Published 4:47am Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Associated Press

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals fired longtime offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski on Monday, the first change in their coaching staff following a 4-12 season that is still reverberating through the franchise.

The move came two weeks after quarterback Carson Palmer asked to be traded because of the franchise’s futility. The Bengals have only two winning records in the last 20 years.

“I want to thank Bob for his role in helping us win two division championships,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “But after reviewing our season in depth, we’ve decided it’s best for the team to make this change at this time.”

Bratkowski has been the offensive coordinator since 2001, two years before Lewis took over as coach. The Bengals reached the playoffs in 2005 with a balanced offense that featured Palmer and a core of young receivers. Knee and elbow injuries limited Palmer over the next few years.

The Bengals made it back to the playoffs in 2009 after switching to a run-based offense that Lewis preferred. Their inability to throw the ball successfully in the playoffs prompted yet another philosophical switch — Cincinnati signed receiver Terrell Owens at the start of training camp last July to team with receiver Chad Ochocinco.

The Bengals threw the ball a lot more and won a lot less, dropping 10 straight games. Owens complained about the coaching and said he wasn’t getting the ball thrown his way enough. Running back Cedric Benson said the team made a mistake by going away from the run-first philosophy that got it to the playoffs in 2009.

The season ended with Lewis unsure whether he wanted to stay — his contract was up. After two days of discussions with owner Mike Brown, Lewis decided to stick around despite no significant changes in how the franchise operates.

After Lewis agreed to return, Palmer told Brown he wanted out. Brown said he’s not inclined to trade the franchise quarterback.

The coaching staff was intact when it directed the North in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., last week. The South beat the North 24-10 on Saturday.

Brown keeps assistant coaches even when he changes head coaches. Bratkowski was one of three offensive assistants with more tenure than Lewis: Paul Alexander has been offensive line coach for the last 16 years, and Jim Anderson has been running backs coach for 27 years.

Brown praised Bratkowski in a statement but added that “the time is right for us to make a change.”

Cincinnati finished in the top 10 in rushing when it made the playoffs in 2009, but had the 26th-ranked passing game. That led the Bengals to draft tight end Jermaine Greshman and receiver Jordan Shipley and sign Owens, looking to throw the ball more effectively.

The passing game improved to 13th in the league last season, but the running game fell to 27th as the Bengals often found themselves throwing the ball to try to catch up.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Monday firing of longtime offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski could be the first sign that coach Marvin Lewis owns more control of the team after signing his recent contract extension. Part of Lewis’ return hinged on him having more say in all personnel matters, even though team owner Mike Brown has the last word.

Shortly after Lewis signed the two-year deal in early January, I spoke to someone with the organization who wasn’t sure if the coach would be able to make changes on his offensive staff, which was desired after the Bengals fell to 4-12 following their AFC North title campaign of 2009. Brown’s reluctance for change remained the concern. But by letting go of Bratkowski, who just completed his 10th season and was inherited by Lewis, it’s clear the coach received at least part of his wish, with more changes possibly coming.

Bratkowski’s firing came after the Bengals’ staff, including Bratkowski, coached the North team in Saturday’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Keep in mind, the Senior Bowl is where many assistant coaching changes are orchestrated, and Lewis might have been gauging possible replacements if the team doesn’t hire someone who’s already on staff, such as quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese.

Bratkowski, who was highly unpopular with fans, changed the Bengals from a successful running team in 2009 to a more pass-oriented team after the free-agent acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens and the drafting of tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receiver Jordan Shipley. Running back Cedric Benson routinely criticized the change in philosophy, and an offensive line that’s built to run the ball was exposed in pass protection.

Though quarterback Carson Palmer passed for 3,970 yards, he also tied a career high with 20 interceptions, with blame being thrust on him and poor route integrity by his receivers. Palmer recently requested to be traded and threatened to retire, but Brown said the quarterback won’t be dealt.

Firing Bratkowski could be, in part, to appease Palmer. However, from what I’ve been told, Lewis wanted to make the move before Palmer’s recent trade request.

The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t going to trade quarterback Carson Palmer, in spite of his request to be dealt.

