Bengals Pass Rush desperately needs to improve; Vick doesn't "deserve" NFL return -- he has to earn it

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 21, 2009 11:05 AM EDT in Analysis

One of the bigger questions heading into the regular season is the Bengals pass rush. Robert Geathers is returning from injury. Antwan Odom is adding bulk, while keeping his quickness. Round out the position with Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene -- serviceable in their own right, but easily upgradable as well. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has spoken this off-season about being more aggressive against the pass, combining different blitzing schemes with linebackers and safeties. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga, you figure, will be a big part of that, as well as Chris Crocker, Chinedum Ndukwe and Roy Williams.

Season	Team Sacks	Team Leader	Sacks
2008	17	Ndukwe, Thornton, Odom	3
2007	22	Geathers	3.5
2006	35	Geathers	10.5
2005	28	J.Smith	6.0
2004	37	J.Smith	8.0
2003	30	Thornton, Clemons	6.0

If the pass rush is effective, then the Bengals secondary benefits. Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph have opportunities to shutdown opposing wide receivers, as well picking off passes.

Marvin Lewis will be on the Enquirer at noon during a chat session.

ESPN has launched their 2009 Training Camp Guide.

• What James Walker says: Attending Bengals training camp this year could make you a television star. The popular HBO series "Hard Knocks" is filming the practices this year and will have cameras everywhere. That adds an interesting element to an otherwise quiet city. The stadium atmosphere on the main field doesn't put fans too close to the action. But access to players afterward is great -- they routinely sign autographs while on their way to the locker room.

Who Dey Fans previews Hard Knocks.

In my opinion, Michael Vick doesn't deserve to return to the NFL. He has to earn it. And completing a federal sentence isn't earning anything.

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Im not sure if i trust the pass rush this season. i think the Rookies (maualuga, Johnson) will have the biggest impact on the pass rush. Im not sure if Odom adding weight is a good thing. They never say “this guy bulked up this year. but lost his speed”. So of course they are going to tell us that hes still quick. Geathers hasnt practiced yet this offseason, and he could be a suprise vet cut if he cant prove hes healthy and/or Keep Johnson from stealing his play time.

The Vick subject can be sensative to some people. But i think he should have an opporitunity to play in the NFL again.

"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"

by Joe Goodberry on Jul 21, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

I'd be stunned to see them get cut Geathers.

But I was also amazed they cut Big Willie when he could have been a great backup instead of playing most of the year for the Ravens. Even if Geathers doesn’t keep a starting slot because of injuries, why would you not want him to keep getting healthy and be able to fill in for a hurt lineman mid season?

by UpStateMike on Jul 21, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

No love for the Johnsons?

I think you forgot a couple of key pick-ups here. Tank Johnson could be a good pick-up to help occupy space in the middle. Michael Johnson also has freakish potential pass rush potential. I disagree with firstPick about Odom. From what I’ve heard, Odom has worked his butt off this off-season and has added an incredible amount of strength. That kind of work is usually what translates to production on the field.

by The Dealio on Jul 21, 2009 12:31 PM EDT reply actions

RE:

Yea, I kept the Johnsons off intentionally. I wanted to examine the pieces we had last year and how they’re comparable to this year. Obviously the Johnsons will help.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 21, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldnt mind

I think we should sign Michael Vick as a back up and in the wildcat! but its just a thaut?

by vottoholic on Jul 21, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

Please. No.

We don’t need Vick on this team. No good can come from it. At least wait until next year after he plays for the UFL and will come back to the NFL for league minimum.

by UpStateMike on Jul 21, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I think

Vick should have a lifetime ban for his felony. You can’t join the army if you are a felon, you can’t vote if your a felon, the league should step forward and say “felons can not be in the NFL making you automatically in the top percentile in the US for pay and an automatic roll model for kids.”

by jim0ijk on Jul 21, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions