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October 2009
Voice of “The Synonymous Bengal” coming to Miamisburg
Gary Burbank, creator of the radio skits “All my Bengals”, the call- in contest “Sports or Consequences” and the voice of “The Synonymous Bengal”, will be at the Miamisburg Barnes and Noble (2619 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.) on Thursday, October 29th at 7pm to promote his new book, “Voices in My Head, the Gary Burbank Story” which was written by ex sportscaster turned author, Greg Hoard.
The book not only chronicles Gary’s life but also radio’s transformation from individual ownership to corporate conglomerate. Gary worked at different radio stations, changing locations frequently depending on who was in charge. “I knew instantly, when a new boss came in, whether or not we’d get along. If I sensed we wouldn’t, I’d start sending out demo tapes of my material to other stations so I could get the heck out of there. It was important to me to be able to be myself on the air and do these skits and have these characters. I can’t turn that stuff off in my head, it had to go somewhere.”
Burbank, legendary funny man from radio station 700 WLW, is known for his wacky cast of characters and zany skits that he’d unleash on listeners all over the airwaves. Gilbert Gnarley, Earl Pitts, the Synonymous Bengal, and Dan Buckles are just a few of the voices that frequently came bull charging out of his brain. “Listeners used to think that I had about ten people in the booth with me when really it was just me and maybe one other guy. Those were the days when radio was fun and interesting. One reason I retired was because it just wasn’t enjoyable anymore. Stations now want controversy and heated discussions. That’s just not me.”
Burbank, who has been off the airwaves since December of 2007 says he is busier now than he was when he was working for 700. “I need a job just so I can get some time off,” he joked.
Burbank and Hoard will be on their book tour until mid-November. Copies of “Voices in My Head, the Gary Burbank Story” are available wherever books are sold. Visit www.orangefrazer.com for a complete listing of book singing dates and times.
TweetBengals to sign autographs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; WED., OCT. 21, 2009 FROM CINCINNATI BENGALS PUBLIC RELATIONS
Cincinnati Bengals defensive starters Jonathan Fanene, Rey Maualuga and Domata Peko, plus other selected teammates, will sign autographs at 5 p.m. this Friday (Oct. 23) as part of the Bengals Bash in downtown Cincinnati.
Fanene and Peko are natives of American Samoa, and Maualuga is the son of Samoan parents, and the players will also be seeking donations for relief efforts in support of the recent tsunami disaster in American Samoa.
The Bengals Bash takes place in the Backstage Alley area, across Walnut St. from the Aronoff Center and adjacent to Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub.
TweetBengals’ Ndukwe fighting for good cause
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe and his teammates would like to invite fans to join them as they champion health and wellness initiatives for local youth. A portion of Ndukwe Foundation’s first fundraiser’s proceeds will benefit Mercy Franciscan at St. John and St. Raphael.
The event, CHAMPION A CAUSE, will be held on Monday, October 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the Rookwood Restaurant 1077 Celestial Street in Mt. Adams. The evening will include dinner-by-the-bite, cocktails, and a silent auction, all to support health and wellness for local youth.
The cost will be $25 per person ($35 at the door).
For more information, please visit www.ndukwe.org. If you have an item that you would like to donate, please contact Adam Heller.
TweetBengals have no answer for Texans’ offense
CINCINNATI — Houston, we have a problem! Not really.
The Houston Texans had no problem exposing Cincinnati’s pass defense in a 28-17 victory on Sunday in Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals did all they could to nullify the offensive explosion put on by the Texans, but to no avail.
The Bengals defense played its safeties high in an attempt to neutralize the deep passing game. What that did was open up the floodgate for underneath passes to the tight end, slot receiver and running back. The Bengals even played Cover 4 on occasion to prevent getting burned deep. In a sense, they robbed Peter to pay Paul. Now Paul is broke as well.
The Bengals defense held one half of Houston’s dynamic receiving duo, Kevin Walter, in check. Although he wasn’t a factor in the passing game with only three receptions for 29 yards, his presence on the field helped the team’s game plan work to perfection.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub shredded the Bengals defense passing for 392 yards and four touchdowns versus one interception.
Everything the Bengals defense tried, the offense appeared to be two steps ahead.
“We had a good game plan this week,” Walter said. “It seemed like whatever defense they had we had an answer for it. All we had to do was execute and play our game. We did that. The Bengals have a great team and will go far this season. But when we’re on our game we’re tough to beat.”
Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe, who started in place of Roy Williams, filled in admirably. He had six tackles on the day. Ndukwe gave the offense their props after the game, but understands that miscues by the defense played a vital role in the loss.
