There's a little bit of contention going around CJ, thanks in large part to the Larry Johnson signing and the residual fallout.  With that in mind, I thought it might be prudent to lighten the mood around here by posting the video of Bernard Scott's awesome kick off return against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  As we all know, it was the game's only touchdown, and because it was so essential to the Bengals victory, it needs to be celebrated -- especially in light of the newest acquisition.

The best part of Scott's return, besides him crossing the goal line, has to be Steelers kicker Jeff Reed's "attempt" to "tackle" Scott.  Granted, kickers aren't usually known as the best tackler, but that was just poor.  It would've been better if Reed simply escorted Scott to the end zone, for all the good his bullfighter approach to tackling did.

One last thing, make sure to look for Quan Cosby knocking the stuffing out of Stefan Logan right before Scott goes into score.  It's around the 18 or 19 second mark.

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

4 days ago: Newly acquired Cincinnati Bengals running back Larry Johnson, right, sits next to head coach Marvin Lewis, left, as he speaks during a news conference at Paul Brown Stadium, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

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Larry Johnson is the fourth running back. Larry Johnson is an insurance policy. Larry Johnson won't play on Sunday as long as the other three running backs are healthy. These were the talking points from head coach Marvin Lewis, who carefully walked a minefield after reports surfaced that the Bengals were signing a player with potentially incendiary qualities. Signing Johnson wasn't a popular move with Bengals fans. Players are optimistically cautious -- some completely defer to Cedric Benson, which is a true sign of the respect players have of Benson in the lockerroom. Benson himself approves the moves, based on very good conditions. Help the team.

However, on Tuesday, head coach Marvin Lewis said that Johnson could play on Sunday, writes Geoff Hobson.

With former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson sitting next to him in a Paul Brown Stadium news conference Tuesday, head coach Marvin Lewis didn’t rule out using the newest Bengal this Sunday in Oakland if Cedric Benson can’t play.

Ah, one of the conditions. Good. Good.

What I really like out of all of this is the growing perception of Benson. In the 14 months, we went from wondering if he was what we're thinking of Larry Johnson now, to not only being one of the best players on the team, but respected and liked by all of the fans. And I really loved this:

“Once the hip is ready, I’m gone,” he said. “I’m running all the way to Miami and the Super Bowl.”

Benson is the man.

Like him or not, Johnson is in Cincinnati. He is a Bengal. Like him or not, he's here.

More photos » by Al Behrman - AP

7 months ago: -- FILE -- In this July 28, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Ben Utecht takes a break during practice at training camp, in Georgetown, Ky. Utecht will release his first album on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 under the Stylos Records label. The 12-song album titled "Ben Utecht" is the first for the professional football player, who wrote songs about his faith.(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

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In a somewhat of a surprising move in that category of moves that shouldn't surprise anyone, the Cincinnati Bengals announced that they released Antonio Chatman and Ben Utecht Tuesday afternoon. Both players were released from the reserve/injury list, which means they wouldn't affect the current 53-man roster. Utecht was scheduled to earn $2.25 million in 2009 and $2.5 million in 2010. Chatman was scheduled to earn $620,000 this year only.

Utecht's release is a bit surprising considering the tight ends they have signed for 2010. Chase Coffman. Clark Harris. And Harris is hardly a tight end, now taking on the role as the team's long snapper.

Makes you wonder what they'll plan for next year. Will Coffman be the leading tight end? Will they re-sign Utecht to a cheaper one-year deal? Will Reggie Kelly make his return with Cincinnati? What about J.P. Foschi, who I could argue has been a decent tight end on the rushing offense.

In other news of player transactions, the Bengals signed safety Brannon Condren to the team's practice squad on Tuesday. Since I have no idea who this guy is, I'll cite the Bengals.com piece.

Condren (6-1, 205; Troy) is a third-year NFL player. He opened 2009 with Indianapolis, but was waived on July 29. A fourth-round draft choice of Indianapolis in 2007, he played in eight games for the Colts that season, with two tackles, a pass defensed and four special teams tackles. He was waived by the Colts on Aug. 30, 2008. Later in ’08, he was inactive for four games with St. Louis and played in four games for Miami, with three special teams tackles. 

