Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals Media LuncheonWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2014-07-24T08:16:23-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/56908042014-07-24T08:16:23-04:002014-07-24T08:16:23-04:00Training Camp Day 1 Open Thread
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<p>Day 1 of Bengals training camp is here. </p> <p>It feels like Christmas in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>Day 1 of training camp is here for the Bengals, marking the start of the 2014 NFL season.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/podcast/2014/7/23/5932215/inside-the-jungle-episode-155-training-camp-eve" target="_blank"><b>Check out the newest Inside The Jungle.</b></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926763/cincinnati-bengals-media-luncheon" target="_blank"><b>Read up on all of the news to come out of the pre-camp media luncheon.</b></a></p>
<p>There's several <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/21/5923919/cincinnati-bengals-place-nine-on-pup-and-three-on-nfi"><b>key players on PUP</b></a> entering camp, the <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/23/5931097/jermaine-gresham-placed-on-active-pup-list" target="_blank"><b>latest being Jermaine Gresham.</b></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/19/5919211/andy-dalton-18th-ron-jaworski-qb-rankings" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;"><b>Andy</b></a>, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926605/mike-brown-andy-daltons-next-deal-should-be-in-colin-kaepernick-range" style="text-decoration: underline;">Andy</a></b>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/23/5927313/mike-brown-puts-ball-andy-daltons-court" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><b>Andy</b></a>!</p>
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<p>This has to be what <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926793/marvin-lewis-stop-talking-about-andy-dalton-contract">Marvin Lewis feels like</a>.</b></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/24/5932827/training-camp-day-1-open-threadJason Marcum2014-07-23T16:35:12-04:002014-07-23T16:35:12-04:00Jermaine Gresham Placed on Active PUP List
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<p>If the Bengals were to put out an injury report right now, there would be quite a few names on it, most of them being key players.</p> <p>If the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> were to put out an injury report right now, there would be quite a few names on it, most of them being key players.</p>
<p>Tight end <span>Jermaine Gresham</span> is the latest name to be added to the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list with a back injury. Earlier in the offseason, <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Thursday-quick-hits/2dc452aa-c751-40ae-b0af-79956c0bb10e" target="_blank">Geoff Hobson reported Gresham sustained an injury</a> that ended up holding him out of Organized Team Activities.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/statuses/476498057236717569" target="_blank">ESPN's field Yates later reported Gresham has hernia surgery.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/statuses/476498057236717569" target="_blank"></a>Hopefully, this injury that won't affect Gresham's availability for training camp. He's on the final year of his rookie deal, and needs to have a big season to ensure he gets a good contract offer from either the Bengals or another NFL club.</p>
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<p>Gresham is coming off career-lows in receptions (46), receiving yards (458) and touchdowns (4) in 2013. Cincinnati spent the 21st-overall pick in the 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> on Notre Dame TE <span>Tyler Eifert</span>, so they have Gresham's replacement lined up if he leaves, though they'd prefer to keep using their 2-TE sets with Gresham and Eifert.</p>
<p>To this point, there have been no indications the Bengals are working to re-sign him. That could be because of negotiations with <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> and <span>Andy Dalton</span> though.</p>
<p>As of now, <span>Orson Charles</span>, Eifert and <span>Alex Smith</span> are the other TEs on the roster. With Gresh's addition to the PUP list, that now makes 11 players currently on that list with some sort of injury.</p>
<p><i><b>UPDATE: </b></i>Geoff Hobson of <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Gresham-starts-camp-on-PUP/e9ba6ae4-3f72-4f83-859c-f40fab118fb4?campaign=cin:fanshare:twitter">Bengals.com reports that it's a back issue</a> that landed Gresham on the Active PUP. The hernia problem that hampered his ability to participate in OTAs doesn't seem to be the culprit. We haven't heard too much on Gresham's back until now, so one can only assume that it is a tweak. Still, anything with a back is tricky and must be handled carefully.</p>
<p>For now, we are chalking this up to the team being uber-careful after taking one on the chin back in 2010 with wide receiver Antonio Bryant. The team needs to be absolutely certain that a player is ready to practice before throwing them out there, as they would lose the ability to put them back on the PUP if they end up still having injury issues. Only playing through the pain and Injured Reserve would be options, if that were the case. We'll update you as we find out more on the severity of Gresham's injury.</p>
<p>(Anthony Cosenza contributed to this report.)</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/23/5931097/jermaine-gresham-placed-on-active-pup-listJason MarcumAnthony Cosenza2014-07-22T15:43:46-04:002014-07-22T15:43:46-04:00Mike Pollak Placed on Active PUP List
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<p>Pollak suffered a knee injury during offseason workouts that was believed to be minor, but it led to him missing all of the OTA sessions.</p> <p>The Bengals have a number of key players on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list prior to the start of training camp, and another name has been added to the list.</p>
