CINCINNATI – Right guard Bobbie Williams showed up in the Cincinnati Bengals locker-room on Wednesday with a big smile and a slightly smaller waist.

The 35-year-old offensive lineman lost 12 pounds in the past month while serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He said he took an over-the-counter diuretic, one that’s banned because it can mask steroid use.

“Poor judgment,” Williams said. “No one to blame but myself. The first thing I said was I was going to turn this from a negative into a positive, and I have. I’ve been in the best shape since entering the league. I’m as light as I’ve ever been, quicker.”

The Bengals (2-2) are thrilled that he’s back, even if there’s a little less of him. He’s likely to start Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3), balancing a running game that has definitely tilted left without him.

Cincinnati started rookie Clint Boling at right guard in the first three games. He struggled early in a third-game loss to San Francisco and was replaced by Mike McGlynn, who started a 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday. With Williams out, the Bengals’ running game usually went the other way.

The Bengals have run 33 plays behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth, the most in the league. It’s the same number of plays that they’ve run behind the right guard and tackle combined. Whitworth is their best lineman, but the Bengals would like some balance in running the ball.

They ran the ball to the right side better when Williams played in the pre-season.

“We had some fun over there,” Williams said. “Planning on getting back to those days.”

The Bengals received a one-week roster exemption for Williams. Coach Marvin Lewis said he’ll decide whether to add him to the roster later in the week. Given that he has stayed in good shape, Williams is likely to be activated and start.

“He used his time to benefit himself both physically and mentally,” Lewis said.

Whitworth hugged Williams when he saw him in the locker-room, welcoming back a player that the rest of the line calls “Boss.” Williams is in his eighth season with the Bengals, the most experienced veteran on the line.

“He’s inspirational for guys to play with and to see in the huddle and feel more confident,” Whitworth said. “When you are dealing with young football players, I think it is important for them to feel confidence in the huddle. And he is another guy that provides a lot of confidence.”

Williams is known for his durability. He had missed only three games in the last seven years — all in 2006, when he had an appendectomy and returned. Missing those first four games were tough.

“My wife said I picked up a second addiction besides eating — well, lack of now — and that’s hitting the gym,” Williams said. “I took to it hard so I can come back. I was doing about three-hour sessions about five days a week, making sure my time was occupied.”

CINCINNATI (AP)—Right guard Bobbie Williams(notes) showed up in the Cincinnati
Bengals locker room on Wednesday with a big smile and a slightly smaller waist.

The 35-year-old offensive lineman lost 12 pounds in the past month while
serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on
performance-enhancing substances. He said he took an over-the-counter diuretic,
one that’s banned because it can mask steroid use.

“Poor judgment,” Williams said. “No one to blame but myself. The first
thing I said was I was going to turn this from a negative into a positive, and I
have. I’ve been in the best shape since entering the league. I’m as light as
I’ve ever been, quicker.”

The Bengals (2-2) are thrilled that he’s back, even if there’s a little less
of him. He’s likely to start Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3), balancing a running
game that has definitely tilted left without him.

Cincinnati started rookie Clint Boling(notes) at right guard in the first three
games. He struggled early in a third-game loss to San Francisco and was replaced
by Mike McGlynn(notes), who started a 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday. With Williams
out, the Bengals’ running game usually went the other way.

The Bengals have run 33 plays behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth(notes), the most
in the league. It’s the same number of plays that they’ve run behind the right
guard and tackle combined. Whitworth is their best lineman, but the Bengals
would like some balance in running the ball.

They ran the ball to the right side better when Williams played in the
preseason.

“We had some fun over there,” Williams said. “Planning on getting back to
those days.”

The Bengals received a one-week roster exemption for Williams. Coach Marvin
Lewis said he’ll decide whether to add him to the roster later in the week.
Given that he has stayed in good shape, Williams is likely to be activated and
start.

“He used his time to benefit himself both physically and mentally,” Lewis
said.

Whitworth hugged Williams when he saw him in the locker room, welcoming back
a player that the rest of the line calls “Boss.” Williams is in his eighth
season with the Bengals, the most experienced veteran on the line.