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) – The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t going to trade quarterback Carson Palmer, in spite of his request to be dealt.

Bengals president Mike Brown confirmed on Monday that Palmer met with he and team officials last week and requested a trade. Brown personally turned him down.

Palmer’s agent Steve Dunn then released a handwritten statement revealing only that Palmer “strongly feels that a separation is in order.” Dunn did not elaborate, as Palmer and his wife are expecting their third child before the day is through.

As for Palmer’s threat that he might retire if a trade was not in the cards, Brown indicated that he thought any talk of retirement is “impractical.” Cincinnati does have a small window to deal if both sides fail to come to an understanding, as the current collective bargaining agreement expires on March 4.

This past season, Palmer set a club record for pass attempts with 586, but also tied a career high with 20 interceptions — five of which were returned for touchdowns. He managed to throw for 26 TDs and 3,970 yards but the Bengals stumbled to a 4-12 record and last-place finish in the AFC North.

Despite a receiving corps which featured Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco and Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals’ offense ranked just 20th in the NFL.

In the meeting, Brown revealed that Palmer was not specific in his complaints, and did not indicate that he had an issue with any one person.

Brown said that he was unsure if Palmer was unhappy with the way the offense is structured, or with the staff, and confirmed that recently-ousted former Vikings head coach Brad Childress will not join the club as offensive coordinator despite media speculation.

According to the Enquirer, Palmer is upset that his family was affected by the negative reaction of the home crowd when he surpassed 20,000 career yards in an October 10 game against Tampa Bay, and that fans reportedly littered the front lawn of his suburban Cincinnati home.

However, Brown stated the Bengals are not looking for any offers and that Palmer was aware of where Brown stood on the issue when the meeting concluded.

© 2011 The Sports Network

CINCINNATI — The Bengals aren’t willing to trade Carson Palmer, who wants to leave one of the NFL’s least-successful franchises while he’s still in his prime.

Owner Mike Brown said on Monday that the 31-year-old quarterback asked for a trade a little more than a week ago. Brown told Palmer that the team wouldn’t trade him because he’s central to its plans.

“He was told that, and that we count on him going forward,” Brown told The Cincinnati Enquirer and the team’s website in Mobile, Ala. “He was told that we are not in a position to trade him.”

Several sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that Palmer will contemplate retirement if the Bengals do not trade him.

Sources familiar with Palmer’s plan and mindset told Mortensen that the quarterback is financially secure for the rest of his life and willing to follow through and retire.

Palmer hasn’t talked to the media since making his trade request. A text message seeking comment wasn’t returned. Agent David Dunn released a statement saying that “because of the lack of success that Carson and the Bengals have experienced together, Carson strongly feels that a separation between him and the Bengals would be in the best interest of both parties.”

Palmer was the franchise’s building block when it made him the first overall pick in 2003, Marvin Lewis’ first season as coach. He led the Bengals to the playoffs in 2005 and 2009 — their only winning records in the last 20 years — and rebounded from severe knee and elbow injuries along the way.

His trade request is another telling moment for a franchise coming off a 4-12 season that was in many ways the most disappointing in its history. Lewis decided to stay even though Brown refused to make any significant changes in how the team operates. Brown, Lewis and the staff are in Alabama to coach players for the Senior Bowl.

During the taping of an episode of “The T.Ocho Show” that will air Tuesday night on the Versus cable network, receiver Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens said Palmer was unhappy with Lewis and the front office.

“If he’s asking for a trade, he obviously wasn’t comfortable with the rehiring of Marvin Lewis,” said Owens, who is a free agent. “He’s been very stealth and discreet with his message, but he’s saying there’s a problem without saying there’s a problem.”

“At this point, I think he’s frustrated with management and the head coach, management not embracing him … a bunch of stuff,” said Ochocinco.

Palmer’s request is an indication he doesn’t think the team can win the way it currently operates. Brown said they didn’t get into specifics of what was bothering Palmer.

“We’ll just have to see how it plays out,” Brown said. “We’ll reach out to him and understand the things that are in his craw. Maybe there are things we can do that will appeal to him. We’ll try to and see whether he can get it fit back together in the future.”

