Presenting the Cincinnati Bengals 53-man Roster; and immediate reaction, of course
by Kirkendall on Sep 5, 2009 3:30 PM EDT
in Analysis
48 comments
Now that the cuts are announced, let's make one thing clear. It's very unlikely that this is the final 53-man roster that will kickoff the season next weekend. With players being released and waived, the Bengals, like all other 31 NFL teams can pour over available players. If they decide to put a claim on a player, they will be sixth in line. If the other fives teams decide not to claim the player that the Bengals are interested in, then that player can be signed by the Bengals.
Let's take a look at the existing roster.
| Quarterback (3) | Carson Palmer | Defensive Ends (5) | Antwan Odom |
| J.T. O'Sullivan | Robert Geathers | ||
| Jordan Palmer | Michael Johnson | ||
| Jonathan Fanene | |||
| Running back (4) | Cedric Benson | Frostee Rucker | |
| Bernard Scott | |||
| Brian Leonard | Defensive Tackles (3) | Domata Peko | |
| DeDe Dorsey | Pat Sims | ||
| Tank Johnson | |||
| Fullbacks (1) | Jeremi Johnson | ||
| Linebackers (6) | Keith Rivers | ||
| Tight End (3) | Daniel Coats | Dhani Jones | |
| Chase Coffman | Rashad Jeanty | ||
| J.P. Foschi | Rey Maualuga | ||
| Brandon Johnson | |||
| Wide Receivers (6) | Chad Ochocinco | Abdul Hodge | |
| Laveranues Coles | |||
| Chris Henry | Cornerbacks (5) | Johnathan Joseph | |
| Andre Caldwell | Leon Hall | ||
| Jerome Simpson | David Jones | ||
| Quan Cosby | Geoffrey Pope | ||
| Morgan Trent | |||
| Offensive Line (10) | Andrew Whitworth | ||
| Anthony Collins | Safeties (5) | Chris Crocker | |
| Bobbie Williams | Roy Williams | ||
| Nate Livings | Chinedum Ndukwe | ||
| Kyle Cook | Tom Nelson | ||
| Andre Smith * | Kyries Hebert | ||
| Jonathan Luigs | |||
| Scott Kooistra | Special (3) | Shayne Graham | |
| Evan Mathis | Kevin Huber | ||
| Dennis Roland | Brad St. Louis | ||
* Andre Smith has a roster exemption until September 14.
Immediate Reaction and Notes
- We projected that the Bengals would take eight defensive linemen; we split it up four and four. While the Bengals actually did take eight, they went heavy with defensive ends, keeping oft-injured Frostee Rucker. I actually don't have a problem with this because Rucker can make plays. The only issue with him has been durability. If he has an injury-free season, he could be a surprise player. On the other hand, he missed two preseason games this year.
- Can the Bengals sustain a three-man defensive tackle rotation? Rucker and Fanene both have experience playing defensive tackle also -- maybe the biggest reason for keeping Rucker.
- The more we started thinking about it, we realized the Bengals would take five backs; four of whom could be running backs.
- In the weeks leading up to today, I've watched J.P. Foschi and started feeling that the Bengals might keep him around. He's a decent blocker and I feel he could be a decent third-string Tight End in the NFL. However, he could also be babysitting the position if the Bengals sign someone after all of the cuts are final. In our projections, we thought it might make the team better keeping a second fullback than a third Tight End.
- Save for Marvin White, all players that were waived -- 17 in all -- are eligible for the practice squad.
- Somehow, I'm not surprised that Antonio Chatman went on Injured Reserved.
- I thought cutting Darryl Blackstock was somewhat of a surprise. However, he wasn't replaced. The Bengals simply took six linebackers. He would have likely been the seventh.
- I was very happy with Abdul Hodge making the team and felt, as we watched preseason unfold, that he was a lock for the sixth linebacker slot.
- The Cincinnati Bengals tweet that David Jones and Scott Kooistra are the only players not healthy heading into the opener.
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Says who?
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 5, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just kidding. DL doesn't mean disabled in football.
by jsl413 on Sep 5, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to say. We're already putting guys on the IR from the 53-man roster?
