EricGhiaciuc Posts -- FanHouse

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Chiefs Sign Ghiaciuc Away from Cincy

Posted: Apr 30th 2009 8:20PM by Chris Burke (author feed)
Filed under: Bengals, Chiefs

The Chiefs continued their Scott Pioli-led roster overhaul, signing unrestricted free agent center Eric Ghiaciuc away from Cincinnati. Ghiaciuc started 16 games for the Bengals last season, and made at least 12 starts each of the last three seasons.

Kansas City already has two centers on its roster, including Rudy Niswanger, who made 15 starts in 2008. What happened prior to Pioli's hire, though, seems to be pretty inconsequential these days -- case in point, Tony Gonzalez's unloading last week. Pioli has made it very clear that he will be heading into 2009 and beyond with a roster filled by guys who fit his vision.

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FanHouse NFL Season Preview: Cincinnati Bengals - Changing Their Stripes?

Posted: Aug 9th 2008 9:00AM by Sportz Assassin (author feed)
Filed under: Bengals, AFC North

1 COMMENT

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is a month off, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: If there is one constant on this team, it is Carson Palmer. Sure, Palmer didn't have his best season a year ago, but his off seasons are better than many QBs best years. In reality, other things factored into his poor season (injuries to the line, injury to Rudi Johnson, receivers pouting). The only issue here is what happens in Cincinnati if Palmer gets hurt. They have no one groomed to come in. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jeff Rowe are in their second seasons with the team and Carson's brother, Jordan, is fighting for a spot. Heat Index: 8

Running backs: Injuries have hurt this unit in the past couple of years. Workhorse Rudi Johnson finally hit a wall; Kenny Irons blew out his knee in his first preseason game; Chris Perry has never been able to stay on the field. Well, Rudi and Perry are healthy again, with 2007 surprises Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey around to give the offense a different dynamic. Cincy needs this unit to get back to form to allow the entire offense to explode. Heat Index: 4

Receivers: Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are one of the best receiving combos in the NFL. T.J. tied for the lead in receptions; Chad was third in receiving yards. However, this could be the last season either is in Cincinnati. Johnson's issues with the team are well documented. T.J. is in his final contracted season. Chris Henry is finally gone and there are several guys trying to step into that #3 spot. Rookie Jerome Simpson will get a strong look, as will Andre Caldwell and Antonio Chatman. Chatman is the only one with experience and could get the nod. Heat Index: 8

Continue Reading FanHouse NFL Season Preview: Cincinnati Bengals - Changing Their Stripes?

Bengals: Curse of the 2005 Draft Revisited

Posted: May 20th 2008 2:57AM by Sportz Assassin (author feed)
Filed under: Bengals, AFC North, NFL Draft, NFL Police Blotter, Cincinnati

1 COMMENT

Just over one year ago, I wrote this about the horrible Bengals draft of 2005. In 2008, the Bengals have tried their best to wash their hands of that weekend ... and have seen five of the seven picks leave this season for various reasons. Two were flat out released; one retired due to injury; two were not tendered contracts.

Combined, these seven guys have played just 140 (out of a possible 448) games in the orange and black ... with Chris Henry (35) and Eric Ghiaciuc (32) the only ones to top twenty games. None played in all 16 games this past season -- only two played more than half the year. Three didn't suit up at all.

1st Round [#17]-David Pollack, LB, Georgia: Pollack had an unfortunate neck injury in Week 2 against the Browns in 2006. Despite trying to attempt a comeback, he retired earlier this year. He's played in just 16 games since being drafted. Status: Retired

2nd Round [#48]-Odell Thurman, LB, Georgia: Thurman was to be the focal point of the Bengals defense, before he was suspended for the first four games of the 2006 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. A few weeks into the season, he was charged with OVI [operating a vehicle while impared]. Two days later, the league suspended him for the remainder of the season (the suspension would continue through 2007). He's played in just 16 games since being drafted and was released yesterday. Status: Released.

3rd Round [#83]-Chris Henry, WR, West Virginia: Look, we all know the deal here. He's a very productive player but can't stay out of his own way. He was suspended for Bengals' first 8 games of the 2007 season and could face a stiffer penalty if some recent off-field issues come back to bite him. He had played in 35 games for the Bengals before being released this offseason. Status: Released.