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

about 1 month ago: Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is chased by Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed while scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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In a release by the NFL on Tuesday, the Bengals' Cedric Benson has received 321,552 votes for the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl. That's the most by any running back in the AFC and second most among any player in the conference. The Pro Bowl consists of three votes; a consensus vote of the fans, the players and coaches. Each group counts for one-third of the total vote that determines each roster. The top vote getters are as follows:

No other Bengals player is leading in votes. The league made several changes this year to the Pro Bowl; it'll be played on the mainland in Miami a week before the Super Bowl (January 31, 2010).

When a journalist elicits an opposite response of the one they had aimed for, does that mean he succeeded or failed? Sunday night, after the Bengals beat the Steelers (sorry, I just can't stop saying that!), CBS' Gregg Doyel, wrote that Cincinnati's chances of winning is based on whether or not Chad Ochocinco can keep it "buttoned up".

But the Bengals can't be called a playoff lock yet, because they still have to traverse the mental minefield that is Chad Ochocinco. I tried to traverse it after the game Sunday, and it didn't go so well.

After reminding us of Chad's history before the 2009 season, including wrongfully dating Chad's "trade demands" in 2007 rather than 2008, Doyel continues during a one-on-one interview.

"I never have a big impact in games when we're up against these guys," he said. "They throw the whole house on me. But it's not always going to be about me. It was a team win today."

He went on, and was complimentary about the Pittsburgh defense, but I asked one more question, and that's where it went south. And don't look at me like that. I knew what I was going to write after this game -- read my first sentence again; I wrote it right after the game ended, before I went to the locker room for interviews -- and I wanted Ochocinco's thoughts on the topic.

Me: "As the season goes along -- you guys are 7-2, first place in the division -- are you going to be OK if it stays 'not about you'?"

Him: "Sure I am -- wait. What? Why are you so interested in talking about me?"

Me: "Because you're so interested in talking about you. And that interests me."

Him: "You need to get out of here."

Jake wrote on Monday that "Doyel was just upset that Chad told him to get lost." I think it's more than that. I think Doyel had every intention of writing a negatively-spun article about Chad no matter what Chad said or did. Doyel asks Chad about Chad, and Chad, upset that it turned to just him, leaves. The irony of all ironies, I say. Then you ask yourself, what did Doyel really bring us here? Does he bring us insight into the game he's covering? Does he bring us a unique perspective about what he saw? No, he couldn't keep Chad seated for the interview. What did you learn about Chad? WDR simply called this a glamour piece for Doyel, who wanted everyone to pay attention to him. In other words, a glamour-whore.

In truth, Doyel's article did bring me insight. I'm starting to actually believe that Chad is a bigger team player than what we believed. How's that for irony?

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

12 days ago: FILE -- This is an Oct. 18, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson carrying the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, in Landover, Md. The Chiefs have released troubled running back Larry Johnson. A two-paragraph statement from the team Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, simply listed Johnson's statistics and announced his release. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Larry Johnson have agreed to terms and the "deal is done", writes Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk. As of this posting, neither the Bengals nor Johnson's agent Peter Schaffer had announced anything official. But we're sure a nice morning announcement will be scheduled, maybe even with the introduction of Johnson to the press and fans.

The initial thought was that the Bengals were concerned enough about Cedric Benson's injury that they contacted and invited Johnson for a workout. However, Marvin Lewis said during the press conference Monday afternoon, that he "spoke to Larry Johnson last Thursday, and I wanted to visit with him about his future." ESPN's Michael Smith wrote that the Bengals were one of several teams to express interest before Sunday.

Which means the Bengals were interested before Benson's injury on Sunday.

Johnson's legal troubles are well documented. He's been arrested four times since 2003. The charges include felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery when he waved a gun at his girlfriend at the time. Charges were later dropped. A woman made an accusation that Johnson pushed her to the ground. The case was dropped because the accuser didn't appear in the hearings. In 2008, he allegedly pushed a woman's head and his fourth arrest came when he spit a drink in a woman's face. He pled guilty to both and sentenced to two years of probation.

Nice.

Johnson's career peaked, so far, between 2005 and 2006 when he rushed for 3,539 yards and recorded 37 rushing touchdowns. He was a threat out of the backfield in the passing game too, catching 74 passes in that time frame.

I understand the points against signing Johnson. I've made them myself.

From a purely football perspective, Johnson does bring something to the table. Even though he only carried the football seven times on Sunday, Benson is still the league leader with 205 rushing attempts. He's nine rushing attempts from reaching a career-high 214 attempts in 2008. Furthermore, Benson is hurt. What better scenario than to give give Benson a game or two off to rest and recover, allowing a healthier and stronger Benson during the stretch run towards the playoffs.

