The Bengals announced their team Captains on Monday: Carson Palmer, Bobbie Williams, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Dexter Jackson, and Dhani Jones. Good group of veterans. I like it.

Curnutte observes the team's first regular season practice. Mostly of note is how the team looks health-wise. Antwan Odom, Dexter Jackson, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Rashad Jeanty returned to practice fully. Pat Sims, Andre Caldwell and Dan Howell (practice squad) worked on the sidelines with strength and conditioning coaches while "Chinedum Ndukwe (leg) went inside after stretches."

This is the irony of the Bengals team this year. Everyone suggests that our offense will be the only reason we win games; our defense is so bad, we're told to believe, that it couldn't even contain the Louisville Cardinals offense.

James Walker named his all-AC North team, on offense and defense.

OFFENSE: Big Ben got the nod over Honorable Mention, Carson Palmer. Behind Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, is Honorable Mention, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. No reference of Chad Johnson Ocho Cinco. Bobbie Williams is the only player on the Bengals offense to get the nod over everyone at their respective position; with Andrew Whitworth getting the Honorable Mention.

DEFENSE: Johnathan Joseph was the only player named to lead his respective position; Robert Geathers was named Honorable Mention. Shayne Graham got the nod as the division's best place kicker.

Apparently Pat Kirwan forgot about Keith Rivers when talking about rookies starting during kickoff weekend.

Don Banks surprisingly ranked Ryan Fitzpatrick as the league's 28th best backup quarterback while predicting the Bengals finish third in the AFC North at 6-10.

This blog named the Cincinnati backfield, the worst in the NFL. We think it's about fantasy football rankings, but we don't care. It still pisses us off, right?

With three preseason games in the books, I wanted to take the time to review each position (in some cases, units) as we prepare this week to play the meaningless of meaningless of preseason games, as well as upcoming roster cuts. While I'm not trying to predict the roster -- and definitely not projecting depth chart -- I didn't include every player in some scenarios, but included more than what the team is expected to take (mostly because I'm just not sure who they take, or the play is pretty even between the competition).

Quarterback - Even though Palmer has been assaulted on nearly every play (it seems), he hasn't been sharp -- likely a result of being assaulted. Twice against the Saints, Palmer nearly threw interceptions because 1) the ball was overthrown and 2) the pass was too near the middle of the field intended for a receiver sprinting down the sidelines. With the assault by the opposing pass rush, Palmer is becoming too aware of what's going on around the pocket rather than what's going on downfield. Once protection flaws are worked out, and communication issues resolved, we're confident that Palmer will be Palmer and give the Bengals their best chance to win each week.

Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the few successful offensive players, completing 70% of his passes, with a 6.8 pass-per-attempt average and a 101.3 passer rating (all team highs). His 44 yards rushing is third on the team behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson. Fitzpatrick's performance proves he'll be a coveted unrestricted free agent next season as a "veteran" quarterback that so many teams need.

1. Carson Palmer
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
3. Jeff Rowe

Running Back - While it's exciting to see Chris Perry back to full strength, we've been missing our primary feature back, Rudi Johnson due to another hamstring injury -- this time to the other leg. However, along with their troubles protecting their quarterbacks, the offensive line has struggled rush blocking for Perry -- mostly Eric Ghiaciuc. Since the first game, Perry's yards-per-attempt has fallen from 3.8 to 3.4. Watson's 4.7 yards-per-attempt is encouraging, but a majority of his attempts have come against second team defenses, with only one attempt the entire game against the Saints.

I think the Bengals keep Dorsey over James Johnson. Though neither have done much this preseason, Dorsey is a more explosive back while James Johnson is eligible for the team's practice squad. If the Bengals haven't cut Jeremi by now, they won't.

