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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 22 > Entry
My “Core 5” Bengals
A ‘FAB FIVE’ WORTH KEEPING
You requested it. So here it is …
My FIVE core Cincinnati Bengals … my cornerstones … guys worth building around out into the future.
Sadly, you won’t see any offensive linemen. Many smart NFL scouts have told me: Give me five quality players — a quarterback, two offensive tackles and two cornerbacks — and you’ll win. I couldn’t agree more. But Levi Jones wants out, Willie Anderson is nearing retirement and Stacy Andrews is headed to free agency next spring because of his refusal to sign a long-term deal. Stacy isn’t a core player because he’ll be gone this time next year.
Drum roll, please:
THE CHICKSTER’S CORE FIVE
- QB CARSON PALMER. This one’s a no-brainer. To me, he’s the best quarterback in the NFL. Better than Manning. Better than Brady. Better than everybody. Too bad his talent is getting wasted by the lack of a supporting cast. It’s a crime that the Bengals have reached the playoffs just once in Palmer’s five seasons. He’s a sixth-year vet this year. My, how time flies.
2. WR CHAD JOHNSON: Shocked? Don’t be. The five-time Pro Bowler is SIGNED THROUGH 2011. I can’t pick T.J. Houshmandzadeh because he’s gone to free agency after this season. Chad is a No. 1 receiver. T.J. is a clear-cut No. 2. T.J. has made a living on Chad’s double- and triple-teams. The only people who can stop Chad are the Hall of Fame voters who will only remember his touchdown celebrations, not his greatness as a receiver.
3. DE ROBERT GEATHERS: A fourth-round steal in the 2004 NFL Draft, “Junior” is a proven pass-rusher, the club’s first double-digit sack master (2006) since Alfred “The Condor” Williams in 1992. I can’t pick Antwan Odom here because he’s new — a free-agent signee from the Tennessee Titans. I have high hopes for him. He’ll make everyone forget Justin “The Workout Warrior” Smith. I laugh every time I think of Smith lining up in a four-point stance at right end. By the time he rose up from his crouch position, he was engulfed by the left offensive tackle.
4. CB LEON HALL: Hall, the club’s No. 1 pick in 2007, is a great player and class act. (Yes, it hurts me to say that about a Michigan guy, but it’s true nonetheless.) He has speed, quickness, toughness and GREAT HANDS. I’d include Johnathan Joseph on my list if his hands weren’t made of stone. I predict Hall will BREAK Deltha O’Neal’s single-season club record for interceptions (10) THIS YEAR!
5. LB KEITH RIVERS: Before he takes his first NFL snap, he’s already the best linebacker on the roster. It’s like the NFL gods placed Bill Bergey, Jim LeClair, Steve Tovar, Kevin Hardy, Brian Simmons and Takeo Spikes in a blender … and came out with Rivers. Big, strong, tough, fast and quick, Rivers is the man.
My “next five” CONSOLATION PRIZE WINNERS: Odom, Joseph, Pat Sims, Jerome Simpson and Shayne “Moonlight” Graham in a close call over Andrew Whitworth, Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe. The Bengals MUST sign Graham, who becomes a free agent next spring. He’s the closest thing to Mr. Automatic since Jimmy Breech.
Now it’s your turn. Lay your “FAB FIVE” on me and feel free to shoot mine down.
UNTIL NEXT TIME …
This is “The Chickster” saying, “Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.”
