The players, not the coaches, front office or even the media, are telling you, the fans to stick with them, hang in there with and for them. Antonio Chatman even believes that the Bengals "will be in the playoffs and we will be running for a championship this year."

John Thornton relates and understands the fan's point of view, having lost so many games in the 90s through 2002. "You know, when I'm retired and a fan, I'll have those same feelings."

Perry isn't worried about critics, nor injury. "It's out of my hands. I can't control that. So for me to worry is a waste of time."

Kenny Watson would be in Real Estate if he wasn't playing football.

Willie Anderson is in high demand right now.

Interesting results on an Enquirer survey regarding the Bengals.

WDR thinks that the Bengals should include a clause in Jeremi Johnson's contract fining him per day for being overweight. The only problem is that the Bengals can't just add something into the contract. Johnson is signed through 2011, and gets paid handsomely for a fullback. Maybe restructuring his contract isn't a bad thing; nor a clause for his weight. But Johnson would have to agree to it.

Robert Geathers picked up some skills while playing linebacker last year that he'll apply returning as a pass rushing end.

Carson Palmer press conference
Marvin Lewis press conference

DeDe Dorsey likes kick boxing.

Bobbie Williams is proud to be a big family guy.

Antwan Odom on injury: "No pain, no soreness, nothing. I taped it up and it didn't bother me a bit," Odom said Wednesday of his practice experience Monday. "No restrictions. I just tape it up and go. I want to prove to the fans that I belong here."

How does the defense feel about being the weakest link on this team? Mike Zimmer says, "I think they're tired of all that stuff."

The Bengals newest fullback Reagan Maui'a was arrested back in April for misdemeanor battery.

Bad publicity will always take precedence over all the good that players do in the community that never gets documented.

AROUND THE LOCAL COLLEGE SCENE

Paul Daugherty asks where the UC buzz is. Apparently he doesn't read this blog.

The NCAA denied Mauk, again, saying:

“Our review of the facts as presented and possible mitigating factors for this eligibility request was extensive and thorough, exhausting all avenues in the administrative procedures and ensuring a fair process for this student-athlete,” said Carol Iwaoka, the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee chair and associate commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. “Even after reviewing the latest information, the committee was unable to identify compelling factors that might be viewed as beyond the control of the student-athlete and the University of Cincinnati.”

Is it now on the University of Cincinnati to give the Big East a boost?

Brian Kelly press conference

Head coach Jim Tressel gave the seniors a box of 12 marbles, each one representing how many games are left in their college career, pointing out how quickly they go.

Buckeyes defensive lineman Nader Abdallah is a New Orleans native, and thankful that Gustav wasn't a repeat of Katrina.

We were wondering during Thursday Night's preseason game how the Bengals running back roster would look kickoff weekend. Curnutte believes the Bengals will dump Rudi Johnson and keep Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey on the roster, placing James Johnson on the practice squad after his performance against the Colts.

James Johnson's ran eight times for 54 yards against the Colts with a 42-yard play midway through the fourth quarter. Without that 42-yard run, Johnson rushes seven times for 12 yards. DeDe Dorsey had a nice night rushing for 4.2 yards-per-carry (38 yards, nine attempts), including a six-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Kenny Watson had the worst night among running backs (well, other than Rudi Johnson of course) with a 1.6 yards-per-carry average (10 yards, six rushes). In the game, the Bengals rushed for 171 yards on 38 attempts (4.5 average).

Ironically enough, Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the preseason out-rushing Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey.

The Bengals leading receivers this preseason were two guys not on the roster last season. Jerome Simpson caught the most passes (11) and recorded the most yards (157). Ben Utecht's 10 receptions and 108 yards receiving ranked second in each category. Glenn Holt is the only player to record more than one touchdown reception. In fact, he has two of the team's three total passing touchdowns with Utecht having the other.

Domata Peko is the only defensive lineman with more than one sack, with one-sack performances coming from Robert Geathers, Michael Myers, Jason Shirley, and Angelo Craig. Darryl Blackstock (2), Keith Rivers, Kyries Herbert, and Dexter Jackson also recorded sacks.