Shesh. :)
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 5, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quan Cosby will be punt returner
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 5, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roster
Well guys, what do you think? If you were to grade this roster, which includes the draft and transactions this entire offseason, how do you think the roster looks right now?
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 5, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like a 6-10 team to me. Marvin Lewis is still the head coach.
by bodacio on Sep 5, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks to be 12 and 4 to me. I like to roster expet I would have liked on more of the full backs kept instead of Dorsey.
by heckno on Sep 5, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree
As long as Marvin Lewis is the head coach and keeps blowing a few games a year with dumb decisions (ie: needlessly burning time outs by calling one before a routine kickoff….or by calling for a review of a play in the last minute of a half that only gained like, 3 yrds when we needed 7 yrds for a 1st down…or calling a time out after a play that actually benefits US if it stands, but then, since he gave the other team a chance to review it in the booth, THEY challenge it and it gets overturned — stupid crap like that) then the Bengals will be lucky to be a .500 team.
Can’t wait until his contract is up in ‘10, and I’m dreaming of them actually bringing in someone with a proven history, like Gruden, Dungy or even the freakin’ Jaw himself. LOL
The Phat One
by Bigphatie on Sep 6, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE
You put a lot of faith in Brown finding a head coach that would serve the team better. After all, wouldn’t it be fair to say that the only head coach worth passing as a head coach of all the guys that the Brown family has hired, is Marvin Lewis?
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 6, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummmm, not really
I think Lewis got a lot more credit than he actually deserved for “turning the team into a contender”.
Look, he was the FIRST coach that Mike Brown ever gave control over draft choices and roster personnel.
And what has he done? Oh yeah, a less than .500 record over his entire coaching career of the Bengals. Sure, he “turned them around” in his first 3 years, 8-8 two years in a row, and then 11-5 and made the playoffs the next.
But wait, my point is…I think Lewis got way more credit for that then he should…why? Because most of the personnel was already in place, and just about ANYBODY would have been an upgrade at making roster decisions than who was doing it before – Mike Brown-!!!
What has Lewis done for the past couple of years? 8-8 again, then 7-9, and last year 4-11-1. And his over-all (losing) record is 46-49-1, and they made the playoffs one time.
Sure, Palmer was hurt last year, and that definitely cost the team some games, but overall, Lewis’ decision making during game play (see my first post) is questionable at best, and I stand by my statement that he costs them a few games a year.
I just don’t see him as a very good head coach. I see him as another cheap alternative (read – a Mike Brown special) who is wasting the talents of a great franchise QB (Palmer), and a couple of great WR’s (and TJ is already gone).
I think the Bengals (with that offense) should have been making the playoffs annually, but with Lewis costing them a couple of games a year, they haven’t done it.
And then, what about him being such a “defensive genius” – the architect of the Raven’s vaunted D?? You have to admit that the defense in Cincy has fallen severely short in his time as head coach. Do I really need to go on?
The Phat One
by Bigphatie on Sep 7, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and by the way
I’m really NOT putting a lot of faith into Brown hiring a good head coach….if you read my first post again, it say’s “I’m dreaming of them bringing in someone with a proven history”.
After all…a guy can dream, can’t I? LOL
Honestly, I really don’t have a lot of hope that the Bengals will ever be a contender until that bastage Mike Brown is done and gone from having anything to do with the team.
But that doesn’t change my opinion of Marvin Lewis’ coaching ability. I really think he should go back to being a D coordinator and we should bring in a proven head coach.
My opinion….and it rules~!!! :o)
The Phat One
by Bigphatie on Sep 7, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keeping 10 OL
Does this signify that A. Smith is going to be out longer than expected? I understand he’s exempted so they’re really only keeping 9, but it seems to me that they could’ve gotten by with 8 until he is healthy. It makes me think (a) that the coaches don’t believe he’s going to be good enough to be an emergency backup in a few weeks when his foot is healed, or (b) it’s going to take a while for his foot to heal. Either way, I think the extra OL cost us keeping Blackstock and possibly losing both rookie FBs, but I hope that’s not the case.
by cmick on Sep 5, 2009 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im so sorry we couldn't keep one of the 2 rookie fullbacks
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can I get a high five...
that my man Dorsey made the team? Special teams can be dangerous with Cosby, Nelson, and or Dorsey returning punts!