“He’s inspirational for guys to play with and to see in the huddle and feel
more confident,” Whitworth said. “When you are dealing with young football
players, I think it is important for them to feel confidence in the huddle. And
he is another guy that provides a lot of confidence.”

Williams is known for his durability. He had missed only three games in the
last seven years—all in 2006, when he had an appendectomy and returned.
Missing those first four games were tough.

“My wife said I picked up a second addiction besides eating—well, lack of
now—and that’s hitting the gym,” Williams said. “I took to it hard so I can
come back. I was doing about three-hour sessions about five days a week, making
sure my time was occupied.”

CINCINNATI (AP)—Right guard Bobbie Williams(notes) showed up in the Cincinnati
Bengals locker room on Wednesday with a big smile and a slightly smaller waist.

The 35-year-old offensive lineman lost 12 pounds in the past month while
serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on
performance-enhancing substances. He said he took an over-the-counter diuretic,
one that’s banned because it can mask steroid use.

“Poor judgment,” Williams said. “No one to blame but myself. The first
thing I said was I was going to turn this from a negative into a positive, and I
have. I’ve been in the best shape since entering the league. I’m as light as
I’ve ever been, quicker.”

The Bengals (2-2) are thrilled that he’s back, even if there’s a little less
of him. He’s likely to start Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3), balancing a running
game that has definitely tilted left without him.

Cincinnati started rookie Clint Boling(notes) at right guard in the first three
games. He struggled early in a third-game loss to San Francisco and was replaced
by Mike McGlynn(notes), who started a 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday. With Williams
out, the Bengals’ running game usually went the other way.

The Bengals have run 33 plays behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth(notes), the most
in the league. It’s the same number of plays that they’ve run behind the right
guard and tackle combined. Whitworth is their best lineman, but the Bengals
would like some balance in running the ball.

They ran the ball to the right side better when Williams played in the
preseason.

“We had some fun over there,” Williams said. “Planning on getting back to
those days.”

The Bengals received a one-week roster exemption for Williams. Coach Marvin
Lewis said he’ll decide whether to add him to the roster later in the week.
Given that he has stayed in good shape, Williams is likely to be activated and
start.

“He used his time to benefit himself both physically and mentally,” Lewis
said.

Whitworth hugged Williams when he saw him in the locker room, welcoming back
a player that the rest of the line calls “Boss.” Williams is in his eighth
season with the Bengals, the most experienced veteran on the line.

“He’s inspirational for guys to play with and to see in the huddle and feel
more confident,” Whitworth said. “When you are dealing with young football
players, I think it is important for them to feel confidence in the huddle. And
he is another guy that provides a lot of confidence.”

Williams is known for his durability. He had missed only three games in the
last seven years—all in 2006, when he had an appendectomy and returned.
Missing those first four games were tough.

“My wife said I picked up a second addiction besides eating—well, lack of
now—and that’s hitting the gym,” Williams said. “I took to it hard so I can
come back. I was doing about three-hour sessions about five days a week, making
sure my time was occupied.”

Read More: Cedric Benson (RB – CIN), Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson has been informed by the National Football League that he will be suspended for three games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports reports.

Benson will be allowed to continue to play while he appeals the suspension, with Silver adding that the 28-year-old has a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Benson has not been informed of a suspension.

Prior to the end of the preseason, Benson served five days in jail as part of a plea agreement to resolve two outstanding assault cases. The first case involved a 2010 assault charge when the former University of Texas standout allegedly struck an employee at an Austin, Texas bar.

During the lockout, when players were outside of the purview of the league’s personal conduct policy, Benson was arrested after allegedly assaulting his roommate. Despite his repeated arrests, the Bengals re-signed the free agent to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million. Benson was released from jail in time to participate in the Bengals’ practices before their Week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns. Through two games, Benson ranks ninth in the NFL with 180 rushing yards.

If Benson is made to serve the full three-game suspension, he would forfeit $529,412 in base salary as he misses games against the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts.

For more reaction to the Benson situation, visit our Bengals blog Cincy Jungle.