I know what you're saying. What about the Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard committee. I wondered that myself. But we honestly don't know whether either running back can be a 20-carry feature back. Scott said he felt great after a 13-carry performance against a hard-hitting Steelers defense. And, as Lewis said, this potential signing is merely an insurance policy.

UPDATE: Contract Signed and Benson responds. Joe Reedy tweets that the contract is signed and that we're just waiting for the official announcement. Reedy also tweets a Cedric Benson comment, "It’s good for him. I was once in that position and he’s getting his opportunity again."

UPDATE: Schefter provides contract situation. ESPN's Adam Schefter writes that "Larry Johnson gets $4 million Chiefs owed him AND veteran minimum Bengals will pay him AND chance to play for contender." This is Johnson's seventh season, so he's accrued six seasons. Estimates are that he should get between $630,000-$730,000.

UPDATE: Bengals cut Orien Harris to make room for Johnson. For the second time, the Bengals excused themselves of defensive tackle Orien Harris for a running back. The first, a trade with St. Louis for Brian Leonard. The second, released to make room for Larry Johnson.

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

6 days ago: Cincinnati Bengals' Bernard Scott, right, returns a kickoff for a touchdown past Pittsburgh Steelers' Ike Taylor, left, in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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In our post-game write up, we talked about Bernard Scott's game in the Bengals win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. We wrote that "Scott recorded 206 yards on kickoff returns, giving him 260 yards total on offense and special teams." More importantly, he had a five-yard run with 3:05 left in the game that picked up a first down, forcing Pittsburgh to use two timeouts and subsquently taking another minute off the clock.

Scott is one of five NFL rookies nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.

The others are.

• WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles. Caught six passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.
• RB Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals. Rushed the football 16 times for 85 yards, two touchdowns and 32 yards receiving.
• LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers. One sack and two fumble recoveries.
• LB Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins. Five tackles and 1.5 quarterback sacks.

This is a fan vote. So come in full force and vote for Scott.

The Bengals are now entering a period in their schedule that will provide the greatest mental test of the year. They are about to embark on three weeks of games that they should win.  The Raiders, Browns, & Lions are a combined 4-23 fighting for the first pick in next years draft. A position most Bengal players should remember from last year's debacle. Hopefully they will draw on that experience to keep them from falling into an over confident trap.

The other side of this coin is that these three teams will see what a difference a year can make. Watching players, that in their own recollection, are the misfit players of the NFL. The players that have been given a chance to prove themselves. Playing together, "One Team One Fight ", for what many have consider to be, a second rate NFL franchise. The difference maker now will be how well the Bengals dispatch the teams that they should beat in the next three weeks.

The first nine weeks of the season has been full of nail biting must win games and the Bengals have shown up in spades. The downside of these battles is that the Bengals are now a little beat up physically and perhaps ripe for an upset. The challenge ahead is to keep the focus, come out and soundly beat lesser opponents. Create opportunities to rest players they will need for two difficult road games against the Vikings and the Chargers back to back.

When a team is losing the coach is often to blame. When a team is playing well the credit usually goes to the players. Congratulations goes to Marvin Lewis and his staff. The team is playing inspired football, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Watching the Bengals play the last two weeks makes it evident that this is the most motivated team in recent franchise history. This team must only stay the course, a course that is heading toward a division crown.

Introducing to the inaugural edition to the "Six-Pack of Hu-Dey ", a selection of topics that we weigh in on. We hope to have this going weekly, but we'll need your help. If you have topics that you want examined or weighed in on, email them to me. Also, some veterans may recognize the spelling is actually correct. Hu-Dey beer once existed by Hudepohl Brewing Co.

Bengals need to sign Mike Zimmer to an extension as soon as possible. This is one of those topics that we tend not to examine simply because of the obviousness of the issue. You know, like John Madden saying football is played by football players or that Cincinnatians are from Cincinnati. But here's the truth. Mike Zimmer is coaching under the final year of his two-year contract. The Bengals need to sign Zimmer to a long-term extension as the team's defensive coordinator as soon as possible.

In 2007, the final year with Chuck Bresnahan as the team's defensive coordinator, the Bengals defense ranked 27th overall and 24th scoring. The Bengals signed Mike Zimmer in the offseason and the Bengals defense has steadily improved. In his first season, the Bengals total defense improved to 12th overall and 19th scoring. And through nine games in 2009, the Bengals have the 10th best overall defense, the second-best scoring defense and the league's second-best rushing defense.