“They did a great job putting us in some tough situations matchup wise,” Ndukwe said. “Hats off to them for playing a well-rounded game. They did a good job running after the catch but we have to make those tackles. Bottom line: we have to make plays when put into those positions. We’ll learn from it and do a better job next week against Chicago.”
The only thing the Bengals defense could do to cool off the offense was subject them to a cold shower. That’s right, there was a bit of delay for the media to enter the Texans locker room after the game, due to the hot water being turned off in the visiting team’s shower room.
TweetBengals corners must bring A-game vs. Texans
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary have an impressive resume of star receivers they have shut down so far this season. Receivers Greg Jennings, Braylon Edwards and Derrick Mason were all closed for business with zero catches when going against the unit. The only receiver to have some success was Brandon Marshall and even he was held in check. Marshall caught four passes for 27 yards in Week 1.
This week’s matchup against the Houston Texans will be a horse of a different color. The Texans present a dual threat on offense with wide receivers Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter.
Johnson is considered by many as being the top receiver in the league and for obvious reasons. He’s a big, fast, physical receiver with great hands and is a complete package. Walter, on the other hand, serves as the perfect complement. He’s strong, has good speed, great hands and is a precise route runner.
This is not a favorable matchup for the Bengals corners. Both receivers fared well against them last season.
Johnson caught 11 passes for 143 yards and Walter, a former Bengal, had five catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Houston won the game in a 35-6 shellacking of the Bengals.
To ensure that there won’t be a repeat performance by the receivers, the Bengals cannot afford mistakes in coverage and must play physical.
During the game last season, Walter’s second touchdown reception came by way of a lapse in mental judgment on behalf of cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub hit Walter with a short pass in front of Joseph. The receiver rolled to the ground in the process of making the catch but no contact was made. Realizing that he hadn’t been touched by Joseph until he was back on his feet, Walter alertly hauled buns down the field for a 39-yard score.
I’m certain the play is in the back of Joseph’s mind and he will seek redemption.
Joseph is the team’s best corner and is off to a fast start this season. He has three straight games with an interception with two coming in the end zone, and one returned for a touchdown. Joseph has shown outstanding cover skills and always appears to be a step away from making a play on the ball.
On the flip side, Leon Hall has struggled and will draw the daunting task of covering Johnson. Hall has shown a lack of aggression this season and appears to be a little gun-shy on making plays.
Last week against Baltimore, Hall could be seen standing around on a missed tackle by linebacker Brandon Johnson, which sprung Ravens running back Ray Rice for a 48-yard run to the end zone. Hall must play more physical, especially against Johnson.
The Bengals cornerbacks will have to play out of their minds this week or this game could turn into a shootout.
The Texans offensive approach on Sunday will be trying to take advantage of the Bengals 23rd rank pass defense. Schaub has been on fire the last two weeks completing 46 of 72 passes for 595 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
There is no question the Bengals secondary will be under attack.
TweetJohn Busing: A Bengal who got away
Houston Texans strong safety John Busing will be on familiar ground when he takes the field at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The ex-Bengal returns to Cincinnati for the first time since his departure this offseason.
After the 2008 season, Busing became a restricted free agent but was not tendered an offer by the Bengals, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“It’s crazy not being in the Southwest Ohio area after being there for seven years,” Busing said in a recent phone interview. “We tried to sign back with Cincinnati, but things just didn’t work out.”
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Bengals offered Busing a 1-year advantageous deal later on, but pulled the offer off the table without informing representatives of a timetable for negotiations.
Busing spent four years playing outside linebacker for the Miami RedHawks before signing with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He was moved to strong safety, placed on the practice squad, and never given much opportunity to see the field except on special-teams. When the team failed to retain Busing, the Texans signed him.
Now here’s something I find very interesting. Busing could barely find his way off the practice squad in Cincinnati, but goes to the Texans and becomes a contributor. Haven’t we heard this story before with wide receiver Kevin Walter? It’s like deja vu.
According to reports, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak put Busing on a list of players to keep an eye on in training camp. The safety didn’t disappoint. Busing was outstanding on special teams and playing safety. He preformed so well during the preseason that he earned a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. The coaching staff is said to be quite fond of the player.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity the Texans gave me to compete and earn a spot on the 53-man roster,’ Busing said. “Kevin (Walter) has been killing it down here since he left Cincinnati. Hopefully, I can have some of the success that he’s experienced.”
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Busing has already achieved some things in Texas that escaped him in Cincy. One being a chance to compete. Busing has played in all five games for the Texans, making one start. He started in place of Dominique Barber in the game against Jacksonville and recorded five tackles.
