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For now, today, Chad Johnson is quiet.

If the tour of radio row and NFL Network at the Super Bowl, as well as the scripted message delivered Wednesday by Johnson, were the ideas of agent Drew Rosenhaus, credit Rosenhaus for doing his job.

If Johnson wants a new contract with a new team, he hired the right man in Rosenhaus. Look at what the agent has done for client Terrell Owens and many other NFL players. He's made them very rich men.

Some thoughts:

-- Chad Johnson was not the reason the Bengals were 7-9 last season. Coach Marvin Lewis and team president Mike Brown both defended Johnson from media criticism and talked of his value to the team.

-- If the Bengals are my team, I build around quarterback Carson Palmer. As long as he's throwing the ball and running the offense, you have a chance to win.

-- I take a serious look at going to the three-four defense with four linebackers. Odell Thurman appears to be on his way back from league suspension. He will have a chance to work with new position coach Jeff FitzGerald and coordinator Mike Zimmer, both self-described taskmasters.

-- If I were a Bengals fan, I like the fact that Zimmer ran into linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the locker room a couple of weeks ago doing rehab on his surgically-repaired groin. A second productive offseason in a row from Brooks is a harbinger of good things for the Bengals defense.

-- Add bodies to the offensive line, defensive line and secondary in the draft and free agency.

-- Re-sign linebacker Landon Johnson and safety Madieu Williams. Bringing Williams back allows the Bengals to let Deltha O'Neal go (he wants out with one year left on his contract) because Williams could work as the third cornerback or the nickel defender. Williams worked in that role in training camp last season.

-- Besides leading the defense in tackles three of the past four seasons, Johnson has worked on the punt cover team as the signal caller in front of Kyle Larson.

-- Run the ball next season. Make sure Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry and Kenny Irons have productive rehabs this offseason. Bring Johnson to training camp and see how he looks.

-- Keep close tabs on the health of offensive tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones.

-- If swingman Stacy Andrews is asking for starter's money, pay him. He is an invaluable sixth man on the offensive line and has a perfect attitude and work ethic.

Palmers could be 3rd set of Bengals brothers

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Carson Palmer and younger brother Jordan Palmer are trying to be the first set of quarterback brothers on the same team in the same NFL season in the Super Bowl era, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Jordan Palmer signed a two-year contract today with the Bengals. Carson is the four-year starting quarterback, a former Heisman Trophy winner and the highest-paid player on the team.

Ty and Koy Detmer both were with the 1997 Eagles, though Koy was on the injured reserve list and not on the active, 53-man roster.

Elias said dozens of brother combinations have been on the same team in the same season. The most recent was 2007 with nose tackle Remi Ayodele and linebacker Akin Ayodele in Dallas.

The Palmers could be the third set brothers to play for the Bengals in the same season. Running back Archie Griffin and cornerback Ray Griffin were with the Bengals from 1978-83. Defensive end Ross Browner and safety Jim Browner were with the Bengals in 1979 and 1980.

The Griffins both played at Ohio State. The Browners both were from Notre Dame. Carson Palmer played at Southern Cal. Jordan Palmer played at Texas-El Paso.

Yellow journalism

We have been characterized with practicing "yellow journalism" and "sensationalizing" comments made earlier this week by Chad Johnson's by linking to NFL Network's clip.

I want to thanks readers for the comments posted here, every last one of them; you add to the discussion. Simply put, Chad Johnson did make the comments, and we think it is newsworthy when a key Bengals player says he would like to play elsewhere.

Another NFL Network clip (give it a few seconds to load):

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8065c58b

Brothers in arms

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Jordan Palmer and big brother Carson talked before Jordan signed a two-year contract this morning to join the Bengals.

"We made sure we both understood that it's a business first, that I'll get out here and get my own life," Jordan told The Enquirer before boarding a plane back to California. "Still, whether it's football or another job, it's going to be fun to work with your brother."

Carson Palmer is 28 and headed into his sixth NFL season. Jordan is a first-year NFL player, a sixth-round draft pick last year by the Washington Redskins who played in just one preseason game before being waived Sept. 1. Jordan will turn 24 on May 30.