With those accolades, Zimmer will be a hot head coaching candidate in 2010. Even if no head coaching opportunities are granted Zimmer, he could find himself a rich contract as a defensive coordinator with a powerfully rich team -- say the Washington Redskins. Give him a share of ownership with the team. Whatever. Zimmer will be the biggest free agent the Bengals have to sign back this offseason.

Brandon Johnson is the best backup player on defense. After Keith Rivers suffered a broken jaw during the seventh week of the 2008 NFL season, backup Bengals linebacker Brandon Johnson became the starting weak-side outside linebacker. He finished the season with 112 tackles, second on the team. Johnson's two picks also ranked second on the team and he was one of three defensive players in 2008 to record a sack and interception in the same season.

During the offseason, the Bengals offered Johnson a $1.545 million restricted free agent tender, which he signed on August 16. He waited a long time looking for another team willing to offer the Bengals second-round compensation if they signed Johnson. No takers.

Even though his overall numbers are down this year, considering he plays in mostly pass-obvious situations, Johnson's contributions for an injured Keith Rivers the past two weeks show that Johnson's play is no let-down by any means. He replaced Rivers in the third quarter against the Ravens and recorded a team leading nine tackles and sacked Joe Flacco 1.5 times. He leads the team with eight special teams tackles.

Anytime that Johnson is forced to replace Rivers, he not only matches Rivers' production, but he plays well enough to that Rivers' absence isn't as noticeable. Which brings us to...

If no collective bargaining agreement is created, then signing Brandon Johnson long-term isn't urgent. With all of that said, Cincinnati should still work on signing Johnson to a long-term contract after this year. Most likely, he'll look for an opportunity to start. And unless something happens from now until the start of free agency, more than likely, he'll find a place. In a perfect scenario, Johnson signs, plays the backup role one more season until Dhani Jones' contract expires. Then the Bengals could place Rey Maualuga at middle linebacker and place Johnson either on the weak-side or strong-side, based on the strengths of both he and Rivers.

That is, if the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is worked out and the same free agency rules apply.

There is a certain dynamic here. If the league doesn't replace the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement before free agency in 2010, then Brandon Johnson could be forced to stay in Cincinnati. Currently, the CBA says that players only need four accrued seasons to be an unrestricted free agent. In 2010, the CBA changes, based on the final year of the deal, in which players need six years to become unrestricted free agents. Therefore, Johnson would remain a restricted free agent and could be here for at least two more years.

The Bengals shouldn't start Andre Smith this year. What I think is astronomical is that the Bengals still haven't played their first round pick, Andre Smith. The current Bengals offensive line has played so well, that Smith has become a luxury rather than a necessity. Only time I can remember this applying is when the Bengals decided to bench Carson Palmer his rookie season in favor of developing him behind Jon Kitna.

The dynamic that Paul Alexander has created with this offensive line shouldn't be shuffled anymore than it already has been. As a unit, they've only allowed 14 quarterback sacks and have been a large part of Cincinnati's rushing success, which is ranked 11th in the NFL with 1,101 yards rushing.

Cincinnati's weakest part of the schedule is coming up at Oakland, Detroit and at home against Cleveland. Conventional wisdom may suggest that the team could take the opportunity to give Smith a start, at least, to see what we have. But the best solution might be to use Smith in a Dennis Roland/Anthony Collins role, which would essentially make Smith the third offensive tackle on rushing plays. This would allow Smith to ease himself into the speed and strength of the NFL, while not disrupting the cohesiveness that the Bengals offensive line already have.

Then again, there's working him in as an eventual replacement for Bobbie Williams at right guard...

Bengals now have to beat teams that they should beat. So, I'm a little melodramatic. But I strongly believe after sweeping the Steelers and Ravens (I'll never get tired of that term), with wins against the Bears, Packers and Browns, Cincinnati losing any of the next three games could run the risk of losing everything they've earned.

The next three games on the schedule are against teams with a combined 4-22 record (Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit). Losing any of those games not only hurts the team's legitimacy, as well as their confidence, but it would bring Pittsburgh right back into the mix. It's one thing to lose against a very good football team with a winning record. But they must beat teams that they should beat. That's what winning teams do.

