Lack of character could cost Bengals

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, July 16, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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Since they lost in the AFC Wild Card Game to the Pittsburgh Steelers last January, it can be argued that no NFL team has had a more tumultuous or embarrassing offseason than the Cincinnati Bengals.

Having to deal with quarterback Carson Palmer's rehab from a knee injury has been bad enough, but throw in numerous legal problems from receiver Chris Henry and soon-to-be first-year defenders Frostee Rucker and A.J. Nicholson, and the last few months have been more about police blotter than football for the Bengals.

The hits kept coming on Friday for Cincy, as stud linebacker Odell Thurman was suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season. The 23-year-old violated the league's substance abuse policy, derailing the first quarter of his 2006 season. Thurman was arguably the Bengals' best defender last year, which makes his suspension a major blow for head coach Marvin Lewis and the entire roster.

In the team's 11-5 '05 campaign, Thurman finished with 106 total tackles, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, a touchdown and 1 ½ sacks. To Bengals fans, the Monticello, GA native was the playmaking linebacker they've been missing since the five-year era of Takeo Spikes ended after the 2002 season.

The second-round pick out of Georgia likely would have been a first-rounder, but numerous character issues from the past came back to haunt the 235-pounder. The Bengals were rewarded for taking the gamble on Thurman in last year's draft; however, the risk now has a black cloud over it.
Meanwhile, knowing that Thurman's season was going to be shortened, Lewis and linebackers coach Rick Hunley ventured to the Supplemental Draft on Friday and grabbed former University of Virginia star Ahmad Brooks.

The linebacker had first-round talent to be selected in the annual April draft, but was booted by Cavaliers head coach Al Groh for repeatedly failing drug tests. Because of that, the 22-year-old left school and entered the draft for ineligible and suspended players, hoping to be selected by someone. Always the consummate risk-takers, and seeming to yet again turn a blind eye to character issues, Cincinnati used a third-round pick on Brooks, who was touted going in as a fourth-rounder.

Now that he's in the fold, there's a good possibility Brooks will be thrust into the Bengals' starting lineup this season. There's no doubt that the 259-pounder has the talent to be a fierce linebacker at the pro level, although whether or not he can straighten up his attitude will be a different story altogether.

For the Cincinnati Bengals to succeed in 2006, they'll need players who can perform their duties on the field and stay clean off the field. As the saying goes, ability without character will lose. Perhaps Marvin Lewis can learn a thing or two from that aphorism.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on the Cincinnati Bengals at Realfootball365.com
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