The reason Jordan was flying back to California?

"Carson is heading for the Super Bowl on Thursday," Jordan said. "I'm dog-sitting for him. Always the little brother."

Jordan is not physically little, just young. At 6-feet-5, 231 pounds, he started 42 games for Texas-El Paso and threw 88 touchdowns. The Bengals like his physical size, arm strength and overall strength.

"They see me as having the tools to play," Jordan said. "They have the confidence that they can coach and develop me into the player they want."

Coach? Jordan, through his brother, already knows quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski -- the only position coach and coordinator Carson has had in the NFL.

"They know I kind of fit the mold, too," Jordan said. "I'm not going to go in there and try to run around. I'm like Carson."

Jordan Palmer played in 46 career games (42 starts) for UTEP. He finished his UTEP career with 11,084 passing yards and 88 touchdown passes, both school records. As a senior in 2006, he set single-season records for passing yards (3595), completions (282), completion percentage (65.7) and passer efficiency (149.6).

The Bengals have two other quarterbacks under contract: Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jeff Rowe. Fitzpatrick is a restricted free agent, but he is expected to return to the Bengals. He was the No. 2 quarterback behind Carson Palmer.

When Jordan Palmer entered the 2007 draft, he and Carson didn't want Jordan to sign with the Bengals.

Why?

"There were 31 other teams out there," Jordan said. "It was important for me to go somewhere else and get my career established. Now it is different. He is a great guy to learn behind. I can learn a lot from Carson, and I will offer him all of the support I can."

Since he was waived by the Redskins in September, Jordan Palmer "flew all across the country and tried out for about 37 teams. I worked out. I got in great shape. I did some media and charity work. And I got ready for a chance like this."

Parents Bill and Danna Palmer are happy.

"Of course they are," Jordan said, "cheaper airfare and great photo ops."

Roster analysis: Special teams

Last and ninth in a series

Today: Special teams

Starters: Kicker Shayne Graham, punter Kyle Larson, long-snapper Brad St. Louis, kickoff return Glenn Holt, punt return Antonio Chatman.

Graham was 31 for 34 on field goals and improved his length on kickoffs. Larson is a steady performer and solid holder for Graham. St. Louis returned to anonymity as the long-snapper following a poor close to 2006 for all three of the specialists.

Holt filled in again after wide receiver Tab Perry was lost to injury as the kickoff return man and averaged 24.3 yards with a 100-yard touchdown. Chatman added some punch to the punt return game, but an upgrade still is needed there.

Overall, the kickoff and punt coverage teams were affected early in the season by injuries at linebacker and safety. But special teams coach Darrin Simmons' effort and talent showed in how he returned the Cincinnati kicking game to its previous performance once he was able to stablize the lineup. As long as Simmons is running the kicking game, the Bengals are in good shape.

Question: Simmons told The Enquirer last week that he would like the organization to invest in a kickoff and/or punt return man that puts fear in the hearts of opponents. Agree? Disagree? Is Holt good enough?

The Chad tour continues

Chad Johnson is at it again. The wide receiver is now lobbying for a trade to his hometown Miami Dolphins. (NFL Network, the league's in-house TV channel, aired the clip on one of its shows.)

Roster analysis: Defensive backs

Eighth in a series

Today: Defensive backs

Starters: Right cornerback Leon Hall, left cornerback Johnathan Joseph, strong safety Dexter Jackson, free safety Madieu Williams

Backups: Cornerback Deltha O'Neal, strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe, free safety Marvin White, safety Herana-Daze Jones (injured reserve), cornerback Blue Adams, safety John Busing, safety Kyries Hebert, cornerback David Jones

Youth was served in 2007, and youth served back. In the final two games, the Bengals started three rookies (Hall, Ndukwe and White) and second-year cornerback Joseph. They stuffed the high-flying Browns pass game with four interceptions, two by Ndukwe.

Maybe a testament to the lack of playmakers on the Bengals defense, but Ndukwe created more excitement with his play as a rookie than any Bengals defender in recent memory. His intelligence, instincts and effort more than make up for what might be a slight lack of speed. White is a hard hitter that has been missing, too. Hall rebounded from a slow start to show the savvy that made the Bengals call him pro-ready on draft day.

