Links and Notes: Marvin Lewis' last stand?

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 20, 2009 10:14 AM EDT in Analysis

While examining the AFC North, National Football Post's Matt Bowen (via Yahoo! Sports) brings several storylines to the table for the Cincinnati Bengals. One of which is Marvin Lewis' "last stand", suspecting that this will be his final season if he can't land them in the post season.

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 hearing about Andre Smith for the first time could think to themselves, "oh man, this guy is really bad news."

Former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson received 71.6% of the ballots during the Bengals.com Virtual Hall of Fame voting.

Joe Reedy is beginning a countdown towards training camp. He examines quarterbacks today. Reedy also examines first round draft picks and how they potentially impact negotiations with Andre Smith.

Roy Williams on his role in 2009:

“I am very blessed to have some Pro Bowls under my belt, but I don’t get caught up in the hoopla of being a Pro Bowl safety,” he said. “It was an honor and I appreciate it, but that’s the past. I can’t worry about what happened then. I have to be able to produce on Sundays for the Bengals when they need me to perform.

“I don’t want people thinking that just because I played under coach Zimmer in Dallas that I’m his boy. If he tells me to shut up I have to listen. I’m working and fighting for this job. There’s nothing given to me and I am one of the guys trying to make the team. I just want to contribute. I’m no better than anyone else on this team. I’m not coming in here thinking that I’m hot stuff and about to run things. I can be on the backseat and end up third-string.”

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don’t think Marvin will be fired if they don’t make the playoffs. If they go 8-8 or 9-7 and miss the wild card he is still safe. I’m going to place the over under on his future employment at 6 wins. Maybe 7.

by smoormandiddy on Jul 20, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Anyone who's talked ...

Bengals with me for more than 30 seconds knows of my total lack of confidence in Lewis. Of his many coaching faults, none have been more painful to watch than this team’s non-existent discipline (on-field and off-field). Whether it’s players driving intoxicated, and brandishing guns … or WRs running the the wrong routes, to me Lewis’ legacy will be “players in the wrong places, at the wrong time” (Lewis’ teams are the anti-Patriots). If the Bengals don’t make the playoffs this year (which if all things go right, they’ll be right on the edge at year’s end), Lewis HAS to go. Let someone else coach the last half of Palmer’s career.

by Timzilla on Jul 20, 2009 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

Someone hearing about Andre Smith for the first time could think to themselves, “oh man, this guy is really bad news.”

Again…what has he done to prove otherwise? Know which college player didn’t get suspended for his final game and go on to tank his workouts in legendary fashion? Pretty much all of them. And you know which one the Bengals had to draft…

I still haven’t figured out what Marvin Lewis does well. Defense? No. Motivation? No. Discipline? No. Winning? No. “Aw shucks/Dick Lebeau face”? Yes.

by bodacio on Jul 20, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

Funny...

But despite all of that, Smith was still considered the best left tackle in college football last year.

by IFChris on Jul 21, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

"Smith was still considered the best left tackle in college football last year."

Anyone else notice how good ’Bama’s O-Line was all year but how bad they were in the Sugar Bowl with out our boy puddin cups? I think he is much better than what people want to think.

by smoormandiddy on Jul 21, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Everything Roy Williams says

is so right. He might be becoming one of my favorites. Could he maybe give a little of what he’s got to Mr. 85.

by featherman on Jul 20, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

I just hope...

…Roy can cover the deep ball.

by IFChris on Jul 21, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Well there is a difference between playing in a 3-4 and a 4-3. Some players convert back and forth easily. Some don’t. He seems to be the latter. I think he’s at least got a decent chance to bounce back now that he’s back in a 4-3.

by FriarBob on Jul 21, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope Zimmer becomes our new head coach..

down the line, it seems like players really respect him and he can get them to actually play football rather than just go out there for a few plays and lolly-gag. It pains me to say this but he reminds me of Cowher the way he just screams and only takes 110% from his players.. I agree with bodacio in that Marvin still has very little control over ‘his’ team.

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jul 20, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

I’m not sure, but if my memory is There were some people wanting Bob Bratkowski to become our new head coach back around 2002. But just last season many of those same people wanted to fire him.

by Greener's eyes on Jul 20, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions

that may be true, but Zimmer is a completely different coach than Bob.. Zimmer brings the intensity and toughness that is needed for a competitive team in the AFCN.

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jul 20, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

i forgot, he also calls plays that work..

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jul 20, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

The Shovel Pass Works...

…once or twice a game.

by UpStateMike on Jul 21, 2009 7:12 AM EDT up reply actions

whats a shovel pass? I thought the only option was up the middle..

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jul 22, 2009 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Entire Play book for 2008

1st down: Dive up the middle for 1 yard gain. Durn.

2nd down: Run off tackle. We’ll make it work. We must establish the run. 1 yard loss. Alternative play – shovel pass.

3rd down: Throw to TJ or Chad and try to get a first down. We must establish the run. a) TJ catches the ball, gets 10 yards exactly. Move the chains. Repeat 1st down strategy. b) Chad drops the ball. Punt.

4th down: Punt to mid field. Go get ’em, D-Fence!

by UpStateMike on Jul 22, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions