Cincy Jungle - All Posts

Sports on Television: May 19

2013-05-19T16:00:06Z

12:00 p.m.

IndyCar Racing: Indianapolis 500 Time Trials (NBC Sports Network)

1:00 p.m.

MLS Soccer: New York vs. Los Angeles (ESPN2)
PGA Tour: Byron Nelson Championship (GOLF)

1:30 p.m.

MLB Baseball: Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies (FSN)
MLB Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves (TBS)

2:00 p.m.

MLB Baseball: New York Mets at Chicago Cubs (WGN)
College Baseball: Oklahoma at Kansas State (FCSC)
Auto Racing: ARCA in Toledo (SPEED)

3:00 p.m.

Stanley Cup: New York Rangers at Boston Bruins (NBC)
PGA Tour: Byron Nelson Championship (CBS)
Golf: BMW Charity Pro-Am (GOLF)

3:30 p.m.

NBA Playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (ABC)

5:00 p.m.

LPGA Tour Golf: Mobile Bay Classic (GOLF)

7:30 p.m.

Stanley Cup: Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators (NBC Sports Network)
WWE: Extreme Rules (PPV)

8:00 p.m.

MLB Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers (ESPN)

Top-Five Offensive Tackle Duos In Cincinnati Bengals History

2013-05-19T13:37:09Z

The Cincinnati Bengals roster has had good offensive tackles throughout the years, and at times two good players playing at the same time. Though we're not talking Pro Bowlers (the Bengals have only had three tackles made the Pro Bowl), the team's lone Hall of Famer is an offensive tackle who played on good offensive lines during his time in Cincinnati. Here's our top-five offensive tackles duo (not in chronological order).

Willie Anderson and Levi Jones. So much potential here. Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time member of the First-Team All-Pro team that was part of the offensive line when Corey Dillon was breaking NFL records early in his career. Anderson could (and should) have gone to more Pro Bowls, but some of those Bengals squads were just awful. If we made a list of the best offensive tackles in franchise history, Anderson would be No. 2 on our list... and it wouldn't even be close.

Jones, a former first-round pick during the 2002 NFL draft, was a promising young left tackle with good athleticism, but injuries wiped that out later in his career. However for the briefest of times, Anderson and Jones were excellent together.

In 2005, when the Bengals made the postseason for the first time in 15 years, Carson Palmer had one of the best seasons by a Bengals quarterback. He was only sacked 19 times that year. And from 2004 and 2005, they were part of an offensive line that helped Rudi Johnson break the single-season franchise rushing record... twice.

Anthony Munoz and Mike Wilson. From 1980 through 1985, Munoz and Wilson were anchors on offensive line that helped boost Cincinnati's offensive rankings into the top-five in four of those six seasons. Pete Johnson scored 39 of his 65 rushing touchdowns from '80-83 and Anderson was sacked 24.8 times per season. If we compare, from '74-'79, Anderson was sacked 30 times or more in five of those six seasons, including a career-high 46 in 1979. Munoz was drafted and the most Anderson was sacked over the next five seasons was 26 in 1982 (a strike shortened-season). Wilson and Munoz would start Super Bowl XVI.

Anthony Munoz and Joe Walter. After Wilson left for the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati replaced him with first-rounder Brian Blados, who was eventually demoted out of the starting lineup. Joe Walter, a former-seventh round pick out of Texas Tech, not only replaced him, but he became the starting right tackle for nine seasons, through 1996 (he played in 1997, but not as a starter). Munoz and Walter started together for six seasons from 1987-1992. Unfortunately they never started Super Bowl XXIII together because Walter suffered an ACL injury during the regular season finale in 1988 against the Washington Redskins. Still, Walter started 136 games in 12 seasons for the Bengals.

Vern Holland and Rufus Mayes. The starting offensive tackle duo, both former first round picks, started together for the Bengals from 1971 to 1978. Though they weren't the best pass protectors of the group, the Bengals still boasted five top-ten offenses from 1971-1975. During that stretch, running backs Boobie Clark, Essex Johnson and Pete Johnson combined for 58 rushing touchdowns in 70 games played.

Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith. Though they've only really played two seasons together (Smith was an injury issue for his first two seasons), the Bengals have built a good foundation of players at tackle. Though the offense hasn't accomplished as much as the other duos on this list, individual performances suggests an idealistic future. Whitworth, a multiple-time alternate Pro Bowler, making his first all-star game in 2012, is showing some decline but those are related to an injury he hasn't been able to shake in two years. Smith put together his best season in 2012, following up a good 2011 campaign. He's progressing... and rapidly. There's a sense of expectancy with this duo now that Smith has re-upped for another three years during the offseason. Now we'll really see what these two can do together.

The CJs: 2012 Bengals Season Award For Special Teams Player Of The Year

2013-05-19T00:00:05Z

It has been a little while since we gave out awards to some deserving Bengals players from the 2012 season, but we're back to finish up the last few. We took a brief hiatus because of the massive influx of news surrounding free agency, the draft and rookie minicamp, but we have a small lull and we're going to give out the remaining awards.