Benson has a chance to open this season with back-to-back 100-yard games, something he hasn’t done in a couple of years.

“It would be a great step in the right direction,” Benson said.

They’ve already taken the first step.

Benson ran for 121 yards and a clinching touchdown during a 27-17 win in Cleveland last Sunday, an indication of what the Bengals will try to do under new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. He’s likely to get a lot more chances when the Bengals visit Denver on Sunday with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton still recovering from a wrist injury.

Dalton bruised his right wrist and forearm when he was hit after throwing a pass on the final play of the first half in Cleveland. He didn’t play the second half because he had trouble gripping the ball. The Bengals limited him in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but listed him as probable after his workout on Friday.

The Broncos (0-1) allowed Oakland to run for 190 yards in the Raiders’ 23-20 opening win, and their defense is sapped by injuries, so it’s likely that the sore-wristed Dalton is going to do a lot of handing off.

That’s just fine with an offense that likes the straight-ahead approach.

“I think we all are excited,” said left tackle Andrew Whitworth, also listed as probable with a sore knee and foot. “We’ve got a young, young football team. I laugh every time I sit there in the offensive room and I am the old guy sitting there. I am thinking, ‘Goodness gracious, it’s hilarious. The old guy in the room is 29 years old.’

“You can teach a young kid how to have effort and just be aggressive. That’s the easiest way for them to learn. If we can run the football and be physical and be fast, the rest of the game can come later one.”

The Bengals have one of the youngest and least experienced teams in the league after getting rid of receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens and a few other veterans. Their opening-game roster was the AFC’s youngest. Their players have an average of 3.6 years in the league, fourth overall behind Tampa Bay (3.3), Seattle (3.4) and Cleveland (3.6).

They’ll be trying to pull off something they’ve never done when the visit Denver. The Bengals have never opened a season with consecutive road wins.

They haven’t won in Denver since 1975, dropping eight in a row.

The last time they played them was the opener in 2009, when the Broncos came to Cincinnati and pulled off an incredible finish. Brandon Stokley caught a tipped pass and went 87 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left for a 12-7 victory.

The Bengals recovered by turning to their running game and winning the AFC North, only their second winning season in the past 20 years. They lost to the Jets in their first playoff games.

Cincinnati went away from its run-first style last season, trying to get more out of the passing game after signing Owens. Instead, the offense never got into a flow. The Bengals finished 4-12, fired coordinator Bob Bratkowski and changed to a West Coast style that accentuates short, quick passes and the run.

“I think this is the first time we have a style we want to be,” Whitworth said. “I think at times we were searching for that, but I think in ‘09 we found what we are. We still kept searching, but I think we realized now that we are a physical football team.”

Benson was unhappy when the Bengals leaned more on the pass last season. He decided to return on a one-year deal after the change in offensive coordinators and philosophies. Benson said he and Gruden get along well.

“He’s a jokester,” Benson said. “Great sense of humor. I can’t remember the last time I had that type of a relationship like that with an offensive coordinator. That’s good. When you’re a focal point or a big factor in an offense or on a team, you always want to have a relationship with your coordinator. He’s the one calling the plays and coordinating the plays, and you always want to be on the same page.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CINCINNATI (AP)—Cedric Benson(notes) loves the way the Cincinnati Bengals’ new
offense is unfolding.

The running back has been the focus of a return to the grind-it-out style
that helped them make the playoffs in 2009, one they got away from last year.

Benson has a chance to open this season with back-to-back 100-yard games,
something he hasn’t done in a couple of years.

“It would be a great step in the right direction,” Benson said.

They’ve already taken the first step.

Benson ran for 121 yards and a clinching touchdown during a 27-17 win in
Cleveland last Sunday, an indication of what the Bengals will try to do under
new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. He’s likely to get a lot more chances when
the Bengals visit Denver on Sunday with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton(notes) still
recovering from a wrist injury.

Dalton bruised his right wrist and forearm when he was hit after throwing a
pass on the final play of the first half in Cleveland. He didn’t play the second
half because he had trouble gripping the ball. The Bengals limited him in
practice Wednesday and Thursday, but listed him as probable after his workout on
Friday.

