John Grieshop - Getty Images
5 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 01: Jerome Simpson #89 of the Cincinnati Bengals avoids the tackle of Cary Williams #29 of the Baltimore Ravens during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 24-16. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Earlier this morning we issued our free agency wish list, mostly comprised of Bengals players set for free agency when their contracts expire in early March.
We know that the free agency wish list from players on other teams will be anticipated, but in reality it's a mind-numbing adventure into nothingness.
Why?
Because there will be a period for teams to sign their own players while others franchise their best players. Even though contracts are expiring, we won't know who will be a free agent until the new league year begins in a couple of months.
In the meantime, it's time for the Do-Not Re-Sign Free Agency Wish List. And there's one on here that we're fairly certain will generate a debate.
Cedric Benson |
Bengals running back Cedric Benson had a tremendous season in 2009, largely responsible for Cincinnati unexpectedly reaching the postseason that year. And during the postseason that year, he was one of a handful of players that actually showed up against the New York Jets, recording 169 yards rushing and a touchdown. Of the 13 games he played that year, he registered six 100-yard rushing games.
Of the 31 games he's played since, Benson has only registered six 100-yard rushing games. Some will point out that Benson has recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Though at point the thousand-yard rushing mark was a means to categorize the best running backs (before the 16-game schedule that is), in today's game a running back only needs to average 62.5 yards rushing per game to reach that milestone. Whoopty-do.
More importantly in 2010 and 2011 (both of which were contract years), Benson has combined for a 3.7 yard/rush average.
Nate Livings And Mike McGlynn |
Anytime the Cincinnati Bengals ran between the guards, from Nate Livings to Mike McGlynn, the team averaged 3.3 yard/rush. The average improved significantly when running backs bounced it outside. Obviously between the guards is tough sledding, due to the compressed nature of defensive formations.
Yet according to Pro Football Focus grades, Livings and McGlynn were rated very unfavorably, both within the league's worst-performing guards.
However as nice it would be to move on, that might not be practical. Save for Paul Alexander's favoritism for Livings, the Bengals have one guard under contract for next season -- Clint Boling.
Jerome Simpson |
This is the one that will surely be divisive, we know. But really. Is this team completely incapable of finding someone more reliable and more consistent that isn't part of a pending federal drug investigation? Is Jerome Simpson the only wide receiver available that can fail to record over 50 yards receiving all but four games?
It's been four years and the two words that still apply to Simpson today are athleticism and potential. We've seen the hops and the flips, sure. But we've also seen Simpson's team-worst 47.6 percent completion rate and his eight dropped passes, which ranked ninth in the NFL this year.
There's no doubt Simpson is exciting, and if he asks for scraps that offers little resistance against the salary cap, then it's prudent to see what his return offers Cincinnati's overall offense.
In reality it boils down to two things. Is Simpson dependable (will he be playing) and will he be reliable (catching the football when he's targeted)? If there's slight hesitation on any answer, then you might as well move on because I'm pretty sure there's players out there that can do what Simpson hasn't.
0 recs | 71 comments
Here are my thoughts
Benson – want him gone. It was a good run (no pun intended) in 2009, but he’s done here.
Livings/McGlynn – don’t mind either of them as backups, but not as starters. I’d love for Boling to get a shot at LG.
Simpson – if we don’t pay him #2 WR money at least, he’s probably gone in FA because some team will look at the front flip + the high jump in the last game and take a chance on him. I’d love to keep him if he has no legal issues.
OhWell - January 9, 2012
Offensively...
…the Bengals biggest priority in the off-season is the line. If the Bengals are going to shell out any money, it should be on an interior lineman. I don’t have a problem with keeping Livings and McGlynn, but purely as depth.
I can’t imagine Benson being back simply because he will most assuredly want more money than he’s worth, and I don’t think he fits our scheme any more.