The next award that we will be doing is for the Special Teams Player of the Year. A few of us sounded off on the topic, but we'll let you vote after.

Jason Garrison: Kevin Huber had a solid year, averaging 46.6 yards per punt. While many fans overlook the team's punter, he's one of the most important players on the team. Even with a sub-par offense, if a good punter is paired with a good defense, the two can completely control a game. Huber had 37 punts downed within the 20-yard line and only seven touchbacks in 2012, which helped the Bengals defense pin opposing offenses back, giving the offense good field position. There was definitely more than one game won by Huber's leg and the defense.

Mike Townsend: Adam Jones. In 2012 Jones' 15.3 yards per return ranks third in the NFL behind Buffalo's Leodis McKelvin and New England's Julian Edelman. If he wasn't busting his ass as one of our top Cornerbacks, he probably would have been used even more often. Even at 50% or so of all the returns, he still made me happy he was 'the guy'. Since I believe he won't be our return guy in 2013, this is a tip of the hat to a guy who has been fantastic for the Bengals. Thanks, Mr. Jones.

Anthony Cosenza: I'm going to go against the grain a little bit and go with Josh Brown. The journeyman place kicker filled in excellently for the injured Mike Nugent and made the biggest and likely most difficult kick of the year with the playoff-clincher in Pittsburgh. Though he wasn't with the team the full season, he kicked with almost a 92% accuracy. In just four regular season games with the Bengals, Brown was responsible for 41 points--over ten per game.

Mickey Mentzer: I have to go with Adam Jones as well. Truly electric on special teams last season and an all-around playmaker.

Who gets your vote for The CJ Award for Bengals 2012 Special Teams Player of the Year?

Poll

Who gets your vote for The CJ Award for the Bengals' 2012 Special Teams Player of the Year?

Andrew Whitworth: Grateful To Serve My Community And Meet A Need

2013-05-18T22:01:02Z

When Jaleel Gipson, a high school football player in Farmerville, La., passed away from injuries sustained in a spring football practice, Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth, who's from West Monroe, La., spring into action to help Jaleel's family even though they've never met.

Whitworth paid for the 17-year-old boy's funeral costs. He meant for the gesture to be completely anonymous, but a member of the family, so moved by his actions, sent out a thank you to Whitworth and the surrounding area, including the Saints' head coach Sean Payton.

"I have never met this person but this tragedy has been far reaching in people hearts and this person in particular has went above and beyond in my family's mind," wrote the family member on the Facebook page entitled Larry ND Keshia Lee.

Once word got out of Whitworth's actions, the Bengals offensive tackle released the following statement:

"My wife and I didn't intend for this to become public but now that it has, I am just grateful the opportunity to serve my community and meet a need. I have two boys, and when I heard about Jaleel, all I could think was that was someone's baby who was taken away tragically. If there is a way my family and I could help ease their burden even a little, that's what I was going to do. Honestly, I wish I could do more. I wish I were home now and I could spend some time with those coaches, players, and Jaleel's family, but I can't. I hope to do that when I return from spring training in Cincinnati."

These are the things fans need to hear about their favorite players and teams. While every team has a player, or a handful of players, that happen to be on the wrong side of the law at times, there are always those who are doing amazing things, sometimes for people they don't even know. Many times, these acts of kindness go unnoticed because players act anonymously. Of course, this day in age it's hard to do anything anonymously, especially if you're already somewhat famous.

This was great to see and while it's hard for Whitworth to give himself a better reputation among Bengals fans because they think so highly of him already, this may do the trick.

Schedule Analysis, Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals

2013-05-18T19:59:02Z

Week 16: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals

Date/Time: Dec. 22; 1 p.m. ET

Location: Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio

Bengals 2012 record: 10-6 (0-1 playoffs)

Vikings 2012 record: 10-6 (0-1 playoffs)

Offensive Rankings:

Passing:

Bengals: 17th
Vikings: 31st

Rushing:

Bengals: 18th
Vikings: 2nd

Overall:

Bengals: 22nd
Vikings: 20th

Defensive Rankings:

Passing:

Bengals: 7th
Vikings: 24th

Rushing:

Bengals: 12th
Vikings: 11th

Overall:

Bengals: 6th
Vikings: 16th

Head-To-Head Record:

5-6 Vikings (5-1 in Cincinnati)

Offseason Additions:

Bengals: LB James Harrison, LB Aaron Maybin, TE Alex Smith, G Mike Pollak
Vikings: QB Matt Cassel, WR Greg Jennings, DE Lawrence Jackson

Key Draft Picks:

Bengals: TE Tyler Eifert, RB Giovani Bernard, DE Margus Hunt, SS Shawn Williams
Vikings: DT Sharrif Floyd, CB Xavier Rhodes, WR Cordarrelle Patterson

Overview:

The Vikings are a funny team. While quarterback Christian Ponder struggled to move the ball down the field in the air, running back Adrian Peterson had one of the best seasons a running back has ever had in 2012. He was able to break off huge chunks of yards even when defenses knew it was coming. They were able to ride Peterson's back all the way to the playoffs.