The Broncos (0-1) allowed Oakland to run for 190 yards in the Raiders’ 23-20
opening win, and their defense is sapped by injuries, so it’s likely that the
sore-wristed Dalton is going to do a lot of handing off.

That’s just fine with an offense that likes the straight-ahead approach.

“I think we all are excited,” said left tackle Andrew Whitworth(notes), also
listed as probable with a sore knee and foot. “We’ve got a young, young
football team. I laugh every time I sit there in the offensive room and I am the
old guy sitting there. I am thinking, `Goodness gracious, it’s hilarious. The
old guy in the room is 29 years old.’

“You can teach a young kid how to have effort and just be aggressive.
That’s the easiest way for them to learn. If we can run the football and be
physical and be fast, the rest of the game can come later one.”

The Bengals have one of the youngest and least experienced teams in the
league after getting rid of receivers Chad Ochocinco(notes) and Terrell Owens(notes) and a few
other veterans. Their opening-game roster was the AFC’s youngest. Their players
have an average of 3.6 years in the league, fourth overall behind Tampa Bay
(3.3), Seattle (3.4) and Cleveland (3.6).

They’ll be trying to pull off something they’ve never done when the visit
Denver. The Bengals have never opened a season with consecutive road wins.

They haven’t won in Denver since 1975, dropping eight in a row.

The last time they played them was the opener in 2009, when the Broncos came
to Cincinnati and pulled off an incredible finish. Brandon Stokley(notes) caught a
tipped pass and went 87 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left for a 12-7
victory.

The Bengals recovered by turning to their running game and winning the AFC
North, only their second winning season in the past 20 years. They lost to the
Jets in their first playoff games.

Cincinnati went away from its run-first style last season, trying to get
more out of the passing game after signing Owens. Instead, the offense never got
into a flow. The Bengals finished 4-12, fired coordinator Bob Bratkowski and
changed to a West Coast style that accentuates short, quick passes and the run.

“I think this is the first time we have a style we want to be,” Whitworth
said. “I think at times we were searching for that, but I think in ’09 we found
what we are. We still kept searching, but I think we realized now that we are a
physical football team.”

Benson was unhappy when the Bengals leaned more on the pass last season. He
decided to return on a one-year deal after the change in offensive coordinators
and philosophies. Benson said he and Gruden get along well.

“He’s a jokester,” Benson said. “Great sense of humor. I can’t remember
the last time I had that type of a relationship like that with an offensive
coordinator. That’s good. When you’re a focal point or a big factor in an
offense or on a team, you always want to have a relationship with your
coordinator. He’s the one calling the plays and coordinating the plays, and you
always want to be on the same page.”

BEREA, Ohio (AP)—Dick Jauron’s vast experience as an NFL coach couldn’t
save the Browns.

Like his players, Jauron was caught unaware.

When the Cincinnati Bengals rushed to the line and quickly snapped the ball
on Sunday for a 41-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, Cleveland’s
seasoned defensive coordinator—and former head coach in Chicago and Buffalo—
had his head down, looking at his play sheet.

“I have to pick it up,” Jauron said Thursday. “I have to see it and I
didn’t see it. I missed it.”

Jauron accepted blame for the Browns’ blunder on Sunday, when Bengals
quarterback Bruce Gradkowski(notes) alertly hurried his team to the line, took the snap
and lofted a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie A.J. Green(notes), a memorable
game-changing play in Cincinnati’s 27-17 win over Cleveland.

Jauron didn’t offer any excuses. The Bengals executed, and he and the Browns
failed to stop them.

“When the offense is ready to snap the ball, we’ve got to be ready to play
defense,” he said. “That’s my responsibility and I didn’t get it done on that
play.”

The Browns were waiting for linebacker D’Qwell Jackson(notes) to call the play when
the Bengals made the snap. Cornerback Joe Haden(notes) scampered to get into position,
but by the time he recovered, Green had darted off the line and soon hauled in
Gradkowski’s pass for his only reception and first career score—one that will
haunt the Browns.

