Thanks to reader R.F. Mehl for this Stephan A Smith piece that I missed. Generally speaking, I'm not a big Smith fan so I don't seek his stuff.

But Lewis feels very comfortable here, especially with job security. "I'm comfortable with my situation here, the people here. We've had a lot of injuries before the season. A lot of things happen to this franchise. Nobody hates losing more than me, but the folks here know the situation. I'm comfortable saying that."

I believe there is some truth to that, but I disagree that he should deflect everything to the "situation"; mostly game management, adjustments and retaining a certain offensive coordinator. I still believe Mike Brown seeks Lewis' opinion on personnel matters, though we're reminded on whom has the final say (aka, Chris Henry signing). The front office is incredibly problematic to the team's success. Defeated and unsure what simple blue collar folk like us can do about it, I can only conclude that "it is what it is". If you have a true solution, something in which that everyone can get behind, then hey, let's do it.

Another point that Smith makes that I disagree with is associating Henry's fate with Lewis'

But five years later, Lewis is clinging to his job, with Henry destined to cement his demise.

Every one of us question Browns' ability to put together a football franchise model. At the same time, the man is smart enough to realize that Henry was drafted with Brown's final say (right?) and re-signed by Brown. If Henry succeeds this season, and by all reports he's really turning everything around realizing this is his final shot at having a comfortable life, then it could save Lewis (if Lewis is in trouble, which in my honest opinion, I still don't think he is). If Henry doesn't turn things around, then Brown is smart enough to realize that it wasn't Lewis that brought him back, it was himself.

In the end, I think Smith failed; or tried to discuss Lewis' tenure by promoting the Rooney Rule. He tried to point out the players that have been in trouble during Lewis' tenure -- and aside from Henry, who Brown brought back, and drafting Shirley who Brown has a final say -- the Bengals aren't even on the radar when it comes to teams with troubled NFL players. We're promoted as such based on a stigma in one season (2006). To be fair, in Shirley's case (and by small extension, Cedric Benson's case), they were not with the Bengals organization during their "troubles".

Moving on to our links this college Saturday afternoon.

While Carson Palmer is questionable, likely a game-time decision, it's been expressed that even if Palmer plays, then there's no further damage he could suffer by throwing the ball. Getting hit on the elbow, is another matter.

In the past two seasons, the Cowboys are 7-1 after a loss -- losing their last back-to-back games in 2006. The 'Boys lost last week to the Redskins in Dallas.

I answered questions for Dave at Blogging the Boys (SB Nation Cowboys blog).

Chick Ludwig doesn't think that the Bengals can pull off the upset.

The Bengals waived Simeon Castille and signed/promoted linebacker Abdul Hodge of the practice squad. Hodge will wear #52.

The Bengals have until 4 p.m. on Saturday to activate Henry to the 53-man roster. If they miss the deadline, he can't play.

Regarding Henry, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said, “We’ll make that determination a little later. Obviously he got the messages. He spent the four weeks away … working his butt off.”

Lewis said he was impressed by Henry’s conditioning level this week. Henry took snaps on the scout-team offense against the first-team defensive and worked in with the regular offense.

The Bengals need Cedric Benson right away.

Carson Palmer has inflammation and sourness in his throwing elbow, making him questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Browns. Levi Jones showed up on the injury report by not practicing with a knee problem. On Thursday, Kenny Watson found his way on the injury reports with a hamstring injury. Watson and Palmer are questionable while Jones is probable. How do the Bengals include three players on the injury reports midway through the week?

Starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph hasn't practiced in two weeks, still listed as doubtful, and likely not playing for the second week in a row. Ben Utecht, still questionable, practiced fully on Friday after back-to-back limited participation. While still questionable, don't be surprised to see him in a limited capacity Sunday. How bad is Dexter Jackson's thumb injury, in that he'll miss his second consecutive game. Not that I've ever played safety, but I can't imagine the thumb is that critical to performance. But, I'm not there, so who knows.

Chad Johnson is being challenged by Mary Wineberg in a contest for a 400-meter sprint.

The Bengals are talking turnovers.

If the Bengals are looking to upgrade the center through the draft, why not Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs, or Cal's Alex Mack, or 'Bama's Antoine Caldwell, or Oregon's Max Unger?

Another reason that Paul Brown wouldn't understand today's NFL. "Giants, Burress close to a deal".

The New York Giants and receiver Plaxico Burress are reportedly close to an agreement regarding the veteran wideout’s two-week suspension, which as imposed would have caused him to miss only one game. Per Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com, the suspension would be reduced to one week. Surprisingly, however, Burress would still miss the October 5 game against the Seahawks.

So team suspends player, player's agent negotiates with team regarding suspension, and player's agent and team come to an agreement. This is not Paul Brown's NFL.

Jeremiah Castille, the father of Bengals DB Simeon Castille, caused "The Fumble" that denied the Browns the Super Bowl in the 1987 AFC Championship game. The Castille family won't likely get a Christmas card from Cleveland... ever. So why not carry that tradition?

Another suggests that Mike Brown needs to sell the team for the Bengals ever to sustain long-term success; of which, I totally agree. However, I'm a realist. I tend to gravitate towards Martin and Tolkien and even Lucas for my fantasy story-telling hour. Now, if someone actually has an idea, that not only is suggested, but actually implemented, then awesome. Otherwise, it is what it is.

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.

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.

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.