Tag: Giovani Bernard

Poll: Should the Jaguars look into signing Giovani Bernard?

The Bengals decided to move on from veteran Giovani Bernard, and he’d be a solid addition to a Jaguars running back group that needs depth.

On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Bengals released veteran running back Giovani Bernard, who had played all eight seasons of his career with the team. Originally drafted in the second round out of North Carolina in 2013, Bernard’s best years in the league came in his first three seasons when the Bengals made three consecutive playoff appearances.

The capstone season was 2015, when he had career-highs in both rushing yards (730) and yards per carry (4.7 average). His two touchdowns did fall short of the mark he set in his first two seasons (five in each), which he hasn’t replicated since.

But his production started to drop off after that, reaching a low in 2019 when he had just 170 yards on 53 carries despite playing in all 16 games. However, his carries more than double this season to 121, and he reached 400 yards rushing for the first time since the 2017 season. Though he’s now 29-years-old, his bounce-back this season makes the move to release him a bit interesting. According to a report from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Bernard requested to be released.

After eight years, it seemed the running back wanted a change of scenery. Could that scenery change lead him from southwest Ohio to the First Coast?

Jacksonville seems to have a solid answer at running back in James Robinson, but he was overused in 2020. The Jags need to find more depth at the position, and though it added Carlos Hyde in free agency, they may not be done.

Bernard will be 30 before the conclusion of the 2021 season, and if Jacksonville wanted to acquire him, it could likely do so for relatively cheap. He was set to make $4.1 million this year in Cincinnati (from an extension signed in 2019), and the Jaguars could probably get him for a bit less than that now.

Though he’s probably well beyond his starting days, Bernard would be a good receiving threat in the backfield to add with what the Jags already have at running back. With 2,867 career receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, he could be a solid pass-catching specialist at the position for a coach in Urban Meyer who will want as many weapons on the field as possible.

What do you think? Should the team pursue signing Bernard? Or should it stick with Hyde and look to acquire a running back like Chuba Hubbard in the draft? Let us know in the poll below.

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Report: Giovani Bernard asked Bengals for his release

More details on the split between the Cincinnati Bengals and Giovani Bernard.

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By now, it wasn’t too much of a shock that the Cincinnati Bengals released running back Giovani Bernard on Wednesday.

The move creates some notable cap space and frees up the depth chart for a younger player like Trayveon Williams. Bernard’s contract was too big, something made clear by the rumors of teams calling the Bengals about a trade.

What we didn’t know was that it was Bernard who asked for his release.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Bengals asked him to take a pay cut two weeks into free agency. Clearly, that didn’t happen, so Bernard asked for a split.

Seeing as we’ve listed Bernard as a cut candidate since last winter thanks to his cap hit, it paints the Bengals in a poor light that they waited until two weeks after free agency opened to ask one of their loudest, best leaders to take a pay cut or ultimatley leave the team.

Even so, Bernard shouldn’t have too tough of a time finding a new home. But the Bengals could have done better by him with a cut before free agency started.

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Veteran RB options that could stil make sense for the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have not addressed running back in gree agency yet. These players would still fit with what they need with Chase Edmonds.

The Arizona Cardinals have not done anything this offseason to address their running back room thus far. It would appear they are confident in what Chase Edmonds can do as a starter. However, it does go against what they have done at the rest of the positions on the roster, as they have added veteran experience almost everywhere.

But with the NFL draft coming at the end of this month, they might wait and see until after that. Plus, if they wait to sign a player until after the draft, it will not affect the potential of compensatory draft picks. Right now, they are projected to receive three next year.

What traits would fit?

Ideally, it would be a player in a stage of his career where he is capable of starting but would be content sharing the offensive load with Edmonds.

Having some size to complement Edmonds is a plus, but also being a similar back to Edmonds also allows the Cardinals to use them interchangeably if needed.

Below are some options who are on the market.


Bengals release RB Giovani Bernard

The Cincinnati Bengals have cut Giovani Bernard.

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The Cincinnati Bengals have made the next expected move, releasing running back Giovani Bernard.

Bernard, 29, joined the Bengals in 2013 and had been a staple of the organization. But after some huge free-agency spending, the team needed roughly $4 million in wiggle room the release creates.

In late March, a report broke that teams were calling the Bengals about a Bernard trade. A release here means the offers just weren’t good enough — and teams in need of a player at a devalued position were probably more than happy to wait on the Bengals to just up and make the obvious cut.

As far as other cut candidates go, the Bengals could also end up looking to make a move with tight end C.J. Uzomah.

