wasn't going to make the cut...

...and now he has time to try and catch on someplace else.

Right now, I see the Bengals' RB lineup as Rudi-Watson-DeDe, with Irons headed to (at least) PUP to start the season. Chris Perry is the wild card. If he could get back on the field he would be a big help. But I would hate to lose DeDe. Might the Bengals go light at WR and keep 4 backs? After all, Perry has great hands...

by BeerRun on Apr 8, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

Are you saying...

Perry in the slot?

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 8, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Possibly

I think Perry could line up in the slot. But you could also have him run patterns out of a two-back set, for example. Anything to mix it up on offense and keep the opposition guessing.

Given his good hands and ability to return kicks, do you keep a healthy Perry as a 4th RB, or Glenn Holt as a 6th WR? Much as I like Holt, I have to give the nod to Perry.

by BeerRun on Apr 8, 2008 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

RE

Plus it could avoid injuries, provided he doesn't take a shot.

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 8, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

Or we could give the spot to Doug Gabriel

Per bengals.com, the team signed former Raiders WR/KR Doug Gabriel today. Stats here:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GabrDo00.htm

by BeerRun on Apr 8, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Chris Johnson

That's all. Just Chris Johnson. Ideally, in the 2nd round. The guy is faster than a scalded cat, an instant threat on returns, and has great hands. As for Ki-Jan...I'm sorry, Chris Perry? Cut him. Let Irons recover to see how he is, and then use him, Dorsey, and Watson as trade bait to shore up the receiving stable.

And, no, Chris Johnson is not paying me for pushing him constantly;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhUhLtAC_Ok

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 12, 2008 7:04 PM EDT reply actions