This week's edition of Blogger Q&A features Josh Kirkendall from Cincy Jungle answering some questions from yours truly. I have to admit I struggled a bit with coming up with some good questions that were not boiler plate stuff or didn't involve the two WR's that get plenty of press already.
Question 1. Does QB Carson Palmer still have the support of the fan base? With 85 and 81 at WR and the rookie TE Gresham the impression was that the Bengals would have a prolific passing attack. Is the passing game what you expected?
Josh: The truth is Cincinnati just played consecutive weeks against really good defensive teams in New England and Baltimore. Even though Palmer had 345 yards passing and Ochocinco had 159 yards receiving on 12 receptions against New England, the Patriots defense ran a more prevent-style defense, allowing the offense to move the ball with ease.
Baltimore was tougher, often rolling their zone coverages toward Ochocinco or Owens, eventually forcing Palmer to throw the football in a tight zone over the middle to our coveted rookies in Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham.
The truth is that fans are beginning to tire of Palmer in the sense that he hasn’t played to the level we expected of him since suffering one of two injuries. Some cite his knee injury during the playoffs in 2005, but his production, save for touchdown passes, kept rising until injuring his elbow against the Giants. The reality is, however, the Bengals have finally changed their offensive philosophy to the mold of the AFC North with teams like the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, pounding the football and using the passing game to open running lanes by keeping the safety back.
I'm sure DC Ron Meeks is studying the rolling zones were used. Let's hope our young safeties avoid the break downs in coverage as I'm worried about giving up big plays in the passing...more Q&A after the jump...
Question 2. On offense, do you have any surprise performers the Panthers should keep an eye on other than Benson and the big name WR's?
Josh: Jordan Shipley is developing nicely underneath, finding gaps in the zone and his separation is impressive. Through two games of the young season, he’s the second most productive rookie receiver with ten receptions. Jermaine Gresham is the type of big tight end that could stretch the field, along with flawlessly running any route and picking up 10 yards on nearly every reception. He very well could have the best hands on the team.
Also keep an eye on Bernard Scott. He’s the team’s backup running back that fits the change-of-pace mold that incorporates a big burst of speed in the open field. He’s also the team’s main kickoff return man, averaging 31.5 yards/return last season. He broke a 60-yarder against the Ravens last week that gave Cincinnati just enough momentum to beat Baltimore.
The Panthers have been pretty good on kick off coverage so far but it looks like this could be a challenge. Also, Shipley is a guy I thought would have excelled here in Carolina. I see a future comparison to Armanti Edwards; I say future since Edwards has yet to get a jersey (maybe this week?).
Question 3. I see the defense had a much better showing this past week yet you still have only one sack on the season (same with the Panthers). Who must the Panthers pay attention to regarding the Bengals pass rush?
Josh: Antwan Odom is arguably our best pass rusher from the edges, with Robert Geathers being more of a run stopper on the other end. Tank Johnson gets a good push up the middle, but he’s been mostly unnoticed in the passing game. Keep your eye on Bengals rookie defensive tackle, Geno Atkins (#97). He led the NFL in sacks during the preseason and recorded his first career NFL sack (actually, it was half a sack) against Baltimore last week.
Atkins is another guy we passed on that might be a regret. It's time for Jordan Gross and the rest of the o-line to earn their stew. The Bengals most assuredly with bring the heat.
Question 4. Tell us about a stand out rookie that has impressed this season, offense or defense. Also, being a GT alum I'm curious on how DE Michael Johnson is playing.
Josh: I’d say Shipley and Gresham have been our most impressive players. We signed mostly all of our defensive players from a year ago with expiring contracts and the biggest "need" was to rebuild the team’s passing game. But, like I said above, also keep your eye out for Atkins.
Michael Johnson is grooming nicely. While he began last year as a defensive end, recording over three quarterback sacks, the coaching staff loved his athleticism, moving him to outside linebacker.
In truth, he plays in packages where the strong-side linebacker is likely to blitz. He recorded his first quarterback sack of the year last week against Baltimore (the other half of the sack). However, since Jonathan Fanene, a backup defensive end, hurt his hamstring against the Patriots, Johnson is taking more reps at his natural defensive end spot.
I find it interesting that outside of Odom their excitement centers on their rookies or second year players. Sounds every familiar huh? Johnson's situation sound similar to that of Eric Norwood for use.
Question 5. You have a lot of talent on defense, particularly at LB and CB. Who is your best defensive player and why?
Josh: That’s a tough one. Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are often discussed as the best cornerback duo in the NFL. Keith Rivers is a stable tackler and Rey Maualuga is the type of linebacker that goes 100 MPH on every play, even if that means missing a tackle because of his over-aggressiveness. Safety Chris Crocker is probably our most versatile defensive player, starting at safety and filling in at cornerback when needed. When Odom is on his game, mostly against inferior left tackles, he can absolutely take over a game. Our defensive tackles are more than capable of jamming the offensive line allowing our linebackers to roam freely.
In truth, we don’t have a single player that we could comfortable call our best. But most players at most positions are effective and very strong at what they do.
A no-name defensive to go with a multi-voice offense, what a contrast!