Bengals Banter: Impressions, Extensions And Interviews

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis on players that impressed him over the past few weeks.

"Every other of the nine draft picks, I’ve been pleased. I’m excited to have them. I think they all have opportunities to challenge here and make us a better team. There’s been obviously a lot of talk about Binns and (Brandon) Tate, you know, (Ryan) Whalen, what they’re doing. But I think the defensive side, what Brandon Ghee has done, Taylor Mays, Robert Sands, Jeromy Miles, that group, they’re coming in where we left open holes for guys to emerge and earn an opportunity to play, I’ve been pleased with what they’re doing."

+ Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese added his perspective on the meaningless Andy Dalton arm-strength debate.

+ Of all the NFL teams, did the Cincinnati Bengals improve themselves the most over the offseason?

+ Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis admitted on Thursday that there hasn't been any talks regarding a contract extension for a while. We'll have more on that later today.

+ Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu sits down with SB Nation from the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Hollywood.

+ Safety Taylor Mays' stock is rising. That being said Robert Sands and Jeromy Miles are making their own impacts, keeping the competition for starting strong safety fairly tight.

+ Cornerback Terence Newman is playing well during organized training sessions (where there's no contact). Hey. At least it's a start.

+ The new offseason schedule is creating some adjustment pains for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.