1. Rudi Johnson
2. Chris Perry
3. Kenny Watson
4. DeDe Dorsey
5. Jeremi Johnson

Wide Receiver - Talk about depressing. With Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh nursing and rehabbing injuries ("supposedly", if you believe in conspiracies), the Bengals have been searching for that evasive receiver we hoped would step up. Jerome Simpson's 144 yards receiving is far above Chatman's 63 yards among the yardage leaders at wide receiver. However, passes are being dropped and receivers are not separating from defensive backs, forcing Palmer to hold onto the ball longer. One has to appreciate this bit of irony. If Chad Johnson was traded, then this unit has absolutely no hope going into the season, even though the team signed Chris Henry to help.

I think Andre Caldwell's injury hurts him big. While he's not on the field battling for a spot, the Bengals would be more inclined to keep Holt for experience and versatility on special teams. Caldwell is another player eligible for the practice squad. This is all based on the assumption when Henry returns, not when the season starts. When Henry is reinstated after the fourth game, the Bengals will need to decide whether to keep Holt or Caldwell -- and it's doubtful, no matter what other writers suggest, that the Bengals will let Henry go.

1. Chad Johnson
2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
3. Antonio Chatman
4. Jerome Simpson
5. Glenn Holt
6. Andre Caldwell

Tight End - Stable as stable comes. Ben Utecht, another glowing offensive player this preseason, leads the team with 10 receptions, second with 108 yards receiving and only one of two players with a receiving touchdown through three games. Reggie Kelly is the league's best tight end blocker, taking a lot of reps in the backfield. If the Bengals keep four tight ends (which includes long snapper Brad St. Louis), then Daniel Coats makes the team.

1. Reggie Kelly
2. Ben Utecht
3. Daniel Coats
4. Brad St. Louis

Offensive Line - We've talked about their struggles, and fantasized of a Jurassic Line. Still, the running game hasn't really taken off and the quarterbacks are struggling to focus downfield rather than the pass rush -- Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 10 times, and knocked down three times as much. I'm not sure the Bengals will keep a second center, depending on Bobbie Williams to play that role. On the other hand, you could easily replace Nate Livings with Dan Santucci with limited fall in production. Something of note: Kyle Cook took some first-team snaps against the Saints in the third quarter.

1. Levi Jones
2. Andrew Whitworth
3. Eric Ghiaciuc
4. Bobbie Williams
5. Stacy Andrews
6. Willie Anderson
7. Nate Livings
8. Scott Kooistra
9. Anthony Collins
10. Dan Santucci

Defensive Line - Domata Peko has impressed me this preseason against the rush. He's working the line, challenging double teams and finding ways to stuff gaps at the point of attack. Other than that, I think this unit is just down right dreadful. Fanene and Rucker appear like average ends with limited upside, while John Thornton and Jason Shirley have made a library seem like a Metallica concert. Pat Sims, before his injury, impressed me with his aggressiveness and motor-style play. Hopefully we get him back when the season starts. While Angelo Craig has made plays, I've labeled him a practice squad player until either Rucker or Fanene (even though he signed an extension this offseason) are let go. I see no scenario in the world in which Eric Henderson makes this squad -- nor did I see any scenario that the Bengals sign Chris Henry.

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. Johnathan Fanene (DE)
4. Frostee Rucker (DE)
5. John Thornton
6. Domata Peko
7. Jason Shirley
8. Pat Sims
9. Michael Myers -- I'm adding Myers here for two reasons. The team could be concerned about Shirley's upcoming court case and keeping Myers adds an insurance policy in case Pat Sims' rehabs slowly.

Linebacker - I'm actually more impressed with this unit than I thought I would be before training camp. At WILL, Keith Rivers and Brandon Johnson have combined for 28 tackles and a sack -- Rivers accounts for 17 tackles and that sack. Corey Mays has been solid at backup middle linebacker and Darryl Blackstock's two sacks leads the team. The thing I would be most concerned about is Dhani Jones' nine total tackles through three games. Ahmad Brooks had some first-team snaps at defense when Blackstock suffered a cramp against the Saints. Also expect Carl-Johan Bjork to make the team as he's exempt from the 53-man roster.