<p>Offensive lineman Mike Pollak has been placed on the Active PUP list, pushing the number to 10 players. That list now includes Geno Atkins, Leon Hall and Kevin Huber.</p>
<p><span> All 10 players count against the team’s roster limit and can be activated to practice as soon as they are medically cleared.</span></p>
<p>Ironically, it was because of his teammates' injuries that Pollak became a pivotal player for the Bengals after being a seldom-used backup at the start the 2013 season.</p>
<p>Because of injuries to both <span>Kevin Zeitler</span> and <span>Clint Boling</span> at different points last year, Pollak got extensive playing time. He got five starts and <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdata%2Fby_player.php%3Ftab%3Dby_player%26season%3D2013%26surn%3DPollak%26playerid%3D4373%26pre%3DREG&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2014%2F7%2F22%2F5927489%2Fmike-pollak-placed-on-active-pup-list" style="background-color: #ffffff;" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">had a +6.2 grade by Pro Football Focus</a>. He can play both guard spots and will solidify what was one of the best offensive lines in the league in 2013.</p>
<p>Pollak suffered a knee injury during offseason workouts that was believed to be minor, but led to him miss all of the OTA sessions.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5927489/mike-pollak-placed-on-active-pup-listJason Marcum2014-07-22T13:06:27-04:002014-07-22T13:06:27-04:00Lewis and Blackburn run the Bengals, not Brown
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<p>It's really something we've believed for a long time now. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and team executive president Katie Blackburn are running the Cincinnati Bengals now. </p> <p>It's been a foregone conclusion for some time now... especially since the team showed consistency and sustainability with three straight postseason appearances. What is it? Mike Brown sort of stepped down from day-to-day operations.</p>
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<p>Just interviewed Mike Brown. Biggest nugget was Mike says Marvin and his daughter, Katie, now run the franchise. "Ball is in their court."</p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/statuses/491622322671861760">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Wait. What?</p>
<p>Again, it's not really that surprising. The team has improved their scouting department and become more proactive about retaining their core players long-term (as long as it makes fiscal sense). Cincinnati has reached the postseason for three straight years, developed all-star talent and discovered a niche for finding good role players. And that's just the improvements on the field.</p>
<p>There's been a feeling that things changed for some time... maybe dating back to 2011 when the team was in turmoil. Marvin Lewis won concessions to return and the team removed a few long-term scabs on their roster to start anew. And, it worked out. Cincinnati has won 30 of the previous 48 regular season games.</p>
<p>If you're looking for Brown to leave entirely, don't get your hopes up.</p>
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<p>Asked Mike Brown if he'll ever completely step away. Joked he's just worried about tomorrow. Can't look that far ahead. <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19">@FOX19</a></p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/statuses/491622573579321344">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Mike Brown joked he was heavily involved in decisions when they were losing, now that they're winning he'll stay out of the way. <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19">@FOX19</a></p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/statuses/491623292826972160">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Asked Marvin about Mike Brown. Marvin said he's here more than anyone else. Says he sees Mike's car in the parking lot "7 days a week."</p>
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/statuses/491623540580306945">July 22, 2014</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926841/mike-brown-marvin-lewis-and-katie-blackburn-run-the-franchiseJosh Kirkendall2014-07-22T12:40:03-04:002014-07-22T12:40:03-04:00Lewis: STOP TALKING ABOUT DALTON CONTRACT
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis doesn't like talking about irrelevant things. Actually, any time he has to talk to people outside of team employment is a dag-um nuisance (we're digging our inner-Bobby Bowden). Even if it's relevant. The contract situation regarding Andy Dalton? STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!</p>
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<p>Marvin: Not talking about Andy’s possible deal anymore. Talked about it enough.</p>
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/statuses/491618732712943616">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Marvin says dalton contract talks have been talked about too much and when it's done it's done</p>
— Richard Skinner (@nkyskinner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nkyskinner/statuses/491617815880011777">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Lewis on contract: It will get settled, but we're not talking about it and he isn't either</p>
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/statuses/491617777484955649">July 22, 2014</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926793/marvin-lewis-stop-talking-about-andy-dalton-contractJosh Kirkendall2014-07-22T12:35:13-04:002014-07-22T12:35:13-04:00Lewis expects Hall on first day of camp
