Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Chick Ludwig, of the Dayton Daily News, joins the show to talk about the Bengals leading up to this week’s minicamp.
I talked to Chick because a few weeks ago I decided I was losing it. As Chad Johnson, er Ochocinco, returned to his senses and arrived in town to work with Carson Palmer, saying all the right things, I continued to build up a good feeling about the upcoming season.
From the draft, to Palmer’s elbow and Chad’s attitude, not to mention the fact the defense was solid last year and has added to its depth, I’m positively certain this team will win 10-plus games in the upcoming season!
But how can this be? There has been one playoff game in 18 years!
That’s why I talked to Chick, and to be honest, I don’t think he talked me off the ledge at all. If nothing else, he convinced me my fervor is warranted. This will be a solid season, barring injury, for the Who Dey Nation!
Topics included:
* The aforementioned defense and the signing of Tank Johnson and Roy Williams, in addition to the drafting of Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson.
* Chick feels Leon Hall will have a breakout season
* The entirely revamped offensive line, with only one starter, Bobbie Williams, expected to start in his former position. Will they jell in time?
* Chad’s impact and attitude heading into minicamp. Also, how will he, Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry work together, and how talented is the group of pass receivers?
* Is Henry really growing up?
* Can Cedric Benson carry the load? Even if he does, who will back him up? The Bengals traded for former Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard in the offseason.
* How does Palmer’s arm look?
* What about the decision to have NFL Films camera crews in training camp for HBO’s Hard Knocks show? Chick thinks it’s good for the team’s image.
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