As the Cincinnati Bengals continue to make their way through a schedule that has yielded a 6-2 record to date, the guy who signs the checks is taking a cautious approach to the team's fortunes.
"We aren't like Indianapolis that just tears people apart week after week or New England," Brown told Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com. "We've
put together a pretty good season to this point, but for the most part,
it's been very close games. . . . It's too early for congratulations. We're at the
midpoint of this season. Who knows what the second half will bring?
We're just fighting and scrapping and we'll see where it goes."
Brown's team is "fighting and scrapping" with a roster consisting of more than a few players who have had trouble in the past, and who have become quality players when given a second (or, as in the case of receiver Chris Henry, fifth or sixth) chance. Brown himself admits that roughly half his team's starters have "come off the scrapheap somewhere or at least had to overcome something that was difficult."
It's no surprise, then, that we're catching wind of rumors that the Bengals are on the short list to add veteran tailback Larry Johnson. Though Cedric Benson is thriving, Johnson's presence would bolster a depth chart currently consisting of Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard.
Really, how could the Bengals be ruled out? Many have forgotten Jay Glazer's report that the Bengals made a run at Mike Vick. Brown knows how to buy low, scooping talented players from the "scrapheap" for bargain-basement deals.
Though it's unknown whether Johnson is interested in joining the Bengals, the destination might look a lot more attractive if the Bengals can complete a sweep of the Steelers, to go along with their sweep of the Ravens.
Mike Brown isn't ready to crown his team, and could be adding to it
Posted by Mike Florio on November 14, 2009 7:45 PM ET
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Latest stories in: Cincinnati Bengals, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Rumors, Pittsburgh Steelers, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Cincinnati Bengals, Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Rumors, Pittsburgh Steelers, Top Stories
Regardless, this weekend's game should be a great one.
I hope Carson to Ocho happens all day long and Benson tears up the turf and the whole Bengals team does a victory lap. God damn, I cannot cannot stand Pittsburgh. I've never seen a team get lucky winning two super bowls. Roethlisberger sucks, Hines Ward is dirty and Harrison was cut how many times before becoming a super star? Something just sounds fishy there. Steroids, HGH maybe to bulk him up and get faster
Beggars can't be choosers. It's not like LJ has a dozen suiters. If an NFL team actually is willing to pay the has been, he needs to take the gig.
Larry Johnson and Cedric Benson would be one hell of a combo.
Not sure we need LJ.
Mike Brown is right not to declare victory. How ridiculous would that be. There is too much football left to be played. Why in the world would you expect him to declare victory Florio?
It'll be interesting if Ocho makes some plays and gets up talking to Troy.... Im thinking Ward is looking to making to make some plays , too.
scrapdawg
Ward may be dirty, but at least he isn't a felon like half of the Bengals draft picks. As for Harrison, well, maybe Pittsburgh is just good at coaching players. I mean Parker was undrafted. Kiesel was a 7th rounder. Ike Taylor was a running back before converting to corner, and now he's one of the best cover corners in the league...with the worst hands.
scrapdawg: You have no knowledge of the Bengals, so don't go calling people felons and posting about what you don't know.
I have to agree with LebronJeremy.
@ scrapdawg12
You haven't seen anyone win two rings on luck because it hasn't happened, the Steelers were just the better team. Roethlisberger is, at worst, a top 5 QB. Hines Ward is not dirty at all if you actually watch football and are not a jealous fan of another team. Harrison is an example of hard work paying off, if you knew anything about that you would not just assume he cheated to get there, that is simply you mirroring your own insecurities and failures on someone else. So basically everything you said was just incorrect. If it makes you feel any better we can tell you hate the Steelers so at least you got a point across, even if it is just that you are an a-hole.
harrison is on the stuff.
Bonnie is that like always saying Harrison is on HGH or something ? Its shit talking you dumb C .
The Bengals shouldn't sign Johnson unless as an injury replacement.
