How do you feel about the Bengals signing Matt Jones and working out Pacman?

by Craig Conrad on Feb 13, 2010 1:15 PM EST in Player Transactions

Well howdy there, folks! Things have been pretty busy lately for me, which is why I've been doing the Conversational Commute lately in lieu of writing. However, with the inclement weather as of late, driving has been difficult enough without recording a Vlog. So here I am!

Lots to talk about lately, hasn't there been? As a matter of fact, I'm not really sure what to think about our Bengals right now. Are they actually being proactive and looking at players who could possibly help fill some of the holes that became evident over the course of the second half of the 2009 campaign?

I'm not dreaming all of this, right? Hit the jump.

Matt Jones. Dave Rayner. Adam "Pacman" Jones. Donte Stallworth. The Bengals have already signed the owners of two of the four names I just listed for you. Matt Jones and Dave Rayner are now the proud owners of two spots on the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason roster.

At first blush, Matt Jones and Dave Rayner may not excite you very much. After all, Matt Jones came in to the league as a likely over-hyped quarterback to wide receiver convert for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He then decided that playing in the snow was more fun than catching an oddly shapen leather ball and got himself kicked out of the game. Dave Rayner is a journeyman kicker who spent five years with five different football teams including our very own Bengals in 2008, when he filled in for Shayne Graham for one game going 3-for-3 on extra points and one successful field goal attempt.

Donte Stallworth and Adam Jones? Who knows how their stories will pan out or if orange and black uniforms are in their collective futures.

Oh, don't forget about all the Terrell Owens talk. There's been a fair bit of that too recently.

My point is this: the sum of these players and what the Bengals' interest in them means is greater than their parts. Signing Matt Jones brings a legitimate #2 type receiver in for a pittance. He is big, strong and deceptively fast. Why not give him a shot? If he screws up, he's a vapor trail.

Signing Dave Rayner puts the first candidate for the kicking competition that will commence in training camp in place already. It signals to the fan base that Shayne Graham, his short kickoffs and his inconsistencies over the past couple of seasons likely aren't going to draw a Bengals paycheck again this year.

Moves like this are something we aren't especially used to here in Bengal Nation. These are the sorts of moves that would be lauded incessantly in the national media if they were being made by a team like the New England Patriots or the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is an effort to make moves, right now, that will improve this team. No players are available in Free Agency right now, so no big deal. They're checking out players that are available now that may be able to help this team get better.

Something strange is happening, folks. The Bengals are, for the second offseason in the row, making moves that appear to make sense.

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Comments

Neither good nor bad... it's just not that big a deal

I think if NE or Pitt made these moves the league would yawn.

Chances are Rayner won’t stick, he’s a journeyman scrub. Matt Jones was overhyped, and now he’s a head case with a serious criminal record. This will cause more bad jokes about Cincy and criminals… and it likely won’t be worth it because Jones isn’t that good of a player.

“Pacman” Jones would be a good third cornerback if he could stay out of trouble. The Pope would be a good rabbi if he wasn’t Catholic.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Feb 13, 2010 1:27 PM EST reply actions

Say what?

National media making jokes about Bengals deviant acts=Don’t sign guys that have troubled pasts.

That seems like a good idea. Let the national media dictate what they should do, b/c we all know the national media knows best.

by Grizzlyfox on Feb 13, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Not that big of deal huh...

we have been notorious for just sitting around and watching the NFL pass us by… Now were taking swings at solid ptiches… so what if you strike out… 1. its better to strike out swinging than just sitting there watching it and 2. you can’t get a hit if you don’t swing…. its a big deal because we are doing the opposite of what we used to do and we seen where that got us… I’m glad that we aren’t just sitting around afraid to make moves and were actually being aggressive, taking charge of the future… win or lose

by Jaydolla on Feb 13, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

Well said, Jay. This is exactly the point I was trying to make.

by Craig Conrad on Feb 13, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

yes, i agree, at least they aren’t sitting back doing nothing, i think everyone here would find that even worse. you can’t complain too much about them taking chances like this, i mean they aren’t investing too much $ on it and who knows, look at Ced, Scott and LJ, no problems … yet. ;o)

by caliteck on Feb 13, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

+1

This signing represents more than what Matt Jones will potentially bring to the team. It’s a deviation from the futile ways we’re used to.

by Jaegner on Feb 14, 2010 6:38 AM EST up reply actions

And remind me

When garrard has ever been a good QB? Who knows what jones can do with carson. Plus he can’t throw over his head. Guy is 6’6. I’m wondering if he could play TE.