Who Dey Baby!
by The Dealio on Sep 5, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
count down until Dorsey is on IR has started.
by heckno on Sep 5, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
decidedly meh
im cautiously pessimistic re: this season.
"Plain and simple, I wake up in the morning and piss excellence"
by obc2 on Sep 5, 2009 6:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHAT!!!
I’ve been happy with most of the Bengals moves to this point, but what?
How do you keep Herbert over White?
Foschi should not be on this team, I would rather have Sherry
We need a TE, Coats is better at FB and we’re all still not sure of Coffman’s blocking skills, where is Tony Stewart when we need him?
Dan Skuta or Blackstock should have gotten Abdul Hodge’s spot, Hodge can’t do anything in coverage.
With that said, I’m ecstatic that Tom Nelson and Quan Cosby made the team.
BUT THE ONE MOVE THAT PISSES ME OFF THE MOST IS jason shirley, how do you cut a guy who was making great progress as a Guard, his worst case scenario is a solid DT
zak kondratenko
by ZAK1 on Sep 5, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not exactly liking the Shirley cut, but I have very little doubt they are hoping to sneak him onto the PS. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a designated guy plop down every five minute to pray he clears waivers.
Hey, here’s a wacko thought… can the Bengals put in a claim on their own waived player? Because if they caught a rumor somebody with lower priority had put in a claim on him (or Pressley, who I figure is the first or second guy added to the PS if he clears… even if for no other reason than to keep a fire lit under JJ’s butt) could they put in a claim shortly afterwards to grab him back? That would be kinda cool if they could…
by FriarBob on Sep 5, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Hebert over White is mostly because of special teams, where Hebert is a star, but it’s also because White never really lived up to his hype. The guy wasn’t very good in coverage and missed a ton of tackles.
2) Sherry’s injured; I’d rather they’d kept two fullbacks and Pressley still be there.
3) I don’t know about Tony Stewart, but Leonard Pope would be nice if he’s really been cut.
4) I don’t get the Skuta lovefest that a lot of people here seem to have. What’s the guy done this preseason? I’ve seen Abdul Hodge making plays all over the field, and it would’ve been a travesty if he didn’t make this team.
5) I’m also ecstatic about Nelson and Cosby.
6) I think they’re trying to put Shirley on the practice squad and groom him to replace Bobbie Williams, who’s getting kind of old.
by Raging Clue on Sep 5, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we really suprised?
Marvin has said all along this preseason that we will be a run first team.I’m happy also that Dede got the nod.Our O-line needs a little more time to gel and i can see them doing so.Palmer is close to 100%.Even better J.T. is looking like a solid back-up.Our D has been playing well but as pre-season has shown,also needs a little more time to gel.I believe that our D will be fierce as we projected a couple of games into the season.I dis-agree that this is a 6-10 team.I think as the season moves along so will the play of both lines.Honestly if we go with the traditional 8-8 season id be REALLY surprised.Due to our schedule and off season acquisitions we have made and the down right nasty potential some of our players have, would it really be out of the question to mention playoffs?
by Who-DeyWilloughby on Sep 5, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember when we were going to be a run first team last year?
by bodacio on Sep 5, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops forgot to click off the bold!
Hopefully with the running attack we have this should open up the long ball from Carson that we all have longed for the return of.
by Who-DeyWilloughby on Sep 5, 2009 6:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric Green waived by SF
Weren’t we interested in him at one point? Or am I getting him mixed up with somebody else.
by FriarBob on Sep 5, 2009 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
forget hebert and forget white
Kaesviharn is on the wavier wire!
by palewook on Sep 5, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dude, if he couldn’t even make it for the Bears or even the Saints, each of whom had to have like bottom 10 big-play secondaries in the entire league last year if not the #1 and #2… if he can’t even hack it for them, why would we want him back?
