Is the local media obsessed with Andre Smith?

by Mojokong on Oct 22, 2009 12:37 PM EDT Comment 8 comments

For a guy who hasn't touched another football player in months, Marvin Lewis keeps fielding questions about Andre Smith in every midweek press conference. If the Bengals offensive line was a major problem at this point of the season, I could understand the urgency of his return, but at this point, I'd be surprised if he got into games even after he's been cleared to play. I understand that first-round picks get a lot of attention, but who really cares if Andre has gone from working out in a pool to working out on the sideline? An occasional update certainly doesn't hurt, but it seems that Bengals beat writers spend too much time on a guy who isn't likely to have much of an impact in the next four games or so.

While I'm railing on local media, what's with the questions about Cedric Benson's workout for the Bengals last year? The question was raised to both Marvin and Carson. That was last year; surely there are more pressing matters to discuss, right? I'm able to brush off the obligatory questions about facing the team that let him go, but I can't figure out why we'd be interested in what the team thought about him before he joined the Bengals last season.

It's questions like these that make these press conferences a mindless formality where no one learns anything. If I had to stand in front of a podium and reiterate the same cliche answers to reporters who repeat themselves with the same question every week, I wouldn't be motivated to expound on any one particular point either.

I had to get that rant out; thanks for listening.

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i've read a lot about andre smith in the national media

which might be why the local feels as if it has to keep tthe spotlight on the story. andre smith entering practice was a top headline on NFL.com yesterday as well as a short blurb on SportsCenter. i think Andre piqued the interest of a lot of people because he came from the SEC, he was a top 10 pick, he held out for a long time, and he was made a fool of on HardKnocks. i remember SportsCenter airing the press conference of marvin lewis the day Andre got hurt. i guess people outside of our bubble actually give a shit.

i can’t figure out the benson stuff either…

by GrooveLeg on Oct 22, 2009 1:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's to be expected

they have to find things to talk about, its there job.
I do agree with you, they do ask the same questions trying to get a different answer
And as far as Benson goes, I only care what he does against the Bears

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Oct 22, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Media Buzz

Everybody is waiting to be the first to call “Bust!” for those top ten draft picks and Andre seems as likely a candidate as anybody. Though I’m still waiting to here the Darius Heyward Bay story…

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Oct 22, 2009 5:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Obsession is way ...

too strong a word. Smith is a high-profile, former first-round holdout with a storied past who’s paid jabillions to protect a prized possessions, Palmer. Smith’s status equals legit news value. As for news conferences, only Palmer says anything interesting or insightful. The rest pretty much use the ’ol political trick of saying a lot that means nothing,

by Timzilla on Oct 23, 2009 6:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

on the other hand

Most folks I know out of town remember Andre Smith as the boobman, jiggling shirtless in a historic 40 yard dash.

"I have found me a home"

by obc2 on Oct 23, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's intriguing to everyone.

Benson’s comeback story is pretty amazing. People are trying to understand what happened? Fourth overall pick and sucked in Chicago, why? Suddenly, comes back when everyone ABSOLUTELY THOUGHT this guy’s career was over and becomes one of the better backs of the league? Pretty interesting stuff. Media is trying to get every angle possible to understand and report on this weird yet intriguing story.

On Smith’s case, of course the media is obsessed with him. As they are with Crabtree. This guys (first rounders for the most part) are pretty outstanding athletes. Everyone is eager to see what this guy can do and how he can contribute to the team. Is not so much as a do-we-need-him-now question, but it’s the expectations he brings to Cincinnati. I’m pretty excited to see him on the field. I think he’s going to be the next “highway 71.”

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Oct 23, 2009 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs