Shutdown Corner - NFL

I want to be careful about this, because I don't want to paint the individuals listed below as bad people, because I certainly don't think that's true. Everyone's got their flaws, and the fact that these guys have overcome them to accomplish as much as they have in football says a lot of them, too.

But from the standpoint of the Cincinnati Bengals, with all the issues with character that they've had on their football team ... wouldn't you like to see more quotes in here like, "great motor, loves playing football, works hard on and off the field, never takes a play off, a tremendous natural leader, and stays out of trouble off the field"?

Instead, here's what they have so far:

1st round: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

National Football Post: "Maturity is a concern, showed up at the NFL Combine overweight and left without warning; there are big red flags in that area." Pro Football Weekly: "Too soft-bodied and soft-minded. Does not play hard every down and effort is too inconsistent. Makes little effort after the initial block and too often gives up after taking one shot. Does not like to work and relies too much on his natural ability. Loves to eat, and his weight has fluctuated throughout his career. Lacks discipline and does not play smart." ... "Has not proven he can handle the trappings of success. Very immature. Questionable character. Turned off teams in interviews at the Combine with his lack of energy and soft temperament." ESPN: "We also have questions about whether the Bengals' locker room is a good fit for Smith -- a team with more leadership would have probably been a better fit."

2nd round: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

Wikipedia: "Off the field his career started with occasional spirited and reckless partying that led to an October 2005 incident where he got into a fight at a Halloween party and was arrested for misdemeanor battery. He agreed in an arraignment diversion program that included counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and community service resulting in the charges being dismissed."

3rd round: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech:

National Football Post: "His production has never come close to matching his amazing athletic skill set. Takes too many plays off and lacks power and strength in his lower half." Pro Football Weekly: "Does not show a desire to play the run and can be blown off the line. Packed it in against better competition. Not a finisher." ESPN: "More importantly, there are concerns about his work ethic and dedication to improving his game." ... "There are some that question his physical and mental toughness."

And again, I stress, I'm not saying these are bad people. I'd invite any of them over for Christmas dinner, and if you only listed the negative qualities about anyone, you could paint a bleak picture of them. Obviously, they're all very talented, too.

My point is about the Cincinnati Bengals, the character problems that have plagued the team, and how they might occasionally want to think about that during the NFL draft.

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  1. fairplay
    1. Posted by fairplay Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:41 pm EDT

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    I realize that it's a matter of opinion, but how can you fault a team for taking the best offensive lineman in the draft?
    You could read 15 different sources and get 15 different summaries about the same player.
  2. Scott E
    2. Posted by Scott E Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:03 pm EDT

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    All of these concerns would be mitigated if there was a rookie salary cap. With all the money thrown at these unproven players you would practically have to waterboard them in the interview process to get to the truth the way the current system is working(not working.) And while you're at it, waterboard the idiots in the media who confuse rude, loud, confident noises with the presentation of well researched, well-formulated and intelligently stated opinions. I'm not exactly sure what it would accomplish, but I'd definitely pay to see it.
  3. Jesse
    3. Posted by Jesse Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:03 pm EDT

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    Oddly there are many members on this team who are unmentioned that have not displayed any character problems. These are folks are good citizens that take part in community events not only in Cincinnati but in their own home towns. Their character is not in question and I choose to defend the unpopular notion that things have changed in Bengal land.
  4. Jaws
    4. Posted by Jaws Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:14 pm EDT

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    The Bengals are having perhaps the best draft of any team this year. With 5 picks they have 4 possible starters and a pass rushing specialist. Now what I want to see is a blog about the Vikings and Patriots taking WRs who tested positive for marijuana before the combine in February. What does that say about the character of a player, and the direction of a team, when the player knows they are going to be tested and they still go out and get stoned.
  5. anthony v
    5. Posted by anthony v Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:14 pm EDT

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    well said fairplay
  6. justin b
    6. Posted by justin b Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:15 pm EDT

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    Dufus is so cool. Zing.
  7. Calvin
    7. Posted by Calvin Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:20 pm EDT

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    Our draft...I think we'll keep it so shut the hell up "Mr Psycho-Analyst !
  8. jazzbooksfood
    8. Posted by jazzbooksfood Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:21 pm EDT

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    I think it's pretty funny that after all the blather about Andre Smith's "issues", he still comes off the board at #6 overall, second OT taken.
    I note that we're told about Mauluga's "incident", but not what actually happened ... am I to infer that he's a thug with an alcohol problem or something? Is there some particular reason we're not being told what really happened, like maybe he wouldn't look so bad if the whole story was told?
    Honestly, sometimes I think sportswriters are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to journalism.
  9. Jaws
    9. Posted by Jaws Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:21 pm EDT

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    Scouting report provided by National Football Post.
    The Bad: Lacks an explosive first step off the edge and will never be a sack artist at the next level. Lacks any kind of pass rush variety and is simply a push/pull type of rusher. Doesn’t display much closing speed when he disengage
    Negatives: Motor runs hot and cold. Instincts are off and does not always find the ball or shed quickly enough to make plays. Lacks explosion and is by no means an upfield, speed rusher off the edge. Struggles to recover when out of position or off balance. Finishing ability leaves something to be desired. Was used primarily to occupy blocks and did not make an abundance of plays. Played on one of the most talented defensive lines in college football, and action was funneled to him. Legs appear thin and needs to spend more time in the weight room and get stronger.
    This is the scouting report of Tyson Jackson, taken 3rd overall by Kansas City. Is it much different than that of Michael Johnson, who was taken in the 3rd Round?
  10. $PARKY THE DOG
    10. Posted by $PARKY THE DOG Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:27 pm EDT

