It is beyond comprehension that the Cincinnati Bengals, in previous years known as a holding cell for troubled players, has apparently not learned their lesson yet. In a season when the Bengals are legitimate contenders, the Bengals would be better off having their punter at running back than signing the troubled Johnson. Have the Bengals not learned their lesson yet? Have they forgotten what bringing in troubled draft picks did to their team?
While it is true that Larry Johnson could still have something left, the odds are much higher that he has a bunch of problems left. Every time he gets in trouble, he issues an empty apology and then repeats the same behavior (or something different in it’s place equally bad) The truth is, Larry Johnson could absolutely blow up the progress the Bengals have made. Adding him to the mix can only bring heartache to the franchise.
One might wonder what other options the Bengals have? Who says they need one? They are thin at the position and yes, Cedric Benson hurt himself the other day. Still, the injury is not supposed to keep Benson out for long if at all, so the bottom line is they have their running back. It has been said that Johnson would be a backup to the backup. That is exactly why I would not sign him. Johnson has shown that he will not accept being a backup. Oh sure, he will sign up and say all the right things. The minute that he has a foot hold on the team, however, he will show that famous temper and make waves.
It is hopeful that the Bengals will think better of this decision, but I fear they will not. They are not exactly known for their caution when it comes to signing folks of questionable character. I fully expect Johnson to sign with the Bengals. Somewhere the rest of the AFC is smiling.
