December 4, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Johnson (11) drops out of the pocket during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former Bengals wide receivers coach coach Steve Mooshagian had the opportunity to coach newly signed quarterback Josh Johnson while he was a senior at San Diego, and believes Johnson will be a perfect fit in Jay Gruden’s offense:

He’s a special kid who is a student of the game and has worked with a lot of good coaches. He’ll understand his role as the No. 2 guy, but he’ll prepare like he’s the starter.

He knows where to go with the ball and his escape dimension gives him a much different dynamic. He’s got a great arm. No question he’s a West Coast quarterback, but what separates him from the traditional quarterbacks is he also has the elements of a spread quarterback.

He’s been in all forms of the West Coast with Harbaugh and the Grudens. I think he’s going to be more effective in the Bengals system than he was in Tampa. The guy really is a tremendous talent. I’m glad the Bengals got him because I think he’s a guy that can help them in that role.

Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson composed a list of the greatest streaks in Cincinnati Bengals history, and his #1 streak was the 122 consecutive games played by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tim Krumrie, even in the midst of suffering a gruesome leg injury in Super Bowl XXIII vs. the San Francisco 49ers:

The leg bent every which way but logically in the first quarter of Super Bowl XXIII on Jan. 22, 1989, and the only pain medication he took was a can of beer, refusing to go to the hospital until the game was over.

Just before he underwent surgery a day later in Cincinnati, Krumrie grabbed team doctor Michael Welch by the lapels and croaked through the anesthesia, “If you screw this up, I’ll kill you.”

Welch didn’t and Krumrie never missed a game before retiring after the 1994 season. He may not have been the same Pro Bowl player, but he was still one of the best nose tackles in the game even though there was much angst if and when he’d be able to play again. Even if he might have been a tad quick putting weight on the leg. Krumrie told the docs in his first post-surgery checkup that he was snow-blowing his driveway.

And there were all kind of nicks to follow. During the 1992 season, Krumrie approached trainer Paul Sparling the Monday after a game and announced, “Hey Paul, I think I tore my groin.” Sparling gazed at a black-and-blue iceberg running down to his ankle. Krumrie wrapped it up and didn’t miss a practice, never mind a game.

Krumrie was an underrated force on the defensive line for the Bengals during the `80s. He played in two Pro Bowls (1987, 1988).
Photo: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Hands down, defensive tackle Tim Krumrie was the greatest player to ever dawn the #69 jersey for the Cincinnati Bengals. Krumrie was drafted out of Wisconsin in the 10th round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Bengals. Despite low expectations, Krumrie proved to be one of the greatest draft steals of all time, as he went on to play in 188 games in 12 seasons while starting 161 of them. He made the Pro Bowl in 1987 and 1988 and helped the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 1989. He finished his career with 34 sacks and 13 fumble recoveries, and at the time of his retirement, his 34 sacks were the fourth highest in franchise history.

In college, Krumrie was a three-time All-Big Ten defensive tackle for Wisconsin. He still holds the school records for most career solo tackles with 276 and most career tackles by a defensive lineman with 444.

Today, we salute you, Tim, for an outstanding football career.

Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.

Follow @StripeHype

Follow @UK_Fans

Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh of of an All-Pro 2012 campaign in which he established himself one of, if not, the best defensive tackle in the NFL, Geno Atkins  now soaking in the beautiful Honolulu sun at the annual NFL Pro Bowl. He’s not the first Bengals defensive tackle though to play at an exceptional level, as Geoff Hobson caught up with former great Tim Krumrie in Mobile, Alabama during Senior Bowl, and got these comments from from Krumrie about Atkins:

Outstanding, outstanding player. I love his motor. I love his power. I’ve watched quite a few games. He’s enjoyable to watch. I like him a lot. He’s got leverage. He hits the quarterback when he’s supposed to get to the quarterback. For a young interior lineman his production has really been terrific. He’s doing a heck of a job.

This season, Atkins became the first Bengals defensive lineman to go to two Pro Bowls Krumrie, who is looking to get back into the NFL after coaching in the UFL this past year. Maybe the Bengals could find a way to bring him back on staff.

Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.

Follow @StripeHype

Follow @UK_Fans