“To have that happen to you is hugely disappointing to everybody, to us and
to our players and to our fans,” Jauron said. “It’s one of those things that
clearly you don’t expect, and when it happened, you probably will never forget
it.”

To make sure it never happens again, Cleveland’s cornerbacks will not join
the huddle, Jauron said. Hand signals will be sent in from the sideline.

“That’s one thing you can do and that’ll help us clearly,” said Jauron, in
his 27th season as a coach in the league. “We just have got to be aware. After
making the call, I was looking down at my gameplan sheet, thinking about the
next call. I missed it. There’s nothing else I can say about it. I should have
been able to help.”

Following the game, Browns coach Pat Shurmur wasn’t convinced the Bengals
didn’t get away with something. However, the league determined that Cincinnati
did not violate the substitution rule and the play was legal.

When the Cincinnati Bengals rushed to the line and quickly snapped the ball on Sunday for a 41-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, Cleveland’s seasoned defensive coordinator — and former head coach in Chicago and Buffalo — had his head down, looking at his play sheet.

“I have to pick it up,” Jauron said Thursday. “I have to see it and I didn’t see it. I missed it.”

Jauron accepted blame for the Browns’ blunder on Sunday, when Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski alertly hurried his team to the line, took the snap and lofted a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie A.J. Green, a memorable game-changing play in Cincinnati’s 27-17 win over Cleveland.

Jauron didn’t offer any excuses. The Bengals executed, and he and the Browns failed to stop them.

“When the offense is ready to snap the ball, we’ve got to be ready to play defense,” he said. “That’s my responsibility and I didn’t get it done on that play.”

The Browns were waiting for linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to call the play when the Bengals made the snap. Cornerback Joe Haden scampered to get into position, but by the time he recovered, Green had darted off the line and soon hauled in Gradkowski’s pass for his only reception and first career score — one that will haunt the Browns.

“To have that happen to you is hugely disappointing to everybody, to us and to our players and to our fans,” Jauron said. “It’s one of those things that clearly you don’t expect, and when it happened, you probably will never forget it.”

To make sure it never happens again, Cleveland’s cornerbacks will not join the huddle, Jauron said. Hand signals will be sent in from the sideline.

“That’s one thing you can do and that’ll help us clearly,” said Jauron, in his 27th season as a coach in the league. “We just have got to be aware. After making the call, I was looking down at my gameplan sheet, thinking about the next call. I missed it. There’s nothing else I can say about it. I should have been able to help.”

Following the game, Browns coach Pat Shurmur wasn’t convinced the Bengals didn’t get away with something. However, the league determined that Cincinnati did not violate the substitution rule and the play was legal.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CINCINNATI – They know what fans think of them, and it’s not very much. There’s talk of an 0-16 season in Cincinnati, another year of setting new franchise lows with the same owner and coach presiding over a new cast of players.

How could the Bengals’ ignore it?

Better yet, how do they stop it?

Win one in Cleveland.

The Bengals could prove — for one week, anyway — that they’re not the worst team in Ohio, let alone the worst in the league. The intrastate rivalry on Sunday provides a chance to end all the talk about being No. 32 in the NFL.

“We haven’t really talked about that,” left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. “It hasn’t really been our focus. But I would hope every competitor in here knows that and realizes that’s how people think about them, and that’s the way we have to fight.

“It’s no different than any other year. The teams that go out fighting the hardest and want it the most are going to win, and we’ve got to be one of those teams.”

The Bengals put up a good fight last season, but kept self-destructing with turnovers and penalties and botched plays during a 4-12 season that wasn’t the league’s worst. Carolina got that honour, going 2-14 while the Bengals finished with the same mark as Denver and Buffalo.

Much of the pessimism comes from the off-season.

Coach Marvin Lewis played out his contract, looking for signs that the front office was committed to doing what is needed to win. Then, he agreed to stay even though owner Mike Brown said there would be no significant change in how the team operates.

A week later, franchise quarterback Carson Palmer threw in the towel, saying he’d rather retire than finish his contract with the Bengals. Disgruntled receiver Terrell Owens left as a free agent, and receiver Chad Ochocinco was traded to New England.

