Bad memories for Kelley Washington
Ravens wide-out Kelley Washington spent the first four years of his NFL career in Cincinnati, and it was a long, steady decline from prospect to disappointment. Washington has good memories of his former teammates, but not-so-good for Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and owner Mike Brown.
Washington said he had issues with "select" coaches in Cincinnati, although he liked offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski ("he was a great coordinator"). Washington said he didn't learn much from Lewis, and that there were double standards for certain players. "The only thing I learned how to do is not to do the right thing," he said.
On Bengals' management: "I don't really favor the way they do things."
On Brown: "He was the type owner [where] you'd sit down at the same table or pass right by him and he wouldn't speak to you. ... When you go to New England or come here, you have owners who speak to you, have a conversation, ask about your family, friends. It's a different mentality."
In his conference call with Baltimore reporters this week, Lewis had nothing bad to say about Washington.
"You know, when he left and had an opportunity, he wanted to play more and he went up to New England, and he did some things there and got an opportunity to paly on special teams," Lewis said. "Particularly, I don't think he was able to catch the balls that he quite wanted, but when Kelley was here with us, he always was a good contributor, and a guy that we could count on."
Washinton caught 53 passes in his first two years with the Bengals, but only 19 the last two years, when he missed 20 games with injuries. He spent two years with the Patriots before signing with the Ravens in May as a free agent.
Comments
More proof that Marvin is OVERRATED as a coach.
Posted by: Thrall | November 7, 2009 8:53 AM
This is why we should give Kelly W the darn Ball!
Posted by: Matt | November 7, 2009 10:43 AM
I won't dispute what he says about the ownership or management, but coming from a guy who has to do a dance or celebrate with a first down motion every time he makes a play, I don' t put much stock what he has to say. Why not ask another former Bengal & Raven, Willie Anderson, who held a hell of a lot more weight with the Bengals than this practice squad receiver ever dreamed of?
Posted by: Jay | November 7, 2009 12:53 PM
It's hard to get playing time in Cincinnati when you had Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Ochocinco), TJ Houshmanzadeh, and Chris Henry ahead of you on the depth chart. He's got the talent, as you can see so far this season. He just needed the chance.
As far as his dancing after first downs go, I don't have a problem with it. Nothing wrong with trying to get the crowd into the game. Does he go overboard at times? Perhaps, but I see no harm in it all.
Posted by: Rob | November 7, 2009 3:08 PM
Hey, Jay, guess you missed the news that Washington's first down dances are a tribute to ALS-stricken former Raven OJ Brigance? Now what do you think of them?
Posted by: Bernie | November 7, 2009 5:02 PM
Well this "practice squad receiver" is one main reason why the Ravens have a winning record at all. I dont really see your point that because he dances his opinion doesnt count? You have the logic of an idiot. If he gets a first down and does the first down gesture then GO AHEAD its no big deal how about you get the stick out of ur.... and chill out. And ok you want to talk to willie anderson? The guy who openly didn't like how the bengals organization treated him and decided to sign with us? i mean to me thats pretty much the same thing. You are quite dumb and quite immature. Jay
Posted by: Gardner | November 7, 2009 5:48 PM
Because a guy dances he doesn't have credibility? You do realize that his trade is ENTERTAINMENT, right?
Posted by: phil | November 7, 2009 8:08 PM
I like Kelly and his dances there nothing wrong with a little fire. I like ochocinco he's having fun and getting the crowd in the game - ugh it is a game.
As long as the antics aren't mean spirited its all ok with me. As far a cinci sometimes you just need to be in the right place at the right time. Kelly's here and were better for it.
Hope he's found a home and is super productive. Play like a Raven...
Posted by: grey32 | November 8, 2009 12:03 PM