Hey Jim, I know you probably can't touch this question but I have to ask. Fans and players are severely angry over the season. With the firing of Zampese, do you think this firing is a scapegoat? Many of us feel the problems fall much deeper into this organization. What is the vibe over the termination you are hearing? I'm surprised Marvin's head was not on the plate. Do you think Mike is about ready to ditch him and go drastic measures to save our 50th anniversary season? Please give me hope and say yes!

Jim--

Is the fat assed incompetent OLine coach under any fire for his drafting blunders and total lack of ability to coach up his bad choices? Or is he just golden for life, with no one ever calling him out for his sukitude?

Not really a question, but wanted to say thank you for saving me the time of listening to the BBP ever again. I loved how you and Paul kept trying to make all the problems the team has about the terrible fan base. Good job losing a listener.

Always a little late to the party. Worked til 4 a.m. Friday after the game kind of expecting the news Friday…but then that extended the day until oh, 11 p.m. Took the weekend off, to be honest, and then the Florio “stuff” popped off late Sun night. Yesterday…also busy.

Long way to say thanks for the patience.

So, I’ll catch up.

@ZWP we all know that the Bengals won't trade McCarron without getting a lot in return. But do you think there is a chance that they are holding on to McCarron with the idea being that maybe they give him a shot in a year or two if Dalton doesn't win a playoff game?

No. And this plays into a question below. They like McCarron as a backup. They hold on to him because they can (and they like him as a backup). They will get a comp pick for him that will likely be a couple of rounds higher than the fifth they used on him if he walks. And if he’s traded, they get way more. The price will likely come down this offseason, but it still will be a win for the organization (that’s how they view it).


@muskiesfan
 It appears that Driskel is the backup QB of the future. I figure that's why they kept him on the roster last year and if he's not put on IR with his broken fingers, he'll be on the roster this year. If that is the thinking, why is McCarron still on the team?

Because they KNOW McCarron can come in and guide the ship if 14 goes down. They had no such idea about Driskel. Remember – he was claimed the week of the first regular season game last year. What that means is he would get MAYBE 1 or 2 reps with the Bengals in practice during the week. Maybe. He didn’t even throw to a moving target until like November when they brought in some receivers for a workout.

There were the rumors that they were offered a 1st and 4th last year that they turned down. There were rumors that they were offered a 2nd before the draft. There were also rumors that the Jets were willing to trade Sheldon Richardson for him. Where there's smoke, there's fire. I have no doubt teams have contacted the Bengals about McCarron.

Only light smoke. Yes, teams called the Bengals to see if he’s available. Teams call all teams. The Bengals answered the phone. But I can tell you no firm offer was ever made in the Bengals eyes, from any team, for any thing. So there was nothing to turn down nor accept. And as I said above, no plans for McCarron to start here unless Dalton is injured or they decide this season they want to move on from AD and tear it all down again.

@oncemoreuntothejimbreech
Both the NFL and the media reports injuries. Why would a team or player say no if all you're going to see in the record is the same as what they report to the media? Guys have offseason surgeries all the time after playing all year with them and not saying a word about it. They wouldn't want files to be reviewed, plain and simple. It's not that big a deal for them as it is for fans. And I honestly don't give a s--- about it but I have to because the readership (and gamblers) can't get enough of it. So, we do what we do.

All I can say to that is, why would they say yes? And what is given to us is never the full story when it comes to that. They’re not going to jeopardize their standing on the team, around the league in free agency, etc.

@mallorian69 What is the mood of the players after that beatdown (Baltimore)? Few fans have any faith in Marvin, have the players lost faith as well?

In Marvin, no. Clearly they did in the OC.

@leonardfan40 Who is the emergency 3rd string QB on the team? I think it was Sanu when he was here but was wondering who would go in there now that he's gone if we run into injury trouble.

Good question. I believe it’s Tyler Boyd.

@TheLeonardLeap Jim, have you ever had the displeasure of meeting Colin Cowherd? If so, was he the most unlikable person in sports you've ever met, or just the second most unlikable? (Which I guess would mean you've met Skip Bayless.)

Nope. He’s a studio big shot based on the coasts. Same with Bayless. I have a most unlikeable person in sports media but all I’ll say is we only ever tangentially crossed paths in Chicago in another life

@Jakeypoo Hey Jim do you get a sense from the team that they regret losing Whitworth this offseason?

