Put The “Bod” In Bodine
Since being drafted, Russell Bodine has been one of the worst starting centers in the NFL.
He’s about to become a Free Agent.
Should the Bengals re-sign him?
It’s really easy to yell HELL NO… but it’s not that simple. I wish we could just move on from him, but that will probably not end up being the case.
Bodine sucks, but the entire Bengals offensive line was just awful in general. So bad, that Bodine was our SECOND BEST offensive lineman.
Something about putting “Best” and “Bodine” in the same sentence doesn’t look right at all.
I’m going to need more alcohol to get through this one.
*pours*
Marvin Lewis To The Rescue
The Bengals have a LOT to fix this off-season, but unfortunately there isn’t a great center in Free Agency. If we do end up re-signing Bodine to an extension.. it doesn’t mean he automatically needs to start the entire year.
Marvin Lewis seemed to be watching different Bengals games than I have all season. He had this glowing review at the NFL Combine when asked about Bodine:
“I think Russell would like to continue in Cincinnati and it’s just a matter of if hopefully both sides can come to an agreement and fit in the middle. We’re going to have to run in parallel paths at some point as well. That’s the important part… ..He’s done a very good job for us for four years”
He has?
A very good job you say?
He has to be trolling us at this point.
What are the Bengals supposed to do about this mess?
New Year, Same O-Line
Get your pitchforks ready… but you almost have to re-sign Bodine. We’re setting ourselves up for another year of offensive line issues, with or without him – unless we can draft a suitable replacement that would be ready to play this year.
Even then, Bodine is below average and can’t be too hard to replace. Guard Christian Wetserman played one center at college. Alex Redmond could also be a potential replacement for Bodine. Neither of them have played center for awhile (or at all) but they both showed a ton of promise. Moving them to center could be an upgrade. I want to see one of them get a chance to start at center, but if it doesn’t work out – we’ll need a backup plan.
There really isn’t a right answer. I know the Bengals will likely re-sign him, as Marvin and also the new Offensive Line Coach Frank Pollack have inexplicably expressed how much they like him.
Draft or Shaft
If we do re-sign him, just make it a one year deal and bring in competition. Bengals could draft a center in the 3rd Round 3 to challenge him.
I’d LOVE to see a new starter at center next year.
And never have to hear Bodine’s name ever again.
Our offensive line won’t reach the next level until he is gone. They won’t even reach the coveted level of mediocre until he is gone.
I don’t care how they pull it off, but a new center needs to happen now.
