Since there's a break between the Ohio State University's scary 26-14 win over Ohio University and before the University of Cincinnati Bearcats kickoff against Oklahoma, I figured we'd run another round of links and notes.

Willie Anderson just didn't want to play with the Bengals anymore. "They didn't cut me because I couldn't play. They cut me because I said I didn't want to play there anymore. After 13 years, you get tired of dealing with nonfootball issues." Which, in the end, makes sense with Lewis' less than happy responses to questions regarding Anderson.

Baltimore Sun's Bill Ordine says that in order for the Ravens to beat the Bengals, they must protect Joe Flacco by good conservative play calling and forcing the rush -- whether it works or not.

The Ravens must also pressure Carson Palmer and limit turnovers.

On Fountain Square, at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning, the city will host a party for Bengals fans.

It seems that Carson Palmer has a blog on Delta's web site.

Palmer is very popular among his teammates.

I need your help here. I've made it clear that Willie Anderson is my favorite player. I've also made it clear that I believe cutting him hurt the depth of the offensive line. There's people that disagree with my assessment, and I'm perfectly fine with that. Sometimes opinions just clash, like sometimes, innocently enough, with other sites. I'm like the Alan Cutler of this business. I'm just like you guys, a fan that drinks more beer than water, and would rather die at 50 years old eating a life-time of succulent red meat, whenever I want. I just got lucky over the years to actually find my niche in all this.

But in a sense, I'm not level headed enough -- or in truth, clear-headed about it -- to examine this on my own. It's not an issue of one particular thing. It's one of those issues in which both answers are, you know, reasonable. See, James Walker, the fine ESPN AFC North blogger that writes like the Bengals are that kind of annoying team that you have to write about to fulfill contract requirements. Nothing against the guy, it's just the way it is. Though I'm not convinced that if Chad Johnson Ocho Cinco wasn't with the team that Walker wouldn't be saying "oh crap" on his ride home from work, remembering like he left the iron steaming hot, forgetting to write the Bengals -- god I love run-on sentences).

The wonder is this: Would Willie Anderson give the Ravens the "ins and outs, check downs, audibles and personnel of the Bengals' high-powered offense?" I'd like to think no; on the other hand, I'd understand yes.

Remember the scene in the great movie, Dazed and Confused, when the kegs empty out and the taps slowly trickle to a dribble? The morning dawn breaks through the forest and, perhaps, one of the greatest songs of all-time plays. An innocent strum from a simple acoustic guitar, turns to a melody of realism when Leonard Skynard's Tuesday's Gone plays.

As noted by several loyal readers, the Baltimore Ravens sign Willie Anderson to a three-year, $11 million deal. Yea, a three-year deal. Yea, worth $11 million bucks. And from what Geoff Hobson writes that the Bengals reduced offer was pretty fair. Based on incentives (aka, playing time), Anderson could have made the amount he was scheduled to anyway. Instead, the Ravens are giving Anderson another $400,000 than what he was schedule to with the Bengals.

Which leads to me to believe, that either the Bengals are severely under-estimating the fuel in Anderson's tank (hey, you wouldn't put it past the Bengals either), or the Ravens are banking on a high-risk that Anderson stays healthy.

The players, not the coaches, front office or even the media, are telling you, the fans to stick with them, hang in there with and for them. Antonio Chatman even believes that the Bengals "will be in the playoffs and we will be running for a championship this year."

John Thornton relates and understands the fan's point of view, having lost so many games in the 90s through 2002. "You know, when I'm retired and a fan, I'll have those same feelings."

Perry isn't worried about critics, nor injury. "It's out of my hands. I can't control that. So for me to worry is a waste of time."

Kenny Watson would be in Real Estate if he wasn't playing football.

Willie Anderson is in high demand right now.

Interesting results on an Enquirer survey regarding the Bengals.

WDR thinks that the Bengals should include a clause in Jeremi Johnson's contract fining him per day for being overweight. The only problem is that the Bengals can't just add something into the contract. Johnson is signed through 2011, and gets paid handsomely for a fullback. Maybe restructuring his contract isn't a bad thing; nor a clause for his weight. But Johnson would have to agree to it.