Busing won’t be in the starting lineup against the Bengals but will play special teams and could see some action on defense.
I believe the Bengals coaching staff got caught in the hype of safety Corey Lynch and failed to realize the development of Busing. I find it interesting that the Bengals have developed two players only to have them move on to Houston and have success.
During our conversation Busing was careful not to give his former teammates any locker room material. So he closed with these words:
“After spending three seasons in Cincinnati it’s going to be strange walking into PBS as a visitor,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing my old teammates, coaches and competing against them. I wish the best for those guys.”
TweetDolphins showing interest in Browns’ Cribbs
Miami’s “wildcat” formation might be about to get a little bit wilder.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Dolphins are showing interest in trading for Cleveland Browns receiver/kick returner Joshua Cribbs.
The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 20 and Cribbs’ representatives have been seeking a new deal for their client since the offseason.
I’m told that negotiations on a new contract for Cribbs are at a stalemate and not to rule out a trade. It was not made clear whether or not the Browns would entertain offers for Cribbs, so a call was placed to Browns headquarters but GM George Kokinis was unavailable for comment.
Cribbs has three years remaining on a six-year, $6.7 million contract he signed in 2006, but is vastly undervalued with the current deal. The former Pro Bowler is scheduled to make $720,000 this season and $735,000, $750,000, $890,000 over the next three years.
In my opinion, the Browns are getting Cribbs on the cheap when you compare those numbers to his performance.
Cribbs brings a lot to the table, both on and off the field, and the Browns could do a lot worse with their money. With the trade deadline looming, it will be interesting to see if talks heat up. If not, this may give representatives for Cribbs leverage to demand a trade if the organization fails to negotiate.
Can things get any worse in Cleveland?
TweetFive Thoughts: Bengals vs. Ravens
Rev up offense
The Cincinnati Bengals must create a balanced attack offensively if they are to have any success against Baltimore’s stingy defense. Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski will need to mix things up with regularity to keep the aggressive defense off balance.
Starting running back Cedric Benson missed consecutive days of practice Wednesday and Thursday with a hip injury, but fully participated in practice on Friday. He’s listed as probable and is expected to play.
With Benson less than 100 percent, rookie Bernard Scott could see significant action on Sunday. Scott gave a solid performance last week against Cleveland. He carried the ball six times for 41 yards in relief of Benson.
This week Scott might be best severed in the team’s passing game due to his outstanding receiving skills. The Ravens defense is allowing a league-low 2.6 ypc and 59.5 yards per game. Therefore yards on the ground will no doubt be hard to come by.
Scott caught 47 passes for 826 yards and six touchdowns his senior season at Abilene Christian. He finished second on the team in receiving behind teammate receiver Johnny Knox who was drafted by the Chicago Bears. Scott presents a real matchup problem for the Ravens defense in the passing game.
Despite Baltimore’s ridiculous numbers on defense, the Bengals cannot abandon the run game.
Ride the arm of Palmer
Quarterback Carson Palmer has more passing yards against Baltimore than any other team in his career. That being said, there are no guarantees of the quarterback’s success. That, of course, will hinge on things working in the quarterback’s favor.
Although the Ravens have yielded five receiving touchdowns this season and ranked 23rd in pass defense, they remain an opportunistic group with six interceptions (3rd in the NFL). The defense has also recorded 10 sacks so Palmer can expect to be under some duress. The offensive line will have to work overtime keeping the quarterback upright, allowing him time to throw.
For Palmer, he must maintain his composure throughout the game and not press by letting the game come to him. It is also critical for the quarterback to be able to take advantage of the mismatches.
So many weapons
The Ravens defense had trouble covering the slot receiver in nickel coverage last week, which means wide receiver Andre Caldwell could have a productive day.
Another player who could have success against the defense is receiver Chris Henry. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Henry appears to be the go-to-guy for Palmer in clutch situations. The receiver poses a serious matchup problem in nickel and dime situations due to his size and speed.
Henry was on the receiving end of two third and long plays against Cleveland. Aware of the mismatch, Ravens safety Ed Reed is likely to draw the assignment of shadowing Henry in these situations.
The Bengals passing game up to this point has not scared anyone averaging 196 yards per game. However, the offense has prospered in red zone efficiency with six touchdowns. Needless to say it will be a difficult task trying to reach the red zone on Sunday.
The Bengals must utilize every weapon on offense in order to be effective. I say, spread the wealth.
Put the smack down on D
The Bengals will have enforcer Roy Williams back in the secondary after missing last week’s game. Williams was sidelined with a forearm injury but returned for a full week of practice this week. Williams acts as reinforcement in run support and is an aggressor in blitz packages. The safety’s return to the lineup is vital.