Brown has a history of refusing players’ requests for trades. When Ochocinco tried to get traded before the 2008 season, Brown dug in. Ochocinco has an option year on his deal for 2011.

On Monday, Ochocinco tweeted: “no everything is not messed up in Cincy, we will be fine, Carson isn’t going anywhere … relax.”

Palmer has few options if the team decides it wants to keep him. The question is how having an unhappy quarterback will affect the organization.

The 2002 Heisman Trophy winner at Southern California became the game’s most impressive up-and-coming passer when he led the Bengals to the playoffs in 2005, breaking a streak of 15 years without a winning record. He tore up his left knee during a playoff loss to Pittsburgh.

Late in the 2005 season, Palmer agreed to rework his contract to give the club more salary cap flexibility. He got six years added to the deal, which lasts through 2014. At the time, he said he wanted to finish his career in Cincinnati.

Since then, the Bengals have made the playoffs only one more time, losing to the Jets in the 2009 season. The offense has been in flux, bouncing from a run-based approach in 2009 to a mix of run-and-pass last season that didn’t work. With Terrell Owens and Ochocinco as his top targets, Palmer completed 362 of a team-record 586 attempts for 3,970 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also matched his career high with 20 interceptions.

Owens is a free agent unlikely to return. As the season went along, he openly questioned the coaches’ play calling, saying the Bengals should throw more. Running back Cedric Benson, another free agent, said the team should have stayed with its run-first philosophy.

Brown thinks they can still coexist.

“The life of a pro quarterback is not always easy,” Brown said. “When you’re down the criticism will flare up. That’s the nature of our business. We him to re-up, be in good spirits and in time he’ll come around. This was a deeply disappointing season for us, we have all suffered from it. I think we will rebound.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

January 23 2011 Last updated at 04:40 PM ET

Carson Palmer will demand a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and could consider retirement if Cincinnati doesn’t comply, according to a report by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Palmer threw 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 2010, including five passes that were returned to the end zone by the opposing team. With Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens not expected to rejoin Cincinnati next season, the Bengals should feature much younger, less experienced receiving corps than their 4-12 team did last season.

After reports suggesting otherwise, the Bengals extended head coach Marvin Lewis’ contract to secure his return for 2011. This came after his squads achieved a winning record only once over the past five seasons — when Cincinnati won the AFC North in 2009 before losing to the New York Jets at home in the playoffs.

The 2005 season currently stands as the peak of Palmer’s career, when he tossed 32 touchdowns and topped 3,800 yards. However, a knee injury in the ensuing postseason required surgery, and an elbow injury in 2008 has been followed by a marked decline in the Southern California alum’s play.

Palmer has been unavailable for comment while awaiting the birth of his third daughter.

CINCINNATI — The front office won’t change significantly. The Bengals still will be practicing in the cold. Even with all that, Marvin Lewis decided to stay.

Lewis agreed to an unspecified contract extension Tuesday that will make him the longest-tenured coach in club history. Owner Mike Brown agreed to changes in the coaching staff and the roster as part of a deal that left both sides comfortable.

The Bengals are coming off a 4-12 season and have had only two winning records in the past 20 years — both under Lewis, who is 60-69-1 in eight seasons, including losses in both playoff appearances.

“We are close to being the kind of team we can be,” Brown said. “I think continuity will give us the best shot at becoming that team. We have a good relationship, Marvin and I. We work well together. It isn’t an easy relationship, but it’s a good one.”

Lewis wanted to stay, but only if there were changes in how the team operates. The team initially offered an extension last season, when the Bengals were on their way to winning the AFC North title.

The coach and owner met Monday and talked about what Lewis needed to stay. They had more discussions Tuesday morning and reached an agreement in the afternoon.

“When you consider all things, looking forward and so forth, I think this is the right spot for me to be,” Lewis said. “I’m not happy with where we are. It’s not finished. I came here to do a certain thing, and we’re not done. I just felt that way.

“I really came to the realization this morning that this is what I wanted to do.”

Brown said the uncertainty over the collective bargaining agreement was a factor, though not a major one, in wanting to keep Lewis. He implied that the extension was for at least two years but wouldn’t be more specific.

“And I would say this: I think we’re going to have a better year next year, and it might get longer than that real fast,” Brown said.

