Morning-after scrimmage observations

GEORGETOWN, Ky. -- Whoever scouts wide receivers for the Bengals should get a raise. How they spotted Bennie Brazell in the seventh round is a great credit to the organization. Brazell is NFL-ready. He said last night his injury was leg cramps, not a hamstring pull.

The news on David Pollack might not be so fortunate for the Bengals. Pollack is believed to have a pulled hamstring, though nothing official has been released by the team. Pollack has had a strong training camp and is looking like the big-play linebacker the Bengals invested the No. 17 overall pick in in 2005.

Carson Palmer might be one of the most humble people on the planet. He spent his post-scrimmage news conference trying to re-direct questions toward his teammates, whom he praised for their hard work and contributions. Palmer's work ethic and professionalism influence the entire roster. ... Deltha O'Neal could be the Pro Bowl punt return man if the Bengals chose to use him that way. He's a great athlete and extremely intelligent. ... Chris Henry felt good about his performance in the scrimmage, adjusted by the Bengals' PR staff to read five catches for 117 yards, not the initial four for 80. Henry just needs to stay out of trouble off the field. He has first-round NFL talent. ... The Bengals might be better off, at least against the run, with ninth-year pro Brian Simmons in the middle instead of Odell Thurman. Simmons is ultra-disciplined and will play his assignment, which is of paramount importance in the Marvin Lewis/Chuck Bresnahan defense.

Lewis spent the week trying to tell reporters he wasn't a "defensive mind," but his heart is still with the team's defense, though he's winning on the strength of the offense. ... Linebacker Ahmad Brooks hits as hard as he runs fast. Brooks hit running back Kenny Watson during the scrimmage, and the impact could be heard across the field.