Yes and no.
Yes, because even at 34/35 they know what they had and he and Boling worked well together.

No, because they made the decision to move on. They were comfortable with the one-year offer they made to him, but he got a sweeter package elsewhere. They’re not mad at him for that. Also, remember, despite Ogbuehi’s issues last year – they never had a feel for their first round pick whom they drafted TO BE the franchise LT. Never once had they gotten a sense of if he could do it. Ya, Christmas Eve sucked, but you don’t write off a first round pick at a premier position as a bust without a real idea if the guy can play.

@jfkbengals Chris Collinsworth stated Marvin was livid about him not being retained and that he thought they had agreed to a deal.  I would have to assume the rest of the team feels the same way.  But you were asking Jim, not me...

Well, I don’t know about that. I know the Bengals made an offer that was fair (in their eyes, and if it’s true what I heard it was fair for that year) and then LA swooped in. Not sure what else to say about that.


Jim, was there ever any thought to demoting Zampese instead of terminating him?  The 7 post seasons that we have seen in the Marvin lewis era all had him as the QB coach, and there has been a very noticeable difference in Dalton's play without him as his position coach.   Just curious if the team thought about that as well.

No. Once you’ve ascended to a coordinator, you’ve got to go. It’s a leadership and power structure dynamic. It’s like if you demote the franchise QB, really what you’re doing is signaling to the league that you’re ready to trade or release him in the following offseason. It just doesn’t work. Fair to say that about as a position coach … he was there for Carson and Andy in that role and they had success/growth.

@HarleyDog Hey Jim, I know you probably can't touch this question but I have to ask. Fans and players are severely angry over the season. With the firing of Zampese, do you think this firing is a scapegoat? Many of us feel the problems fall much deeper into this organization. What is the vibe over the termination you are hearing? I'm surprised Marvin's head was not on the plate. Do you think Mike is about ready to ditch him and go drastic measures to save our 50th anniversary season? Please give me hope and say yes!

No, I think it was a legit offensive issue and needed to be fixed, as opposed to throwing Ken under the bus for something else. I can tell you right now Mike Brown doesn’t do that. It had to be justified. Perhaps overly-justified. The issues began last year (see red zone and fourth quarter scoring problems) and didn’t improve as they expected them to.

And no. They won’t fire Marvin in season.

@McC Is the fat assed incompetent OLine coach under any fire for his drafting blunders and total lack of ability to coach up his bad choices? Or is he just golden for life, with no one ever calling him out for his sukitude?

I believe that everyone is under heavy review for this year – and no greater proof than firing Zampese. Remember – he’s the only coordinator to EVER be fired in season.

@Yojimbo Not really a question, but wanted to say thank you for saving me the time of listening to the BBP ever again. I loved how you and Paul kept trying to make all the problems the team has about the terrible fan base. Good job losing a listener.

Sorry you feel that way. We have a good one this week. Thunder Cats.

Anyway, that’s not how it was. Sorry you took it that way. Boo all you want, but don’t throw stuff. And yes, one bad apple can ruin the crop. Also, if you searched our mentions and emails from the fan base, you’d think WE were the reason the team hasn’t won a Super Bowl. So, guess it goes both ways.


Also, a reader sent these questions in

So let's say Zimmer is let go in Minnesota. The struggles under him are hardly his fault IMO, as his QB's have been underwhelming to say the least. I'd love to see what he can do with this roster. Would the team consider him? 

He won’t be let go if they post a winning record. If they start 5-0 again and again collapse? Maybe. So, you’re saying the team moves on from Marvin after a bad year and Mike is available? I’m sure they’d interview him or see if he’d be interested in doing so.

What about Darell Bevell from Seattle? I see his name constantly thrown around on Twitter and such. Can you shoot that name down or is there some truth to it?

Not sure the Seahawks offense has done anything worth him getting a job since that call on the goal line a few Super Bowls ago. Not sure what “thrown around on Twitter” means either. So there’s nothing to shoot down or have truth about because that’s not a real thing to even discuss.