“I want to emphasize there is very little difference between us ever,” Brown said.

“It isn’t as though I’m dictating, and Marvin’s a puppet. That’s not the way it works. He does have real control — not influence, control — over his area, and that should be understood.”

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Brown said there won’t be changes in the scouting department — the NFL’s smallest — or other front-office operations. He also said that a covered practice facility isn’t an immediate priority but will be considered in the future. The Bengals are the only northern team without one either completed or planned.

It’s not the first time that Brown has kept a coach coming off a lousy season. He gave Dave Shula a two-year extension in 1993, when the Bengals were completing a 3-13 season that would stand as the measuring stick for franchise futility — until this year.

Like the ‘93 team, the 2010 Bengals lost 10 straight games, the franchise record. Unlike the ‘93 team, this one had a lot of talent and high expectations.

Cincinnati won the AFC North last season, when Lewis won the Coach of the Year award. The Bengals kept the core of the team intact and added receiver Terrell Owens, hoping to repeat as division champions for the first time in franchise history.

Instead, the offense crumbled. Owens blamed the coaching staff for much of the problem. The Bengals failed to sell out their final four home games.

There is likely to be at least one significant change in the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski finished his 10th season and might take the fall for the offense’s struggles.

“There will be changes considered with the coaches,” Brown said, declining to be any more specific. “We’ll examine how they all fit and make decisions after we’ve had an opportunity to consider that more.”

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially ruled out six-time Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco (ankle) for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Ochocinco will miss his second straight game and won’t make the trip to Baltimore.

This week also could mark Ochocinco’s last with the Bengals. The team has a $6 million team option in 2011 for Ochocinco, who will turn 33 in January and was inconsistent this season. Cincinnati also has a $3.5 million buyout, which would make Ochocinco a free agent.

Following injuries to Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (knee), young receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell have stepped up and played well for the Bengals (4-11). Cincinnati is on a two-game winning streak.

Bengals starting tight end Jermaine Gresham (knee) also is listed as doubtful. For the Ravens (11-4), who still have a chance to win the AFC North, tight end Todd Heap (thigh) is questionable. Baltimore can win the division and clinch a first-round bye if the team beats Cincinnati and the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) lose to the Cleveland Browns (5-10) on Sunday.

CINCINNATI – Receiver Chad Ochocinco(notes) will miss the Cincinnati Bengals’ final game in Baltimore with a bad left ankle that needs surgery.

Ochocinco was inactive last Sunday for a 34-20 win over San Diego because of a bone spur in his left ankle. Coach Marvin Lewis had suggested leading up to the game Ochocinco was being “mopey,” causing the receiver to fire back on his Twitter account.

Ochocinco didn’t practise this week and was listed as out Friday.

The Bengals have an option to bring him back for one more season at US$6 million. Terrell Owens(notes), who led the team in receiving, is a free agent who will be coming off knee surgery.

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco (ankle) said he will not play in Sunday’s regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Has Ochocinco played his last game with the Bengals?
The six-time Pro Bowler’s contract expires on Monday, and the Bengals have to decide whether to exercise a team option for $6 million in 2011. He will be 33 in January and is coming off his second subpar season in three years.

Ochocinco finished with 67 receptions for 831 yards and four touchdowns this season. If the Bengals don’t want him to return, they can use a $3.5 million buyout to make him a free agent.

Young receivers such as Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Jordan Shipley have been productive with increased playing time. The Bengals have won two straight with Terrell Owens (knee) and Ochocinco either out with injuries or playing reduced roles.

Cincinnati has a lot of big decisions to make with its roster and coaching staff, and it all starts next week.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was limited in Friday’s practice because of an ankle injury, according to the team’s official website, and is questionable to play in Sunday’s game at San Diego.

Ochocinco, who didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday, aims to play against the Chargers. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called Ochocinco’s status for the game “iffy,” and said he would make a decision Sunday.

Ochocinco has played in 151 out of 158 games during his 10 NFL seasons, including 113 in a row from 2001 to 2008.

Lewis told the team’s website that he would be in favor of bringing Ochocinco back for another season, despite the receiver’s $6 million option.