1. Dhani Jones
2. Keith Rivers
3. Darryl Blackstock
4. Rashad Jeanty
5. Corey Mays
6. Brandon Johnson
7. Jim Maxwell
8. Ahmad Brooks
9. Anthony Hoke (?)

Secondary - For the most part, I think our starting cornerbacks have done a decent job working on an island. For the plays that you see them get beat, either a dump-truck named Calvin Johnson used his super-size advantage, or the quarterback found a hole in zone coverage. I don't like the play of our safeties -- Dexter Jackson is Dexter Jackson and Marvin White still struggles keeping the receiver in front preventing long plays. White is a hitter though, and his efforts to make sure-tackles have improved greatly since the first game.

David Jones scares the hell out of me, and I don't see much of an improvement with Castille. O'Neal has accepted his role, and done well, as the team's third cornerback giving the Bengals good depth at the position.

1. Leon Hall (CB)
2. Johnathan Joseph (CB)
3. Deltha O'Neal (CB)
4. David Jones (CB)
5. Simeon Castille (CB)
6. Dexter Jackson (S)
7. Marvin White (S)
8. Chinedum Ndukwe (S)
9. Corey Lynch (S)
10. Herana-Daze Jones (S) -- mostly for his special teams work.

Anyway, those are my impressions at this point. If you have more, or want to adjust my impressions because I always miss at least one player (or two) when I do these things, it's all yours.

It would seem that the Bengals.com depth chart is either a bit behind, or evident that Keith Rivers will get limited work on the first-team defense. As of Saturday afternoon, the site lists Brandon Johnson and Jim Maxwell ahead of Keith Rivers as the team's WILL linebacker. Rivers got work with the first team this week in practice, making us believe that Rivers, at least, moved up to the second WILL linebacker. And truthfully, we're wondering if the team is going to move Brandon Johnson to the SAM while Rivers starts at WILL this Sunday against the Lions.

It would be foolish by the team to leave Rivers out of the starting lineup when the reality is that he'll likely start the season as the team's first-team WILL. At the same time, it would be foolish not to reward Brandon Johnson for his hard work and high-value performances in practice and scrimmages by benching him in favor of Rivers and Darryl Blackstock -- the second SAM behind an injured Rashad Jeanty.

It should be noted that Brandon Johnson has never played SAM backer, but Mike Zimmer sees potential. "It limits some things you can do with your fronts, but it improves some other things. It improves our speed, our coverage ability. He should be OK (rushing off the edge)."

In truth, Brandon Johnson is behind the eight-ball, but in a good way. Dhani Jones will be the team's starting linebacker. Keith Rivers, being a hellva talented first-round linebacker, will most likely start at WILL. So you figure that Johnson will backup Rivers at WILL -- or perhaps challenge Corey Mays as the second MLB during 3-4 formations.

The SAM position can be somewhat of a toss-up. Rashad Jeanty is injured and will likely be out for a couple more weeks; though he figures to get the starting spot at SAM. Ahmad Brooks has fallen to the third-man on the charts, still learning the position. If Brandon Johnson performs well at SAM the remainder of training camp (if the team even entertains the notion), while Jeanty will be out for a couple of weeks, Johnson has a chance to become the team's starting SAM for the entire season.

In one sense, it's all in his hands (stepping up and performing as SAM). In another, it's totally out of his hands (team chooses to make him a backup rather than competing for the starting spot).

Either way, it's a nice problem to have after last season.

I've gone through the first four seasons of The Wire waiting for the fifth season box set this week. The show is tremendous, focusing on different aspects in Baltimore's crime culture. The first season dealt with the drug trade. The second season dealt with the ports -- basically allowing drugs into the country from overseas. The third season dealt with the city's bureaucracy and the fourth season dives into the Baltimore school system. I've been recommending it to anyone that hasn't seen it -- you don't have to buy it, but it's a good rent. Those that I find who have seen it, are generally very big on the show. Until I get the fifth season, I decided to go through all seasons of The Sopranos -- I haven't seen an episode prior. Great show. In the past two years, I've become really impressed with HBO's original programming -- sports, dramas, etc... I was a big fan of Rome and enjoying the newest show, Generation Kill.