The preseason question of finding that number three receiver was answered, by signing Chris Henry. However suspended through the first four games, it would appear that Simpson has the edge at that spot; but Chatman could find himself there based on whether the Bengals feel confident that Simpson knows the playbook.

Kyle Larson punted a whopping 28 times (average seven-per-game) with a pedestrian 41.9 average.

Even I was pleased with the performance of Ahmad Brooks. But I don't think that the final preseason game against a team that played few, if any, of their starters is that much of a reason to keep him. I still think he's on the chopping block, and I think that if Brooks was good enough, that he wouldn't have fallen so far, so quickly, on the depth chart and been mediocre in the other preseason games. Then again, the Bengals coaching staff loves projects with players that have potential (see Eric Henderson and Stacy Andrews -- who actually worked out).

Are people actually considering Fitzpatrick the better starting quarterback in Cincinnati?

I really enjoyed Fitzpatrick's performance this preseason. He had the best quarterback play, recording a 104.2 passer rating, no picks and two scores. Along with his 218 yards passing (which is second, behind Jeff Rowe's 228), Fitzpatrick added 79 yards rushing (scrambling). However, we don't need is a scrambling quarterback. What we need is our two Pro Bowl wide receivers back without protection breakdowns that force our quarterbacks to scramble. All of which, I believe, will return by kickoff weekend.

Along with Keith Rivers, I think Corey Lynch is one of the most impressive defensive rookies. Even though Pat Sims didn't record those key numbers (which is normal for a defensive tackle), I liked his motor with his noticeable intensity. With Shirley coming on against the Colts, I think the Bengals are close to having a solid defensive tackle rotation. Given more experience with the rookies, and the noticeable improvement with Domata Peko, there's a lot to look forward to this group. Once John Thornton leaves after this season, the Bengals could either draft another defensive tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, or develop Antwon Burton with the practice squad this season.

Secondary-wise, I think this unit is much better than last season -- or the year before that, or the year before that. Johnathan Joseph was an aggressive hitter during the preseason, coming up to the line of scrimmage when the opposing team rushed to his side. He played the island role, along with Leon Hall, as best as we could expect of them. While big-body wide receivers will generally always have their way with most NFL cornerbacks, I didn't think to myself that our young cornerbacks will be problematic.

My biggest concern wasn't the secondary against the rush, nor the play of our starting cornerbacks. It was our safeties against the pass, allowing the opposing wide receiver to stream past them. This didn't happen against the Colts as much as it did in the first preseason games. Still, Corey Lynch and Marvin White are young enough to learn from it and become better as the season wears on. Not to mention Chinedum Ndukwe missed the preseason.

I do believe, however, that our secondary is as deep as it has ever been during the Marvin Lewis era.

Like many of you, I just don't know what to expect this season. On one hand, this team is talented enough among their starters; everyone returns, the protection schemes improve and the rushing attack is actually meaningful. On the other hand, we could the regular season become an extension of the preseason becoming the worst season during the Marvin Lewis era. Either way, the critical aspect for success on this team will be the offense. An improved defense will be icing on the cake, that could find themselves in the role to win games if the offense sputters.

In the end, your guess is as good as mine.

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.

Offensively, the Bengals are clearly struggling. Much of it has to do with an offensive line that struggled pass blocking. But other factors include the lack of a consistent running game (while Palmer was in), T.J. Houshmandzadeh being out and Chad Johnson not really apart of the passing offenses game plan (plus injury); overall spirit and attitude seemed low. Nothing has come together for this first-team offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick improvised in the pocket, while Kenny Watson loved the Jurassic Line's potential run blocking -- note, Dave Lapham and Anthony Munoz love the Jurassic Line. Once Watson and Chris Perry were removed from the game, the Bengals offense skydived without a parachute. It also doesn't help the Bengals when the offense goes three and out three times in the second half as well as failing to convert a goal-line rush attempt with the team's smallest running back.

Defensively, I saw more good than bad. Twenty seven points wasn't allowed by the first team -- 17 of the Lions 27 points came in the fourth quarter. I thought the cornerbacks were average, but I attached that to a bigger and tougher Calvin Johnson -- who was Kitna's only receiver while he was in the first two series'. I thought the secondary as a whole, was average. Not terribly bad, but for the love of god, they have room to improve.