Wide receiver Terrell Owens might not be in the same boat. He told the team’s website that the Bengals don’t want him back, according to what he has heard.

The team hasn’t given an official indication of where it stands with Owens, and the veteran said he plans to report to the Bengals’ conditioning program, which begins in March.

Lewis also told reporters that he has spoken with Bengals president Mike Brown about his future with team. “No decisions have been made about anything,” said the coach, who’s in the last year of his contract.

Lewis’ status, and his conversations with the team, have been kept under wraps all season, but the coach indicated he’s optimistic about returning, despite the 3-11 tumble by a team that won the AFC North title last season.

“I’m not going to throw my helmet and shoulder pads in the stands,” Lewis said, referring to former Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon, who launched part of his uniform to Bengals fans after the season finale in 2003, his last year with the team.

Notes: RB Brian Leonard (ankle) is out for Sunday’s game. … RB Bernard Scott (toe), OT Dennis Roland (knee) and CB Jonathan Wade (knee) are questionable. … C Kyle Cook (elbow) is probable.

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official on Tuesday and placed wide receiver Terrell Owens on injured reserve.

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) – The Cincinnati Bengals made it official on Tuesday and placed wide receiver Terrell Owens on injured reserve.

Owens suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during this past Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. He had originally hurt the knee during a December 5 contest against New Orleans.

The 37-year-old veteran, in his first season in Cincinnati, was leading the Bengals with 72 receptions, 983 yards and nine touchdowns.

© 2010 The Sports Network

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official on Tuesday and placed wide receiver Terrell Owens on injured reserve.

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) – The Cincinnati Bengals made it official on Tuesday and placed wide receiver Terrell Owens on injured reserve.

Owens suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during this past Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. He had originally hurt the knee during a December 5 contest against New Orleans.

The 37-year-old veteran, in his first season in Cincinnati, was leading the Bengals with 72 receptions, 983 yards and nine touchdowns.

© 2010 The Sports Network

Terrell Owens of the Cincinnati Bengals will miss the final two games of the National Football League season after surgery on his left knee, the team said in a statement.

Owens, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, had surgery on the knee yesterday and will finish the season on the injured reserve list, Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said in a telephone interview. Orthopedist James Andrews performed the surgery, Brennan said.

Owens was injured in the Bengals’ 19-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 19. A year after making the playoffs, the Bengals are 3-11.

Owens, 37, signed a one-year deal with a $2 million base salary at the beginning of training camp and will be a free agent at the end of the year. In 14 games this season, he has 72 receptions for 983 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Bengals in all three categories.

To contact the reporter on this story: Eben Novy-Williams in New York enovywilliam@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net.

The Cincinnati Bengals are not expected to re-sign outspoken receiver Terrell Owens, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Owens decided to have knee surgery Monday, ending his revival season in Cincinnati. The 37-year-old receiver tore cartilage in his left knee two weeks ago, but kept playing. He aggravated the injury while making a cut on the opening series of the 19-17 win Sunday against Cleveland, forcing him to hobble off the field.

Owens signed a one-year deal with a $2 million base salary at the start of training camp, when the Bengals were one of the few teams interested. He proved he could still play, leading the team with 72 catches for 983 yards and nine touchdowns.

He ranked among the NFL’s top six receivers in yards and catches before the game against Cleveland. He has said that he hopes to play for two or three more years.

Owens flew to Birmingham, Ala., on Monday and was examined by Dr. James Andrews. He tweeted a photo of himself in a hospital gown getting ready for the operation late Monday afternoon.

“BIG THANKS 2 every1 4 their support (and) prayers! I’ll b back on the field …” he tweeted.

Photos of him in a recovery area were posted after the surgery, along with a tweet: “had knee surgery! Will b ok.”

Despite Owens’ big numbers, the Bengals (3-11) are having one of their worst seasons. The victory over Cleveland ended a 10-game losing streak that matched the longest in club history for one season. They finish at home against San Diego (8-6) and at Baltimore (10-4).

As the losing streak went on, Owens became more outspoken, blaming the coaching staff for the offensive struggles. Running back Cedric Benson expressed his opinion earlier in the season, then kept quiet while it all fell apart.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.