Ravens running back Willis McGahee is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and a league-leading seven touchdowns rushing and receiving. The team ranks fourth with a 28.8 percent rate of first downs on the ground.
The Bengals defense surrendered a career-best 121 yards rushing to Browns running back Jerome Harrison with Williams out. After having a week off, Williams will be looking to bust somebody in the mouth.
At cornerback, Leon Hall must do a better job neutralizing the opponent’s top receiver. He struggled last week in coverage against rookie Mohamed Massaquoi, who racked up 148 receiving yards on eight receptions. It could be a long day for Hall lining up across from former Pro Bowl receiver Derrick Mason.
Bottom line, the Bengals defensive front four, Robert Geathers, Domato Peko, Pat Sims, and Antwan Odom, need to put quarterback Joe Flacco under constant pressure and force him into making mistakes.
Bengals win
24-21 in another THRILLER!
TweetBengals’ Rivers and Maualuga fueled by competition
For years the Cincinnati Bengals have been criticized for having players with questionable character. However, I can tell you this from being around the team this season: That’s all changed.
Ask any player who has been around during those tough times what the biggest change is from in years past, and you’ll receive a unanimous vote for camaraderie.
The Bengals are to be commended for the way they have restructured their locker room. The team is made up of quality veteran leaders such as Dhani Jones, Bobby Williams, Roy Williams and Carson Palmer. Then you sprinkle in some young players cut from the same cloth.
The way I see it, championship teams are built on trust and having the right people with talent, not necessarily the best talent. I believe the Bengals have the right components in place to become champions.
In talking with two of the team’s brightest stars, linebackers Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga, I learned how their friendship is helping build a solid foundation on defense. It all starts with their “sibling” rivalry.
“I love having Rey out there on the field with me,” Rivers said. “But what I don’t like is him taking my plays. I have to start getting some of my plays back.”
Rivers, of course, was joking about his former USC teammate stealing his plays, but apparently that’s what gets the competitive juices flowing.
I learned quickly that Rivers is a man of few words, so I turned to Maualuga for more info on their competition.
“Yeah, Keith and I go way back,” Maualuga said with a huge grin. “We like to see who will get the most Gangstas. That’s what we called it at SC; tackles, sacks, tackles for loss, etc. Before every game we go through our own little USC routine and that’s what it is out there for us.”
During the game Maualuga loves to keep his football brother updated on his productivity. When he makes a tackle or two he likes to seek out Rivers to discuss numbers. If Maualuga is up on Rivers, he’ll stick it to him. Then it’s on.
The players use this tactic to fire up each other because they hold one another to a higher standard.
“It’s like we compete out there all the time,” Maualuga said. “This friendly competition helps us to feed off one another and makes us hungrier. I believe us playing hungry will help our team win games.”
Rivers and Maualuga sometimes place a friendly wager on who will cause the first turnover or things of that nature.
During my conversation with Maualuga, I could see Rivers a few lockers away giving him the eye and smiling. He knew what was being said. The whole thing was pretty funny and, for me, very enjoyable.
So, who is winning the battle?
According to Maualuga, Rivers owes him a dollar. ;)
As a side note: Maualuga did not participate in practice on Wednesday, recovering from a sprained knee sustained against Pittsburgh.
TweetPaul Brown’s philosophy could help Bengals offense
The Cincinnati Bengals’ run-first offense will likely take a different approach in the game against Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens own the No. 1 ranked run defense allowing teams just 59.5 yards per game. Needless to say, that throws a monkey wrench in the Bengals’ running game. Well, sort of.
After having limited success running the ball against Cleveland, I expect some tweaks on offense this week.
I look for the Bengals to take a page from its founder Paul Brown’s playbook. That would be running some variation of the West Coast Offense. The offense is designed for a short-to-intermediate passing game, slants, quick outs, and curls etc. If ran effectively, it would stretch the defense horizontally and open up running lanes for Cedric Benson. The Bengals are perfectly suited to run the West Coast with the talent it possesses on offense.
Bill Walsh is credited for popularizing the offensive-system, but the concept was that of football genius Paul Brown. It may be time for Mike Brown to blow some of the dust off Daddy’s old playbooks.
Despite the obvious obstacles the Bengals face, the sputtering offense could actually thrive this week. Another major hurdle for the club will be overcoming costly penalties. Discipline boys.
Although the Ravens’ defense has been dominant, it does have its flaws in the passing game. Baltimore is ranked 23rd in pass defense.
Sunday could be a very productive day for quarterback Carson Palmer, who has won three of his five starts in Baltimore. If Palmer has time to throw the ball, he could pick any secondary apart, including one with Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed in the lineup. The Bengals’ offensive line will have to continue to play well to ensure the quarterback’s success.
