Now that the head coaching storyline is over for Mike Zimmer, Cincinnati's defensive coordinator can finally get back to doing what he does best. Beat writers Geoff Hobson with Bengals.com and Joe Reedy with the Cincinnati Enquirer obtained a few good quotes from Zimmer, who appeared to quickly deflect questions about the head coaching search, settling back into his role as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator.
About this year's defense:
"We can’t be satisfied with being just a pretty good defense," said Zimmer Thursday as he heads into his fifth season. "We played the run well earlier in the year, but we had trouble with it late. But it was more than just that."
Zimmer continues:
"We have to upgrade at all the positions because the goal is to be much better," Zimmer said. "There are several things that we did well but we’re not where we need to be."
More about the offseason.
"We have to make some decisions on what we want to do there and we’re waiting to see what happens with Kevin," Zimmer said. "We’re pretty solid up front. We’ve got some pieces. But we’ve got to play better all over."
Yep. Zimmer is back.
0 recs | 57 comments
Ahhh,
Sweet Relief! Let’s keep the honesty machine rolling!
WhoDeyEveryDay - January 27, 2012
i like it too
We have to many holes on defensive side of ball. It’s possible we can have a whole new lb and db starters next year. Seems like also were going offense with 1st pick and defense with 2nd.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Yes!!!
Zimmer is the kind of guy you can win a Super Bowl with. He gets that you can be satisfied with a 9-8 record and getting beat in the first round of the playoffs. Upper management can’t be complacent with the guys they have on the roster and just expect them to get better. Even if a guy had a good year last year, if there is someone available who is better and can take this team to the next level, then you have to go for it. That has been the biggest problem with this franchise. Mike Brown never goes for it.
AWC71 - January 27, 2012
Mike Brown
Goes for it just with the wrong players. We’ve always spent money on players its just always second tier guys either with character issues or couple years past prime. When was last time we got a pro bowler thru free agency? We have to attack free agency and draft if u wanna get on Patriots level. I know this year team went to playoffs but I think u have to give coaches a lot of that credit along with weak schedule. I expect a huge turnover with roster this off season.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Wouldn't expect a big turn over
Most of the foundation is there on both sides of the ball. They can only do so much in one FA and draft. We’ll get better and that’s all that matters.
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
I expect close to 25+ new players next year.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
That is nearly half the team?
pemci - January 27, 2012
You have pretty high expectations
25+, I don’t think the Colts see 25+. Seattle might have had that this season with that circus up there but not in Cincy. We have alot of room to upgrade but I can’t see them doing it at 25 positions. That’s a total change on both sides of the ball and a few on special teams.
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Agree....just 25 alone is too much turnover...
25+ is beyond contemplation….
pemci - January 27, 2012
Character Issues
I’m hoping the days of the Bengals taking a chance on guys with character issues are gone. With Simpson gone, Ced not expected to be back and Jones possibly gone that pretty much purges this roster of all guys who have had past or current character issues.
I’m not expecting MB to go out in FA and break the bank, but I would like to see him be aggressive and try to get a veteran CB or S or OL. Heck if he can bring in a guy at LB or DL that is upgrade over who we currently have, I would consider that a win. Signing second or third tier free agents are not going to push this team to the next level. You sign those type of guys to provide roster depth, not push you to play meaningful snaps that will push you to the Super Bowl.
Even though they made the playoffs last year, this team still has a lot of holes on the roster.
AWC71 - January 27, 2012
its normal
Championship teams have that much turnover every year. When I say 25+ u gotta remember we have close to 5 players that didn’t play at all that’s going to play next year, 10 draft picks, and I don’t see us bringing back a lot of our own free agents.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
If their on the roster that's not considered turnover.
You take away those five and say 7 of the 19 draft picks that’s 12 from your 25+. So you think they’ll bring in 12+ free agents? I’ll make you a bet. Over/under 20 new players on the 53 man roster. I’ll take the under. You wanna bet?
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
10 draft picks*
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
what we betting?
Here is list of free agents we WILL NOT resign.
Benson, Caldwell, Simpson, Jennings, Johnson, Lee, McGlynn, Livings, Roland, Hayden, Peerman, and Rey.
Heres list of players who are gonna get axes.
Crocker, Rivers, Geathers, Cochart, Tate and Wilson.
Yeah I’ll take that bet I’m counting Sands and Moch as new players though.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Cochart gets an axe?
I just don’t see that happening.
pemci - January 27, 2012
Their on the 53 man roster
Lets drop Moch, Sands, Simms, and Hall. Lets use the roster on the front of CJ page. Moch and Sands are on it but Simms and Hall aren’t and may be back but maybe not so instead of a 53 man roster we’ll cut it down to 51. That’s excluding your 2 players and my 2 players. over/under 20 different players on it and I’ll take the under. Loser has to put (example) BCD in the man or P4G is the man, at the end of every post we make for a month.
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
lol leave me alone
Don’t forget shipley and rivers. It’s a bet though. So I’m already plus 4 right?
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
bcd
Would u rather have a player make 10 extra solo tackles or 15 extra assisted tackles?
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
15 assists, a tackle is a tackle right?
And your not up 4 lol.
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
I wouldn't make a bet with him
He’ll find a way to twist it to where he thinks he wins
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
I know, I'm just trying to get him to put up or shut up.
Pray come on man I got some time and I want to debate this tackle/assist tackle thing. I’m taking it that you would rather have the 10 solo’s since assist don’t count.
