Carlos Dunlap is back. Bernard Scott is back. Jason Allen is back. Dre Kirkpatrick, not so much. Remember earlier this offseason when we learned about his knee injury, then reflected on the players that the team signed during free agency and thought to ourselves, "We'll be fine. It's good. Allows him to slowly integrated into the defense." Compounded by Shaun Prater, another draft pick and Brandon Ghee's impressive offseason sessions, there was enough confidence to withstand Kirkpatrick's absence during the preseason.
Then it crashed to the ocean floor like the consequence of Dexter's dark passenger. Allen hasn't been healthy yet, Kirkpatrick suffered a setback, Prater and Ghee went on Injured Reserve and the team was forced to sign undrafted free agents as camp bodies -- and actually found someone worth developing in Chris Lewis-Harris in the process. Save for Reggie Nelson, the safety situation has a slightly more dire feel to it after the awareness of Taylor Mays' shortcomings washed away the fantasy for a fresh coat of reality.
It's a cautionary story that the headlines, storylines, perspectives and "feelings" from the offseason into the preseason are often torn away with a brutal fist of ouch. At one point the panicked question asked who the team would be forced to release. Now it's who will help save this secondary from the onslaught of passing quarterbacks and ball carriers with a swat-the-fly mentality.
Either way players formerly known as injured are making their way back after a full participation during practice on Wednesday.
+ The all-you-need-to-know Primer for this week between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins.
+ The week three power rankings has Cincinnati making little progress after beating the Cleveland Browns.
+ Bengals cornerback Adam Jones wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
+ Andrew Fox Miller writes up his weekly Fantasy Football advice for the Cincinnati Bengals.
+ The AP Pro 32 panel comments on the Cincinnati Bengals.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
+ Wide receiver Joshua Morgan was fending off threats from fans after a 15-yard penalty at the end of the game prevented the Redskins from tying the game against St. Louis.
+ Cornerback Josh Wilson, who returned a fumble for a touchdown last weekend, is cleared to play against the Bengals after suffering a concussion against the Rams.
+ Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III is on pace for 160 carries this year, 34 more than Cam Newton last season.
"I think it will die down over the course of the year," Griffin said. "Some games I’ll carry the ball 10 times. Some games I’ll carry the ball two times. It’s just a matter of how defenses are going go play."
+ RGIII has faced 15 blitzes so far this season, completing 13 passes for 316 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. Yep. That's a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
+ According to Hogs Haven, the defensive play-calling in the fourth quarter was taken over by defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. The defensive coordinator is currently Jim Haslet.