A quick site note: I will be here, on this site, when Monday's game takes place. Join me to talk about the game, point out things that otherwise go unnoticed, and just enjoy ourselves.

On to today's news, notes and links.

Rashad Jeanty is suffering from a knee injury while Chad Johnson appears to be ready for the Packers cornerbacks Monday Night.

The young Bengals cornerbacks are pushing each other to get better and appear as the two most critical aspects on this year's defense.

One of the biggest things we're watching for this pre-season is which number three wide receiver will step up. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is still waiting on that person: "Time is going to tell. We'll make the decision based on consistency over time."

Jason Shirley on the expected "hurricane" over the Brett Favre saga while the Bengals play in Green Bay: "That has nothing to do with the Cincinnati Bengals. That's a Green Bay thing." Well said.

Andre Caldwell missed Saturday's practice because of soreness. Marvin Lewis said he'll play, but Bob Bratkowski isn't so sure.

An NFL issue of the 80-man training camp/pre-season roster is developing into a mainstream story. David picked it up this weekend. In all honesty, I don't even understand why it's necessary to have any roster limits during the pre-season. Why not let team's go unlimited and force down to 53-man roster rules by the first week of the regular season? If owners choose to pay more minimum contracts for players unlikely to make the roster anyway, why not let them.

The issue is that 80 players is such a low number, that coaches reduce practices, while worrying about veterans (aka, those that make the most money) getting dinged up with minor injuries that usually occur this time of year. More players means more positions will be covered so some veterans, already hurt, aren't pushing themselves to help the team. Another point of view is that the low number limits opportunities for other players prompting some to push the idea of a development league after NFL Europe folded.

But don't they have one? Don't teams cherry-pick players from the CFL? And don't players go to the CFL when the NFL door has closed? I know it's not reality, but it's always been there, and most CFL players jump at an invitation to NFL training camps. Some will say that the CFL is just too different -- which is, I suppose, somewhat true. But football is football. High school football is different than college. College football is different than professional. However, the same basic principles are there. Run the ball, pass the ball, kick the ball, and blow up the offense.

A quick note on links. I've removed some sites that aren't updating themselves, or don't link back to this site, like MVN and Fanhouse related sites. I included Bengal Nation Daily (who I've read, but never thought about linking). Also, if there's links that you think should be included, send me an email. They don't have to be all Bengals-related either. If there's a good sports site out there you really like and think should be included, bring it.

David has a great write-up asking if you can draw any trends on how your team may perform during the regular season. Roger Goodell has been playing with the idea of keeping the same number of games (20) for entire season (excluding playoffs), exchanging "seasons". Instead of 16 regular season games and four pre-season games, he's toying with the idea of 17-3 or even 18-2. I honestly don't care one way or the other, there's benefits to both (additional money for the league by increasing television contracts with networks possibly increasing the salary cap as the positive, losing opportunities for players trying to break into the league as the con).

I would say your best bet of this argument would be drawn in the first half of the team's third pre-season game where typically teams play their dress rehearsal. So we'll chart the Bengals half-time score in the third game of the pre-season, the final score and the team's regular season record that season. The team in parentheses either won the game or is leading at half-time.

So, what does that all boil down to? Not a damn thing -- other than the Bengals have won one pre-season game #3 game since 2001.

Moving on...

Deltha O'Neal is accepting of his role as the team's punt returner since he's listed as the fourth cornerback now behind the starters and David Jones.

Chick Ludwig has a way with crying babies. And we thought it was coincidence that Chad Johnson has been quiet this whole time.