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
+1
joecincy07 - January 27, 2012
Good to have you back Zim.
whodeycommish14 - January 27, 2012
Recap
“We have to upgrade at all the positions because the goal is to be much better,”
Lets see how this plays out in free agency,
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
+1
I really like that quote
AMAS85 - January 27, 2012
What should the bengals do with thier first 3 picks?
RD1A. Decastro
RD1B. Jenkins
Rd2. Pead
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
CB, G or RB in the first
Harrison Smith in the 2nd if we can get him.
That’s what I’d like to see.
Mexal - January 27, 2012
A little tidbit on Harrison Smith
Rotoworld
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
Jenkins has the talent
But we don’t a Pacman clone
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012 via mobile
How is he a pacman clone?
Jenkins is a really good cover corner which we need.
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
he might be referring to jenkins off the field issues
palewook - January 27, 2012
jenkins got in trouble for weed
As far as im concerned, it shouldnt be illegal anyway. He isnt out thugging it up like pacman was.
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
got in trouble multiple times
couple of assaults and a couple of weed. the concerns aren’t omg its evil weed and its illegal! the concerns are, he’s too immature to keep his head on for a few weeks to stay out of trouble when it benefits him the most.
palewook - January 27, 2012
must be tough to still be immature at the age of 18
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
and people get in fights
The people who lose always end up filing assault charges against the other because it’s the only way to get back at them.
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
if everyone else is just like him and its only normal as you are attempting to rationalize his behavior
feel free to list the other top 100 draft prospects with multiple arrests? ok, how anyone else in the top 200 draft prospects?
palewook - January 27, 2012
2 arrests for Mary Jane and 1 for a fight
Sounds like the kid is all bad news, because no one else has ever been in a fight or smoked some cannabis. It’s always blown way out of proportion by the media. I’m not worried about other peoples arrests in the draft class. I was looking at a certain individuals skill-set who I believe the Bengals should draft. Sometimes people just need a good kick in the ass to get their head straight and I believe he got his.
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
appears you agree, jenkins is the only top 200 prospect in the nfl draft
with multiple arrests. would that admission allow you accept why some scouts, fans, and teams could flag him for a character concern issue?
palewook - January 27, 2012
I dont admit that...
not gonna waste time trying to figure something like that out. How about you figure it out then let me know
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
you've yet to name one other draft prospect with multiple arrests
as for how teams judge character concerns, its not a subjective opinion of one person that teams in the nfl do this. its common knowledge teams do this and always have.
but if you really feel that only links to someone else saying character concerns affect draft grades in the nfl, here you go:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=UTF-8&q=nfl+teams+with+concerns+about+jenkins+character+issues
palewook - January 27, 2012
you've yet to name one other draft prospect with multiple arrests
That would be because I’m not going to waste my time going through 200+ prospects. Like I said you can go ahead and do that for me and let me know who you find.
It’s been 2 years since he got in trouble. Seems to be doing just fine and on the straight an narrow now. What I’m saying is someone getting in trouble for weed and fighting wouldn’t change my decision on drafting him. He is a hell of a corner and it would be great to get him on our team
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
Duder look at my Moniker....
I’m obviously not against a kid puffing the magic dragon….but as far as handing him a 3-15 Million dollar contract while he has the slightest chance of finding himself in handcuffs or worse suspended and or Banned from the NFL then that is why there is a stigma to stay away from him. I think he might have turned himself around but that doesn’t mean the past should never be looked at. I know I did some stupid stuff when I was a kid too and guess what…..It still comes back to bite me in the arse on single occasions. I’m not saying don’t draft him, I’m just saying wait till the second or third round and if he is still there then swing for the fences with the kid.
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
rec'd
palewook - January 27, 2012
Best saying that applies to this
It’s not what kind of kid he is now, it’s what kind of kid will he be when you hand him millions of dollars?
Bigcatdaddy - January 27, 2012 via Android app
" On April 26, 2011, he was dismissed by the Florida Gators football team, due to his second drug related arrest in 3 months"
was 2011 already 2 years ago?
palewook - January 27, 2012
yes
Yes it was
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
G, DB, and another DB or G (depending on fa moves)
with a RBx2 in the 3rd or later
palewook - January 27, 2012
I would call that a good start in the draft. The probable upgrade in these 3 positions
would put us on the way to being better where we need to be. I would also be looking hard a Bently and Steed especially Steed. They may be there in the 3rd.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 27, 2012
2013 HC of the Bengals right there
Bengalsfan024 - January 27, 2012
Priority #1
Defense.
goffchile - January 27, 2012
rec'd
palewook - January 27, 2012
Hence why I want Zimmer here for a longass time.
Defense first in this division, and he’s a good ’un.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
I love Zimmer
How cool would it be (as long as he was ok with it) if he became our version of the Steeler’s Dick Lebeau. I only say this because with so many vacancies and some of the reports about people not liking his attitude, he may not find a job anywhere as a HC and I would love to have the guy indefinitely.
JerseyBengal - January 27, 2012
what i hope for
palewook - January 27, 2012
Its what I've been thinking too,
Run defense needs help. Nobody should think they are safe on defense. Keep lighting a fire under his guys. Sounds like they like their front rotation so obviously Pat Sims is a FA priority. Probably Fanene and Rucker as well.
BENGALS69 - January 27, 2012
SIGN FA on OFFENSE
And Draft Defense!!
Touhue Cha - January 27, 2012
This is exactly what I wanted to hear from Zimmer. Now he has to do it.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 27, 2012
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