James Walker has... wisdom?; Andre Smith is close; Carson Palmer's injured hand isn't an issue

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 15, 2009 11:48 AM EDT in Analysis

During his AFC North Chat, someone wrote to James Walker that the Bengals need to stop playing down to the competition and start playing to their potential. I'm usually hard on Walker. But that doesn't mean I don't respect him. His response: "The Bengals are winning close, but they're winning John. Enjoy it. They are a hard-working group and there hasn't been enough of that in your part of town."

It appears that Andre Smith is still on pace to be ready after the bye week.

“Andre is doing pretty well, actually,” Lewis said. “We’ll continue to ratchet up his work, as far as the on-field work. He continues to go symptom-free so far, so we’ll continue to ratchet him up as we go.”

On Wednesday quarterback Carson Palmer practiced with a glove over his sprained left thumb. However, it wasn't even taped, so it's feeling better. "Not an issue at all," Palmer said.

The Dayton Daily News writes that being 4-1 doesn't guarantee a playoff spot, citing the previous times that Cincinnati was 3-2 or better and how they finished since 1988.

If the season were to end today, then it would be one hell of a short season. The Bengals would also be picking 27th in the NFL draft (not really when you don't include the playoffs, but for the sake of argument). Scout.com mocks the Bengals selecting Jermaine Gresham, tight end from Oklahoma.

John Clay of the Herald-Leader writes that the Bengals are for real.

Fox Sports' Peter Schrager calls a win for the Bengals this Sunday. Tecmo Bowl sees the same outcome, different score.

Of all places, David Sandora of Pittsburgh's Tribute-Review talks about Cedric Benson, calling him surprisingly productive. Sandora writes

There is at least one positive sign in Benson's favor: Unlike running backs such as Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Julius Jones, Benson has gained his yards through consistency rather than the big run. Benson's longest run has been only 28 yards, but he is still tied for second in the NFL with four runs of 20 or more yards.

There were reportedly 13 reporters and photographers asking Clark Harris questions on Wednesday.

"You guys will never want to talk to me again," he told the reporters, according to the Associated Press. "That's what I'm hoping for."

DeDe Dorsey was featured in the Las Vegas Sun for his two touchdown performance with the Las Vegas Locomotives.

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the UFL

oh yeah, i forgot about that…. I hope dede does well.

by the-dude on Oct 15, 2009 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

Can't remember whih site it was...

maybe SI.com that had listed Aaron Kampman for Anthony Collins dream trade. They sited our strong push in the division and a need for a little more pass rush and Green Bay’s HUGE need on the O-line. They called Collins expendable due to our use of D. Rolland and the fact that A. Smith is almost ready. I would take that trade 1000 times althought it will never happen.

by smoormandiddy on Oct 15, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

it was cnnsi.com

i read it too. i kind of disagree though. a ton of our defensive line money is already tied up in geathers and odom. and we have manfreak johnson who should get better as he plays more. and to bring in kampman would stunt his growth. how can we acquire antonio gates, that’s what i want to know. haha.

i thought the quinn for young trade in that article was interesting too.

by brandone on Oct 15, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions