Realizing Social Media exists; Monitoring regular season opponents

I didn't realize that the era of Twitter and Facebook was developing a new moniker. I always considered it Social Networking. Seems easy enough. You're being social. You're networking. Social Networking. However, out of that belly comes a new form of socializing, in which players, celebrities and whomever, are starting to bypass the traditional media, in favor of the same technology used for Social Networking. This new moniker is called Social Media.

One is trying to get people to listen to his latest musical efforts. Another wants to engage fans and get his message out directly, bypassing mainstream media outlets. And a third is trying to promote his charitable work to ensure kids eat well and live healthy lifestyles as well as some restaurant ventures.
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All three are players for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, but they share something else in common. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, tight end Ben Utecht and safety Chinedum Ndukwe are all using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter to reach new audiences and fans.

+ There is reason to monitor Brandon Marshall updates. Why? What does another receiver matter in another city? The Bengals host the Denver Broncos on September 13. If the Broncos trade their leading receiver, or if there's enough discord between team and player that diva receiver decides to sit, then the Bengals could greatly benefit. However, before you get excited about the Broncos firing less rounds than allowed in the clip, Marshall is reportedly "on-site" with the team. But he doesn't look happy and Mile High Report notices that Marshall uses "I" much more than "we".

A more intriguing note about the Broncos is that we should keep an eye on whether or not first round running back Knowshon Moreno, who hasn't reported yet, will be ready if he's involved in prolonged negotiations. Then there's Kyle Orton, who lost his only start against the Bengals. The date, September 25, 2005. The score. Bengals win, 24-7. The performance. Orton completes 17 of 39 passes for 149 yards passing. The best part. Orton threw five interceptions. Then there's a rookie head coach. I won't predict a win or a loss in July, but the Broncos, at this point, are more unknown than known. And it would be nice for the Bengals to get over their disasterous 2008 season with a win out of the gate.

• The Associated Press points out that the Bengals offense will be only as good as the team's offensive line. Really?!
• Are the Bengals using Billboards to ask fans to come back?
• If you're planning on heading to Training Camp, Joe Reedy provides a few things that you should know.
• The Bengals need to stay healthy. Not that losing your franchise super-star quarterback is allowed as an excuse or anything.
• Blitzburgh projects Santonio Holmes season.
• Is there any reason to be convinced that the news of Brett Favre's retirement is final? It's too much of a cliche to say that Favre's retirement means that he'll likely play in 2009. And I hate cliches. But if you have to think that if Favre gives any indication of wanting to play during Training Camp, that any team looking for a quarterback will choose to look at Favre before even thinking of inviting Michael Vick.
• The passing of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is hitting the Eagles fans and the NFL hard. Regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the league, the Eagles defense ranked in the Top Ten in four of the past five seasons.
• David Irons, brother of former Bengals running back Kenny, was released by the Falcons.
• The New England Patriots signed former Bengals defensive back Herana-Daze Jones.