What is worse the steelers? or their fans?
I think LJ has a couple miles left in him. It's going to take the Cedric Benson Rebirth Plan for that to happen. first he will need to sit at home for at least 4 weeks to adjust his attitude, and then he might be molded back into a productive RB. I don't mind this as an Injury Reserve back up plan, but I wouldn't trade the talent and youth of Leonard or Scott to make room for him.
oh yeah, as for Mickey...first smart thing I ever heard him say. although we are in pretty good shape to win the division. also, I used to wonder why all Steelers fans are bitter, angry little people...then I spent 4 days there on business. makes sence now.
youre on the stuff slipkid, shutup jerk!
Brown knows how to buy low, scooping talented players from the "scrapheap" for bargain-basement deals.
It's amazing how you media whores blasted brown for being cheap the past decade as they lost year after year. Now you want to annoint him as some god damn genius.
I'll take fighting and scrapping over regular season crowns (i.e. Colts) any day.
I seem to remember a certain team fighting and scrapping all the way to a Lombardi Trophy last year, which oh-just-so-happens to be the team they're facing tomorrow afternoon.
Any team who fights to the end and does what it takes should be considered a very dangerous one, as these Bengals are. These aren't the same group of cocky thugs they were 4 years ago and they're earning everything they get.
Brown-nosing aside, I'm going with the older, wiser, more experienced home team, who people seem to forget dominated these Bengals in Cinci just a month ago for 3 quarters (not making excuses, Bengals did what it took). I don't think it's going to be close. This was turning into my favorite rivalry before it got derailed a couple years ago. I'm pumped as shit to see it back on track. This is still the Stillers' playground though. Maybe next year.
Steelers 34
Bengals 19
bengals are 6-2 then their last 8 they go 2-6
because they will crumble! remember 05 losers
palmer gets acl broken, loved every second of the pain he suffered on that tackle!
How does Harrison not get ejected from last year's super bowl for throwing an elbow and slamming a player's head into the turf when he is fully mounted on top of the guy? Roid Rage?
Bengals by 4.
Honestly, the Bengals haven't done squat yet (this year, or in their existance, yeah I know, they're doing well now, but things can change), and you're saying that the Steelers basically cheat, suck, and got lucky. Don't see how you could get lucky twice in recent years. Especially since the Bengals and Steelers play the same teams in division, and by virtue of the Steelers records vs the Bengals, the Steelers should have played the tougher schedule. I can appreciate your hatred of them, and no I'm neither a Bengals or Steelers fan, just as I hate particular teams.
All in all, I hope its an excellent game on Sunday.
Now that you're gone (Cincy) ... all that's left is a band of (black and) gold ... all that's left of the dreams you hold is a band of (black and) gold ..........
Steeltownpride: Your mother must be so proud. Using the C word to a woman. You should be ashamed.
Howie: The Bengals have had a tougher schedule so far than the Steelers have. We have played the Ravens twice already and taken the physical toll of that. You have played us once, and the Vikings, and that's about it. Your tough season is yet to come.
Why should i be ashammed ? My mother raised me the right way . I dont sugarcoat life and i call it as i see it . See how it hurts to call someone something with nothing to back it up ?
Now you know how Harrison feels . Hard work and dedication not other substances has made him a mvp . Players do get drug tested and i havent seen any steelers suspended for illegal drug use .
Steeltownpride-
Did you really just say- "Now you know how Harrison feels"
You are THE biggest LOSER I have ever heard on this site. Steeler fan, reality check- it is NOT your Team. It is the team you root for.
Geesh get a grip.
Obviously, between the Steelers and the Bengals, the Bengals have the tougher schedule. That's the way it is every year.
They both play the Browns and the Ravens twice, but the Bengals have to play Pittsburgh twice. Pittsburgh doesn't have to face the defending champions twice this year. Instead, they get to play Cincinnati twice.
See what I did there?