The Bengals are left with one of their greenest offences ever for a season opener. Second-round pick Andy Dalton will become the first Bengals rookie quarterback to start an opener since 1969, the team’s second year. First-round pick A.J. Green is the top receiver. Fourth-round pick Clint Boling starts at right guard in place of suspended Bobbie Williams. Tight end Jermaine Gresham and slot receiver Jordan Shipley are starting their second seasons.

That’s a lot of inexperience.

“We have a lot of young players,” running back Cedric Benson said. “But we’re strong in the offensive line. We’ve got one adjustment there (Boling). We’re strong in the backfield. But we’re still growing. It’s a great opportunity for us to come together.”

The Browns weren’t much better last year, going 5-11 to finish one spot ahead in the AFC North. The teams split their series, each winning at home. The Browns took the first game 23-20 in October, while the Bengals broke a 10-game losing streak with their 19-17 win at Paul Brown Stadium in December.

The newcomers will get their first experience with the Dawg Pound and the rivalry on Sunday afternoon.

“I know a little bit about it,” Dalton said. “We are definitely going to know when we are on the Dawg Pound side of the field. We’ll have to know when we can use silent counts and different things like that. It will be fun to get to know a lot more about it and be a part of it.”

Ochocinco loved to taunt the Browns and the Dawg Pound. He sent Pepto-Bismol to some Browns players one year, and did a leap into the Dawg Pound after a touchdown, only to get doused with beer and jeers. None of the current receivers is inclined to take on the Pound.

“I don’t think so, but we’re hoping our guys are spending plenty of time in their end zone,” Whitworth said. “That’s what we hope.”

The first half of the season provides the best chance for Cincinnati to show it’s not the worst. The Bengals’ first four opponents — Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco and Buffalo — were a combined 19-45 last season. Only one of the first eight opponents had a winning record last season — Indianapolis, which has problems after losing quarterback Peyton Manning.

The chance is there.”We’ve got a lot to prove, there’s no doubt about it,” Whitworth said. “So I think guys are more worried about what we have to prove than what people think about them.”

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP)—The Bengals started a new era in their history on
Friday, opening training camp without Carson Palmer(notes) and Chad Ochocinco(notes) for the
first time in nine years.

Not a good start.

The Bengals went 4-12 last year, then had one of the worst offseasons in
franchise history, which is saying a lot. Palmer decided he’d rather retire than
play another day in Cincinnati, players got arrested and many fan wrote off the
franchise as hopeless.

The hits keep coming.

The Bengals lost cornerback Johnathan Joseph(notes), who signed with Houston as a
free agent, on the eve of camp. The cornerback who was first in line to replace
him—Adam “Pacman” Jones—can’t fully practice for a few weeks because he’s
still recovering from neck surgery.

Linebacker Keith Rivers(notes) also is sidelined following wrist surgery, leaving
the defense with a lot of big holes. Coordinator Mike Zimmer was visibly glum as
he wheeled his luggage up to his dorm room at Georgetown College, where the
Bengals will have their first workout on Saturday.

“I’ve been in the tank since 6 o’clock last night,” Zimmer said, referring
to the time he heard Joseph was leaving. “But I’m going to get out of it
quick.”

Joseph teamed with Leon Hall(notes) to form one of the league’s steadiest
cornerback tandems. The Bengals allowed him to become an unrestricted free
agent, but seemed confident they would be able to keep him. Zimmer was told to
expect him back when the NFL’s lockout ended. The Bengals even assigned him a
dorm room for camp and put his name on the green front door.

So much for that.

“The contingency right now is to figure out who the next guy is, whether
he’s here in training camp or he’s on the street somewhere or he’s on another
team or he’s in Canada,” Zimmer said. “Who knows? We’ve got to find somebody
who can play.”

Losing Joseph was a huge setback.

“Of course it’s a shock,” Jones said. “J-Jo’s been here for five years
and he’s one of the best players on the team. When you hear it, it’s very
shocking.”

The Bengals didn’t assign a dorm room for Palmer—no shock there.

