Bengals' view

September 29, 2007

Some links from Cincinnati on the Bengals' perspective heading into Monday night's game against the Patriots:

Defensive lineman John Thornton tells the Cincinnati Post that the Patriots' offense reminds him of the Colts. Thornton, now in his ninth season, is a Cincinnati captain. When he was a free agent after the 2002 season, following four seasons with the Titans, Thornton was hosted on a visit by the Patriots, who were exploring the possibility of signing him.

The Cincinnati Enquirer touches on the Bengals' injury situation, and adds some thoughts from head coach Marvin Lewis on the Patriots and Bill Belichick. "He has been able to get his players to buy in," Lewis said of Belichick. "He has been able to cultivate enough mature leadership, and they've become his lieutenants and assistants to his assistants throughout his football team. They learn. They study. They take advantage of everything they can. They play the game as hard mentally as physically."

In a commentary from the Cincinnati Post, the Bengals' drafting woes are explored.

The Columbus Dispatch notes that running back Rudi Johnson has played in 64 straight games, but is expected to miss Monday night's contest, likely to be replaced by Kenny Watson. Quarterback Carson Palmer touched on the situation: "We lose some things without Rudi being in there, but I think we also gain some things with Kenny. He's not as bulky as Rudi is. He's a little bit quicker. He's not going to run people over like Rudi does and break through every arm tackle. But what he lacks in size and power, he makes up for in quickness and speed and great hands out of the backfield."

Bengals left tackle Levi Jones, who recently signed a lucrative contract extension but played sparingly this season, expressed his frustration earlier in the week, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. The signs point to Jones seeing extended action Monday night.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 10:20:00 AM | E-mail | Link

Bengals' view

Post a comment