Archives for July 23, 2016

'“You’d rather the cycle not have such an exodus,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman told the team’s official website earlier this offseason. “You’d like to keep some guys and maintain that nucleus, but that’s just how it works sometimes. It’s going to be one of those years with how the situation has worked out that we’ll have a bunch of new faces, but it’s also exciting at the same time.”'

'Is this the year the Bengals finally get over the hump in the playoffs? Cincinnati has won 52 regular-season games the past five seasons, but has lost on wild-card weekend every time. In fact, the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1991. The roster is stacked with talent, but so far, coach Marvin Lewis hasn't been able to get the most out of it when stakes are highest.'

'Brown had an excellent rookie season playing in Jim Schwartz's 4-3 defense, but the transition to Ryan's 3-4 in his second year as a pro was not a smooth one. It's only fair to see how Brown adjusts after a full season in the system. He didn't back down from the public criticism and instead responded by showing greater vocal leadership and command of the scheme throughout spring practices. Now he has to carry that over into the season.'

'As we transition from the off-season to the preseason, here are some things I’ll be keeping my eyes on…'.

'The Bills picked up the fifth-year option on Gilmore's rookie contract, guaranteeing him just over $11 million this season on a one-year deal. Gilmore would like long-term security.'

'"The merchandise tent is probably the biggest thing I get asked about," said Harrison. "Still one story, but it's a much more permanent-looking structure and with more space for merchandise."'