Bengals Bytes
Russell taxis into roster bid
Remember Russell? Just call him “1.000,” or “1-for-1.” He’s the rookie cornerback from Notre Dame the Bengals plucked off waivers in the second week of last season in the 24 hours after the Chiefs cut him and didn’t play defense until the Bengals’ last snap of the season. With Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett at the two-minute warning and down 27-10, Russell knew he was chucking it and jumped wide receiver Breshad Perriman on the sideline for the interception.
OTA Highlights: Vol. 1
The Bengals hit the practice field for Day 1 of voluntary practices during OTAs. Here are highlights from Tuesday.
Bengals Offense Has More Weapons But Still Chasing 2015 Unit
Since the Cincinnati Bengals drafted A.J. Green in Round 1 and Andy Dalton in Round 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft, the team’s passing offense has more or less been defined by their connection. Dalton, of course, as the overachiever who continues to play above-average football and Green as the superstar who makes up for Dalton’s deficiencies.
Former Bengals coach Sam Wyche pays a visit to the Augusta river region
When Sam Wyche was coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, he took a team that basically went from worst to first. Four wins one year, the next to the Super Bowl. Now, years removed from coaching, Wyche is still looking to make an impact on people.
Podcast: Why Didn't The Bengals Have Munoz Mentor Ogbuehi?
On today’s episode, I discuss why the Bengals should have invited HOF tackle Anthony Munoz to coach, why Cody Core is better than some think, Darqueze Dennard & more.
#Bengals linebacker @VinnyRey running the REY-spect Academy at Taft. Teaching young kids the benefits of respect and authority. pic.twitter.com/hIO6DlymLc
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) May 23, 2017
AFC North Bytes
Former Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson joins Cleveland Browns as personnel exec
The Cleveland Browns brought an experienced voice to the front office Wednesday when they hired former Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson as senior personnel executive.
Every day, for 3 months, Cody Kessler ate the same foods - Cleveland Browns Blog- ESPN
Browns quarterback Cody Kessler took monotony in his diet to a whole new level and says he feels stronger and is throwing harder because of it.
Two plays show what DeShone Kizer can be, and where he is for Browns - Cleveland Browns Blog- ESPN
Browns rookie QB DeShone Kizer showed off his arm strength on a beautiful deep out, but his decision-making is still in obvious need of improvement.
Ravens get together for 'Bachelorette' watch party -- yes, we really just said that
Ravens QB Joe Flacco, TE Dennis Pitta, K Justin Tucker, TE Nick Boyle and friend Morgan Cox all got together for the second straight year to watch the reality show "The Bachelorette." Pitta even made cinnamon rolls.
Terrell Suggs held out of Ravens' voluntary offseason practices - Baltimore Ravens Blog- ESPN
The Ravens have praised Terrell Suggs for participating in the offseason program, but held him out of practices as a precautionary measure.
C.J. Mosley of Baltimore Ravens missing offseason practice following shoulder surgery
Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley didn't participate in the Ravens' first week of offseason practices because he underwent shoulder surgery for an injury that had not previously been announced.
Pittsburgh Steelers Le'Veon Bell to have high school stadium named after him
Making good on a five-year, $72.7 million contract ($68 million in potential new money) requires a mighty good next three years from Brown. From 2017 to '19 is when nearly $50 million of that money is due. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be rooting for Brown to keep pumping out receptions and touchdowns to validate the contract while lessening any dead money associated with this monster deal.
'Raise the ceiling:' Antonio Brown welcomes pressure of $68M deal
Coming off four straight 100-catch seasons and approaching his 29th birthday, Antonio Brown's next task is extending his prime years well into his 30s. Making good on a five-year, $72.7 million contract ($68 million in potential new money) requires a mighty good next three years from Brown. From 2017 to '19 is when nearly $50 million of that money is due.
Random Bytes
ESPN NFL Insiders make early 2017 season predictions
The Seahawks' defense gets back one of the best players in football, while the Patriots added even more firepower on offense. Our NFL Insiders predict the top units on both sides of the ball next season.
ESPN's Samantha Ponder opens up on new role as 'Sunday NFL Countdown' host - Houston Chronicle
ESPN's Samantha Ponder opens up on new role as host of venerable 'Sunday NFL Countdown' L ittle more than six years after joining ESPN as an original staff member of the Longhorn Network in Austin, Samantha Ponder steps this fall into one of the most significant on-air roles at the network, succeeding Chris Berman as host of "Sunday NFL Countdown."
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman won't let go, and it's a problem - NFL 2017
The exclusive account of how this offseason of discontent in Seattle traces to the Super Bowl That Got Away and the rift it created between Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll.
No Indictment For Escort, Staffer In Louisville Sex Scandal - LEX18.com | Continuous News and StormTracker Weather
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky grand jury declined to indict an escort and former Louisville men's basketball staffer in a sex scandal that engulfed the program. The Jefferson County grand jury decided Thursday there wasn't enough evidence for charges of prostitution and unlawful transactions with a minor against Katina Powell and Andre McGee.
FC Cincinnati is asking for public aid to build soccer stadium in bid to join Major League Soccer - WCPO Cincinnati, OH
CINCINNATI -- FC Cincinnati says it doesn’t want a tax increase, but it is asking local governments for millions in public aid to build a soccer-specific stadium so it can win one of the four Major League Soccer expansion franchises up for grabs.