The Vikings added a lot of offensive tallent this offseason, though, with guys like Jennings and Patterson. Still, the Bengals defense should be up to the task. The trick to beating the Vikings will be stopping Peterson. If they can do that and force Ponder to win the game with his arm, they should be able to win. Of course, that's much easier said than done as Peterson is the best back in the league.

Updated 2013 Schedule: Offseason, Training Camp And Preseason

2013-05-18T18:00:05Z

The offseason schedule trucks along. Since the last update, free agency has come and gone (at least the first few weeks where people care the most), the NFL draft is over and the Bengals have already held their rookie minicamp. Additionally times and dates for the preseason schedule have been finalized, and dates for training camp announced (though details are unknown still). Let's update the team's schedule, leading to the kickoff week in early September.

May 20-23: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase three of the offseason workout program, the first two weeks being a maximum of three days. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.

May 20-22: NFL Spring League Meeting in Boston
The second round of league meetings that will discuss tabled topics, as well as possible rule adjustments.

May 28-31: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase three of the offseason workout program, the first two weeks being a maximum of three days. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.

June 3-6: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase three of the offseason workout program, the third week allows a maximum of four practices. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.

June 11-13: Mandatory Minicamp
Phase three of the offseason workout program, the fourth week allows three practices. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.

July 25-August 15: Training Camp
The Bengals start the new year by holding training camp at Paul Brown Stadium for the second time in as many years.

August 8: Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (preseason game No. 1)
The Bengals open the preseason during a Thursday night football game, nationally televised on ESPN.

August 17: Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals (preseason game No. 2)
The game is scheduled to kickoff on a Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium, aired locally.

August 24: Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys (preseason game No. 3)
The game is scheduled to kickoff on a Saturday at 8:00 p.m. in Dallas, aired locally.

August 29: Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (preseason game No. 4)
The game is scheduled to kickoff on a Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium, aired locally.

September 5, 8-9: NFL Kickoff Weekend
The first of 16 games that will lead to the Bengals first Super Bowl appearance in 25 years.

ALL DAY OPEN THREAD: The Weekend

2013-05-18T17:44:37Z

Sports will never dissolve from the lexicon of our lives. Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, racing, the endless listing of sports is integrated into our chemistry.

We offer an open thread for the day that is, ranging from common Bengals conversations to the observations of human nature. Who cares. It's an open thread.

NFLPA Rookie Premiere

2013-05-18T17:06:05Z

Members of the 2013 NFL Rookie Draft Class will come together this weekend in Los Angeles to participate in the annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere for Panini, an official trading card partner of the NFL and NFL Players. For the 2013 Rookie Draft Class it will be the very first time they put on their Nike NFL team uniforms since being drafted. It also marks a key rite of passage for this rookie class to fulfill a lifelong dream to play in the NFL when they pose and take action photos for their first NFL Trading Cards produced by Panini, a leading global publisher of sports and entertainment collectables.

WHAT: The NFLPA Rookie Premiere will feature rookies from 25 of 32 NFL teams participating in football activities as Panini, an NFL and NFL Players Trading Card licensee, captures them to produce their first NFL trading cards. Rookies talk about the experience and their excitement for the upcoming season, review their college careers and participate in humorous activities.

WHO: Rookies from 25 of 32 NFL Teams including:

Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers, California, Tavon Austin, WR, Rams, West Virginia; Stedman Bailey, WR, Rams, West Virginia; Montee Ball, RB, Broncos, Wisconsin; Matt Barkley, QB, Eagles, USC; Le’veon Bell, RB, Steelers, Michigan State; Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals, North Carolina; Knile Davis, RB, Chiefs, Arkansas; Aaron Dobson, WR, Patriots, Marshall; Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals, Notre Dame; Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals, Clemson; Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles, Stanford; Gavin Escobar, TE, Cowboys, San Diego State; Johnathan Franklin, RB, Packers, UCLA; Mike Gillislee, RB, Dolphins, Florida; Mike Glennon, QB, Bucs, NC State; Marquise Goodwin, WR, Bills, Texas; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans, Clemson; Justin Hunter, WR, Titans, Tennessee; Landry Jones, QB, Steelers, Oklahoma; Dion Jordan, DE, Dolphins, Oregon; Marcus Lattimore, RB, 49ers, South Carolina; Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers, Alabama; E.J. Manuel, QB, Bills, Florida State; Vance McDonald, TE, 49ers, Rice; Christine Michael, RB, Seahawks, Texas A&M; Ryan Nassib, QB, Giants, Syracuse; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings, Tennessee; Quinton Patton, WR, 49ers, Louisiana Tech; Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys, Oklahoma State; Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins, Florida; Denard Robinson, WR, Jaguars, Michigan; Geno Smith, QB, Jets, West Virginia; Kenny Stills, WR, Saints, Oklahoma; Stepfan Taylor, RB, Cardinals, USC; Manti Te’o, ILB, Chargers, Notre Dame; Terrance Williams, WR, Cowboys, Baylor; Markus Wheaton, WR, Steelers, Oregon State; Tyler Wilson, QB, Raiders, Arkansas; and Robert Woods, WR, Bills, USC.