Signing Johnson a test for Bengals’ chemistry

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 8:02 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Larry Johnson’s entrance into the Cincinnati Bengals locker room will be a true test of just how far the Bengals have come from their bad boy days.

The Bengals announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that they had signed the former Kansas City running back who caused problems in the Chiefs locker room with Twitter criticisms of his former head coach. The Bengals are calling Johnson an insurance policy for the running back position.

More than that, Johnson — as any new player would, whether or not he has a history — will test the Bengals’ locker room chemistry. Things have clearly been better on the field, and much of that comes from harmony off the field. Injecting a new presence into that mix will test the Cincinnati leadership.

In New England, for example, adding new players hasn’t caused many problems because the team’s leadership — starting with the head coach — hasn’t allowed it. Will the Bengals do the same?

Having said that, the Bengals have found success recently in adding players, including the man Johnson will help back up, running back Cedric Benson.

If head coach Marvin Lewis, quarterback Carson Palmer and others can ensure Johnson helps the team and doesn’t cause problems, it will be more of a triumph in leadership than decision-making.

The next few weeks will tell.

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