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.

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.

ESPN's KC Joyner ranks each team's cornerback duo (Insider) based on "yards-per-attempt". Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph and Deltha O'Neal ranked 13th giving up 7.6 yards-per-attempt (232 attempts, 1,759 yard).

Chris Henry could be suspended in 2008 depending on a trial scheduled a week from Tuesday. If he's innocent, he plays. If he's guilty, then it he could be suspended for life based on a letter he received from Chancellor Roger Goodell which concludes "I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career." Though we're not sure that means much; Pacman Jones is back (well, sorta).

Dave (aka Todd Snyder fan -- hope everyone gets the connection) sings to us. You can almost hear the music in the background while you hum the song, eh?

There's a consensus from some people that believe I'm saying that the Bengals should sign LeCharles Bentley. That couldn't be further from the truth; in fact, I rarely make those type of recommendations simply avoiding the reminder that I'm an idiot. All I said was that the Bengals should, at least, look at the option. Seriously. If he comes really cheap for a must-prove-yourself season after two seasons off, why not at least look to see where he's at?

Domata Peko's agent Leo Goeas says that his client's deal puts him in the top-10 at defensive tackle. Goeas hasn't returned our message for a detailed breakdown as of this posting.

I, for one, am not sad to see Jonathan Ogden retire (sorry Rexx). Ogden was one of my favorite non-Bengal big uglies. I love linemen, as evident with my man-crush with Willie Anderson, who spoke highly of Ogden:

"We came in the draft together and I chased his career the whole time," Anderson said. "He won a Super Bowl and, obviously, my plan is to not stop playing until I win one. As long as I can keep going and play at a high level, I want to play. But Jon is definitely one of the top linemen of all-time that we've seen. His natural ability, it was a good thing to watch back in the '90s when he was healthy."

Chad Johnson. Plaxico Burress. Now Jeremy Shockey has a shouting match with Giants General Manager, Jerry Reese. Guess whose was there?

"I’m just here to visit with my clients as they wrap up minicamp, to see the guys," Rosenhaus said. "That was my purpose for being here."

One of the top five things to do in sports is win back-to-back Super Bowls. The last time the Bengals had back-to-back winning seasons was 1981 (12-4) and 1982 (7-2). Easiest bit of research in my life. That was also the last time the Bengals appeared in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons; actually, it's the only time. We'll accomplish neither feat this season.

The NFL keeps tying everything down. It's odd use of video and the time frame before it's forced down (if you have permission in the first place). Now live blogging is strictly prohibited from the press box -- which means Cincinnati.com blogs may not blog during the game. Not that we care, right? If you're at home, you'll be here, right? Hello?

Die Hard 101 has a suggestion for Chad: "do us all a favor and go the hell away." We couldn't help to be hypnotized by the Mr. T animation, reminding us of Mr. T's Facts. "Mr. T was originally cast to play Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes. Unfortunately every time he said, 'whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?' Willis sh-t himself."

Chick Ludwig released his "fab five" -- five players that, in your opinion, are those that you must build around. Ludwig's are Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, Robert Geathers, Leon Hall and Keith Rivers. Personally, I'm too fickle to create a list. Mine would change more than any history of stable Ohio weather. But I'm going to do this anyway. Don't let the fact bother you I might have 20 updates by lunch-time amending my list.

1. Carson Palmer - No brainer.
2. Stacy Andrews - I really believe the Bengals need to get this guy signed to a long-term deal. He's versatile, young and able while Willie Anderson is close to retirement and Levi Jones has entertained a trade demand.
3. Robert Geathers - Even though his production slipped last season, Geathers can still have a monster career if he and Antwan Odom create match-up problems forcing tight ends and running backs to stay and block giving the defense an indirect advantage. There's a lot of expectations riding on the Geathers/Odom tandem this season.
4. Four DBs - OK, I'm cheating here. And I'm actually making this #4 and #5. But Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph, Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White combine for a youth movement with enough upside that gets me optimistically thinking that the Bengals could have one of the best secondaries by 2010.

There, my list. I know, awful. Who would you replace and why?

Since we already determined, with mad Nostradamus skillz, which players the Bengals will likely keep on the defensive line and at linebacker. Let's use our prophesy skills for defensive backs. In 2006 and 2007, the Bengals kept five cornerbacks. Let's name those that will likely be on the 2008 roster.

1. Johnathan Joseph
2. Leon Hall
3. Deltha O'Neal
4. Blue Adams
5. David Jones

Now, little is known of Simeon Castille and he could be just as likely to win a spot over Jones. I'm sure that spot on the depth chart will be mostly who contributes greater on special teams.

At safety:

1. Marvin White
2. Chinedum Ndukwe
3. Corey Lynch
4. Dexter Jackson
5. Herana-Daze Jones
6. Ethan Kilmer (if the team keeps six)
7. John Busing (unlikely)

There's been ideas propagated that the Bengals would release O'Neal before the season (for being disgruntled negatively influencing the younger players). That would seem very unlikely with guys like David Jones and Blue Adams to fight over the spot -- would you feel comfortable with either?

On the other hand, Dexter Jackson might not be so fortunate. His biggest strength is his leadership and veteran presence. Think about it, aside from Jackson, the Bengals will likely start two sophomores in White and Ndukwe. Kilmer will be entering his third season, Jones his fourth. Both are likely special teams players. Other than Willie Anderson and Michael Myers, Jackson's 10th season makes him one of the most experienced veterans on the team. The argument could be made that the Bengals will keep Jackson and release Busing and Kilmer to make room for White, Ndukwe, Jackson, Lynch and Jones -- the last two being special teams players. There's also the possibly that Busing or Kilmer could move to corner to help solidify that spot.

Regardless, the Bengals secondary is much more in the air than the front seven.