I believe that Deltha O'Neal, aside two first down receptions allowed, moved himself to the team's third cornerback -- if he's not, I'm writing a letter to someone. David Jones isn't the type of cornerback that can sit on an island. Darryl Blackstock and Brandon Johnson are two of the most underrated free agent acquisitions. Ahmad Brooks isn't just in danger of being cut, but he's so far behind other linebackers on the team that if he's not cut, I'll be surprised. He makes no impression during the game, even against third team offensive players. Dhani Jones is playing better than last season. One thing that impressed me about Keith Rivers is that when the play goes away from him, he stays home, watching cutback lanes; he's not over-pursuing. He's the team's perfect WILL linebacker. The Bengals front four puts zero pressure on the quarterback, allowing the passer to sit in the pocket comfortably (numb). Even hall of fame cornerbacks can't defend an NFL wide receiver for seven-plus seconds.

With all that said, the Bengals first-team defense gets a passing grade from me. I'm not expecting shutout football, nor every drive to end in three-and-outs. I expect the other team to score -- they're also professional football teams. However, just to point out that our first-team defense wasn't all that bad, take a look at the breakdown by half:

In fact, if you take out the touchdown given up to Jon Kitna and Calvin Johnson on the Lion's second drive, the Bengals defense forced the Lions into four drives with five plays or less, all ending in punt.

It wasn't until the Bengals brought in their second and third-team that the struggles began. The game's final three possessions for the Lions ended with a field goal and two touchdowns.

Offensively, the Bengals were disgusting. Palmer throws a pick, Shayne Graham misses a field goal (actually, a block) and the Bengals punt twice before Ryan Fitzgerald takes the Bengals 99 yards on 13 plays for the team's lone touchdown.

Concluding... what I'm going to offer you is something to think on. The Bengals defense is improving. While they're not instantaneously blowing people away, the first team did much better against the Lions than the Packers. And if we got that effort in the first half, all of last season, we'd be pumped. With two games left to work, I believe the Bengals defense will be vastly improved over last year -- if not the best of the Marvin Lewis era.

As for the offense, well, they have a lot of work to do -- like the offensive line getting comfortable and receivers stepping up.

5 - Sacks allowed by the Bengals offensive line.
2 to 1 - Pass to run ratio by the Bengals offense (48 passes, 21 rushes)... note, five pass calls actually ended in sack.
13 - Number of different receivers by the Bengals offense.
33 - Yards returned by one Antonio Chatman punt return -- thanks to DeAngelo Craig.
114 - Yards receiving by rookie receiver, Jerome Simpson.

Chad Johnson says "I'll be back in a week." However, Marvin Lewis has already declared Johnson out next week against the Saints. Either way, it doesn't appear that he'll miss any regular season time healing from a shoulder strain.

Marvin Lewis on Jerome Simpson: "Every time we turn on the lights, he comes through and makes some good plays." Palmer had a different take, but felt Simpson is improving. Palmer says that Simpson has a "long way to go before he can come into a game and you can count on him."

Pat Sims "left the locker room on crutches with a sprained foot and turf toe, respectively."

A quick note on tonight. I'll be around, chatting, for the Bengals pre-season game #2 tonight. I hope you join me (us).

Rudi Johnson doesn't think he's done, just yet. "The trainers did a good job on me. I'm ready to pick up where I left off. I'm good to go."

Lions head coach Rod Marinelli says that the Bengals offense will "check the oil on our defense."

The Lions expect to run their starters deeper into the game.

Dave previews tonight's Sunday Night game against the Lions and Hobson does the same.

DeDe Dorsey is expected to play tonight.

The Bengals need to cut down on their mistakes.

Marvin Lewis expects Keith Rivers to "play some" on Monday night against the Packers. Rivers' deal is apparently six years, $4 million more than Jerod May and worth $23 million if his "contract maxes out". If there's some proof that Rivers is going to be a good pickup, he texted several team mates, was already in Cincinnati just waiting for everything to be worked out.