At running back, Joe Mixon is expected back fully healthy next season and the newly extended Samaje Perine will handle backup duties with Trayveon Williams.

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6 possible trade partners for Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard

Here are some trade partners for Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard.

The Cincinnati Bengals could have an interesting trade chip in running back Giovani Bernard.

Bernard, alongside C.J. Uzomah, has been a consistent name we’ve brought up as a long-shot trade or cut candidate simply because of the cap space the moves would create. Now, a rumor has officially gone out that the Bengals have taken trade calls on Bernard.

That in mind, here’s a look at a few trade partners that would make sense for Bernard.

Texans’ Romeo Crennel expects to face a fired up Bengals team in Week 16

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel expects the Cincinnati Bengals to bring energy when they arrive at NRG Stadium in Week 16.

The Houston Texans are coming off another disappointing goal-line loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Their Week 16 opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals, are flying high after vanquishing the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football at Paul Brown Stadium.

Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel knows the energy the Bengals are bringing into NRG Stadium Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT will be a challenge.

“The biggest challenge initially is that the energy and the way they played against the Steelers,” Crennel said. “They were extremely fired up for the game Monday night and they played really good.”

The Bengals held forth beat the Steelers 27-17, even leading as much as 24-10 over Pittsburgh with 6:00 to go in the fourth quarter.

“They played good defense,” said Crennel. “Offensively, they moved the ball. They were able to run it. They were able to throw it. The quarterback was able to make plays with his feet as well as with his arm. They’ve got a couple receivers with speed and size. Offensive line held them out a little bit. The defense was aggressive. They had a good game plan.”

Second-year quarterback Ryan Finley went 7-of-13 for 89 yards and a touchdown while also rushing 10 times for 47 yards and a touchdown. Running back Giovani Bernard provided 25 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Said Crennel: “They took away the things that Pittsburgh liked to do in the passing game. Overall, it was a really good game for them. I think that coming out of that game, they will be on a high and they will be excited about coming in here to play.”

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Fantasy football gamble of the week: Week 14

One slumping running game faces a defense that seems to think its job is to allow RBs to run wild.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start or bench. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 14

Tracking my predictions: 4-8-1
Win: Player produces ≥ 80% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >80% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected or leaves with an injury

I made the reference last week that it felt like I was “on tilt” as a reference to when poker players spiral with losing hand after losing hand. Whether it be chasing cards or simply a bad beat, there’s an easily recognizable crossover into making fantasy forecasts.

Some of the picks, like last week’s New York Jets WR Denzel Mims vs. Las Vegas Raiders are rational, sound gambles, and the “cards” simply didn’t win the hand. The foundation to the selection was rock-solid, and it ended up being the struggling Jamison Crowder who had the prolific fantasy day.

Those things happen. I’d rather be on the right track and still wrong than whiff by a mile with a total reach, which has happened more than once in this stomach-turning skid…

Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard vs. Dallas Cowboys

Gamers may immediately see the matchup of facing Dallas as a “no $#!+, Sherlock” … and I get that sentiment. The Cowboys have been a cupcake opponent much of the year. But Bernard also has struggled mightily, and comparatively, in the last month, and he has fallen out of favor when it comes to earning the trust of fantasy owners.

In the last four outings, the veteran back has rushed for no more than 32 yards in any game, and his receiving work has not been much better. Despite seeing an average of five targets a game, none of the 12 receptions have scored, and Bernard has generated 37 yards or fewer in each of those appearances.

One major factor working against Bernard has been Cincy’s lack of respectable quarterback play since Joe Burrow (knee) went down. Versus Dallas’ horrendous pass defense, even Brandon Allen should look competent. The Bengals also have a more powerful back Samaje Perine available to steal work around the stripe, not to mention a passing-game philosophy that likes to throw it inside the 10-yard line.

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The Cowboys have been among the easiest defenses to exploit, so something here has to give. Gamers should bank on Bernard coming through before expecting Dallas to buckle down. In the last four games, five rushing scores have come at a rate of once every 19.8 carries, which is highly favorable. The position has averaged five catches in that time. Only Houston has afforded more yardage on the ground than the 136.5 a contest Dallas has permitted.

We’ve seen a defense that had more easily been exploited by wideouts go from being a matchup that was slightly favorable (10 percent better than average) to among the best in recent weeks, topping out at 61.6 percent softer than average in the last three games. Ten different performances with double-digit PPR returns have come against Dallas.

