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Cincinnati Bengals training camp opens on Friday and that means today was the day for the team’s annual media luncheon. During the event, Marvin Lewis, Mike Brown and members of the coaching staff answered questions for the Cincinnati media in attendance. Among the topics of conversation were Adam Jones’ suspension, the Bengals’ 50th anniversary celebration, the addition of Joe Mixon to the team, Lewis’ lame duck season, and much more.
One of the most interesting bits of news was that Lewis will go into the season on the final year of his coaching contract, but he could be extended during the season or after the season is over. There are also no standards set as to what could net him a new contract. Below is a roundup of Tweets from the Bengals media in attendance for the luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium on Tuesday.
The Bengals are going to use the All-50th Team as a type of Ring of Honor, keeping posters up of those players permanently, starting in Week 1 of this season.
Mike Brown said #Bengals will permanently honor legendary players with pictures/posters to be displayed on corcourses starting this year.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
Brown says now is the “right time” for such an honoring and he’s looking forward to the Bengals First 50 players and other Bengals Legends returning this season to Cincinnati.
Mike on honoring players: Its the right time. I look forward to every player coming back
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
Lewis says he has a “renewed focus” after last year’s 6-9-1 season, and we’re glad to hear it!
Marvin says he's anxious to get back to work. Team has renewed focus after disappointing 2016. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/yvuSoJWPFI
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 25, 2017
Brown admits Adam Jones made an ass of himself... Tell us something we don’t know!
Brown on PACman: He made an ass of himself @WLWT #Bengals pic.twitter.com/N48yjVJple
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Mike: a lot of things I admire about Pacman Jones. But he misstepped. He embarrassed himself, his family.
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
"I think he's been fully punished."
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
Mike Brown opens up on Adam Jones, Mixon and comments from Costas #Bengals: https://t.co/2dtxEXo9i7 pic.twitter.com/Dct85lpEcG
Apparently, the Bengals did consider cutting Jones, but Brown feels he’s been punished enough already.
Mike Brown says he believes Adam Jones has been properly punished by judiciary system and the league.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
I'll help him work through it. I want to help him. If that's a problelm, so be it ...He's paid a price
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
It sounds like first round draft pick John Ross will be limited for some of the summer, which isn’t the greatest news to hear. He may start training camp on the Non-Football Injury list, which we’ll learn by Friday.
Marvin: John Ross will have an opportunity to play at some point in preseason. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 25, 2017
I hope Lewis wants the Bengals to be Super Bowl champions, how about you?
Brown: If a couple pieces come together we will be what I want to be @WLWT #Bengals
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Marvin Lewis will not receive an extension on his contract before the start of the season and will be a lame duck coach in 2017.
Mike Brown says he will not discuss contract future of Marvin Lewis until after the season.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
Lewis says he’s not phased by it.
Marvin on lame duck status: Has no bearing on me. Job is the same, to lead the players. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 25, 2017
Marvin Lewis said coaching in final year of his contract isn't uncomfortable. Says players play on final year of contract all the time.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
William Jackson is ready to step up to the plate!
Guenther on Jackson: He's grown a lot, he's ready to compete @WLWT #Bengals
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Vontaze Burfict, by all accounts, is looking good.
Guenther: Burfict has lost weight and it will add three years to his career at that level
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Guenther: He was a lot smarter with the same emotional level last season, more professional (Burfict) @WLWT #Bengals
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Lewis speaks out on the offensive line:
Marvin: No question we have to play better on O-line, but that's on entire offense and on the coaching staff. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 25, 2017
On Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard:
Asked Marvin Lewis if Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard will be cleared for camp: You'll see on Friday (smiles). #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 25, 2017
Said so far it seems Gio and Eifert have made a lot of progress physically but won't know until after physicals today and getting into camp
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) July 25, 2017
Offensive coordinator Ken Zampese is excited for his new weapons, including Ross and Mixon.
Zampese excited to have "a lot more options" at the skill positions this season. #Bengals
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) July 25, 2017
Zampese on RB's: We have options, I love the situation and it's great to have @WLWT #Bengals
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Zampese: I can't wait to get the combinations out there long enough to win
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Apparently, some players may begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Players on PUP will be announced on Thursday or Friday. Eifert, Bernard and Ross are the most likely players to wind up on the list.
Lewis: Some players could start on PUP list
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 25, 2017
Bob Costas went on a rant this week, essentially saying the Bengals employ a team full of criminals... He’s very wrong and Brown addressed it. +1 for Mike Brown.
Mike on Costas character blast: I respect him, but I think he's wrong
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
Mike looks at last 4 years of Bengals at bottom of NFL suspensions
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
Brown on Joe Mixon:
Mike on Mixon: he turned 21 yesterday. He made a bad mistake 3 years ago. He paid a price.
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
I think it was a one-time thing. He's here because I think he's a good enough guy. I think he'll hold up
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 25, 2017
We’ll have much more Bengals news coming at you this week with training camp upon us!