Successes of others helps ease the fall of Antwan Odom's injury. Since Antwan Odom was injured against the Houston Texans, the Bengals defense has recorded 11 quarterback sacks (which includes the loss to the Texans). A large part of that success has come from the combination of Jonathan Fanene and Robert Geathers, recording a combined four sacks against the two divisional powerhouses Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Geathers has recorded sacks in back-to-back games.

More surprisingly is Frostee Rucker's successes dating back to Chicago where he his playing time increased because of Odom's injury. In that three game stretch, Rucker has a quarterback sack, an interception, a deflection and three quarterback hits.

Odom clearly set the season with seven quarterback sacks in the first two games of the season. The rest of the defense continues to follow suit.

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

12 days ago: FILE -- This is a Sept. 3, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson on the sidelines during a preseason NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, in St. Louis. The Kansas City Chiefs have released troubled running back Larry Johnson. A two-paragraph statement from the team Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, simply listed Johnson's statistics and announced his release. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

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During Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip flexor strain in the second quarter. His last rushing attempt came with 4:02 left in the first half, finishing with seven rushing attempts for 22 yards rushing. Later that night, Benson told Adam Schefter that he should be alright and play against the Oakland Raiders next Sunday.

However, the team might not be convinced. Rather than forcing Benson to play with an injury, the Bengals reportedly will sign Larry Johnson on Monday. Adam Schefter tweets:

ESPN's Michael Smith reporting that Larry Johnson is en route to Cincinnati, and barring a breakdown, is expected to sign with Bengals.

The move doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Bengals are known for signing players on the cheap, especially proven players who are finding themselves begging for a second chance. Johnson had a tremendous two-year stretch between 2005 and 2006, recording 4,292 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns. Between 2007 and 2008, Johnson played in 20 of a possible 32 games and his 2.9 yards-per-rush average in 2009 is a career low.

Johnson, released by the Kansas City Chiefs a week ago, has been characterized as having anger issues.

“I think it’s more perception than it was reality,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t upset. If anybody likes losing, they shouldn’t be playing this game, or any game. It just left a bad taste in my mouth every game we were losing … you just felt like you were useless. You felt like you weren’t doing enough for the team to put them in a position to win. If I was frustrated and upset, it was mainly for myself.”

The obvious question now, if Johnson does sign, is what happens with the Bengals roster of running backs. One can't expect that the team will waive Bernard Scott, after his 260 yards total against the Steelers or Brian Leonard, who's conversions on third and fourth down were very critical. Who on the roster gets the axe? And much more pressing is how serious is Benson's injury?

Questions, question, questions.

UPDATE: Here's Michael Smith's original article that Adam Schefter tweeted earlier. In this article, Smith writes that the Bengals were interested before Benson's injury on Sunday. Smith also chronicles Johnson's "issues".

In 2008, then-coach Herm Edwards benched him for three straight games for violating team rules and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him a fourth game for violating the league's player conduct policy.

Johnson was later sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace. One woman accused him of throwing a drink on her and another said he had pushed her head at a Kansas City night spot.

UPDATE: More on Larry Johnson's troubles -- a refresher course of sorts. Before being released by the Chiefs, Kansas City fans started an online petition asking Chiefs general manager "Scott Pioli to deactivate Johnson and keep him on the sideline so he cannot pass Priest Holmes for the team rushing record, or join the team's Ring of Honor at Arrowhead Stadium."

"While we are thankful for his service, we feel that Larry has been a black eye on the organization and has no business being mentioned" among the team's all-time greats, the petition reads.

Johnson was initially suspended "without pay through Nov. 8 after he questioned coach Todd Haley's qualifications on his Twitter account and twice used a homosexual slur. On Monday, the team reached a settlement with Johnson, reducing the amount of pay he would lose in half, to $315,000."

UPDATE: Suggesting discretion first. We have to advise you not to read anything into this until the actual signing happens. We've been burnt by this before, so discretion is good advice here. Ironically enough, Chad, promoting the OCNN, advises the same thing.

OCNN BREAKING NEWS: Larry Johnson hasn't signed with the Bengals, when and if it does happen ill tweet the ROC is n building

UPDATE: A Pragmatic Bengals Fan weighs in.

