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Final thoughts on Hard Knocks

There's a few final notes left over from Wednesday night's Hard Knocks -- after that, we'll start digging into the Bengals game this Friday (Friday, FRIDAY) against the New Orleans Saints.

+ ESPN.com's James Walker wrote in several posts leading up to Wednesday that after each episode, he'll write a recap of the show on Tuesday morning. To be honest, I was looking forward to his thoughts on the show, thinking when the show ended, what could he possibly say against the show?

In a welcome-to-Bengaldom moment, new safety Roy Williams -- who had spent his entire career in Dallas -- is shocked that players have to pay money to rent televisions for their dorm rooms. "There's no TV?" a startled Williams asked. The prices range from $93 to $266 depending on the size. The Bengals are notorious for their cost-cutting ways and this was yet another example.

Roy Williams signed a $750,000 contract for one season. Paying $266 for a 42 inch screen television is a big deal? Be lucky this isn't Paul Brown's day. Televisions? You'd get traded to a team in Antarctica just by offering the question of where one could be bought. Furthermore, who's charging the players? The Bengals or Georgetown College? Again, does this really matter? A free agent sits at a table and says, "wha wha wha what? I have to pay to rent my own television for a 2-3 week camp? You mean I have to find alternative entertainment like socializing with teammates. Screw that. I'm out of here."

Walker graded the show with a "B" saying:

It focused mostly on the players, where I believe the most-compelling stories and mystery surrounding the Bengals involves ownership and the family-run business. I want to see more of Mike Brown, who is a polarizing figure in Cincinnati and rarely in the public eye.

I disagree. I liked the focus on the players. That's my primary interest. The team, operations, etc., will always be there; think of it this way, what's worse than having fear? Having your fear materialize. I live for my bubble. I've always liked Chad's humor. I like Palmer's quiet leadership qualities, Lewis' anger, or the nice stories like Chris Pressley walking the field with his son. I thought the back-and-forth between Chad and Chris Crocker was killer; you really didn't get a sense of Crocker's presence in the lockerroom until the first episode.

More Brown wouldn't just be infuriating to Bengals fans, it would be boring television. (and I wonder why Cincy Jungle isn't considered credible or credentialed media by the Bengals franchise -- even though we practically sell their product everyday)

+ Willie Anderson tweets:

Yeah Right! Mike Brown won't let them cut Jeremy Johnson. He made the coaches go find him in Kentucky this offseason.

First we saw on Wednesday the surreal scene with coaches sitting behind desks like in a classroom with teacher Mike Brown "suggesting" the team move defensive end Chris Harrington to Tight End. If Anderson is right, then a collection of new questions arrive:

1) Did Brown suggest moving Jason Shirley to guard?
2) Is Runnels cut because Brown wanted to keep Jeremi Johnson?
3) Where does Marvin Lewis' influence start and stop through all of this and why is he just another student at the front of the classroom?

Yikes.

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Makes perfect sense

Keep the fat, out of shape fullback over the one the coaches — you know, the guys that are paid to know football — were actually praising. I mean, God forbid Johnson goes on the practice squad.

I’m beginning to have a real fear this show is going to turn me completely off of the Bengals because of Mike Brown and his clueless daughter. They have NO BUSINESS being on the active side of football operations. None.

by IFChris on Aug 13, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I rarely disagree with your thoughts, Josh...

But are you just NOW realizing that Mike Brown MIGHT not be the best general manager / player personnel decision maker? I know you’re the eternal optimist – which is fine. (not giving you shit for that) …but YES, he is behind all those dumbass moves and YES, it’s all a gray area of where Mike’s influence and Marvin’s authority intertwines.

I was surprised all along Brown agreed to do this show because this series is going to expose him for the slap dick that he is.

The first episode didn’t disappoint. My only shock was that I thought Steve Sabol would protect and shelter Mike Brown from looking like a fool. He clearly didn’t.

I mean him and Katie…good god…

I know we all saw it…

by JohnCockToastin on Aug 13, 2009 7:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

RE:

It wasn’t so much that I just realized it. But seeing it puts in another terrifying perspective. Fear finally seen. You know? That was the worst part.

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

by Kirkendall on Aug 14, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know

You’re more of the optimist and I’m more the type that’s disgusted with MB’s behavior…and even I was shocked…just stupified.

Even though I always suspected MB was every bit as inept as everyone always reported, seeing it firsthand just stung.

As fans, we’re really f-cked.

by JohnCockToastin on Aug 14, 2009 10:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

If this series shows what a dumbass Brown is, that may not be a bad thing. Perhaps more public exposure of his crap ass management will lead to changes.

by smoormandiddy on Aug 13, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

thats what I noticed most....Mikey Boy running the show

Can we make a tight end out of a defensive end ? WTF ?? this is supposed to be professional football not Pop fricking Warner

Maybe if Carson gets hurt we can put a cornerback in for quarterback….

This team won’t ever be good until Mike Brown takes a dirt nap

Nobody listens to Andrew

by nlt-andrew68 on Aug 14, 2009 12:07 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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