My projection: 56 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 29 receiving yards, 1 TD (18.5 PPR)

Tunnel Vision of Week 9

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Patrick Mahomes  416-0 5
 Russell Wilson 261-23 4
 Matthew Stafford 336-10 3
 Justin Herbert 278-21 3
 Aaron Rodgers 291-9 3
Running Backs Rush
Receive		 TD
Dalvin Cook 30-163
2-63		 4
Alvin Kamara 12-67
9-96		 0
DeeJay Dallas 18-41
5-17		 2
Giovani Bernard 15-62
3-16		 2
Nyheim Hines  5-8
3-54		 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
DK Metcalf 12-161 2
Davante Adams 7-53 3
Robert Woods 7-94 2
Corey Davis 8-128 1
Tyreek Hill 4-98 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Travis Kelce 8-109 1
Jared Cook 5-51 1
Eric Ebron 4-48 1
Jack Doyle 2-18 1
Ross Dwelley 16 1
Placekickers XP FG
Mike Badgley 3 3
Will Lutz 2 4
Cairo Santos 2 3
Younghoe Koo 1 4
Sergio Castillo 0 3
Defense Sck-TO TD
Dolphins 2-4 2
Steelers 4-4 1
Colts 5-2 1
Eagles 4-2 1
Seahawks 3-2 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

WR Adam Humphries – Concussion
WR T.Y. Hilton – Groin
WR Kenny Golladay – Hip
RB Darrell Henderson – Thigh
RB Tevin Coleman – Knee
QB Jimmy Garoppolo – Ankle
TE George Kittle – Foot

Chasing Ambulances

Nothing seemed too serious this week. although Monday checkups can surprise.

RB Tevin Coleman – Left in the first quarter and never returned when he re-injured the same knee that held him out for most of the year.   Raheem Mostert is on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. Jerick McKinnon suffers from “tired legs” and only had three carries in the loss. James Hasty is still the only healthy man standing. He only carried 12 times in Seattle but scored once and the 49ers abandoned the run.

TE George Kittle – Left the game with an ankle injury. If he cannot play, HC Kyle Shanahan said that Jordan Reed is expected back this week and would take his place again.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo – Hobbled by his ankle again, he gave way to Nick Mullens who was sharp with 238 yards and two scores against a defense that had stopped caring. Hosting the Packers this week isn’t that attractive if Mullens gets the start.

RB Darrell Henderson – Injured his thigh at the start of the second quarter after running for 47 yards on eight carries.  Malcolm Brown (10-40) and Cam Akers (9-35) shared the workload for the rest of the game. The Rams head onto their bye, so Henderson likely has time to heal unless the injury is worse than expected.

WR Kenny Golladay – Injured his hip and left without a catch in the loss to the Colts. Marvin Jones only caught three passes for 39 yards but two were touchdowns. Marvin Hall replaced Golladay with four receptions for 113 yards thanks mostly to a 73-yard catch.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB Philip Rivers – After posting only four touchdowns over his first five starts, Rivers has thrown for three touchdowns in each of the last two weeks. He finished with 262 yards and three scores at the Lions this week and heads to Minnesota this week.

Chargers backfield – The committee approach now includes three running backs – Justin Jackson (17-89), Troymaine Pope (10-67), and Joshua Kelley (7-32). Austin Ekeler is expected to be back in Week 10 at Miami but this week hosting the Raiders will again use all three backs. Jackson is the only safe start with the most usage. Pope only had one carry on the year until showing up on Sunday. In the end, they probably have just one more week before Ekeler takes most of the workload back.

QB Drew Lock – He threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Chargers though all three scores happened in the  fourth quarter. It’s likely just a blip on his season, but the Broncos will face the Falcons this week.

RB Jordan Wilkins – He only had one carry in the two games prior to Sunday, so it was a surprise to see him lead the Colts with 20 runs for 89 yards and a touchdown plus catch a 24-yard pass. Jonathan Taylor was limited to 11 carries for only 22 yards in that game. Wilkins provided the hot hand and took over the game in the second half, helping the Colts to their win over the Lions. Taylor remains the starter but the team won’t be shy about giving Wilkins a chance to contribute if Taylor is struggling.

Ravens backfield – Mark Ingram missed Week 8 with an ankle injury and never practiced despite coming off their bye. Facing a Steelers defense that allowed just 68.8 rushing yards per game, the Ravens used Gus Edwards (16-87, TD) and JK Dobbins (15-113) with great success even in a loss. The Ravens play at the Colts this week but Edwards and Dobbins are pairing for much better production than the average backfield.

RB Giovani Bernard – He has minimal involvement while Joe Mixon is healthy, but starting for the last two weeks, he’s been productive. After totaling 96 yards and a touchdown against the Browns in Week 7, Bernard ran for 62 yards and a score versus the Titans and caught three passes for 16 yards and another touchdown. The Bengals head onto their bye and Mixon should be back for Week 10, but Bernard was a big part of the Bengals win over the Titans.