Part of me is concerned about bringing a negative guy like Johnson on board, I won't claim otherwise.  I think part of the reason Cedric Benson is so different for our Bengals than he was for the Bears is that he sat at home for such a long period of time.  He had to admit to himself that the league could go on without him, and I don't know that a couple of weeks of inactivity will have carried the same message to Larry Johnson.  Chemistry in a locker room and on the field of play can be a very delicate formula, and our Bengals have better chemistry now than I remember them ever having as a team. 

That said, not too long ago Larry Johnson was an exceedingly talented running back.  A friend of mine said in a message board discussion about this topic last night that film of LJ in 2006 should be required viewing for every aspiring running back at the Combine.  The guy had absolutely no fear hitting the hole and was able to turn a crease into long gainers with alarming regularity. He ate linebackers for lunch, and would run through you or around you.  It didn't matter to him, he was just getting the yardage he wanted.

So I'm torn.

I think for me personally, I'm not entirely opposed to this move for a couple of reasons.  Larry Johnson is a very similar runner to the Cincinnati version of Cedric Benson, the Cedric Benson who was a world-beater at Texas.  Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard are not that guy.  Perhaps in the spirit of "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality, LJ would be a good addition until Cedric Benson is right and ready for a playoff run.  That said, I liked what I saw out of Bernard Scott yesterday and I was hoping he would have a good chance to keep developing and growing over the next two or three weeks before hopefully getting Benson back for the last four weeks of the season and a playoff push. 

If I had anything to say about it, I would absolutely make sure that Marvin Lewis got to Larry Johnson in the negotiating room and let him know exactly why he was here.  Let him know exactly what they want from him, and let him know his place with this team.  Marvin has been exceptional at getting the guys to realize that many of them weren't wanted elsewhere and that this was a home for them if they played to their ability, and I would give him that shot before any documents are signed today. 

This could actually work out well, in my opinion.  Johnson could be a great addition and have the kind of impact that Benson, Dhani Jones, Tank Johnson and Roy Williams have had here. 

Just please heed these words, Bengals.  Talk to Larry Johnson long and hard before anything is signed. 

Also, talk to Cedric Benson and let him know why Larry Johnson is here.

UPDATE: Remembering Cedric Benson's signing. There's a certain parallel that the reported soon-to-be Bengals running back Larry Johnson has with Cedric Benson's signing last year. Both players came with tons of baggage and both were released from their respective teams because of certain issues that plagued their character. Furthermore, there were reports of each player being a lockerroom distraction with their former team. However, that's where the parallel ends. With Benson, the Bengals were desperate for a rushing offense -- not, they were just desperate. And Benson's case has turned out to be the best possible scenario. No, better than that. With Johnson, the Bengals are far less desperate and have all praised the great lockerroom chemistry that's lead by a group of mature players.

But what was the feeling of the Benson signing when he was signed? We ran a poll when Benson signed and 59% liked the move, largely because the Bengals really had nothing to lose. The majority of comments were split.

UPDATE: Larry Johnson is confirmed for a visit, but no signing. Joe Reedy tweets that "Lewis says Johnson will visit. Marvin had a conversation with him last Thursday. Would be here as an insurance policy" Bengals.com tweets that "Lewis says it has no affect on benson scott or leonard and that if do sign him he d be inactive"

UPDATE: We have to emphasize that Johnson has NOT signed. No reports actually made that claim. The closest we came to an actual signing happening, is Adam Schefter's original tweet that says "ESPN's Michael Smith reporting that Larry Johnson is en route to Cincinnati, and barring a breakdown, is expected to sign with Bengals."

We're presuming that the visit will lead to a signing, provided Johnson impresses Lewis and owner Mike Brown enough to sign him -- which likely includes, at the very least, a physical and interview.

UPDATE: If Johnson signs, what of Cedric Benson? There's no reason in the world, not even with 2012 approaching, to believe that Benson's overall participation would be reduced. And if it was, there'd be an outrage. And I'd be front and center on that. However, that concern is completely unwarranted. Bengals tweet today that Marvin Lewis said he spoke with Benson and "assured him his role won't change."

UPDATE: Jake weighs in.

What. The. Hell? I mean, we've had a great character team this year, and this is the signing we make? I understand that Cedric Benson is hurt, but Larry Johnson simply has no longer been a successful back in the NFL. He's averaged under 3 yards per carry. I know the Chiefs are bad, but does this move really make sense? Only if he's humbled by his recent experience and shows a dedication to winning. I don't like this move, but I guess it's OK if Johnson is signing for the league minimum, with no incentives. He's had a good career, and if he can resurrect that talent in Cincinnati, we'll have quite the 2(4)-headed monster. Where does this leave Scott and 3rd-down-assassin Leonard?