Joseph came back from a stress fracture in his foot to show the same closing speed that he displayed as a rookie.

Williams is a free agent the Bengals would like to re-sign; he wants to stay. Jackson might be released, though he has two years left on his contract. O'Neal has a year left on his deal and has asked directly and through the media to be released. But O'Neal's experience was a huge asset when he came in as a third cornerback. He still can play at a high level, though his inconsistency can be maddening to coaches and fans.

Question: How comfortable are you if the Bengals decide to go with Ndukwe and White as their starting safeties in 2008? Or do you re-sign Williams, who also can play cornerback?

Zampese likely to stay; Jackson talks to Miami

Former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders has moved to the head of the class for the same job with the Rams, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported.

The Redskins parted ways with Saunders and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams over the weekend, in the wake of the retirement of Joe Gibbs as head coach.

Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese and former Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson had been the only candidates for the Rams coordinators job to interview with head coach Scott Linehan.

Jackson spent 2007 as Atlanta Falcons coordinator, and he would like to stay in a play-calling position in the NFL. The Bengals would like to bring him back as receivers coach.

UPDATED: Jan. 29, 8:25 a.m.

The Palm Beach Post reported this morning that Jackson has interviewed for the offensive coordinator job with the Miami Dolphins, joining several other candidates.

Roster analysis: Linebackers

Seventh in a series

Today: Linebackers

Starters: Strong-side linebacker Rashad Jeanty, middle linebacker Landon Johnson, weak-side linebacker Dhani Jones

Backups: Ahmad Brooks, Anthony Schlegel, Corey Mays, Roy Manning, Jim Maxwell, Caleb Miller, Lemar Marshall, Eric Henderson, Odell Thurman

Four linebackers -- Brooks, Miller, Marshall and Henderson -- were lost early in the season to the injured reserve list. Miller, Marshall, Johnson and Jones are all eligible for free agency. The Bengals have made offers to Jones and Johnson that Jones is likely to accept but Johnson reject.

Johnson moved to middle linebacker and led the defense in tackles for the third time in four seasons. Still, he appears to be under-valued by the Bengals. Miller is gone. If Marshall is healthy after tearing his Achilles' tendon, he is a valuable and productive player.

The key here is Brooks, a potential dominating force in the middle who played well in the opener but aggravated a groin injury covering a kickoff in Week 2. He had surgery, and if he can put together a second consecutive strong offseason in the weight room and classroom, the Bengals have a real gem to build around defensively.

As is the case at running back, offseason decisions by the front office and solid, productive rehab programs for the players are vital if the Bengals want to avoid the chaos that afflicted their defense in 2007.

The linebackers have a new position coach in Jeff FitzGerald. Thurman, suspended by the NFL for the past two seasons, received permission to begin working out with the team. That decision most likely will lead to his reinstatement.

Question: Let's say the Bengals are switching to the three-lineman, four-linebacker base. Without adding players, though you can re-sign any of the free agents, who are your four starting linebackers in 2008?

NFL allows Thurman to train with team

Linebacker Odell Thurman has been cleared by the NFL to train and work out at the Bengals' Paul Brown Stadium facilities while he pursues possible reinstatement from an NFL suspension.

Thurman was not on the Bengals roster in 2006 or 2007, due to a suspension for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

"Odell remains on the league's suspended list, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet the conditions for reinstatement," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released this afternoon by the club. "If he is reinstated, he will then have to earn the confidence of our management and coaching staff that he is ready to compete for a roster spot as an active member of our team. In the meantime, he is allowed to work out with our strength and conditioning and our training staffs."

Thurman reported to Paul Brown Stadium late this past week to check in with Bengals staff, and he will be working at the facility in days to come. Per team policy regarding players on suspension, he is not cleared to do interviews with news media.

On Dec. 30, one of Thurman's representatives told The Enquirer that Thurman expects to learn after the Super Bowl whether he will be reinstated. He had applied in December.

