The Bengals this offseason have been "steadfast in their approach" in free agency, and all of the "major investments are going to be on their own players," according to Joe Reedy of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. Owner Mike Brown said, "Maybe there isn’t as much pizazz in what we’re doing as some wish. But I do think it’s the best course for our football team both in the short run and the long run." He added, “We are planning to spend our cap money, and we’re hoping and we’re intending to spend it on our own people. There is no single silver bullet. We’re shooting a lot of small shots. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to cost the same amount of money. And it doesn’t mean we aren’t going to have the best team possible.” Meanwhile, after lowering prices in the upper deck for a second straight season, the Bengals said that it is "too early to get a gauge on sales because they are in the midst of renewing season tickets" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 3/24). Reedy noted there are some "improvements planned for Paul Brown Stadium and having a training camp practice either in the Dayton area or back at Georgetown College is under consideration." The other "important note is that an indoor practice facility is nowhere on the horizon and that the franchise is hoping to continue or possibly extend its relationship" with the Univ. of Cincinnati (CINCINNATI.com, 3/22).
LET'S GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE! Bengals VP Troy Blackburn said, "We're looking at enhancing some of the club lounge spaces and some of the audio/video. I don't think it's going to be something earth shattering, but we have tried consistently over the years to continue to refresh aspects of the building." Brown said of making the stadium experience more enjoyable, "One thing we have done ever since we've been in the new stadium is we run our replay on a broader basis than others. And now the league as a whole is shifting over to this, which is good. We try to get as many replays as possible. We have more replays at the stadium than you'll get at home watching it on TV. We replay almost every play" (BENGALS.com, 3/22).