by FriarBob on Sep 7, 2009 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Bengals lose their top two TEs and go out and sign a couple of street free agents. In other words fringe players.The Falcons cut Hartsock and the Jets immediately jump on him. Today the Patriots traded Thomas to the Saints for the hefty price of a 7th round draft pick.Here’s a guy who has started several games for a playoff team.He would bring a wealth of experience to the team.They just cut all three of their 7th round draft picks.The Saints are an aggressive team when it comes to filling needs,they just lost one of their key TEs to injury a couple of days ago. I got to think Thomas would have brought something to this team that our next year’s 7th round pick.And from what I could tell he’s making around $500,000.
by redberkey on Sep 5, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Four running backs and Shirley
Shirley goes to the practice squad as a project. Nobody is going to claim him without some experience and put him on their active roster .
Like all four running backs but how do they all contribute if Ced gets all but 5 or 6 carries a game? One of them still on the bubble when ASmith is rostered?
by StLBengal on Sep 5, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
special teams, blocking and goal line situations…
This is our year!
by Carsonorbust on Sep 6, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our Running Game will suck for 2 reasons: O Line and...
… our only FB is a lard-a$$ with no desire to win or even block. Jeremi Johnson. Watch.
by Yaccub Fleishcman on Sep 5, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Schobel was released by Phili, we should get him
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 9:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jamon Meredith is a great Tackle just cut by Green Bay
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kory Sheets and Alex Boone released by 49rs, good RB and T
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zack Follet from Lions would be nice
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike MIckens from Cowboys looks good too
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marcus Freeman, linebacker released by Bears, good player there
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Falcons William Middleton cut by Falcons, 5th rounder, good CB
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 5, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good job. i would be interested in some of these guys. but this years draft picks get cut for a reason
"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"
by firstPick on Sep 6, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the same reason we got rid of Pressley, Fui, White, etc
All good, decent players, just not enough room in some of those teams.
If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't
by trotanoy on Sep 6, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alex boone
He’s about as overrated a tackle as there is. He’s got size but nothing else. No sense in wasting a roster spot there.
by GatorOH on Sep 6, 2009 1:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
pope
we should get him; hes a big target which carson likes
by who dey md on Sep 6, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
but his work ethic is shit
"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"
by firstPick on Sep 6, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wake up call
maybe he can pull a Cedric Benson and revitalize his career.
"Plain and simple, I wake up in the morning and piss excellence"
by obc2 on Sep 6, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More Cuts Will Come
1. I don’t think J.P. Foschi really makes this team. I bet we will bring in another tight end. Pope, despite being cut, may be a bit expensive, but if not, I would bet on him. Otherwise, I would expect another waiver wire pickup at T.E.
2. I think another C.B. will be brought in and it will axe someone else, maybe G. Pope, maybe Trent. Nelson can cover pretty well, will be an excellent gunner on special teams, and can return punts. Even if we bring in another corner, I don’t think he’s the one who gets cut. I think it’s pretty clear cut that he made the football team.
3. The four running backs makes sense to me, as does J.J. being named fullback. I loved both the rookies in training camp but J.J. has experience. I know the Bengals are praying to sneak both Pressley and and Fui onto the practice squad, but even if we get one, it will be a perfect scenario. If either J.J. or Dorsey (or another HB) goes down with an injury we can pull up a FB from the practice squad. I really thought it made the most sense to keep 4 HBs. Also, they may be looking to trade either Dorsey or Leonard if they get an offer.
4. There was absolutely no reason Jason Shirley should make this football team. I love the guy, I think he has tons of potential, and I think he could be a serviceable guard down the road, but he’s nowhere near ready. I think the odds are on his side that he makes it to the practice squad, and it will be interesting to see his progression at the position by next season. The practice squad is where projects like Shirley end up (but not project like Andre Smith).
by Just Chris on Sep 6, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JJ's weight is an issue
A very real one, making the decision to cut a draft pick and decent-looking free agent, well, bad.
by IFChris on Sep 6, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE:
I disagree. I think the weight issue is over until next year — and if Fui and/or Pressley stick with the team on the PS, then we can promote one or the other. Also, Jeremi is only playing on a one-year deal.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Sep 6, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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