UPDATE: Chris weighs in. "I don't think I've been this opposed to something. Ever." It's unknown if Chris' love for Infinity Ward has been replaced.

UPDATE: Bernard Scott is cautious about Johnson joining Cincinnati. "I think it'd be fine," Scott said. "We're winning, we're happy. Personally, I don't know him, so I don't want to say anything."

UPDATE:  Bengals reportedly have decided to sign Johnson.  Are working on a deal.  Per Jay Glazer.

by Gene J. Puskar - AP

6 days ago: Cincinnati Bengals' Bobbie Williams (63) leaves Heinz Field after a 18-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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It was a bar in Dayton that an odd fellow, let's call him William, struck up a conversation with me that began with typical fantasy football musings. He drafted Adrian Peterson. His reaction was like anyone else's when drafting a great fantasy football player -- telling EVERYONE. Confident of his chances, not requiring the debate of the rest of his fantasy football draft, the conversation took an expected turn. Everyone that knows me personally, knows that I could chit-chat Bengals all day long. But it's not just about Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Those are the superstars that everyone else knows. What's more to say about them? Carson just wins. Chad just finds dollar bills laying around, hoping that the ref can find the owner who lost the money. We'll talk how hard Abdul Hodge will smack you in the face on kickoffs. We'll reminisce how the monstrous Ahmad Brooks had every tool to become a super-stud linebacker. We'll agree that Rashad Jeanty is perhaps the most unknown contributor on this defense, since 2006.

It was never about who was right. That's never the way conversations go. It's just about talking about the thing that we both love. William was old enough to remember both Super Bowls as if watching it live. I was too young for Super Bowl XVI. Not Super Bowl XXIII. I've told the story of breaking my mother's lamp when John Taylor scored the winning touchdown more times than I can remember.

But William's mind was sore. Last season left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth. That angry feeling we had before Marvin Lewis' era had resurfaced. Our last conversations didn't detail the exponential growth we saw from the defense last year. It wasn't about Carson Palmer returning. It wasn't about Cedric Benson, who had the best three-game stretch of any running back in the final three games. It wasn't about the veteran free agents, nor the NFL draft in which many observers praised the Bengals selections.

He was mad. And he should be mad. This team was terrible in 2008. Few things could be said about them that actually made us feel good. And that anger carried over to 2009.

William suggested firing Marvin Lewis. I gave the people's eyebrow for good measure, showing my uncertainty while questioning the validity of the source. How could you? Why would you? Who would you replace him with? It really took me aback. His argument is that great coaches could deal with the amount of injuries this team suffered, and still go undefeated... if they were great. Alright. Who would you replace him with? Bill Cowher, he instantly says. Yep. Bill Cowher. He's proven to put great teams together with a core philosophy that lasted most of his tenure, he argues. Yea, but. Well, he's a former Steelers coach. He lowers his head. He knows the point I just made. He knows that level of crazy-talk, while fun at times, has no place here. Are you drinking again, William, I asked. No, he laughed. It wasn't Bill Cowher he was suggesting; but Cowher being a model of stability that this team needed. Understandable.

At this point, I've recovered enough to make sure my adult beverage had a one-way ticket in, assuring that the mist that exhaled from my nose during that conversation had no escape. My composure, solid. I told him, have patience. They did a lot during the offseason, and excuse or not, Palmer's injury last year was a big contributor for their struggles. Even so, they were a solid football team in the second half of the season. They sported a winning recorded in the final eight games in 2008, I argued. That momentum would continue. How can you be so sure, he asked. Well, I can't be. But there are positive things. There is momentum. We won't repeat 2008. I promise.

William thoroughly enjoyed Cincy Jungle. We talked about the Bengals a lot. But we also talked just about football. The Buckeyes. The Bearcats. High School. We even shared our own football war stories.

About two months ago, William died of cancer. I'm going to miss talking to him about football. About the Bengals. But what really makes me sad, is that we won't be able to tell him that the Cincinnati Bengals swept the Steelers and Ravens, have a two-game lead in the AFC North with a 7-2 record. It would have been sweet to watch the pessimistic Bengals fan morph back into an bouncing anxious Bengals fan honestly optimistic that they could win any game on the schedule.

Hey William. We just swept the Steelers. You'd be proud.

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