When Levi Jones (who rested Wednesday night) is out of the lineup, Andrew Whitworth moves to left tackle, Stacy Andrews to left guard and Willie Anderson to right tackle. Jesus, we have some serious depth and options on the offensive line -- which includes praises from Anthony Munoz to rookie tackle, Anthony Collins: "I like him a lot. He moves around real well. I think he's got a great future." With our offensive line, our improved defense (sorry, drinking the Kool-aid) and a general upgrade on the coaching staff, how can you not be optimistic this year.

College free agent wide receiver, Travis Brown, was waived Wednesday night after suffering a hamstring injury.

C Trent writes, "since coming back, I don't think I've seen a ball thrown near Chad Johnson that's been dropped." But I loved this comment, "Willie ate up Geathers. Some talking between the two." Big Willie is still the man.

Chinedum Ndukwe and the Bengals are awaiting MRI results after Ndukwe's knee gave out scaring the hell out of every loving Bengals fan, teammates and coaches. There seems to be optimism that he'll be fine in terms of complete 2008 season, but could miss four to six weeks, which leads right into kickoff weekend. And if he can't return, then John Lynch is available. Just saying.

Palmer will get roughly 10-15 snaps Monday Night (we'll discuss later). Chris Perry has missed just one practice since Friday's scrimmage.

The Bengals are incorporating double tight end sets and, well, players are really liking it.

DeDe Dorsey returned to camp, and fumbled. Says Ludwig, "If Dorsey gets cut, here’s the reason why — BALL SECURITY! He fumbles too often in practice." Then again, it seems that the James Johnson love-fest has simmered.

Kyries Hebert has no plans going back to the CFL.

However, when Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is apparently a big fan of tough love, heard that Hebert was once the CFL's highest-paid defensive player, he noted, "They must not be too careful about their spending up there."

Kickers Shayne Graham and Kyle Larson are prepping a showdown between their schools, Virginia Tech (Graham) and Nebraska (Larson) on September 27.

Former Bengals center, Alex Stepanovich has been practicing with the first team because regular starter Todd McClure (working on a streak of 96 consecutive starts), has been out of camp "with a lower back injury".

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Casey Hampton, is doing a Jeremi Johnson -- working on getting into shape after being a bit heavy. Big Ben won't play against the Eagles in the Steelers opening pre-season game.

Browns position battles.

Chick Ludwig agrees with us; it's not Rivers, it's not the club, it's the system.

Of the receivers fighting for that number three spot, Antonio Chatman looks the strongest.

Matt Miller has the Bengals going after a USC defensive tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Jim Trotter reviews the Bengals training camp -- note to Trotter, Perry wasn't drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Just saying.

"Dave" argues that there's no need to boycott the Bengals because of what Carson Palmer said about the Ohio State University.

The Bengals running backs are beat up right now... DeDe Dorsey may return this week, Kenny Watson has been out with an "undisclosed injury", Rudi Johnson has a mild hamstring pull that's "believed not to be serious".

Generally, when training camp begins through an early segment of the regular season, the defense has a natural advantage. It takes time for the offense to gel, to get their timing, and to generally learn the playbook. The defensive playbook is generally simple compared to the offense, and relies on gap control, responsibility and instinct. So it's not really a surprise if the defense outshines the offense early, like the defense winning 44-27 against the offense during Friday night's intra-squad scrimmage.

I said in the comments of another post that perhaps the team's best off-season acquisition is the team's defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer. Not because of the scheme, or the talent. Rather he's installing a mentality of a toughness and aggressiveness we haven't seen in here in a long time. Zimmer said of Friday's scrimmage: “I thought they did what I asked them. I said if you make a mistake make it full speed. Play hard. And we've been stressing all week, tackling. We surrounded the ball real well and played physical. I thought we did a decent job of stopping the run.”

Carson Palmer went 6-10 for 51 yards passing recording a 21-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Chatman. Leon Hall was covering. Chris Perry recorded 50 yards total (9-33 rushing, 3-17 receiving). Rudi Johnson, DeDe Dorsey and Kenny Watson all sat. Jerome Simpson caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick after sprinting down the sideline outpacing Deltha O'Neal.