RIP Slim.

by brandone on Feb 13, 2010 6:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Thats an interesting thought Mike Brown… I mean Brandone. JK… actually if the guy is really that big why not?

by The Dealio on Feb 13, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

garrard made the pro bowl last year!
honestly though, i’ve lived in jacksonville the past ten years and garrard has always been “good”. By no means great, but i’d say that he is a good quarter back, i’d rather have him as qb than a list of other quarterbacks in the nfl, and i think they’ll be fine with him starting next year.
he’s not better than palmer though, but the difference is not peyton manning>jamarcus russel.
i think jones could be a good pickup though.

by WillyC on Feb 13, 2010 7:20 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah Garrard isn’t horrid. It’s just that he looks like that compared to Manning when he has to play him twice a year.

Still if we can keep Palmer upright (something else Garrard hasn’t always enjoyed) and if he’ll actually apply himself this time around, this could be a very good pickup.

For those who can't remember the uncapped FA rules, this link's for you.

by FriarBob on Feb 14, 2010 1:13 AM EST up reply actions

i think it is a good sign that the bengals are already active in free agency trying to make this team better. i also like 6,6 240 and a 4.37 40 very much. if he screws up cut him and we lose nothing.

by whodeyocho on Feb 13, 2010 1:30 PM EST reply actions

National media

Honestly, we used to care about what the national media said about us. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter. When we’re doing things right, they remind us we’re not that good, or as good as teams that do things good. And when we’re doing things wrong, they tell us we’re not that good.

In the end, it doesn’t matter what they think because in their mind, no matter what we do, we’re not that good.

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 13, 2010 3:16 PM EST reply actions

The only reason we (or any other team / fan of any other team) should care about what the national media says is when you can rub their noses in being wrong.

Canal Street Chronicles is STILL having fun with that! :)

by FriarBob on Feb 13, 2010 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

The reality of the situation is that we are not the NE or Pitt (Thank God) and we are going to be judged by a different standard. If we had been a successful franchise for the last ten or twenty years, with multiple playoff runs and maybe a title or two, then we would have earned the right to tell everyone to go screw themselves when we make decisions like this. Unfortunately that is not the case. Our franchise has suffered mediocrity for the past twenty years and has decisions like this one paint us as an easy target.

When I talk to fans of other teams about the Bengals, no one says that we have the worst owner in the league or that we have an offensive coordinator who only knows five plays, they talk about our players being thugs and criminals. Signings like this one just provide fodder for everyone to take shots at us. It’s pointless for us to get angry about it. It won’t end until the team wins some meaningful games and changes that perception.

by rynd33 on Feb 13, 2010 3:25 PM EST reply actions

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Let ‘em talk. I’m so far past the point where I could care any less about off-field issues. It’s not the players’ jobs to raise my kids and teach them right from wrong. It’s MY job to do that.

I want a freaking superbowl ring. Period. End of story. I don’t care, not even one little bit, what these guys do off the field.

by Craig Conrad on Feb 13, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

Whats funny is...

90% of respected musicians like Aerosmith make Matt jones look like a part time user but are so respected\loved by all… Everyone has demons…

by Jaydolla on Feb 13, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions

as far as the media perception goes...I could care less

it seems we will never shake the “crimesquad” name tag no matter what happens. We should do what it takes to get this city a championship, I commend MB for doing this.

As far as Matt Jones, I mentioned in a fanpost a while back how we should give him a look because all he does is catch TD’s (just like Slim) he just has to layoff the nose candy and stay away from Newport and Covington

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Feb 13, 2010 3:47 PM EST reply actions

Oh and Pacman...

We need help at corner but not this guy. I dealt with his crap here in TN we dont need that. But I did see him win a game single handedly vs Jacksonville when the Titan’s offense had only like 99 yards total offense. He returned a Punt, Kickoff, and INT all for TD’s but I believe that player is dead and gone even though he is only 26…..Make it rain!!!

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Feb 13, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Matt Jones

do not want!!!!

by Greener's eyes on Feb 13, 2010 4:05 PM EST reply actions

???

you at least going to say why

by Jaydolla on Feb 13, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

lol

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Feb 13, 2010 7:05 PM EST up reply actions

In short

Matt Jones – Yes, reminds me of me.
Adam Jones – No, don’t trust him.
Terrell Owens – Yes, works hard, never been arrested.
Donte Stallworth -No; he’s just not that good.
Dave Rayner – Who?

by Evil Monkey on Feb 13, 2010 4:29 PM EST reply actions

I would sign Osama bin Laden to kick field goals

If it would win the Bengals a Super Bowl.

Well, maybe I’d sign OBL just to guarantee getting rid of Shayne Graham.

by LooseCannon on Feb 13, 2010 4:34 PM EST reply actions

don't care who we sign

as long as it helps us win games, and yes, a super bowl, the problem comes when these guys fall off the wagon, say Matt Jones is great here for the first four games, then he gets caught with cocaine and an underaged hooker, well there goes our number two receiver, and there goes our wins

by whodeydoc on Feb 13, 2010 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Red Zone Threat?