Probably out against the Green Bay Packers will be Rudi Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Ethan Kilmer, Herana-Daze Jones, Rashad Jeanty, Antwan Odom and Chinedum Ndukwe. Jeanty could miss several preseason games because of "an undetermined ailment".

Jay Haynes on Jason Shirley: "When he stays down, he's scary. There are times when he's a killer. And there are other times, well ... he's just not ready."

John Thornton was nominated for this year's Forty Under 40 class that awards people under the age of 40 motivated by their professions and involved in their communities.

Willie Anderson praises Robert Geathers: "I think Robert is in a position, now, where he can be a consistent 8-10-12-sack guy a year."

Antwan Odom's target date appears to be the week of the first regular season game.

The Ravens beat the New England Patriots Thursday night, 16-15. Kyle Boller performed well, but Joe Flacco (likely the starter before the end of the season) had an interception and fumble on this first two snaps.

The Jets beat the Browns 24-20 after a 14-point fourth quarter led by Brett Ratliff's two touchdowns.

The Steelers prepare for their first game this season against in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Let's see, what am I looking for this season? Actually, a lot. I am looking forward to seeing how Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry rebound. I'm looking forward to seeing Chad Johnson pipe down, celebrate a few touchdowns and watch T.J. Houshmandzadeh throw his body away for a cheap two-yard reception on third-and-one. Carson Palmer and every god-like thing associated. I'm looking forward to seeing Stacy Andrews -- who obviously now believes he can have a long successful NFL career and grow as such. I'm looking forward to Pat Sims and Jason Shirley (well, more like praying that we'll see him), our backup wide receivers, the tremendous upside in the secondary and our offense FINALLY incorporating the tight end -- eeee-fect-ively.

Finally, I'm also looking forward to Keith Rivers and Angelo Craig (the only two linebackers drafted during the NFL draft -- any year -- on this roster). And no, I'm not including Brooks; though the argument could be made. I'm specifically speaking about the NFL draft, not the Supplemental. But if you want to include him, you're more than welcome.

Odell Thurman, David Pollack, Caleb Miller, Landon Johnson, A.J. Nicholson, Khalid Abdullah... are all gone. In fact, only the two linebackers drafted, on this team, right now, are Keith Rivers and UC's Angelo Craig.

Daryl Blackstock (signed UFA, 2008)
Ahmad Brooks (supplemental draft, 2006)
Anthony Hoke (signed CFA, 2008)
Dan Howell (signed CFA, 2008)
Rashad Jeanty (signed FA, 2006)
Brandon Johnson (signed FA, 2008)
Dhani Jones (signed FA, 2007)
Jim Maxwell (signed FA, 2007)
Corey Mays (waiver, 2007)

That's all I have to say, really. Just something to munch on. A side note, Rivers now has a Yard Barker blog.

ESPN's James Walker discusses Keith Rivers role with Cincinnati as a focused, determined leader that could become the face of a faceless Bengals defense.

Another rookie, Jerome Simpson (the second Bengals pick in the 2008 NFL Draft) is another positive player that has determination to be the best as his position.

Chick Ludwig doesn't see the Bengals re-signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh after this season because "T.J. is going to demand big bucks in the $5 million-per-year range". Dave discusses more in detail.

Rashad Jeanty tells everyone that expects Dhani Jones, Ahmad Brooks and Rivers to be the projected starters to settle down.

The Pro Football Talk guys suggest that Chad Johnson is going to "cave" and return to Cincinnati for mandatory mini camp in mid-June. A bit of advice to Chad: Return to your old self, help the Bengals win and then take your issues with management. Don't let us here about them anymore and we'll come to cheer your touchdowns and defend you among the anti-Chad population.

It was pointed out by loyal reader IgnatiusJReilly, that Eric Henderson, a hybrid DE/LB (if that's even the case) worked mostly with the defensive ends during Tuesday's OTA. Geoff Hobson projects that the Bengals will keep seven linebackers and four defensive ends. In 2007, the Bengals kept seven linebackers. In 2006, they kept eight.