I wouldn’t be surprised of we see both Caldwell and Simpson back.
goffchile - January 9, 2012
Please Send Caldwell Far far away.
if it doesnt hit him in the numbers he doesnt go for the ball
and half the ones that hit him in the numbers he bobbles or drops.
up untill the playoff game once caldwell came out the # of int’s dropped
Bengalsfan024 - January 9, 2012
or...please send Caldwell to a division rival to make that team instantly worse
jimbasa - January 9, 2012
caldwell to the ravens
i like that
palewook - January 9, 2012
oddly enough I can see that happening lol
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
I think the dline is the biggest priority
The team can’t win if they can’t stop the run. Getting Sims back will be a big plus. But they need a clone of Sims for depth plus edge rushing. Next is oline IMHO. Secondary is right there too.
Livings and McGlynn aren’t fit for backups. They have to go if the team can ever run consistently.
Benson still has gas in the tank and the vagaries of FA and the draft might keep him in Cincy.
Simpson has been given every chance to develop into a starting caliber WR yet after 4 years still makes big mistakes on the field. Plus he has an obvious problem with marijuana given 8 pounds of it in his house. The Bengals should have the right to wonder if pot has added to his inconsistency on the field. The WR free agency pool is very big this season, hopefully the Bengals will avail themselves of someone to replace Smokey Rome.
BENGALS69 - January 9, 2012
Derek Wolfe
is who i would draft… at this level he could be a tweener like rucker or feanane. and him next to atkins should give most QB’s nightmares
Bengalsfan024 - January 9, 2012
I think we need better play out of our MLB to stop the run. He kinda sucked this year.
jimbasa - January 9, 2012
I would not sign Livings or McGlynn, because Paul Alexander would start them.
DTFCPDX - January 9, 2012
Simpson just doesnt get the ball enough to be effective
look at his yardage in games where he gets more than 4 CATCHABLE passes… usually over 100 yards. most other games he gets like 3 passes some of those are uncatchable.
Do i want him as the #2? probly not. Green #2 Shipley With Rome coming in for the deep balls.
But hey if we wanted someone that could catch the ball everytime chase coffman would not be sitting on the PS.
Bengalsfan024 - January 9, 2012
simpson quits on routes at times
that’s his weakness to me.
palewook - January 9, 2012
I still viewed this
as his rookie campaign.
Bengalsfan024 - January 9, 2012
thats crap
He’s not a rookie! He’s had 3 years of NFL coaching and still quits on routes! Although I also want him back as #4, people saying this is still his rookie year just makes no sense to me.
JCompton41 - January 9, 2012 via mobile
+1
If Gruden gets a HC job then they will make the excuse it’s his 1st year in the “new” system. You get smart players who can learn and adapt quickly because you never know what changes will happen with coaches year to year.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
Every t.v. analyst I've heard makes the same comment about Simpson. On cut backs, he consistently fails to come back to the pass, which allows defenders to make plays on the ball.
You can’t teach brains, and Simpson appears to be sorely lacking in that area.
no kidding - January 9, 2012
if its that damn dan dierdoff, im going to disregard this post lol jk
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
can we add alexander on that list too?
so tired of him fixating on specific players he likes to start and ignoring other guys on the o-line. its been 18 years, can we move on already? alexanders choices over the past 5-6 seasons have been baffling to stupefying at times.
palewook - January 9, 2012
I agree. He's past his shelf life.
BENGALS69 - January 9, 2012
Sadly. I agree as well.
BamaBengal - January 9, 2012
Yes, Marvin Lewis needs to be cautious about any coach Mike Brown might be too fond of due to loyalty.
Let’s not be forgetting Zeke Bratkowski, and how long he was kept around.
no kidding - January 9, 2012
We need to pay and start Anthony Collins on the OL.
Bye Benson! and Caldwell and Livings.
Jerome Simpson is going to have his “Breakout Season” (‘s) with another team and we’re going to ask “Why did we ever let him go”? We simply do not throw it enough to him
(You’re right Bengalsfan024) for him to make a difference.
Losing “Hall” & “Shipley” and “Sims” was a big reason we failed to go farther this year.
I pray their all 100% for the start of next year.
gratefulmax - January 9, 2012
simms is a fa
starting collins on the o-line will probably only happen if alexander is fired.
simpson and the promise of a breakout season. after 4 years of waiting, if he becomes an all pro someplace else, more power to him. it wasn’t happening here.
palewook - January 9, 2012
Collins and Simms are a UFA.
