Posts tagged Marvin Lewis at FanHouse

Bengals Make Chris Henry a Captain

Hold up! Wait! What!?!?

Well, for one night only, the Cincinnati Bengals made Chris Henry one of their team captains during last night's final preseason game:
Wide receiver Chris Henry, dressed in uniform number 15, was in a group of players at midfield before the game, representing the Bengals as a team captain during the coin toss against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday night.

Now, let's play a game of "What Does This Mean?"

-Was it the Bengals way of trying to send a message to Henry that they expect him to be an upstanding citizen and teammate?

-Was it the Bengals way of trying to tell the NFL that these preseason games are a joke?

-Was it Marvin Lewis' way of smacking owner Mike Brown by overly "accepting" Henry back ... even if he doesn't want him?

Ocho Hurt? Rudi Traded? Chris Henry? Bengals Just Can't Change Their Stripes

Man, what a month to be a Bengals fan.

I'm not going in order here -- just gonna start anywhere:

Chad Johnson: After a spring and summer of him mouthing off, he gets into camp with an ankle problem. After finally getting that taken care of (and calling out Michael Phelps ... oh, and wanting to change his name to "Ocho Cinco"), he dislocates his shoulder that puts his season in jeopardy.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh: All this while T.J. Hows-ya-mamma is nursing his hamstring. The injury has been highly criticized around Cincinnati as T.J. just milking it so he doesn't have to practice or play in the preseason (judging by what's happening around the league, it isn't a bad move). Housh is in the final year of his deal, which points more fingers at what he's doing.

Chris Henry: With their receivers banged up, the Bengals signed Chris Henry for help. This has really pissed off Bengals fans to the point that ... well, if they haven't given up their tickets by now, they never will. Henry has yet to practice and will be suspended for the first four games on the season.

Chris Henry Signed With Bengals on Tuesday, Still Hasn't Practiced

Chris Henry, recently re-signed to the Bengals despite head coach Marvin Lewis' protestations, will not play in tonight's preseason game against the Saints. Something about community service.

Or maybe he's just not in shape, which seems sort of odd since, really, what else has he had to do this offseason? I mean, other than the court appearances? According to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Mark Curnutte, Henry hasn't made his way onto the practice field since signing with the Bengals on Tuesday, but he has worked with the strength and conditioning coach, so there's there.

All indications are that Lewis was done with Henry, but owner Mike Brown had other ideas. Why those ideas including re-signing a chronic law-breaker and on-field underachiever seems odd, but, hey, I thought it was bizarre that the Bengals didn't think scouting players was all that important (which, ironically, has something to do with their current predicament).

To prove a point, Lewis could refuse to play Henry, but that's basically a Pyrrhic victory -- the team is currently without Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and the rookie wideouts are skrugglin'. Plus, it would likely hasten Lewis' departure. But maybe that's what he's going for.

Chillin' At the Water Cooler With Bengals Fans: Chris Henry Controversy

I live and work in the Metro Cincinnati area and the Bengals are usually on everyone's brain. During the season, I will gather a few of my co-workers (Tom Otten, William Morgan and Dave Chandler) together "at the water cooler" and discuss some Bengals topics.

This week is a bit different as I discussed the the controversial Chris Henry signing with several other fans -- not all of them Bengals fans
. My opinion has been documented.

Dave C: "I don't agree with the signing. We have enough trouble in the locker room and now adding another headcase. Also showing Marvin [Lewis] has no say in what goes on with his team since he didn't want him back. Typical Mike Brown."

William M: "Think it was a good no risk move. Low money move. And if he mess up after this time ... not only will he be off the Bengals team ... he will be out of the NFL."

Tom O: "I'm the guy who doesn't care what you do off the field -- just show up and play. This isn't girl scout camp ... this is war! But to kick a player off your team, call him a big problem, wash your hands of him and then re-sign him? The Bengals have lost all credibility. Their 'laughing stock' has just gone up! The only thing for Marvin Lewis to do is resign. Save face now and maybe you get a job elsewhere. This team is going nowhere. Continue to prove you have no control on a joke team and you'll wind up like [former Bengals coach] Dave Shula. Go Browns!"

Anthony C: "Great move!"

In a Shocking Development, Agent Reveals That Chris Henry Is Broke

Cincinnati: the NFL's halfway house. In news that should've surprised no one, the team re-signed chronic law breaker Chris Henry yesterday. At the time, the move was thought to be a combination of things: injuries to starters Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and less-than-expected progress by the two rookies, Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell.

