Chad Johnson is least of Cincinnati's problems, and vice versa

The 1-15 Miami Dolphins were a terrible football team, but at least they played together and seemed to enjoy each other's company.

Isn't it a phenomenon that the Cincinnati Prison Cats (or Bengals, whatever you want to call them) managed to finish 7-9 last season, despite being on the regular news as often as ESPN?

I do believe so, but I also consider it to be an aberration for this underachieving, disappointing franchise. Head coach Marvin Lewis's job security is the real phenomenon here because of his apparent lack of discipline his staff enforces on the players off the field. Chris Henry, Johnathan Joseph, Odell Thurman, Deltha O'Neal (and the list goes on) and others are being scrutinized for not leading their lives safely in the offseason. As the world turns, All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson goes on a tirade about wishing not to be with the Bengals next season (gee, defense, I wonder why?) and is criticized for being "selfish." Anyone who labels a star player selfish is obviously not with the program. All star players have a need to get their messages across, especially when a 90-catch, 1,100-yard scoring threat is putting up numbers for nothing. Johnson, of all people in this Titanic-like franchise, is taking all the flack for the team being so much in a mess. Well, Ocho Cinco is not problem numero uno and he should realize that some things are best kept within the professional offices and could get what we wants by going at it the right way.

Johnson, true, was a bit over the line with his rants and raves about sitting out, but his displeasure is understandable. Cincinnati is laden with talent on offense -- a standout quarterback, one of the better running backs in the league and two amazing receivers capable of taking over any game. But the defense has been totally offensive to the Bengals' chances of winning games, as it has made most offenses Indianapolis-like for the last couple of seasons. Run and pass defenses are big-play potential -- for the opposing teams. Now there's something Rex Grossman can smile about.

If people want to criticize anything, it's that horrific defense. Chad Johnson has the right to speak out -- he talks and walks as a football player. But Chad's approach to the business side is not going to get him anywhere but in the media's deathtrap. Chad should consult owner Mike Brown and Lewis and talk out what can be done to improve a team that is (gasp) now playing second fiddle to the Cleveland Browns, its divisional and state rival

If you ask me (that's only if you ask), Chad Johnson should get himself traded. The Bengals will not crumble in their departure and could get some good defensive players in the process. Chad could be the second-coming of Terrell Owens (not completely) and resurrect Donovan McNabb's presence as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. What could be lying in wait for Cincinnati as a return is DB Lito Sheppard (two interceptions last season) and Juqua Brown (five sacks, 29 tackles) and Mike Patterson (four sacks, 50 tackles). Cincinnati -- learn to sell the fancy automoblie if you can't fix it.

There aren't many teams around this league that would say no to getting Chad Johnson. The Tennessee Titans (who showcase Roydell Williams and Justin Gage as their top receivers) would pull out the red carpet for one of the game's best receivers. Truth is, once a star player becomes uncomfortable with his team (paging Owens, paging Kobe Bryant), everyone begins to feel it as well. The Bengals only have two choices at this point right now: trade him or win. It's as simple as that. But trying to win a war of words with a receiver who backs his up will only mean another loss for this franchise, something that they don't want to get anymore used to.