Can you speak on anything about the Kaepernick rumors? Is the team actually losing faith in Dalton? And how much of a chance would you say that this is Marvin's last year? 50%? 75% chance he's gone? 

There are no rumors. Florio took something someone (and I believe it was just one) said either in frustration or as a joke and did what he did with it. No, the team has lost no faith in their starting QB. Issues are not with him.

Marvin – well, since has no contract … gotta be 50/50 right? But I won’t have a good sense on how ownership feels until the season more than halfway done.

You. Are. The. Man.

I have a somewhat off-topic question; not which city, but which VENUE has been your favourite/liked the most since you've been in journalism? Any sport, any league, what has been your best/favourite place to work at?

I'm sure they all have their different amenities, press boxes, etc.

And if you don't say PBS, its no big deal .

(09-19-2017, 04:30 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: You. Are. The. Man.

This.  Thanks!

Yes you are the man Jim thank you.

One more for you ... let's say they miss the playoffs again, under that assumption I would not expect Marvin to return, would you agree that's a fair assumption? Can you give us your list of potential HC candidates? Both in house and out. Thank you!

Jim,

A few of us were having a discussion, on here recently, regarding the Bengals scouting department. It's pretty much common knowledge that the Bengals employ one of the smaller scouting departments in the league, with coaches serving as pseudo-scouts as well.

I know that now is not the time, but for future consideration, would you mind doing an in depth piece on the Bengals scouting department? I have a lot of questions regarding the scouting process that I would like some insight into. For example; Being a smaller scouting department, do they break up into regions? Do they specialize in particular position groups? Do they mainly attend live games, or do they just watch film? How much coaches input goes into the war room draft board? Etc.

Like I said, I know that during the season is no time to undertake an in depth topic, like the one I've proposed. But, if you're accepting ideas for offseason stuff...

As always Jim, I really appreciate your time. Thank you for making time for us when you can.

(09-20-2017, 07:36 PM)muskiesfan Wrote: As always Jim, I really appreciate your time. Thank you for making time for us when you can.

X2.

Thank you for all your time and insight, Jim. I really enjoy the work and effort you and Paul provide.

Do you think that if Marvin is let go/walks off into the sunset at the end of the season (I'm not pessimistic, just viewing all possible scenarios) that it would be a complete house cleaning of coaches? Or do you think they promote from within? If an in-house promotion, would that coach be allowed to chose his complete coaching staff? Or would certain long-time employed coaches of certain positions (ummm let's say the o-line) have their blood signed contracts with the devil still honored?

I know that it's been said that Mike Brown has been more and more hands off an dthat he's abdicated much of his previous responsibilities to others like Katie and Duke and Marvin. But, what is your sense of how long before Mike officially retires and turns the running of the team completely over to Katie (or whomever) wherein he will no longer have any decision making responsibilities? He will come to the games and maybe watch some practices but will have no input whatsoever into team decisions.

Jim, what can we do in order to get you to ask Marvin Lewis how that "journalistic jargon" (halftime adjustments) treated him in the Packers game?


- - - - - - - -
PS: Why can't the Bengals wear white helmets?

How many games do you see this team winning?

(09-26-2017, 07:47 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Jim, what can we do in order to get you to ask Marvin Lewis how that "journalistic jargon" (halftime adjustments) treated him in the Packers game?

We should get a pot going to pay Jim to say this. The reaction on Marv's face would be priceless.  

Of course, this would lead to poor Jim being escorted out like this:

(09-18-2017, 07:29 PM)McC Wrote: Jim--

Is the fat assed incompetent OLine coach under any fire for his drafting blunders and total lack of ability to coach up his bad choices?  Or is he just golden for life, with no one ever calling him out for his sukitude?

LMAO!  Pure gold...... :andy:

Thanks again for the patience!

@Truck_1_0_1_ not which city, but which VENUE has been your favourite/liked the most since you've been in journalism? Any sport, any league, what has been your best/favourite place to work at?

Love this question! Well, I’ve got two for two different reasons. One, was my first time at Wrigley Field back in ’03. That was strictly so I could sit on the spike-marked bench, just worn down so smooth, and looking out onto that crowned field, knowing how old it was and how many great baseball players had been on that same field, sitting on those same benches. Now, the actual stadium and press box were so, so terrible and that place needed all the work it has gotten. Actually covering a game there sucks. But back then, before they really took away some of the character of the playing dimensions, was just awesome as a baseball fan and sports history nerd.