And today, Bengals.com confirms as much: the team, faced with the possibility of going into the season without two of it's best players and nothing behind them, prompted the re-ushering in of the Chris Henry Era. Ah, good times, indeed.
The signing indicates that Chad Johnson's sprained shoulder is serious enough that the Bengals look to be preparing for the possibility that Johnson could be sidelined for several weeks, although Johnson insisted Monday night he'll be back for the opener.

But that's not the only injury that has clouded the receiver picture in the last 48 hours. There is also rookie receiver Andre Caldwell's sprained foot and T.J. Houshmandzadeh's hamstring. He's 50-50 at best to play in his first preseason game Saturday night against the Saints, and the Bengals could be forced to sign a receiver in addition to Henry.
But it gets better: according to Henry's agent, the gun-toting, jersey-wearing evil doer is broke, but has apparently "undergone a transformation in order to get his life back in order." Translation: "I'm broke and I need to quit acting like a jackass long enough to get paid."

Bengals Power Struggle: Mike Brown Shows Marvin Lewis Who Is Boss

Despite being released prior to the NFL Draft in April, there have been rumors swirling that Chris Henry could be a Bengal very soon.

When that rumor broke, it was said that Bengals owner Mike Brown really wanted Henry back ... but coach Marvin Lewis wanted nothing to do with him. Lewis put his word on the line when he said this team would rid themselves of the problem players that have made the franchise into a national punchline. Bringing Henry back would just kill any belief in what Lewis says.

And now that has happened, as Henry is close to being a Bengal again.

It isn't Lewis' fault. Brown wanted him and he's the owner. We've been there where we know better than our bosses but they go ahead and do what they want. In Cincinnati, Lewis has to fight this to create his team on a daily basis and has no one to answer to but Mr. Brown ... Mr. Brown's daughter ... and Mr. Brown's daughter's husband.

Those are Lewis' bosses, which makes him the highest ranking "football guy" in the organization. That's what makes this a shame for Bengals fans.

Bengals Chatting With Chris Henry: 'I Wish I Could Quit You'

Here comes the story again. Apparently the Cincinnati Bengals have been in contact with Chris Henry's agent. Well, that's according to the agent:
The Bengals have had "conversations" with representatives for wide receiver Chris Henry, his agent told the Enquirer late this afternoon.

"Don't put any stock in NFL.com," Lewis said. "I don't think (the story) has any legs for any reason."

Agent Marvin Frazier said he and the Bengals were engaged in "just conversations right now."

This is interesting on so many levels (I'll get to the should they in a bit). The way it is right now, coach Marvin Lewis wants nothing to do with Henry ... but owner Mike Brown does. When this line of thinking came up last month, Lewis convinced Brown not to bring Henry back to the team. That was before the Bengals training camp where none of the candidates for the #3 receiver have impressed.

If Brown gets his way, does that mean there will be a divide between he and Lewis? Will the seat get a bit warmer for ol' Marv? And how will fans react?

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

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

Chillin' at the Water Cooler With Bengals Fans: Camp Raises Hopes and Concerns

I live and work in the Metro Cincinnati area and the Bengals are usually on everyone's brain. During the season, I will gather a few of my co-workers (Tom Otten, William Morgan and Dave Chandler) together "at the water cooler" and discuss some Bengals topics.

Sportz: Last year, we all talked about a variety of topics during a disappointing 7-9 season. Now that camp has started, what are your expectiations for the upcoming season?

Tom: It's the Bungles. You scream and throw your beer at the TV. It's a rollercoaster ride of pride, pain and pathos.

Dave: As usual, just good enough to miss the playoffs. Sad life of a Bengals fan.

Tom: Just beat Cleveland

William: Playoffs.

Sportz: Man, that schedule is a beast. I think they'll be better than last year ... but their record may not prove it. That being sad, is this a make or break season for Marvin Lewis?
Dave: Break. And a scary thought because who will [Bengals owner Mike] Brown replace him with?

William: I think so. Marvin Lewis doesn't have to win the Super Bowl ... but I think he needs to make the playoffs.

Tom: Uh, is his contract up? Talk to me then.

Bengals DE Antwan Odom Injured His Foot During Practice; Carted Off the Field

One of the Bengals biggest offseason acquisitions (and the richest free agent in franchise history) has gone down.

DE Antwan Odom hurt his left foot and was carted off the field. The seriousness of the injury isn't yet known (UPDATE: Marvin Lewis has called it a foot sprain and that he will be ready by the season opener).

Odom has played in all 16 games in three of his four seasons (in 2006, he played just four games due to a knee injury). Because of his breakout performance last year, the Bengals lured Odom away from the Titans to make him the biggest free agent signing in team history (which isn't saying much).

I guess he'll have to wait to practice with Muhsin Muhammad.

Some other minor Bengals news ...

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