Permission to workout is a strong signal that Thurman will be allowed back by the NFL.

Roster analysis: Defensive line

Sixth in a series

Today: Defensive line

Starters: DLE Robert Geathers, DRE Justin Smith, DT John Thornton, NT Domata Peko

Backups: E-T Bryan Robinson, E Jonathan Fanene, T Michael Myers, E Frostee Rucker.

Major changes are expected on the Cincinnati defensive line.

Smith and Robinson are unrestricted free agents. Robinson is unlikely to return, though he has proven to be a valuable swingman and sometimes starter. Smith is the big question mark. He had just two sacks in 2007, when he was paid an $8.644 million tender as the franchise player. Though he plays hard on every down, Smith needs to provide more pass rush. A problem could be the lack of overall talent around him.

Peko is a rising star in the middle. Rucker, a third-round pick in 2006, hasn't been healthy or prepared enough to get on the field consistently. Thornton is a smart player and a leader in the locker room, but he is one of the smallest tackles in the NFL. The Bengals had to move Geathers to strong-side linebacker at midseason because of injuries to the linebacker corps, a move that prevented him from getting close to the 10.5 sacks he had in 2006.

There is serious talk of a switch to a three-lineman base defense, the 3-4. One potential alignment could be Thornton and Rucker at ends with Peko as the nose tackle. Geathers would move to outside linebacker, where he could play the run and rush the passer.

No Bengals fan or observer would be surprised if the first-round draft pick in April is a defensive end.

Question: If you are the Bengals, do you switch from a four-lineman base defense to one with three linemen and four linebackers? Why? Why not?

Special teams needs return threat

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

As he looks ahead to his sixth season as Bengals special teams coach, Darrin Simmons sees a major need.

"We've got to have a legitimate guy returning kicks who can put fear into the other team's heart," Simmons said this week from Mobile, Ala., where he was part of the Bengals’ contingent scouting practices at the Senior Bowl college all-star game.

"There are several guys down here who flash. They have the ability to run. You want a guy who can really, really run."

Simmons pointed to division rival Baltimore’s investment of a third-round draft pick last year in return specialist Yamon Figurs. Figurs averaged 24.7 yards on 46 kickoff returns. He had a 94-yard touchdown.

"He helped them win games," Simmons said of Figurs. "We need somebody like that."

For the second season in a row, wide receiver Tab Perry, the team's No. 1 kickoff return man, was lost for most of the schedule with injury. And for the second year in a row, former rookie free agent Glenn Holt returned kickoffs. He was 16th in the NFL – just one spot behind Figurs – with a 24.-3-yard average and one touchdown.

"Glenn is what he is," Simmons said. "He had a pretty good year. You can't put the football on the ground."

Holt lost two fumbles on kickoff returns. Most damaging was his gaffe at the end of the three-point loss in Week 3 at Seattle.

Simmons was less pleased with the punt return production. Wide receivers Skyler Green and Antonio Chatman combined for a 4.9-yard average – last in the NFL – on 27 returns. Ideal is a return man gifted on both kickoffs and punts.

"You save on a roster spot if it's one guy," Simmons said. "We need to find somebody."

The Bengals were 17th in both covering kickoffs and punts. Both rankings were the result of improvement through a schedule which started with coverage units almost crippled by injuries at linebacker and safety.

In the blur of details that is an NFL season, and though he has yet to begin to breakdown the Bengals' performance in the kicking game, Simmons has one number seared in his mind.

The opening kickoff coverage team in the Week 3 at Seattle consisted of seven players who were not on the roster the year before and four – running back Clifton Dawson, cornerback David Jones and linebackers Dhani Jones and Anthony Schlegel – who weren’t even with the team a month earlier at training camp.

"We were pretty devastated by injuries," Simmons said. "It was no big secret. We had no continuity. It hurt our team early in the year. We had no ability to control field position. We didn’t make plays to help us. We were giving up plays that hurt us."

Simmons appreciated how his coverage players persevered.

"They understood what their role was," he said. "Whether they were on another team or on the street (as a free agent) the light comes on when the phone isn’t ringing off the hook (with job offers)."