I could see matt jones being a great red zone threat. Big Tall Fast guy… I think he’s worth the risk. Players on their second chances know this could be there last chance, ala Cedric Benson.

by The Dealio on Feb 13, 2010 5:22 PM EST reply actions

headin in the right direction

i agree hole heartly but im not dowin peko but we play a 4-3 and who made the dallas cowboys so tough was a guy that played defensive tackel they called half man half monster and his name is Randy White u gotta have some1 that commands 2 blockers at all times just my opionion

by marco a true bengals fan on Feb 13, 2010 5:52 PM EST reply actions

i cant spell or type either

by marco a true bengals fan on Feb 13, 2010 5:54 PM EST reply actions

As I've stated in other threads

I am a fan of the Matt Jones signing. Also as I’ve stated before, Matt Jones could be effective in the Wildcat…if Brat gets his head out of his ass.

I like the Rayner signing, too. At least he’s not the shankapotamus

Slim 15, you will be missed. RIP Chris Henry

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Feb 13, 2010 6:30 PM EST reply actions

yea we wouldnt want him playing a better QB then Carson..... would we?

but yea he could a be a badass wildcat dude…..ran a 4.37 40! nice

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Feb 13, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

lol

I just posted a first four round mock for the Bengals. My picks are going against the grain.

Slim 15, you will be missed. RIP Chris Henry

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Feb 13, 2010 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

Not at all a shocker, Trotanoy hates it too

Slim 15, you will be missed. RIP Chris Henry

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Feb 14, 2010 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

Matt Jones is good...

…but I worry that height is to the Bengals as speed is to the Raiders. It’s important, but there can be more important things.

by Big Sky Bengal on Feb 13, 2010 7:55 PM EST reply actions

I wouldn't go that far.

The only tall receiver we’ve had active on game days for the past several years was Slim. Chad, Andre, Laveranues, etc are all around six foot even. We did much, much better when we had at least one tall threat on the field when we had Slim. I think Matt might be just what this offense needs.

by Craig Conrad on Feb 14, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions

I agree, but...

…I just have this sneaking suspicion that one of the reasons we passed on DeSean Jackson was because of his height. Also, Hobson was constantly talking about height with some players that we tried to get something out of—Marcus Maxwell when he was around, Nate Lawrence, etc. I just get the sense that we’re unnecessarily leery of smaller receivers, Quan Cosby notwithstanding.

by Big Sky Bengal on Feb 14, 2010 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

Honestly,

Simpson isn’t any bigger. And we have to move on, because Simpson in my mind is an epic failure. And Fuck Hobknob. I can’t stand him. he’s nothing more than a MB asslicker. I even sent him a nasty email before the start of the 09 season.

Slim 15, you will be missed. RIP Chris Henry

by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Feb 14, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions

I say we draft Myron Rolle...

and he’ll boost our team’s image. He’s a gentleman and a (Rhodes) scholar. Plus he can play the nickel.

by jbs62 on Feb 13, 2010 8:30 PM EST reply actions

I second that jbs62!

It wouldn’t surprise me if Marvin went for him. He likes, “Those Notre Dame/Michigan guys”, players he considers intelligent, and we sure need help in the nickel!

by Alex Kuhns on Feb 14, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Sign them all

Really, the only one with a real risk would be T.O because, he would cost big money & guaranteed money at that. As for the others they are low risks high reward prospects, same as Chris Henry when the Bengals resigned him. Tall receivers are huge on the field, they make QBs look good, especially on those corner endzone fade routes. who really cares where players come from anymore, over 50% have suspect characters. For as little as the Bengals put into scouting anyway having someone at the front door of the Betty Ford Clinic might be their smartest move.

by Vman in Germany on Feb 14, 2010 7:27 AM EST reply actions

As a Jags fan

I’m glad Matt Jones is getting another chance.

As for whether he will be a good player for the Bengals, I think Paul Kuharsky describes him best:

“Had he developed into the deep threat you’d expect from a first-round pick? No. But he was a reliable target for an 8-yard pass on third-and-7, and while there isn’t a ton of glory in that, there is value in it. "

His hands are decent, his height helps and he is reasonably quick. His biggest “flaw” is lazy route running, but that can be coached. If the Bengals can get him motivated, he is worth a roster spot as a possession receiver.

by KeithG on Feb 14, 2010 8:19 AM EST reply actions

Matt Jones

For the record… During the Saints/Cardinals playoff game this year, my buddy Ted and I were discussing Bengals and possible offseason moves — I called the Matt Jones signing. I couldn’t remember his name right away, but I said “But really though, dawg, what we need to do is find an athletic guy in the slot, yamsayn? Like, remember that first round pick out of Arkansas, played quarterback I think.”, Ted replied “Yeah dude, didn’t he like get arrested for possession in a pickup truck that he was drivin’ crazy in or something?”. I said “I didn’t know all that, but damn, it’d be perfect…another Mike Brown redeemer story! Hahaha”

I’ll try and get Ted to come on here and validate me.

by Alex Kuhns on Feb 14, 2010 10:18 AM EST reply actions