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By KP
May 22, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Palmer? Best in the NFL?? He’s not even the best in the AFC, and not the best in his own division. Top 10 in the league? Probably. He can’t even bring the Bengals back if they are losing late in a game. He cannot improvise, nor is he very mobile. He is certainly one of the better passers, but his leadership skills are questionable. I have to give him some credit, since the primadonnas he throws to don’t make his job any easier.By kf
May 22, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Where is Dhani Jones? Was the best LB last year, and is a leader. Something the Bengals definetly need on D.By Foresight
May 22, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Palmer-duh! Jonathan Joseph- has the speed that Hall lacks. Geathers- as of now, the only real pass rushing threat. Rivers- here’s to hoping that he makes us forget about Odell Jerome Simpson- freakish attributes, hope he becomes the threat that Henry flirted with.By bburton359
May 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Here is my Core 5 (I can’t use any rookies or first year FAs because they may or may not be busts): Carson Palmer-No Brainer. Ditto in everything Chick said about him. Andrew Whitworth-Our most versitle OL. The only reason that he has not performed better is that he has never been given a chance to settle at any one position or play next to the same guy for more than a few games. Not only does he have the physical skills to be a great player, but he has the character to be Willie’s heir as leader of the OL. Robert Geathers- A very athletic DE with the capabilities to get 10+ sacks. Like Whitworth, production has been hampered by position change. Leon Hall- Smart athletic CB, who should shine in a cover 2 scheme. Chinedun Ndukwe-The most productive rookie safety last season not named Landry. Although he was a 7th rounder, many publications rank him as a 1st rounder in hindsight. He also has the intellegence and charisma to become a team leader. Honorable mention: Jonathan Joseph- Probably more talented than Hall, but lacks character to be team leader. Domata Peko- Teams most stable DT. He has gotten better every year. Needs to be more consistant and get stronger. Would make the list if he takes more of a leadership role. Others: Chad Johnson-Should be on the list for every reason Chick mentioned. Barring a sincere public apology to teamates and fans, I don’t see him coming back. Even if Chad plays this year, I see the team dealing him eventually at the right price. TJ-His contract status and estimated salary demands take him off the list. He is a great player and team leader (even though he is not at OTAs). TJ is a guy who takes care of himself and he could be productive player for a few more years. If he is affordable, he becomes a core player. Levi Jones-Should be on the list, but he doesn’t want to be a Bengal right now. Willie- Will likely retire this year.By bburton359
May 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Here is my Core 5 (I can’t use any rookies or first year FAs because they may or may not be busts): Carson Palmer-No Brainer. Ditto in everything Chick said about him. Andrew Whitworth-Our most versitle OL. The only reason that he has not performed better is that he has never been given a chance to settle at any one position or play next to the same guy for more than a few games. Not only does he have the physical skills to be a great player, but he has the character to be Willie’s heir as leader of the OL. Robert Geathers- A very athletic DE with the capabilities to get 10+ sacks. Like Whitworth, production has been hampered by position change. Leon Hall- Smart athletic CB, who should shine in a cover 2 scheme. Chinedun Ndukwe-The most productive rookie safety last season not named Landry. Although he was a 7th rounder, many publications rank him as a 1st rounder in hindsight. He also has the intellegence and charisma to become a team leader. Honorable mention: Jonathan Joseph- Probably more talented than Hall, but lacks character to be team leader. Domata Peko- Teams most stable DT. He has gotten better every year. Needs to be more consistant and get stronger. Would make the list if he takes more of a leadership role. Others: Chad Johnson-Should be on the list for every reason Chick mentioned. Barring a sincere public apology to teamates and fans, I don’t see him coming back. Even if Chad plays this year, I see the team dealing him eventually at the right price. TJ-His contract status and estimated salary demands take him off the list. He is a great player and team leader (even though he is not at OTAs). TJ is a guy who takes care of himself and he could be productive player for a few more years. If he is affordable, he becomes a core player. Levi Jones-Should be on the list, but he doesn’t want to be a Bengal right now. Willie- Will likely retire this year.By TJ Jackson
May 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Palmer Whitworth Ndukwe Joseph PekoBy Homer J
May 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
If this is to build upon than rookies and free agents should be included and aging vets and team cancers should be excluded (along with punters and kickers)its a simple 2 deep list Top 5 1. Carson Plamer 2. Robert Geathers 3. Stacey Andrews 4. Leon Hall 5. Keith Rivers Johnathon Joseph Antwan Odem Chinedun Ndukwe Jerome Simpson Andrew WhitworthBy bearcat guy
May 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Any wonder the Bengals have 1 playoff app. in last 18 yrs.————-not a single “trenchman” in the 5 core players. Think they need to beef up their scouting dept.?!By Ramzi
May 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, your boy Graham cost the Bengals a trip to the playoffs in 2006 with a missed “gimme” field goal. You really think a guy who can’t kick under pressure is automatic? Chick, you are a super-homer. Carson the best in the NFL? We may never know for sure…2005 hinted he just may be, but the team has been a mess since he went down in the playoff game…By Ramzi
May 23, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Hey, your boy Graham cost the Bengals a trip to the playoffs in 2006 with a missed “gimme” field goal. You really think a guy who can’t kick under pressure is automatic? Chick, you are a super-homer. Carson the best in the NFL? We may never know for sure…2005 hinted he just may be, but the team has been a mess since he went down in the playoff game…By Matt
May 23, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Joseph had four picks last year. It’s difficult to say he has stone hands. He may not have Deltha’s hands, but they’re not terrible either.