If they keep eight (the higher number), we can project the following will make the team:

1. Odell Thurman
2. Keith Rivers
3. Dhani Jones
4. Ahmad Brooks
5. Rashad Jeanty
6. Corey Mays
7. Brandon Johnson
8. Darryl Blackstock

Guys like Jim Maxwell, Anthony Hoke and Dan Howell, unless they blow our freaking mind (man) will be casualties when the Bengals need to bring the roster to 53.

Now, let's presume the eight defensive linemen (a constant number in 2006 and 2007):

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. John Thornton (DT)
4. Domata Peko (DT)
5. Michael Myers (DT)
6. Jonathan Fanene (DE/DT)
7. Pat Sims (DT)
8. Eric Henderson (DE)

Guys like Titus Adams, Michael Marquardt and Antwon Burton would be the defensive line's casualties. But, as you noticed, where does Pat Sims go? As it is, the Bengals have three true defensive tackles and Fanene that's played end and tackle. He just signed a three-year deal, so we'd assume that the Bengals will dump Rucker in favor of Sims. Then where does Jason Shirley go? Obviously the Bengals won't let Odom, Geathers, Peko or Fanene go. Myers could be cut, as could Thornton (salary cap). But that's putting a lot more faith on a character guy that I believed the Bengals wouldn't take. Anyway, I removed Myers and Rucker.

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. John Thornton (DT)
4. Domata Peko (DT)
5. Pat Sims (DT)
6. Jonathan Fanene (DE)
7. Eric Henderson (DE)
8. Jason Shirley (DT)

It would seem to me, with those two units, that the Bengals are already set. Unless, of course, the underdogs start blowing people's minds. Guys like Myers and Rucker could be the first to go and the linebackers, Johnson and Blackstock aren't guaranteed a spot at all.

The starting gun you hear marks the start for voluntary camps -- the first of 12 practices. Linebacker is one of many positions where we're just not sure who will start, or even play.

The biggest story, thus far, is the return of Odell Thurman. The two questions are "where does he go?" and "will he even be ready?" Does he play middle linebacker like he did in 2005 nearly winning the defensive player of the year award? Personally, I think the Bengals would be foolish to not to play Thurman in the middle. He's our most talented linebacker, save Keith Rivers who we haven't seen play in a Bengals uniform yet.

Ahmad Brooks showed he can pass the rusher -- though mostly through the center. Do you put him in during passing downs in a 3-4 configuration overloading one side with Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom? Will Brooks even be with the team after accusations were made that he punched a woman? Will Rivers play weak-side and Dhani Jones strong-side? Where does that leave Rashad Jeanty? Will Jeanty beat out Jones and force Jones to back up and Special Teams?

From now until kickoff weekend, the Bengals certainly need to know where their pieces fall at linebacker.

With Keith Rivers, and the obvious return of Odell Thurman, the Bengals linebacker corp. was starting to get crowded. It was unlikely that the Bengals would take all 13 linebackers (including unsigned Keith Rivers and Angelo Craig) into training camp. On Thursday, they waived Anthony Schlegel and Roy Manning -- two linebackers that I didn't think stood a chance at winning a roster spot. Manning signed a one-year deal in mid-March. Curnutte writes that the Bengals will be taking 10 linebackers into training camp assuming they get Rivers signed. In reality, the Bengals could have 11 with Angelo Craig -- who could just as easily be a "tweener" (played DE and OLB in college), but it's more likely Craig will be a defensive end rather than a linebacker simply due to the amount of linebackers on roster.

1. Ahmad Brooks
2. Rashad Jeanty
3. Dhani Jones
4. Keith Rivers (unsigned)
5. Odell Thurman
6. Eric Henderson
7. Daryl Blackstock
8. Brandon Johnson
9. Corey Mays
10. Jim Maxwell