My take on chat questions with coordinators

We just finished the dual Online chat with Bengals coordinators Chuck Bresnahan and Bob Bratkowski. The chat guests dictate their answers, and I type them into my laptop. Then they get posted. I don't let anyone, even my co-workers, close to sources on my beat -- if I can help it. A repeated questions was will defensive tackle Sam Adams (Bresnahan) and quarterback Carson Palmer (Bratkowski) be ready for the opener Sept. 10 at Kansas City.

I think there is a better chance that Adams will be. He had a leg injury at the end of the season at Buffalo, which is lingering. He was checked out by Bengals doctors. He also has a history of having to use training camp to get his weight down and work his way into game shape. Adams always has been ready, and I see no reason he won't be ready this season.

As for Palmer, despite all the good news and legitimate quick pace to his recovery, there is no better than a 50-50 chance he will start against the Chiefs. I can't get away from the extent of the damage done to his left knee and how the opener will be eight months to the day from the date of Palmer's surgery. My assessment takes nothing away from Palmer's dedication to his rehab and his team. As good as a quarterback he is, he is a better person. For the fifth-highest paid athlete and a guy with a Heisman Trophy in tow, Palmer is down to earth and treats every one around him with respect.

As for who will start Sept. 10 if not Palmer, I've already written that I don't think it's even close. It will be Anthony Wright. He fits the offense better. He has a better arm. He moves better in the pocket.

As for the question for Bresnahan, asking if the defense will be better, I think it will be. But how much better? Can the defense be counted on to get those kind of takeaway numbers again? That's asking a lot. If the run defense is better and more consistent, which it should be because of Adams and the new set of safeties, the entire defense will be better.

And the question for Bratkowski about re-signing offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Eric Steinbach, unfortunately, I can't see the Bengals being able to bring both of them back. I hold to my opinion that Steinbach might even be a better NFL tackle than guard. He could be out of position at guard, not that he doesn't play guard extremely well. The Bengals can't have all of their salary cap money tied up on the offense and neglect the defense. There has to be a balance.