[Bette]

In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Marvin Lewis let the world know what was wrong with his team.
Without naming names, Lewis put the onus on the players to improve their discipline and raise their level of play.
“Some of our better players have not played up to the standard they need to play to,” Lewis told reporters. “When you have injuries and other stuff, guys have to rise up and play better. You can’t play the same.
“You have to go out and play better, and that’s what good teams do. I think we have fought through mediocrity. When mediocre players have mediocre success, then they feel like they have done more than they have really done.”
While Lewis didn’t specify who needed to step up their game specifically, it’s obvious that the offense could stand for a lot of improvement.
The offense ranked dead last in total offense (245.4 yards per game), also ranking last in scoring offense (12.8 points per game) as wide receiver Chad Johnson caught just 53 passes for 540 yards.
“We have to have a big change,” Lewis said. “Our style of run and passing game, we have to change because our players have changed and I think that’s important that we continue to adjust with them some. We need to do a better job of pass protection, and you do that by being able to run the football more effectively.
“From blocking to finishing plays, to our wide receivers blocking and being at the right depth on routes. The discipline of guys playing those spots has to improve. They eroded, and that’s what hurt us and got our QB hurt.”


Meanwhile, Lewis said the Bengals, who have 10 unrestricted free agents, doesn’t plan to use the franchise tag on wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and kicker Shayne Graham.



ProFootballTalk.com - MARVIN LEWIS CRITICIZES PLAYERS


No discipline off the field, no discipline on the field. That equals poor play in my book

[Full Cougar]

I really think they need to just restart that team from scratch. Obviously there are some on and off the field issues involving team chemistry and "stardom". My call would be to just try and get rid of every known name except Palmer (in my book he is the only real on and off field talent), and then start from scratch. Then build the team around Carson Palmer.

I would also keep T.J. and Graham. However if they said that they aren't going too, then that won't happen.