If either leaves, to me that puts drafting their replacement in round 1 and 2. It is ridiculous to draft a Sims replacement in round 3 or four and let him develop in a couple years. They need to find a guy that can start and dominate in year 1, otherwise they regress.
BENGALS69 - January 9, 2012
For those complaining Simpson didn't get enough balls thrown his way
He was targeted 105 times, second most on the team and only TEN less than A.J. Green.
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
get em josh
palewook - January 9, 2012
Just curious
How many of those are throw aways in Simpson’s direction?
Oregonbengalsfan - January 9, 2012
Don't know if those are included in target stats or not
Oregonbengalsfan - January 9, 2012
RE:
Typically throw-aways offer no receivers as targets.
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
Ok thanks
I still think he’s a full offseason with Dalton away from a breakout.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 9, 2012
RE:
At this point you’re offering to sign a guy based on potential. Not under contract so you have to make a decision — and how much do you effort to outbid him?
I actually do think that the Bengals will sign him to a one-year deal, but I think he needs to earn the No. 2 job rather than giving it to him or the lack of better options.
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
I wouldn't mind Simspon as the 4th receiver in 4 or 5 wide sets
DTFCPDX - January 9, 2012
that stat also doesn't include catchable balls... i would say at least 30 percent of those passes were not catchable
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
RE:
I can’t prove the level of accuracy those passes were deemed uncatchable and if it’s 30% then you have a SERIOUS problem with your quarterback.
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
I will go out on a limb and say 30% is pretty close... not to say Andy is inaccurate but they just aren't in sync
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
RE:
But again, you’re talking about a free agent of a player that the coaches have seen for four years now. If they choose not to bring them back, they have their reasons. All we know is that he spent his first two seasons literally on the bench, with his third almost as much so if not for injuries to Chad and T.O.
So we’ll see.
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
i agree
I trust the coaches to make the right decissions because they do get to see all the tapes and know what type of player he really is. If he doesn’t get resigned, then I will know he wasn’t worth our time.
lol I have a weird feeling if we don’t resign him, he lands in Oakland.
I wonder what the other stats for number 2 wr around the league are.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
Jerome's numbers are eerily similar to Deion Branch of the Patriots
I use Deion Branch as a comparison because he, like Simpson, is clearly the #2 WIDE RECEIVER target on his team, but also the #3 overall receiving target.
Deion Branch’s numbers are very, very close to Jerome Simpson as a #2 receiver. Plus, the Pats pass the more much, much more than the Bengals do.
Also, with regard to the “Number of Targets” statistic, that statistic, while relevant, can also be very misleading. I remember many times this season when Simpson would make the catch, but the throw would bring him out of bounds (now this counts as a target for Jerome), even though the pass led Jerome out of bounds and was actually caught by Jerome. As an example, go back and watch the game-winning drive in the home win against Cleveland on the last week of November. Four plays BEFORE the miraculous A.J. Green catch that set-up the game winning field goal, Andy Dalton threw a deep pass down the left sideline that carried Jerome 2 yards out of bounds. Jerome caught the football (but the pass forced him out of bounds), yet this still counts as a target. Go back and watch the game tape! I remember similar instances in the Bills, Jaguars, and Colts game. Thus, the “# of targets” statistic can be, and often is, a bit misleading. Now, I still think the Bengals would be prudent to find a more consistent #2 WR, but I would be fine with ’Rome as a #3 or #4 – he simply does not have the body of work to command that much $ on the open market, so he will come cheap.
Again, though, his numbers as a #2 WR are nearly identical to Deion Branch – a WR many would consider the “prototypical” #2 WR.
The_Black_Stripes - January 9, 2012
thats what I noticed too. I didn't realize he that many targets but I didn't notice he had a lot of uncatchable passes.
but at the same time, if simpson isn’t a good match for Dalton, then we need to find a better one. I still think he is. IMO.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
i did* notice he had a lot of uncatchable passes.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
It has more to do with Dalton's accuracy I think.
DTFCPDX - January 9, 2012
+1
People are more worried he might go elsewhere and become a star than to see he is at best —average.
There is a reason why they brought in FA’s while he was sitting on the PS his first couple years.