WR Jarvis Landry – It was very windy and rained in the Browns loss to the Raiders. Baker Mayfield only completed 12-of-25 for 122 yards in that contest but Landry dominated the throws with 11 targets and four receptions for 52 yards. No other receiver was thrown more than three passes and this was the first game without Odell Beckham. It was a bad weather game, so it’s harder to draw conclusions, but Rashard Higgins (1-14) did little to replace Beckham.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire – The rookie is now splitting the carries and catches with Le’Veon Bell. The impact was softened when  Edwards-Helaire ran in a score in Week 7, and his eight runs for 46 yards were matched with six runs for 39 yards from Bell. Against the Jets – who Bell would have a chip on his shoulder about – the rookie only ran for 21 yards on six runs while Bell gained seven yards on six carries as well. Both had three catches.  This is nothing but a negative for Edwards-Helaire and yet not enough so far to justify a fantasy start for Bell.

QB Tua Tagovailoa – The No. 2 overall draft pick debuted with a win over the Rams though he was mostly there while it happened, rather than being an instrumental part. The rookie only completed 12-of-22 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown while running twice for a net of no yards.  He’ll need to do more this week in Arizona.

RB DeeJay Dallas – The rookie from Miami ran for 41 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries plus caught five passes for 17 yards and another score in the win over the 49ers. Chris Carson was a game-time decision that was inactive, but chances are that he’ll be active for this week at the Bills. But Dallas’ only start resulted in two touchdowns.

WR Jalen Reagor – The Eagles 1.21 pick returned after missing  five games with a thumb injury and caught his first NFL touchdown when he ended with three receptions for 16 yards in the win over the Cowboys. He also gained six yards on his first NFL run. Travis Fulgham (6-78, TD) remains the primary wideout but Reagor is getting back on track.

TE Dallas Goedert – The Eagles tight end was active this week after coming off injured reserve but only caught one pass for 15 yards. It was only his first game since Week 3 but he was quiet in the two games after his productive season opener. The Eagles may finally be turning away from being a tight-end heavy attack to using their wideouts more.

RB Zack Moss – He’s starting to look more like Devin Singletary of last year. In 2019, Frank Gore would typically get the highest number of carries even though Singletary would do much more with his fewer touches. Now, Singletary is the less productive runner and Moss was finally given the same 14 rushes that Singletary had in the win over the Patriots. Singletary ran for 86 yards on 14 carries while Moss gained 82 yards on his 14 runs and scored his first two rushing touchdowns in the NFL. This is a committee backfield but Moss is getting a bigger share of the workload.

Huddle player of the week

Dalvin Cook  –  The Packers had no answer for Dalvin Cook who rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries and added a 50-yard score on his two receptions for 63 yards as the leading receiver as well. The Packers kept the game close enough that the Vikings never bothered to let the other backs handle the fourth-quarter mop-up duty.  Cook cranked out 48.6 fantasy points in a PPR league and 46.6 without receptions points.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Philip Rivers 262 3 QB Josh Allen 177 1
RB Nyheim Hines 62 2 RB Johnathan Taylor 31 0
RB DeeJay Dallas 58 2 RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire 31 0
WR Corey Davis 128 1 WR Kenny Golladay 0 0
WR Mecole Hardman 96 1 WR Diontae Johnson 6 0
WR Marvin Jones 39 2 WR Calvin Ridley 42 0
TE Eric Ebron 48 1 TE George Kittle 39 0
PK Mike Badgley   3XP   3 FG PK Robbie Gould 3  XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 143 Huddle Fantasy Points = 28

Now get back to work…

4 players the Bengals should still try to trade during the NFL draft 

The Cincinnati Bengals should still try to offload some players via trade during the NFL draft.

For now, the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t been active in the trade department during the 2020 NFL draft.

But that could change in a hurry.

With potential draft picks up for grabs and cap space to possibly shed, the Bengals should consider moving the following players during the remainder of the draft.

 

Ryan Glasgow, DL

Nov 26, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow (98) against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

On one hand, the Bengals need some depth up front on the defensive side of the ball and Glasgow potentially offers some versatility and big play.

On the other, he’s played in just eight games over the last two seasons. The Bengals want fewer snaps for Geno Atkins moving forward but just signed D.J. Reader and could still add another versatile presence in the trenches as early as the second round.

If the Bengals can sell somebody on the idea Glasgow, a 2014 fourth-round pick, is back and healthy, it could net a return.

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