Besides a dangerous kick return specialist, Simmons is looking for healthy athletes in 2008.

Second-year safety Ethan Kilmer, who was second as a rookie in 2006 with 18 tackles on special teams, was lost for the season after undergoing knee surgery in August.

"One of our top players," Simmons said of Kilmer.
S
afety Herana-Daze Jones, who ended up leading special teams with 18 tackles, nonetheless was lost to a knee injury. He played in just nine games.

"We had a guy or two out before last year, but we lost so many guys last season," Simmons said. "It’s important that we stay well."

Roster analysis: Offensive line

Fifth in a series

Today: Offensive line

Starters: LT Levi Jones, LG Andrew Whitworth, C Eric Ghiaciuc (injured reserve), RG Bobbie Williams, RT Stacy Andrews

Backups: RT Willie Anderson, C Alex Stepanovich, G-T Scott Kooistra, C Dan Santucci, G Nate Livings, T Adam Kieft

What he described as a mis-directed knee rehab by the Bengals medical staff slowed Jones' return from offseason knee surgery and made him ineffective for the first month and a half of the season. Anderson's heel and knee injuries forced him to miss nine games; he was limited to five starts.

The Bengals pin much of their season-long problems with the rush offense on injury problems at tackle.

Word is emerging that Ghiaciuc might be too small to withstand the unrelenting push from huge defensive tackles. Bright spots were the development of Andrews and Whitworth. Andrews started 14 games, 11 at right tackle and three at left guard, and is sure to attract attention in unrestricted free agency. He earned a lot of money with his performance and attitude in 2007. Whitworth is a pro who moved from left tackle into left guard with ease.

As is the case at running back and linebacker, prospects for the offensive line in 2008 depend largely on effective, productive injury rehab in the offseason. Players need to arrive healthy at training camp. The Bengals might also need to look for a bigger center in free agency and need to be constantly in search of depth.

Question: How confident are you that starting tackles Jones and Anderson can return healthy and start and play most of the games, or do you throw starter money at Andrews in free agency?

Pollack: Will decide after Feb. 8

Bengals linebacker David Pollack is working out in an attempt to return to the NFL. He suffered a fractured neck in the second game of the 2006 season.

Pollack has an appointment with his doctor Feb. 8 and said he will fast and pray about his future before making an announcement on a possible return to the field.

A full story is posted on enquirer.com.

Roster analysis: Wide receivers

Fourth in a series

Today: Wide receivers

Starters: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Backups: Chris Henry, Glenn Holt, Antonio Chatman, Tab Perry (injured reserve), Marcus Maxwell, Bennie Brazell (injured reserve)

Johnson and Houshmandzadeh had huge statistical seasons. Houshmandzadeh tied New England's Wes Welker for the NFL lead with 112 receptions and made the Pro Bowl. Johnson broke his single-season franchise mark with 1,440 receiving yards but is now sulking and saying if he is indeed a problem that he should be traded.

It's a mistake to think Houshmandzadeh could post such good numbers without Johnson's presence on the field. So forget the idea that the Bengals should trade Johnson -- they won't -- and promote Henry to starter. The overall production would fall off dramatically.

Still, for a veteran group, the receivers at times showed a lack of professionalism and made fundamental mistakes in route running. Palmer, who wasn't as sharp with his accuracy as in season's past, made veiled comments that the constant complaints from his top receivers wore him out as the disappointing season wore down. Henry was inconsistent after coming back from his eight-game NFL suspension.

Perry will try to come back from a second lost season because of his hip injury. Chatman is an unrestricted free agent. Don't be surprised if the Bengals use a third- or fourth-round draft pick on a wide receiver.

Question: How, if at all, would you change the composition of the wide receiver group?

Redskins moves might affect Bengals

The Washington Post is reporting tonight that the Redskins are expected to announce Jim Fassel as their new head coach. The Redskins also are expected to hire Seahawks quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn as their offensive coordinator.

Former Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, offensive coordinator in Atlanta last season and Washington's offensive coordinator in 2003, was hoping to get an interview to return as Redskins coordinator.