We as fans love to make excuses for guys that we like. Look at Rey Maualuga, the guy is horrible. You will still get guys that will argue that is not the case. These guys need another year. blah, blah ,blah. That is why this team can never make it over the hump. We are all too happy to keep average players around long term, just hoping they will somehow progress. If they can’t cut it after a full season, what makes anyone think it will get any better?
Simpson made a Sportscenter highlight and that is good enough foe some people to excuse the bad routes he runs.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
I love how everyone knows he's running bad routes...
Oregonbengalsfan - January 9, 2012
i don't know what it is about simpson, but he is a viable number 2... even if we bring in a vincent jackson
the number two isn’t going to put up good numbers until the OC figures out how to utlize everone outside of green… Simpson doesn’t get the same looks as green and that understandable because its green.
I think towards the end of the season, they were finding more ways to get Simpson the ball and it worked out.
And yea i don’t get how any one can say Simpson is running bad routes, especially when you watch the game on TV. You don’t get to see enought of the play or route to know whats really going on. And even if you go to the game, you can miss judge some plays because of the angle your looking from maybe distorted. The only really way to know if he is running bad routes is to know which route was the called route and you need watch film from different angles to see every point of view.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
Like I said
You will make excuses for him… no matter what.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
lol how am i making excuses?
i can only go by what i see and what i know… all his doubters say he quits on routes or runs bad routes and drops to many passes. And that he celebrates too much.
but where is the evidence, i think i am watching the wrong simpson.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
I am at work
I guess at least twice in the Wildcard game alone Dalton was expecting a quick out and he runs a out and up. He has done that numerous times during the season. Unless ofcourse Dalton forgot the play.( I highly doubt)
Those are only on the plays we could see.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
I was at the game and cant recall the routes your talking about, but there was a portion of the game that didn't see because someone in front of me throw a beer bottle
so most of my section was pre-occupied with that. But that was late in the game when were down two TDs…
I don’t think any one would make excuses for a player just because they like them. Im a type of person that likes to hold people to their standards. In simpsons case, I typically defend him because I think he gets unfair critizim. But again I could be wrong, but I would like to see the facts. Maybe Im missing something, but overall, Simpson has upside and still done a pretty good job this year as number 2 with rookie QB and first year OC.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
you wereat the game
So that makes you the expert. I can point out the exact play and you would still make an excuse for him.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
i never said i was an expert
all i am asking for is examples or proof.
Your example of running the wrong routes was a start. I just think when it comes to Simpson things are exaggerated.
I don’t see people going off the chain when Green lines up wrong multiple times or jumps off sides during crucial moments.
I don’t make excuses for people. I will tell you right now, I expect more out of Simpson but the same time he isn’t getting the same opportunity as Green.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
I apologize
I totally agree with you. I just see so many people who refuse to see the “truth” about some players. I thought that was you. I was out of line and for that I apologize.
Yarin - January 9, 2012
lol i get it. There were people down in houston saying yates was better than Schaub
No need to applogize. Your cool. I don’t mind a debate at all.
I just like to see examples because I could easily be wrong. Sometimes i trust my judgement to much and like to hear others point of view to get a perspective on things.
like I said before, if they don’t resign Simpson then I know he really wasn’t worth our time. And I was wrong. I trust the coaches judgement.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
What if Gruden leaves
Then more excuses?
Yarin - January 9, 2012
im not making excuses
i only bring up my points to understand the reasoning
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
RE:
God I wish the NFL would release the All-22 tapes…
Josh Kirkendall - January 9, 2012
never going to happen
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203716204577015903150731054.html
palewook - January 9, 2012
i would love to see them tapes too
but yea i understand why they don’t release them because there only meant for coaches.
AMAS85 - January 9, 2012
As do I
but since they don’t, I don’t see how we can say a player is running the correct or the wrong route. If he is, fine I’m wrong, but I have seen no proof of it. I have just seen too many times on here where a player starts out under expectations, going on to improve, but yet the since he under performed early on, he’s still no good. Tate is another example.