The other is a weird one (maybe): Medinah Country Club for the 2012 Ryder Cup. Now, that had more to do with the “atmosphere” but I love golf and that was pretty unique and special.

@SunsetBengal regarding the Bengals scouting department. It's pretty much common knowledge that the Bengals employ one of the smaller scouting departments in the league, with coaches serving as pseudo-scouts as well. 

I know that now is not the time, but for future consideration, would you mind doing an in depth piece on the Bengals scouting department?

You’re right about its size and how the coaches do a lot of work as well. I would definitely like to – but Duke Tobin likes to keep his team in the shadows. I’ll work on him

@MoneyCityManiac - Do you think that if Marvin is let go/walks off into the sunset at the end of the season (I'm not pessimistic, just viewing all possible scenarios) that it would be a complete house cleaning of coaches?

“Complete” is an interesting question. I don’t think so – I think they like what certain guys do at their spots that they would like to keep them around.

Or do you think they promote from within?

That is possible.

If an in-house promotion, would that coach be allowed to chose his complete coaching staff?

To a degree. If it’s in-house, that guy might like some of the other guys currently on staff and would want to retain him.

Or would certain long-time employed coaches of certain positions (ummm let's say the o-line) have their blood signed contracts with the devil still honored?

Well, no one has a contract after 2017 – so I think anything is on the table regardless of what position they coach. I think that fact means the front office is willing to have an open mind re: change.

@PhilHos - But, what is your sense of how long before Mike officially retires and turns the running of the team completely over to Katie (or whomever) wherein he will no longer have any decision making responsibilities?

Honestly, I don’t think he’ll ever “officially” retire in that sense. And if he does, to the point where he cedes all of that to Katie et al. we won’t really know. I think the only marker for that type of thing will be when Katie is the one we sit with at an owners meeting regarding league votes, or the season-opening press conference. But again, we might not know that until it actually happens, if that makes sense.

@LeonardLeap – “journalistic jargon”
Ha! Your memory is better than mine. I guess I spend too much time with Marvin – I had forgotten that. Too funny. I should ask him about that. Guenther told me during my sit down with him last week for the Sunday Game Day feature that in those 8-9 minutes or so that they have in overtime there are a few tweaks they get into – so all I can say is Marvin was just being combative that day and didn’t want to cede that point to us?

@ShakeNBlake – Ha! I wouldn’t get escorted art, but depending on his mood I’d either get the 10,000-yard stare or his laugh.

@McC – “games do you see this team winning?”

Well, I predicted 8-8 at the start of the season. I think that’s still within reason. And that might win the division.

Hello Jim,

I am asking about Cody Core. It seems this offense still lacks a vertical threat with Ross sidelined and Lafell not able to generate separation. I am not trying to dog Lafell, but he is a fine #3 in our slot, like Boyd. They can be our new "Sanu", but the lack of a vertical threat across AJ Green is what is sorely lacking and with Ross still injured, I don't see why Core isn't getting more snaps.

He was open on the long pass he dropped against the Ravens, and made a beautiful move to be wide open down the sideline in the same game where Dalton overshot him.

Thoughts?

No problem, Jim!

Great response, I know you like golf, but NEVER figured that it would have been your favourite venue! lol

@SHRacerX – Cody Core/vertical threat

Great question. All I can surmise (and I don’t know this for sure, because honestly the coaches have been a bit edgy since the Zampese firing) is that he’s not doing what they want to see in practice. Generally speaking, when we wonder why a certain player isn’t on the field – it’s because he hasn’t earned it during the week or weeks prior to. I’ve only seen Core on the field of late to basically give Green his breathers.

Now, this also could be a function of the new OC. The deep drops for Dalton have greatly diminished in order to protect him. It’s hard to go deep when you want the ball out in 2.5 seconds, which is what he’s averaging since Lazor took over. So perhaps they feel LaFell is still better at what he’s being asked to do than, say, Core. But you’re right – with no Ross or Eifert this team is right back to where they were a year ago with no one else who can get open in a step outside of Green.

@Truck_1_0_1_ - Ya, covering golf is great