"I'm just here to play my best," Brandon Johnson said. Johnson continues to shine closing the window for Keith Rivers to make the starting lineup while David Dunn plays his little games. Michael Myers recorded two sacks on Ryan Fitzpatrick and cornerback Simeon Castille sacked Jordan Palmer while Corey Lynch recorded a pick against young Palmer in the end zone. Jordan did score a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Matt Sherry on a ten-yard pass.

If you watched the highlights on Bengals.com, you got a good dose of Marvin White. It seemed he did a fine job filling gaps, killing cutback lanes, on nearly every rush. The defense held the offense to 48 total yards rushing on 23 attempts.

Overall, the coaches and players were satisfied with the progress they've made this off-season. Units and players from all positions -- except for running backs who were down three players -- made good plays. Defensively, the unit is heeding Mike Zimmer's attitude, especially the defensive line that held the offensive line allowing Brandon Johnson to roam; though five defensive linemen had at least one tackle.

Around the Web.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh may take it easy, or even take off, next week "with a nagging hamstring".

Players Brandon Johnson, Antonio Chatman, Jerome Simpson, Michael Myers, Simeon Castille and Corey Lynch all shined when the big stars were out.

Brandon Johnson is taking full advantage of a River-less camp.

Second-year Jets cornerback, Darrelle Revis (who would have been drafted by the Bengals if he was available and Leon Hall was drafted earlier), says that Chad Johnson was the toughest for him to cover.

The Ravens are dealing with a rash of injuries during camp. But Rexx argues it's not Harbaugh's tougher camp that's the reason. After a February domestic battery incident, Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington will be suspended for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Observations from the Steelers; the receivers could be their best group in 30 years, Big Ben is getting better, Mendenhall is "showing promise" while Moore is team's third-down back (as of now).

The Browns did an interesting concept (and I'm not sure if they've done it before). On Friday night, the Browns held their intra-squad scrimmage in Cleveland Browns Stadium; the money you pay to get in goes directly to charity. The crowd was big and the hot dogs were $1.

DeDe Dorsey claims that he'll miss one week of training camp, feeling roughly at 90%. Dorsey, who had flashes of talent last season, was hurt at the end of last season and suffered another injury during minicamps. Durability could turn out to be an issue.

James Johnson, a running back that's known to have impressed coaches and the media, will get a majority of his snaps behind Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry and Kenny Watson. It might not sound like much of a chance, but it's the same boat that Dorsey would be in. And now Dorsey will miss a week of impressing coaches behind James Johnson enjoys a week without competition for that fourth spot on the depth chart.

Monday morning, Bengals running back DeDe Dorsey was carted off the field. Initial reports suggest that the groin injury is serious; he left facilities on crutches and Geoff Hobson writes that (speculation) it could be three months until he's healed.

Also, I have to admit, I was somewhat surprised to read in the past week (via Chick Ludwig) that Chris Perry is only 80% healthy; even though coaches raved about his work during OTAs. There's some momentum with the idea that we could actually see Kenny Irons before the regular season is over (perhaps too optimistic). Even though he's not working out recovering from a nasty knee injury, he's also not written off. No doubt, he'll be on the PUP to start the season (and Dorsey too if his groin has the slightest set back based on Hobson's speculative timeline), which leaves the team with Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson and an 80% healthy Chris Perry (though there's still a few months away for him to reach that arbitrary 100%). There's several undrafted college free agents on the roster that could have an impact.

The more we think about it, the more we realize that the Bengals won't over-react (or reach) for an available free agent running back. For one, there's plenty of time for recover. For two, it's very likely the Bengals could have too many backs if everyone returns after PUP (that is if they are listed in the first place or not through on IR).

I still think, for the most part, they're fine. Dorsey wasn't expected to take a large percentage of snaps -- likely a third down back. Rudi Johnson is, from all reports, as "back" to his old form as he can be. Coaches and players are pumped at his revitalization (and hunger). Kenny Watson is a serviceable backup to Rudi and Chris Perry, I think, is the team's best option on third down.

In one way, we're fine right now (plenty of time to heal those injured). In another way, and we've discussed this off-season, running back could be two completely different scenarios. It could either be really good, or a complete disaster.