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    Character? I am a life long Bengals fan (I hear the laughs now)...
    Look at the character of the guy running the organization and you will see quickly why our team makes these picks.
  11. Rodney F
    11. Posted by Rodney F Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:27 pm EDT

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    andre smith? what a joke!!!!!!
  12. fritz
    12. Posted by fritz Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:31 pm EDT

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    I can't beleieve so many passed on Maualuga, does anyone watch film anymore, or do we just measure broad jumps. The minor incident was 4 years ago. Big deal
  13. Holy Cow!
    13. Posted by Holy Cow! Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:31 pm EDT

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    Maualuga's father passed away shortly before that incident. In the Samoan culture he was next in line to take over the fatherly duties. Try being 18 and have that pressure let alone playing for So Cal then you morons can talk about a person's character.
  14. Gary
    14. Posted by Gary Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:32 pm EDT

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    I think that this draft is the Bengals best ever. Sure there are some issues with Smith and Johnson taking plays off,but they have huge upsides that can be instilled in them. Really look at the Bengals overall draft its something they needed for years,however in the long haul they still can't touch the best in their division the STEELERS !!!
  15. whodey9285
    15. Posted by whodey9285 Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:33 pm EDT

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    Wow instead of looking at how good the bengals did this draft getting someone who is very good to protect Carson Palmer and a very good Middle linebacker from USC you want to bash the bengals for how the players made a mistake in the past. You should be looking at how the Bengals are having a great draft. Andre Smith was probably the best offensive tackle in this draft and getting a projected 1st rounder in the second! You should be looking at the goods in what the Bengals have done and how they are trying to improve their team not what the players they drafted had done 4 or 5 years ago or that their offensive tackle left the combine. The guy worked out on his pro day and did what everyone thought he would do, great. So look at the good things. Who cares about the small idiotic things they did.
  16. mark m
    16. Posted by mark m Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:36 pm EDT

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    Other teams in the NFL have character issues besides the Cincinnati Bengals! Give credit where credit is due for a great draft this year! We are not hiring a Ms. America or a Billy Graham we are hiring football players to win for us!
  17. drew's greatest fan
    17. Posted by drew's greatest fan Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:39 pm EDT

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    Good lord..leave the Bengals players alone. Yes it is true that they do seem to find some activites that give them troubles. It amzes me why some seem to pick on the Bengals and look for the trouble. All teams have players with problems. I live in Cleveland Should I start with Dante Stallworth?
    Watch this season maybe the Bengals will suprise
  18. Greg W
    18. Posted by Greg W Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:43 pm EDT

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    i understand wat would b the issue wit his back round but we needed a good possibly great o lineman and wat da tapes show is that is one of the best n the draft and which each person u have 2 take the good wit da bad over all i think the picks they made where the right one for the team which the haven't done n a while thats just my opinion
  19. Jaws
    19. Posted by Jaws Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:43 pm EDT

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    Mark M, it's interesting that you mention Billy Graham. Last year the Bengals drafted Corey Lynch, who is married to Graham's Granddaughter.
  20. bvshearz
    20. Posted by bvshearz Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:44 pm EDT

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    Doesn't matter who they draft,with MIKE BROWN at the helm,their doomed.Another losing season is on the way.I had hoped to be rid of Chad Johnson before the season gets here,but, to no avail,Mike Brown says "he's staying" Brilliant!
  21. Charles
    21. Posted by Charles Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:44 pm EDT

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    yai like it how the only bad thing that they can come up with the second round pick is a quote from Wikipedia. Now I'm no big writer or big sports person, but i know that wikipedia is not a reliable source becasue i can just go in and change that same quote and make it say that Rey Maualuga is the next big thing since sliced bread.
  22. Seagles07
    22. Posted by Seagles07 Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:44 pm EDT

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    The bungles would take charles manson if the reports said he tackles like a psychopath. These losers belong in a city of winers and bandwagoners that have no clue what it takes to be a professional athlete. Trust me the only one that will be a starter in the nfl five years from now will be maualuga.
  23. bvshearz
    23. Posted by bvshearz Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:44 pm EDT

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    doesn't matter who they draft,with mike brown at the helm,their doomed.another losing season is on the way.i had hoped to be rid of chad johnson before the season gets here,but, to no avail,mike brown says "he's staying" brilliant!
  24. JB
    24. Posted by JB Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:45 pm EDT

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    Talk to mock "experts" and they bash Andre Smith. Talk to people who have actually coached and played the game and they love Andre Smith. Pay no attention to mock "experts". They never did anything on the field to prove that their opinion is worthy. How many combine studs have gone high in the draft and panned out (i.e. Vernon Gholston). Watch what guys do on the field and that is what you can expect. Don't discredit anyone because of the combine. That's moronic. Good combine and Pro Day does NOT equal good player on the field.
  25. Samantha
    25. Posted by Samantha Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:45 pm EDT

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    Their draft picks won't matter...The Bengals will still be trash. Their city is trash, their team is trash...it's only fitting.

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