The biggest concern losing Landon was his ability to play all of the LB spots. That is negated a bit by the change at DC...

I'd like those guys AND Landon. He was a favorite of mine. Always worked his tail off, kept his mouth shut and did whatever was asked to help the team.

 

I liked Landon too, he was a solid contributor when people got hurt, but he wasn't that go to guy on the defensive side...

I think someone like Landon can be replaced.

 

What's going on with Ahmad Brooks?

If Odell pans out and comes back to how he was, and the Bengals get Rivers, or Ellis, I think that makes the defense better than if they had Landon.

 

I definitely agree. Landon gives you everything he has, and is a great great guy, but he's just not an NFL starter, or at least shouldn't be on a team that wants to be a competitor.

This team has no where near the talent needed to compete. The running game is terrible, end of story, the OL is decent, they have no D, and no WRs. If you really think health was the only reason they struggled last year, you're being a huge homer.

 

Hardly a homer when the core of the 11-5 '06 team and the '07 team that missed the playoffs by a missed chip shot FG is still in tact.

They won't drop as many passes because they won't be open. The WR core is going to be one of the worst in the league this year.

 

Actually, play action is quite an effective play call to get receivers open.

Who said injuries didn't play a part in it? Mr. Reality said that's the only reason they were bad last year, and that simply isn't true.

 

They'll only win 4 games this year, because they aren't near as talented as they were last year when they only won 4 games. No Henry, no CJ, no Madieu, no Landon, no Justin Smith. Those guys were some of their best players.

 

Henry sat out half the season.

 

Chad had his best year, AND THEY WON 7 GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!

 

They lost 3 average players from a poor defense; the defense will be markedly improved.

On the first part, I do believe Chad will not wear a Bengals uniform ever again.

 

As to competing in the AFC North, I don't see how they will with no running game, and no WRs but maybe you don't need those things to win in the NFL anymore...

 

No running game; no WRs; your exaggerations are sapping your credibility.

When you say Landon, are you refering to Landon Johnson? The LB who started all 16 games and led the team in tackles last year?

 

Tackles are overated; when they are made downfield, that is not a great stat; many defensive players will do a great job at playing their position and not make the tackle.

I'd like those guys AND Landon. He was a favorite of mine. Always worked his tail off, kept his mouth shut and did whatever was asked to help the team.

 

Agree on all counts, but he was just slightly above average.

 

He was not a playmaker; no sacks, no plays behind the line of scrimmage, no Ints., no fumble recoveries, no caused fumbles to speak of.

 

He was not a difference maker; they will survive his loss quite easily; Dhani Jones did everything Landon Johnson did.

Tackles are overated; when they are made downfield, that is not a great stat; many defensive players will do a great job at playing their position and not make the tackle.

 

I agree with the tackles comment. J. Smith was the king of tackling someone for a 5 yard gain.