Now Jackson and Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese are two of the leading candidates to get the coordinator job in St. Louis. Both have interviewed with Rams head coach Scott Linehan.

The Bengals would like to bring Jackson back to coach wide receivers.

FitzGerald is new linebackers coach

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals linebackers can expect to hear a lot about Ray Lewis from their new position coach.

Jeff FitzGerald, who was announced today as the team's new linebackers coached, handled Lewis and the rest of Baltimore's star-studded linebacker corps for the past four seasons.

"Everyone can get better," FitzGerald told The Enquirer in a phone interview tonight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

That list includes Ray Lewis.

"He was always eager and wanted to get better," said FitzGerald, whose stop with the Bengals will be his fifth as an NFL position coach. "He worked his (butt) off in practice. I was always jumping all over the other guys. `You can’t run around the way he runs around, and he has accomplished everything?'"

FitzGerald, 47, takes over a position group whose success or failure in 2008 will be pivotal in the overall fortunes of the team and a defense searching for redemption.

The Bengals are toying with the idea of switching from a defensive scheme that uses three linebackers to one that employs four, known as the 3-4.

The Bengals placed four linebackers on the season-ending injured reserve list in 2007, including rising third-year player Ahmad Brooks.

"I am told we have some potential difference-maker players," said FitzGerald, who met late last week with head coach Marvin Lewis and new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer at Paul Brown Stadium.

In addition, the Bengals are expected to regain the services of promising pass-rush outside linebacker Eric Henderson (wrist) and possibly Odell Thurman, a play-maker as a rookie who was suspended the past two years for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The Bengals might be considering a move to outside linebacker for defensive end Robert Geathers.

FitzGerald is all about linebackers. He played linebacker at Oregon State before a knee injury ended his career. Three of his four pervious NFL coaching stints – Baltimore, Arizona and Washington; he worked with defensive backs and special teams at Tampa Bay from 1990-93 – were as linebackers coach.

"I think I bring I bring a lot," he said. "I'm going to be able to help these guys develop. It is my job and obligation to bring them along and make them thorough linebackers: blitzing, against the run, zone (pass coverage) drops, man-to-man coverage. I'm going to make them better football players."

As Ravens linebackers coach from 2004-07, FitzGerald became just the second position coach to have four of his players named to the Pro Bowl team (2006). They were Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was formerly Baltimore's defensive coordinator but had not worked with FitzGerald before. Still, they were professional friends.

"Jeff’s recent experience is in our AFC North division, and he's been instrumental in a very successful performance by the Ravens' front seven," Marvin Lewis said in a statement released by the Bengals. "He does a great job communicating with his players, and we are excited to have him on our staff."

Zimmer was announced as defensive coordinator last week.

"We sat down for a couple of days," Zimmer told The Enquirer in a phone interview this afternoon from Mobile, Ala., home of the Senior Bowl. "I am impressed with him."

FitzGerald has local coaching roots. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati in 1985.

Before working in Baltimore, he coached in the NFL at Tampa Bay (1990-93), Washington (1998-99) and Arizona (2000-03).

FitzGerald replaces Ricky Hunley, fired Jan. 2.

FitzGerald was fired along with Ravens head coach Brian Billick and Billick's entire staff Dec. 31. New Ravens coach John Harbaugh did not contact FitzGerald.

"I felt it was time to go," said FitzGerald, whose goal is to become a defensive coordinator in the NFL. "It was time to move onto new challenges. The Bengals have so much upside. The offense is awesome. It’s kind of like the tables are turned from how it was in Baltimore.

"I am a stickler for details. I will take any player where he is and work to make him better."

Roster analysis: Tight ends

Third in a series

Today: Tight ends

Starter: Reggie Kelly

Backups: Daniel Coats, Nate Lawrie, Brad St. Louis (long-snapper)

The annual anguish of many Bengals fans is the lack of a top receiving tight end. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski want a top-blocking tight end, and they have that person in Kelly. Kelly also is one of the best teammates in the locker room. Still, like the offensive line, Kelly's work in the run game will need work in 2008.

Still, he is little threat in the pass game as a receiver -- but watch him block in the no-huddle or shotgun formations -- and he had a 10.6-yard average on 20 receptions.