Robert Geathers picked up some skills while playing linebacker last year that he'll apply returning as a pass rushing end.

Carson Palmer press conference
Marvin Lewis press conference

DeDe Dorsey likes kick boxing.

Bobbie Williams is proud to be a big family guy.

Antwan Odom on injury: "No pain, no soreness, nothing. I taped it up and it didn't bother me a bit," Odom said Wednesday of his practice experience Monday. "No restrictions. I just tape it up and go. I want to prove to the fans that I belong here."

How does the defense feel about being the weakest link on this team? Mike Zimmer says, "I think they're tired of all that stuff."

The Bengals newest fullback Reagan Maui'a was arrested back in April for misdemeanor battery.

Bad publicity will always take precedence over all the good that players do in the community that never gets documented.

AROUND THE LOCAL COLLEGE SCENE

Paul Daugherty asks where the UC buzz is. Apparently he doesn't read this blog.

The NCAA denied Mauk, again, saying:

“Our review of the facts as presented and possible mitigating factors for this eligibility request was extensive and thorough, exhausting all avenues in the administrative procedures and ensuring a fair process for this student-athlete,” said Carol Iwaoka, the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee chair and associate commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. “Even after reviewing the latest information, the committee was unable to identify compelling factors that might be viewed as beyond the control of the student-athlete and the University of Cincinnati.”

Is it now on the University of Cincinnati to give the Big East a boost?

Brian Kelly press conference

Head coach Jim Tressel gave the seniors a box of 12 marbles, each one representing how many games are left in their college career, pointing out how quickly they go.

Buckeyes defensive lineman Nader Abdallah is a New Orleans native, and thankful that Gustav wasn't a repeat of Katrina.

The boys at PFT write that Willie Anderson will made a decision on whom to sign with at the end of the week. After passing a physical Wednesday with the Ravens, Anderson decided to weigh all his options. Other teams that are reportedly interested are the Chargers and Buccaneers.

It would appear that there's some interest in the Minnesota media about the Vikings contacting Willie Anderson.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh tells ESPN's James Walker to stop disrespecting the Bengals: "But we're going to be better than what your co-workers [at ESPN] think we are. So tell your co-workers we will see how much they really know, because we will be better than what you all think."

The Jaguars have become the new Bengals for off-the-field conduct? This blogger (aka, me) says, "ABOUT DAMN TIME".

Peter King's predictions are typically around the popularity of the sport. So, let's examine. AFC Champions, New England Patriots. Check. NFL MVP, Tom Brady. Check. Though I'm giving some love to Kay in Dallas.

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback, Dustin Grutza won the Big East Offensive Player of the Week (21 of 28, 296 yards, three touchdowns, 33 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown).

Angelo Craig was signed with the Panthers' practice squad (h/t: Prag and kirby28).

Bengals Nation Daily sees a 20-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.

The newest Bengals lineman, Frank Davis, takes over Willie Anderson's locker; whether or not he'll fill the 19-EEE shoes is another question; guard/tackle position not withstanding.

Speaking of which, it doesn't appear that Willie Anderson will play for Chicago.

Chad will fuss and complain if the Bengals lose. I just hope that if he does, he doesn't play himself larger than the team and takes responsibilities if he misses that third-down reception.

Chick Ludwig and Chad Johnson are calling the release of Willie Anderson, a mistake. Says Chad, "Usually, you’re able to give a reason why it (getting cut) happens to certain people But I don’t have a reason why you let Willie Anderson go.”

AROUND THE LOCAL COLLEGE SCENE

While there's no time-table for Beanie Well's return, the Heisman candidate sat out Monday's practice still wearing his protective boot on his right foot.

The Sooners are impressed with the University of Cincinnati, even if they're three touchdown favorites.