Here’s a quote from Palmer on the cast of receivers and how hard it is fitting them all in:
“It’s been tough. Trying to find a spot on the field for all the guys has been difficult. In this division, you can’t line up in four receivers every play and expect to win games on the road. You have to be able to run the ball, run the clock, keep your defense off the field. We’d love to get a number of guys on the field, but you can only have 11 at one time. We’d like to get Chris (Henry) on the field more, we’d like to keep Laveranues (Coles) on the field more. We’d like to get Chad (Ochocinco) the ball more. It’s tough for the coaches to do, but it’s a fun game to play because there’s fun stuff to put in for each individual guy. There are a lot of big plays that can be made with individual players.”
That being said, I am expecting to see Palmer throw a lot of high-efficient passes early and often. I have a hunch that the Bengals will open up the playbook against Baltimore. Stay tuned.
TweetBengals earn passing grades… barely
In back-to back weeks, the Cincinnati Bengals have escaped losing with close wins over division rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The team needed overtime on Sunday to squeak past the winless Browns 23-20. The Bengals’ drama-filled victory had fans screaming Whew-Dey!
I’m telling you, these four games have had fans clutching their chests, rosaries, defibrillators and praying to the heavens. I guess God’s favorite team is not the Saints.
Leave it to the Bengals to make things interesting because Baltimore is up next. Fans, you better put 911 on speed dial. I’m expecting full cardiac arrest in Week 5.
Although the Bengals put another ‘W’ in the win column there is still room for improvement.
Here are some observations from the game against Cleveland:
Passing game
The Bengals’ high-powered offense has operated more like a low-grade Briggs & Stratton lawnmower. The 19th-ranked pass offense seemingly plays with intensity and focus only in clutch situations. They have yet to play with any consistency for an entire game.
Granted, the lack of gumption on behalf of the offense has helped them emerge victorious, but this puts the team’s defense in a compromising position. For the first time this season the defense showed signs of vulnerability. I think it’s time the offense starts living up to its expectations.
Now I know you have probably heard this a 1,000 times … Carson Palmer hasn’t looked the same since his injury in 2005. But is it Palmer or his supporting cast? I’m not quite sure if Palmer is totally comfortably with his receiving corps. The quarterback looked hesitant throwing the ball any place other than to Chad Ochocinco. Even those two had some miscommunication problems.
So what are we to make of this group?
I think more is being made of second-year wide receiver Andre Caldwell, who is still learning the game. I believe he will develop into good one, but to compare him to T.J. Houshmandzadeh at this stage of his career is a little premature.
Receiver Laveranues Coles looks out of sorts and has been unable to take advantage of Ochocinco being double-teamed. Not to mention the uncharacteristic dropped passes.
That brings me to Chris Henry. If I may take a page from defensive genius Buddy Ryan’s book and his famous quote about Cris Carter: “All he does is catch touchdowns”. Well, lately Henry hasn’t done that. After catching a touchdown pass in all four preseason games, Henry has been used sparingly during the regular season. He’s caught three passes for 55 yards in the two last games.
Apparently, there aren’t enough balls to go around, or do the Bengals view Henry as a one-trick pony? Either way, with the trade deadline looming Oct. 20 maybe the Bengals should think about trading Henry, who will become a free agent at the end of the season. I say, Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em.
Bottom line: Palmer’s performance Sunday pretty much sums it up for me. He completed 23 out of 44 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He was sacked only twice and that was in overtime. The leading receiver for the game was running back Brian Leonard, who had six receptions on the day.
Sputtering offense!
Better bring your ‘A’ game, son
Someone forgot to tell Bengals starting cornerback Leon Hall to bring his A game Sunday. Hall was taken to school by rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who racked up 148 receiving yards on eight receptions.
The Browns coaching staff must have seen something on film because they dialed up Massaquoi’s number more times than the neighborhood pizza joint. “Yes, I’ll take a rookie wide receiver with mad skills and a toasted veteran cornerback on the side.”
I thought Hall defended fairly well against the deep passes but struggled in all other areas of his game. His A game was A for awful!
Missing links
It is no secret that the Bengals defense missed defensive tackle Tank Johnson (foot) and safety Roy Williams (forearm) being in the lineup, especially against the run. Browns running back Jerome Harrison gashed the defense for a career-best 121 yards rushing. It was his first career 100-yard game.
The last time the Browns recorded a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver in the same game was in 2007 when Jamal Lewis ran for 134 yards and tight end Kellen Winslow totaled 107 receiving yards against Seattle on November 4.
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