Time to Take Drastic Measures: Bengals sign Corey Mays - Marshall out for year - Where’s Hartwell?

By Adam Kiefaber

Linebacker Lemar Marshall, who seemed to be banged up since the first day the Bengals signed him, suffered a season-ending injury in Monday night’s New England game.

Marshall was put on injured reserve after getting a torn left Achilles tendon.

In response, the Bengals signed linebacker Corey Mays (left - #46).

Mays played in eight games as a rookie for the New England Patriots in 2006. He recorded nine special team tackles.

The year before, Mays was the starting middle linebacker for Notre Dame. In 2005, he finished second on the team in tackles (68) and had four quarterback sacks. Prior to that season, Mays saw most of his action on special teams.

Bengal fans have to be surprised that they didn’t go after Ed Hartwell. According to the team’s website, Hartwell hasn’t heard from the club.

It has to make you wonder what Hartwell did this preseason.

Mays could be a solid addition to the special teams, but at this point Cincinnati needs linebackers that can play on defense.

The site also mentions that it is to be believed that the team has interest in re-signing Earl Everett. Everett was a college free agent that was signed from Florida after the 2007 NFL Draft.

The site didn’t mention Ohio University’s Matt Muncy. Muncy was by far the better linebacker (better than Everett or Hartwell) this preseason. Muncy made play after play on special teams and played good defense when he was in the game.

Hopefully, Corey Mays will blow Bengal fans away with his play-making ability, but I will venture a guess and say that the only way to notice him would be through a pair binoculars on special teams.