My first metal album was Metallica's Master of Puppets; have been a ridiculous fan ever since. Anyway, in a few weeks, Metallica is releasing their ninth studio album called Death Magnetic. Here's the first song called The Day That Never Comes. It's eight minutes, and listen to the whole thing. It gets crazy good halfway through.

This is another, called My Apocalypse. Reminds you of Whiplash, somewhat.

There's a possibility that Willie Anderson could keep his home in the AFC North. Instead of Cincinnati (obviously), he could become the newest Baltimore Raven. On Tuesday Anderson will visit with the Ravens in Baltimore after speaking with general manager Ozzie Newsome, writes Mark Curnutte.

Chargers head coach Norv Turner has been in contact with Anderson. The Bears, Buccaneers, Rams and Giants have shown interest.

Rudi Johnson took a physical and worked out Monday with the Lions. Sean writes that the Lions "aren't necessarily close to signing him." If the Lions sign Rudi, then they'd likely let Tatum Bell go.

Before Deltha O'Neal signed with the Patriots, the St. Louis Rams tried to get in the mix.

Letting go of Willie Anderson, Rudi Johnson and Deltha O'Neal saves the Bengals $9.7 million against the cap. No word on what, if anything, they'll use that for. This was performance related, my ass. That's a lot of coin.

As per usual of James Walker's AFC North Mailbag, he answers one Bengals reader asking about the league reducing Chris Henry's four-game suspension.

There's a chance that Ahmad Brooks could be successful in San Francisco with Mike Singletary being Brooks' position coach. Good luck to him. While he was here, he was a disappointment of physical-beastly proportions.

Great piece on local product, Josh Betts, getting signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.

Ludwig takes it to the Bengals franchise, saying while they have incredible talent, there's just no heart with this franchise. I can't argue against his point.

AROUND THE SPORTS BLOG NATION

Let me say this. Behind the Steel Curtain is run by quality Steelers fans that are good thoughtful thinkers, and aren't mindless bashers of the Bengals. Actually, I've commented there several times and never felt the need to go into mindless trash talking (never much been a fan of it). Anyway, Blitzburgh writes a good impression of the Bengals -- basically questioning our internal struggles. Will the Steelers look to add Willie Anderson? Perhaps the Browns?

The Browns finalized their practice squad.

We visited with Canal Street Chronicles before preseason game #3 to talk about the game. Right now, while Gustav threatens the Gulf Coast, Saintsational was forced into evacuation and documents it.

AROUND LOCAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Fellow Mason High School alum, Brandon Yingling will replace UC Bearcats place kicker, Jake Rogers this weekend against Oklahoma, after he missed two PATs against East Kentucky. Yingling replaced Rogers last Thursday and made all four PAT attempts.

Oklahoma isn't taking any team in the Big East lightly. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson says: "The Big East isn’t taking a back seat to anybody as we saw last year right in front of our faces and on national TV."

Wilson was an assistant coach for nine seasons with Miami University (imagine that), playing against the Bearcats for nine seasons.

Jaamal Berry, one of the top running backs in the nation, has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

And Berry claims, after speaking with him, that Beanie Wells is all right. "He said he's going to be OK, I asked him how he was doing, and he seemed cool with it. He wasn't down or anything. He was like, 'No problem.'"

Bering Sea Bengal's assessment is that releasing Willie Anderson and Rudi Johnson was for health reasons. Marvin Lewis said as much. I disagree with this, which C Trent points out saying "Anderson practiced more this preseason than he has in the past."

The team needed reasons to cut both players that helped them save money under the cap, as well as a few millions in the pocket; since neither were projected starters, the Bengals didn't want to pay them as much. In truth, it's a reasonable business decision; but so is putting together a successful product with parts that help you to those ends.

However, it's difficult to find anyone write that the Bengals are a better team after Anderson's release; though mostly everyone does a good job pointing out that he's not young, has suffered injuries in recent seasons, and is a bit costly. Of which, two out of three actually apply to this season.

