Esiason Skeptical About Bengals’ Mental Toughness

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason, a CBS analyst (and titan of New York media), is worried about his old football team. Especially if the Bengals don’t get off to a fast start, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Why is Esiason so concerned? Well, it has a lot to do with the combustible presence of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and unproven, agent-switching rookie offensive tackle Andre Smith. “They have to get off to a good start because when you have wacky players, those wacky players get really wacky when you start losing,” Esiason said. “I think there are players that are mentally strong on this team, the coaching staff is mentally strong, but I think the first sign of negativity there are players on this team that will just completely jump out of the foxhole.” In particular, Esiason singled out Smith as being a potential problem. “While he was a good player in college, he had some really wacky things happen to him around the combine,” Esiason said. “You’ve got to make sure the guy you’re giving the money to is going to earn that money and not in any way shape or form disappoint you. “I worry about Carson Palmer because that’s his right tackle and they’re asking that kid to step on to the field and go up against some pretty good pass rushers. Whether they try to run the ball with Cedric Benson or whatever they do, it’s still going to be a passing team with Chris Henry, Laveranues Coles and Ochocinco.” Esiason also theorized that the Bengals could emerge as a surprise contender like the Arizona Cardinals from a year ago.