Kicking off weekend minicamp

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 1, 2007 3:44 PM EDT in Analysis

A question many have is whether we'll have the 2005 Deltha O'Neal or the 2006 version. He's back in Cincinnati for the mandatory weekend minicamp. Deltha says he wasn't so bad in 2006, he's not happy that Marvin aired his issues with O'Neal to the press and was disappointed for not getting a raise after 2005. Other than that..............

Also, in Hobson's latest, it appears there's some bad news about Chris Perry: "Marvin Lewis said running back Chris Perry is looking at starting his second straight season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and miss the first five games and six weeks of the regular season." (Bengals.com)

Hello, Kenny

Still hurt

Frostee Rucker "wasn't dressed with a bruised shoulder and knee".
Levi Jones rehabbing injured knee from last season.
Rudi Johnson, stomach virus.
Jeremi Johnson, sore hamstring.
Madieu Williams, sore hamstring.
Reggie Kelly is "ill".
Ronnie Ghent and Terrence Whitehead "are believed to be trying to get their foot injuries from last season squared away."
Greg Brooks, knee scoped.

Best quote: "We were humbled last year," (Reggie) Kelly said of missing the playoffs. "Guys' attitudes have changed."

Chick Ludwig provides his "five pressing issues facing the club":

Secondary... is it Leon Hall or Deltha O'Neal?
Linebacker... competition between 10 linebackers for "six or seven spots".
Who will be that #3 wide receiver while Chris Henry is on vacation?
The arrival of Kenny Irons.
Back up Tight End.. who will replace Tony Stewart?

Bengals.com
Enquirer
DDN

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Pressing Issues

My list is different:

1. The Offensive Line. Both Center and Guard likely will be guys with less than a year of experience. That concentrates the inexperience right in the middle. I expect Baltimore to test that right away in Game 1.

1b. And will the new guys in the O-line delay the offense going to the "no-huddle"?

2. Ahmad Brook. Talk is cheap; he has to produce if the defense is to get good.

3. Will Lewis give Odell Thurman a fair shot at winning a starting position?

4. Will the Defensive Tackle rotation improve over last year, stay the same (even with Sam Adams gone), or slip back and not be as good?

5. Who replaces Kevin Kaesviharn as the red zone defense specialist? Will the rest of the D-backs pick up for the likely fall off in end-zone interceptions? (Another reason to get Odell Thurman back in the game).

That's enough for now. As contact and injuries start, that will raise additional questions

by etabby on Jun 1, 2007 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

RE:

1. O-Line. I think that's valid. But remember, Whitworth and Eric G. played against the Ravens in the Bengals 13-7 win last season. Even more so, Eric G. left and was replaced by even less-experienced Ben Wilkerson. Even Eric G. played a majority of last season, so except for a few stints of injury and the first week against Kansas City, he had close to a full season.

But I really believe that this line will have more more stability than we saw when Whitworth and Eric G. took over for the injury Jones and Braham. If for anything, the experience both gained.

2. Absolutely agree.

3. I believe Lewis will give every chance to Thurman provided Lewis is confident that Thurman will take his opportunity and run with it. In other words, who knows.

4. Good question.

5. Another good question.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 2, 2007 12:23 PM EDT reply actions