Disciplining the Bengals?

Yes kiddies, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis intends to do just THAT.

According to a Cincinnati Enquirer article, Coach Lewis touched on everything from the quality of play on the field to free agency. The article also states that the Bengals are unsure as to whether or not it will use its' franchise tag, but that they are hoping that they won't have to.

I have this to say: I hope it works. And this Bengals team that went 4-11-1 in '08 and has not reached the playoffs since 2005 is in dire need of it too. In 2008, we suffered through a last-place defense, injury problems, and personnel problems as well (including WR Chad Ocho Cinco being sent home from Pittsburgh due to a tiff with a coach).

These are not just new problems, either. Everyone remembers the 9 Bengals arrested during the 2006 season, and how fans of opposing teams (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers) ate it all up. Of the Infamous 9, Chris Henry's misdeeds left a bad taste in the mouth of Cincinnatians, a taste that is still pungent today. And just about everyone in our small corner of the Upland South is begging Bengals owner Mike Brown to hire a general manager.

Level of play? There was none in 2008, straight and simple. If Coach Lewis wants to get this team off its' ass and rolling again, he has to start with the O-line. We're getting quarterback Carson Palmer back for the '09 campaign, and if all goes well, running back Cedric Benson (unrestricted free agent) will be back too. These are two guys that are important to this team, in my opinion. But these guys need a line to protect them, to allow them to work their magic. The draft and free agency, if used wisely, could get some fresh faces on that offensive line who will make an immediate impact.

Now on to the franchise tag situation: I agree with the Bengals' take on not wanting to use it, if they can help it. But if they have to, they need to play it safe. Receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh will reportedly cost about $10 million to franchise. DON'T DO IT. I love T.J., but for that price, you could get a decent free agent WR for maybe a little more money, and you can get a multi-year deal with that player. In the Enquirer article, placekicker Shayne Graham was also named as a potential franchise recipient. At $2.2 million, that may seem a bit more logical.

With that said, the Cincinnati Bengals NEED to improve their O-line, get the defense going, work on player morale, and use their draft picks wisely. A strong and smart showing in free agency would definitely help as well. And for God's sake, HIRE A GENERAL MANAGER! (As long as it isn't Matt Millen.)