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Hobson and Dehner speculated that Hall should be cleared at some point this week. Head coach Marvin Lewis expects him to be out there on the first day.</p> <p>Bengals cornerback Leon Hall should be on the field fairly quickly, according to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. How quickly? Lewis, who cites a stronger recovery compared to Hall's rehabilitation in 2012, believes that his star cornerback should be on the field during the first day of camp.</p>
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<p>Marvin anticipates Leon Hall participating on field first day of camp. Says better recovery than ‘12.</p>
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/statuses/491619780374581248">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Lewis says Hall 's rehab better this time than last time.</p>
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/statuses/491619627970351104">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Hobson and Dehner speculated that <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926133/barring-setback-leon-hall-field-week">Hall should be cleared at some point this week</a> and that Atkins, who is expected to be ready for the regular season, should be close as well.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926785/bengals-marvin-lewis-expects-leon-hall-on-first-day-of-campJosh Kirkendall2014-07-22T12:20:06-04:002014-07-22T12:20:06-04:00Bengals believe Atkins will be ready for week one
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins has been out since suffering a torn ACL injury against the Miami Dolphins last year. Currently on PUP, Atkins should be ready for Week 1... according to Guenther.</p> <p>The timetable for Geno Atkins' return continues to be a mystery (as if major injuries are supposed to be easy to return from).</p>
<p>We've heard that he'll participate during training camp "at some point" and we've heard that he won't be ready for the regular season. It's probably somewhere in the middle, yes?</p>
<p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther told reporters at the team's media luncheon that he "believes" that Atkins will be ready for the regular season opener.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> DC Paul Guenther says he believes Geno Atkins will be ready by Week 1. Exhale, Who Dey Nation.</p>
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeyHarvey/statuses/491612509724344320">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>More positive reviews for Geno. DC Guenther says he sees him playing Week 1.</p>
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/statuses/491612749676699648">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis expressed similar optimism.</p>
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<p>Marvin says going to hold Geno on PUP for few days into camp to get look at him. In a good spot though. Very encouraging news.</p>
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/statuses/491619448533827585">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Atkins suffered an ACL tear against the Miami Dolphins last year and was placed on the team's Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday. Once he's medically cleared, he can join his teammates on the practice field. However, if the medical staff is unable to clear him by the time Cincinnati starts the regular season, he would likely join the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list -- preventing him from playing for the first six weeks of the season.</p>
<p>Atkins, a two-time Pro Bowler, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2012 after generating 12.5 quarterback sacks -- also third-most in a single-season in franchise history.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926685/bengals-believe-geno-atkins-will-be-ready-for-regular-seasonJosh Kirkendall2014-07-22T12:05:25-04:002014-07-22T12:05:25-04:00Brown: Dalton deal should be in Kaepernick range
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown took the rare occasion to speak with reporters on Tuesday at the team's annual media luncheon. One of the biggest offseason topics continues to permeate... Andy Dalton's contract extension. </p> <p>Saying that Andy Dalton would be the front-runner for "most-questions-asked" to Bengals owner Mike Brown would be an understatement... and most of them predictably concerned Dalton's contract situation -- Dalton is entering the final year of a four-year deal that he signed as a rookie in 2011.</p>
<p>Brown gathered with reporters on Tuesday for the annual media luncheon, telling the media that an <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/491608311863582720">"ending" could be done soon</a> regarding Dalton's contract situation, but offered no timetable. He admitted that the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/491608496094605312">franchise tag in 2015 is on the table</a>. So... nothing new.</p>
<p>However, Brown did name-drop another quarterback's name when asked what Dalton's next deal should be.</p>
<p>Colin Kaepernick.</p>
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<p>Brown thinks Dalton deal should be in Kaepernick range</p>
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/statuses/491610313155149825">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Mike Brown believes Dalton's next deal should be around Kaepernick's. More on that later. Niners deal caught some attn around here</p>
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeyHarvey/statuses/491610504792518656">July 22, 2014</a>
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<p>That sound you just heard was Katie Blackburn smacking her own head.</p>
<p>On June 2, 2014, Kaepernick signed a six-year extension worth $126.97 million with $61 million guaranteed. Though <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/6/5/5782136/colin-kaepernick-contract-details-49ers-salary-cap-2014">Kaepernick's contract isn't a solid number either</a> and contains a lot of conditions, escalators, de-escalators, etc...</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/7/22/5926605/mike-brown-andy-daltons-next-deal-should-be-in-colin-kaepernick-rangeJosh Kirkendall