And I am in no way of saying we don’t bring in competition for these players. Competition breeds better results in most cases, and they should have to earn their spot.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 9, 2012
We are thin at WR
. If we get rid of both Caldwell and Simpson that just leaves Green. It comes down to which one of the 2 you want to stay because we need one of them. Shipley, Hawkins, and Whalen are not outside receivers. A good WR FA would be great but I would rather keep one of our guys than use a pick on WR when there are bigger needs. If the line gets the must needed upgrade it wouldn’t disappoint me to bring Benson back as a #2 if he is cheap enough. We have to have a guy that can catch out of the backfield and maybe motivate Benson more than Scott has. McGlynn was a big WTF question in the first place. Philly had a horrible line at best so we signed a guy that couldn’t even make their cut. That’s just stupid.
Bigcatdaddy - January 9, 2012 via Android app
caldwell brings nothing
simpson i can see cases for keeping him and moving on from him. agree if we choose to move on from simpson, another body has to be brought in.
whalen and hawkins already make up for the loss of caldwell and then some.
palewook - January 9, 2012
+ 1
As I’ve said before, It helped Caldwell to be able to play outside and the slot but with Hawkins and Whalen proving they are good slot guys Caldwell lost some job security. With a good FA WR coming in Simpson would be a good keep because he’ll be cheap and knows the system. He has had some good games.
Bigcatdaddy - January 9, 2012 via Android app
Bring Benson back as a #2??
I agree with your points about the WR position, but bringing Benson back as a #2 RB is a terrible idea. Benson doesn’t even like being a 1a RB. Anything less than the bellcow, feature back and he sits on the sidelines and pouts. He wouldn’t agree to this and if the coaches force it, he’ll make everyone’s lives miserable. I, for one, would like to put the days of locker room conflict behind us. Don’t resign Benson.
CBJKing - January 9, 2012
Huge free agency for WR's
this year. Should be no problem replacing Smokey Rome.
Reggie Wayne
Vincent Jackson
Robert Meachem
Wes Welker
Desean Jackson(head case I know)
and many others
All are free agents
Don’t forget Shipley. He made big contributions last season. We need another deep threat, no doubt but I think FA is where to go.
BENGALS69 - January 9, 2012
i know this is way off topic but
how many draft picks do we have this year 9-10?
bengalinflorida - January 9, 2012
We have 9 as of now
compensatory picks might get that up to 10.
BENGALS69 - January 9, 2012
Benson's time is up in the Queen City. Both starting guards need to go. I would bring Bobbie back on a 1yr contract at the vets min and see how he bounces back from his injury.
More important this team needs to draft a young starting guard with one of its 1st round picks, Something that can’t be overlooked is Mike Brown got out bid for Robert Gallery when the team new this was a major weakness, the same with Joseph.
Adding those two players to our teamwould have made a world of diffrence.
lightskin350 - January 9, 2012
I have a question
If Simpson signs a huge contract (I know, not likely based on the other talent out there) wouldn’t we get a higher compensatory pick for him? I never really understood that system
JerseyBengal - January 9, 2012
O-line
Simpson is the least of our concern. Put together a lights out O-line and the this offense will be deadly next year.
BDFC - January 9, 2012
I think the Bengals re-sign Simpson and let Caldwell walk
Caldwell will have success elsewhere, b/c someone will put him outside and leave him there. Caldwell simply isn’t a slot receiver. Is he an all pro on the outside? I don’t think so, but he could develop into a strong #2.
I think too many people are inflating the contract and price that Simpson is going to command. Personally I believe the early inconsistency and the drug bust at his home are not lost on other teams. Simpson still faces a suspension next year regardless of whether or not he is charged. Teams are going to be hesitant to give him big money and I think the new attitude with the bengals won’t allow Simpson to simply walk away. The bengals will offer him a fair 2 year deal and I think Simpson will take it b/c 1. There won’t be any other comparable offers out there and 2. He will know that his payday as a #1 WR will be in 2 years if he can translate his talent into consistent play.
WOOD98 - January 10, 2012
The Ball Is No Where Near Simpson Because The Dumbass Is Running The Wrong Routes.
Tim8194 - January 14, 2012
Caldwell Has Stones For Hands And Won't Fight For the Ball...he plays scared
Tim8194 - January 14, 2012
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