Palmer stunned the organization by asking for a trade following a 4-12
season. He said he would rather retire than play another year for one of the
NFL’s most forlorn franchises, with only two winning records in the last 20
years.

Owner Mike Brown(notes) insisted this week that he wouldn’t trade Palmer, who was
placed on a reserve list for players who didn’t report to camp on Friday.

Palmer’s decision to stay away surprised his teammates initially, but
they’ve come to accept it.

“People just realized he was frustrated,” offensive tackle Andrew
Whitworth(notes) said. “But there’s a lot of teams around the league that have
frustrating years, and it doesn’t mean you quit and walk away.”

Although they say they won’t trade Palmer because it would amount to
rewarding someone who wants out, they sent Ochocinco to New England for draft
picks on Thursday night. The self-promoting receiver had tried to get traded
three years ago, but the Bengals refused.

“Chad was a great teammate and a lot of fun,” Whitworth said. “I enjoyed
him every day. But he’s moved on, too. It’s definitely going to be different.
Now it’s a chance for the younger guys on the team to step up and make this
their football team and leave their legacy.”

The Bengals added to their legacy of off-field problems this month, when
Jones and free-agent running back Cedric Benson(notes) were arrested. Both could be
disciplined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Jones hurt his neck last season and needed surgery. He had another procedure
over the summer to help it heal. Jones said on Friday that he probably won’t be
allowed to participate in any drills that involve contact for two or three
weeks.

Jones knows that fans are expecting another dreary season in Cincinnati
because of all the change.

“All I’ve got to say is: There’s going to be bright days on the other
end,” Jones said. “I promise you we won’t be 4-12 this year.”

gibberish. he doesn’t want to leave because of the O-line, because of Chad, etc. Its the front office. plain and simple. mike brown is, without question, one of, if not, the, worst owners in the league. he’s terrible. makes terrible business decisions, and at the end of the day, is not committed to winning. look who he hired to be o-coordinator – Gruden? not that he had much choice as any sane, decent coach would never come to cincy. palmer, despite being on contract, is doing the right thing. he played by their rules for as long as he could and ultimately it went nowhere. if you’re a veteran QB and your team has basically stunk up the league for years and then the front office goes out and hires what is the equivalent to a freshman in high school as the o-coordinator, what would you expect? this team, which i am a fan of as i am a native of cincy, will never win as long of mike brown and his extended family are calling the shots.

It will be Gruden’s first chance to be a coordinator in the NFL. He served as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002-08, when his brother Jon was coach.

Jay Gruden, 43, said he spent a day-and-a-half earlier this week in Cincinnati meeting with coach Marvin Lewis and owner Mike Brown. He said they offered him the job, and after he was dropped off at the airport, Gruden said he would have to think about it.

Twenty minutes later, he accepted.

“I had to play hard to get a little bit,” Gruden said.

Gruden coached the Predators from 1998-2001 and 2004-2008, winning two Arena Football League championships.

He was the offensive coordinator of the Tuskers in 2009 and their head coach in 2010. They lost in the United Football League title game both seasons.

The Tuskers have relocated to Norfolk, Va., for the 2011 season.

“With the move from Orlando and a little bit of uncertainty surrounding the league [UFL], I thought this was best,” Gruden said.

Gruden said he interviewed with Carolina, Denver and Kansas City for coaching jobs this offseason before setting on Cincinnati.

“This was a chance to take the offense I know with me,” Gruden said. “He [Lewis] gave me an opportunity.”

The Bengals (4-12) ranked 20th in the NFL with 330.6 yards per game and 22nd with 20.1 points per game in 2010. They will pick fourth in the NFL draft in April.

Quarterback Carson Palmer reportedly has asked to be traded. Gruden, who replaced Bob Bratkowski, said he has not spoken with Palmer.

“Obviously he’s got some issues,” Gruden said. “Hopefully we’ll get those resolved. We’re going to try to make his life a lot easier.”

Then there is wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

“I’m a friendly guy,” Gruden said. “We’ll get the most out of everybody and find out what everybody’s good at.”

Stephen Ruiz can be reached at sruiz@orlandosentinel.com.