Cincinnati Bengals: Sign Troubled Running Backs? Been There, Done That.

Larry Johnson is officially a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.  He called this a chance to "right some of my wrongs." 

Much has been said about the running back's checkered past and how his signing will affect team chemistry.  

Is it healthy to take on a player with baggage and give him a fresh start?  

Wait a second.  I think we have had this discussion before...

• Bengals sign another malcontent in Cedric Benson [Clubhouse Cancer ]
• Cedric Benson to the Bengals, like he'd end up anywhere else [The Big Picture ]
• Cedric Benson signs with Bengals.  No, seriously. [TheEndZoneView.com ]
• So-and-so arrested.  Bengals offer contract. [SPORTSbyBROOKS ]
• Bengals sign Cedric Benson.  This would be funny if it weren't true. [FF Toolbox ]
• The woefully dreadful Cincinnati Bengals sign the equally dreadful Cedric Benson. [Blog Down, Chicago Bears ]

These are just a few of the stories you will find from last fall after the Bengals signed Cedric Benson.  At the time, the Bengals were horrible and the organization seemed to be in a state of disarray.  

Fans were disgusted when the team gave Chris Henry another chance to redeem himself and the signing of Benson just added fuel to the fire.

Apparently, something has changed.  

Benson and Henry have stayed out of trouble.  Henry's play was okay this year before being placed on injured reserve with a broken arm and Benson looks to be on his way to the Pro Bowl.

At 7-2, the Bengals occupy the top spot in the AFC North and are playing as a cohesive unit.  The days of individual stars putting up huge offensive numbers for an average squad seem to be over.  

Things are going well in Cincinnati. 

Marvin Lewis said Johnson will be judged on his future, not his past.  Hopefully, that future will resemble that of the Bengals last two reclamation projects.