In the case of our running backs, releasing Rudi Johnson doesn't hurt the team with Chris Perry coming on and Kenny Watson proving his worth last season. On the other hand, I don't see releasing Anderson, promoting Scott Kooistra and Todd Collins as the team's primary backup tackles, as something that makes the team better. I see it as hurting the team's depth. However, Kyle Cook got a roster spot, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.

Paul Daugherty is arguing the business side of things, saying that "when your time is up, you better be moving toward the door, so you don't get shoved that way."

Fans react.

Scott Priestile concludes the same way most others are after cutting Anderson, Rudi Johnson and veteran Deltha O'Neal, "While Lewis's logic is questionable, the team's direction is indisputable. The Bengals are younger, cheaper and healthier today than they were last week."

But are they better? Nearly everything I've read consciously avoids answering that question using the same talking points that Priestile has. The Bengals are younger. So what? Some of the league's best players are "older". They're definitely cheaper, but aren't magically healthier this season. Just look at our wide receivers and safeties. Are they "healthy"?

Chick Ludwig wasn't impressed with Lewis during the press conference that announced the cuts. "Some coaches would’ve began their news conferences with filibusters full of praise in tribute to their fallen warriors. Not Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. I had to “pry” some praise for Willie Anderson out of him. Is Marvin callous or compassionate? Judge for yourself."

Anyway, enough about all that.

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A player the Bengals deemed a project, with tons of potential ruined by injuries, was Eric Henderson. Going from defensive end to linebacker, to hybrid pass rushing DE/LB, seemed like a hell of a proposition. While with Georgia Tech, Henderson recorded 25 career sacks, and 59.5 tackles for loss. A three-time all-ACC player, Henderson finished his college career with 176 tackles, seven forced fumbles and eight pass breakups. Against Auburn in 2003, Henderson recorded three sacks and four tackles for losses.

Unlike Anderson's history of healthy problems, Henderson has struggled to even make the field. Releasing him doesn't hurt the team's depth (the difference in argument between Henderson and Anderson).

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Releasing Ahmad Brooks, to me, isn't that big of a deal -- in terms of the team's production this season. Let's be honest with Brooks; he was all potential with beastly physical attributes. Instead, his release is the team's most recent draft pick failure; used as a third-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft (he was a 2006 supplemental draft pick). After suffering an injury early in 2007, Brooks' impression with the team and coaching staff dimmed, especially from this offseason through training camp. It would have been neat to see his potential fulfilled, but that's not the case. Instead his potential will likely attach to another team.

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A funny musing. In the past week, Chad Johnson became Chad Ocho Cinco. Rudi Johnson was released and James Johnson was waived. That leaves Brandon Johnson and Jeremi Johnson as the remaining Johnsons on this team.

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By now, you're made the connection. Two Auburn players were released Saturday. In truth, that makes three after the Bengals let Kenny Irons go. Pat Sims is the last Auburn player on the team, and Lewis says of Sims: "Pat’s not been able to work. We’re probably still a couple weeks away from seeing him, and making a determination on him."

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Matt Bowen discusses the cover 4 scheme.

Andrew Brandt talks about one of the toughest days of the year for coaches, and players hoping to catch on with a team.

Bleacher Report says the Bengals are in an absolute mess (now that we dumped Anderson, we should be better now).

The Los Angeles Times predicts the Bengals will finish third in the AFC North -- not that we care what the LA Times predicts.

In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis is on his third defensive coordinator. Can Mike Zimmer draw up the right schemes to start putting heat on opposing quarterbacks, who were sacked a league-low 22 times last season? A lot of that depends on the reliability of cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. The Bengals expect a lot from the two first-round picks.

Pro Trade argues that no NFL team will claim Rudi Johnson. I seriously doubt that. Some teams are liberal enough to give a player a look, no matter how degraded they appear to be.

Maurice Purify is not a free agent, as this article presents. By rule, a player with less than four accrued seasons is put on the waiver -- more than that, they are simply released making them an unrestricted free agent. Purify was waived, allowing 31 other teams to claim him, and sign him to their club. If he's not claimed, then the Bengals can (and likely will), sign the former Nebraska receiver to the practice squad.