The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 1982 and they haven’t won a playoff game since 1990. With that in mind, you’d think Marvin Lewis is probably on the hot seat entering the year. After all, Lewis has had nine years to get this franchise on track.
He begins Year 10 tonight in Baltimore, and with the Bengals coming off a playoff appearance, the odds are out of his favor.
Marvin Lewis joined Artrell and Andy on Fox Sports Radio to discuss tonight’s game in Baltimore, the passing of Art Modell, the replacement officials (although he didn’t have much to say) and the situation Chad Johnson has found himself in.
On former Ravens owner Art Modell, who died last week and who was Lewis’ boss in Baltimore:
“Never missed practice. He was there every day in his golf cart and he always was hilarious with some of his one-liners through my six seasons there with him.”
On the replacement officials:
“Whatever the commissioner says is right.”
On how he plans to defend Ray Rice, who had a few big runs against the Bengals last season:
“We have to be consistent all the way through. The other 2o-some runs he had, 30 runs he had in the two ballgames were held to three yards or less. I think he had one maybe nine-yard run. But we have to do a tremendous job. He’s a great runner, great balance and we’ve played against him a lot. We have to — both in the passing game as a receiver, with the checkdowns, with the screens — all of those things, you have to do a great job playing great leverage and getting 11 guys to the football.”
On Chad Johnson, whom he has taken on somewhat of a father figure role with:
“Very surprised at the situation that occurred and, yes, I’ve been in contact with Chad a few times. In fact, actually, even after the fact before I knew he was released he probably thought I was crazy for the things I was advising him to do not knowing he wasn’t on the team anymore. But it’s an unfortunate situation. I hope that he can rebound out of this, get some opportunities to play this year in the NFL.”