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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > April > 21 > Entry
Bengals ‘D’ wasn’t the same without Thurman
GREAT HAND-EYE COORDINATION
The Cincinnati Bengals defense hasn’t been the same without middle linebacker Odell Thurman.
With him in the lineup in 2005, the unit was faster and quicker, and the Bengals went to the playoffs with an 11-5 record.
With him out of the lineup, the Bengals missed their speedy playmaker, finishing 8-8 in 2006 and 7-9 in 2007.
Thurman, the second-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia, has been reinstated by the league after a two-year suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lifted the suspension on Monday, April 21, five days before the 2008 NFL draft.
A YOUNG TAKEO SPIKES
The decision gives the Bengals precious time to adjust their draft plans as they prepare to make the No. 9 overall selection on Saturday, April 26, about 4:30 p.m.
Cincinnati’s defense hasn’t had a player with Thurman’s explosive speed and hand-eye coordination since linebacker Takeo Spikes (1998-2002) bolted to Buffalo in free agency in 2003.
Thurman generated a team-high 148 tackles during the Bengals’ 11-5 playoff season when he was the club’s second-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia.
Thurman also led the team in forced fumbles (4), and his five interceptions led NFL rookies while tying the Bengals rookie INT record.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Johnny
April 21, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
The Bengals need to keep Thurman on a tight leash!!By tammy
April 22, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
hey Johnny. Hiring baby sitters for players will run up your ticket prices.By george
April 22, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
We lose Chris Henry but we get back Odell Thurman! That should keep us on par with the most criminalistic team in the league.By Will
April 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
I really love when people give someone a second chance, especially a guy who hasnt messed up in 2 years… Hes not Chris Henry and he has proven himself, just look at the things he has done to better himself, and especially the moral support that has been provided to him by Pollack… All im saying is give the guy another chance…By voho
April 22, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Thurman needs to continue to prove he can make it as a mature adult but now he also needs to prove he can make it as a football player. Despite what Allen Iverson says, practice is important — and missing two years doesn’t help.By Matt
April 22, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaken, Odell’s only issue was a DUI. The missing drug tests are an issue, but they were not positive tests. The length of his suspension was draconian.By harold williams
April 23, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
it is graet that thgurman has returned to the team at a agreat time he will contribute and will take back the haerts of the fans we will give him a standing ovation day one.By harold williams
April 23, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
it is graet that thgurman has returned to the team at a agreat time he will contribute and will take back the haerts of the fans we will give him a standing ovation day one.By harold williams
April 23, 2008 5:28 AM | Link to this
it is graet that thgurman has returned to the team at a agreat time he will contribute and will take back the haerts of the fans we will give him a standing ovation day one.