Coats, a rookie free agent from Brigham Young, had 12 receptions and shows some savvy as a receiver. Lawrie is a smart, team-oriented player who contributed on special teams. The Bengals could really shake up their offense by adding a complete tight end who gets the ball more than one time a game.

Question: Would you spend a third- or fourth-round draft pick to acquire a tight end that might be a little lacking as a blocker but who could give Carson Palmer an option in the middle of the field as a solid receiver?

Bratkowski: Fix run game

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

The process of retooling the NFL's 10th-ranked Bengals offense was still in the incubator stage today in Mobile, Ala.

Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, the offensive assistant coaches, coach Marvin Lewis and team scouts and executives were on hand to watch practice for the Senior Bowl.

The analysis of draft-eligible players, including those playing in the Senior Bowl, regarded as the premier college all-star game, and the study of veteran free agents has just begun.

"I have a list of all the free agent guys back on my desk in the office," Bratkowski said in a phone interview from Mobile. "We'll spread our time out when we get back. We’ll spend half a day analyzing the (Bengals 2007) offense and another half day assessing the free agents."

Heading into his eighth season as Bengals offensive coordinator, Bratkowski didn’t have much to say about specific college stars or veterans who will enter the free-agent market Feb. 29.
"In reality, there's not much I can tell you," he said.

But though Bratkowski and his staff have not fully studied the 2007 season, he does know what needs to happen to make 2008 more productive.

"It's obvious. We have to generate more in the run game," he said of the rush offense, which was ranked 24th at 97.3 yards a game. Only five times in 16 games did the Bengals rush for more than 100 yards.

In addition, "We need to develop a little bit better consistency," Bratkowski said.

Six times the Bengals failed to score more than 19 points in the game.

Three times the Bengals scored 13 points, and once they were held to 10. They lost all four games.

Roster analysis: Running backs

Second in a series

Today: Running backs

Starters: TB Rudi Johnson, FB Jeremi Johnson

Backups: TB Kenny Watson, TB DeDe Dorsey, TB Chris Perry, TB Kenny Irons, TB Quincy Wilson.

Like linebacker, the Bengals running back position looked like a M*A*S*H unit in 2007. Perry (ankle, shin) and Irons (knee) didn't play because of injuries. Dorsey, a pleasant surprise on offense and special teams, ended on IR with a high ankle sprain. Rudi Johnson missed five games because of a hamstring.

Watson was the most durable, playing in all 16 games with five starts. He lead the team with 763 rush yards and five touchdowns and added 374 yards on 52 receptions. The bodies and talent are here. It's just a matter of sorting through the injuries in the offseason and making sure players are ready to contribute once the season starts. The medical/rehab staff must get players such as Perry and Irons pointed in the right direction to make maximum use of the offseason off-time.

Rudi Johnson might be a salary cap casualty, but why not bring him to training camp to see if he has recovered from the hamstring issues that affected him in 2007. He had been incredibly durable.

The Bengals might be tempted to draft another running back, having received very little from first-rounder Perry in 2004 and second-rounder Irons last year.

Question: Who are your starting offensive backfield (tailback and fullback) and two backups to open the 2008 season?

Postscript: The 80-percent stat attributing those incomplete passes to route-running errors in the quarterbacks installment is an estimate that came from inside the Bengals organization.

Purcell grad Wright on Pats IR list

Mike Wright, a third-year Patriots defensive tackle who played at Purcell-Marian and the University of Cincinnati, was placed on the injured reserve list Dec. 13. The 295-pound lineman played in nine games for the Patriots with one start, registering 10 tackles and .5 sack. He will not play in the Super Bowl because of his injured-reserve status.

Roster analysis: Quarterbacks

Beginning today, for the next nine days, I will take a quick look at the Bengals roster by position group and seek reader response to a related question.

Today: Quarterbacks

Starter: Carson Palmer

Backups: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe

Palmer, in his fourth year as starter, set a single-season franchise record with 4,131 yards, but his touchdowns were down and interceptions up in 2007. His 20 interceptions tied for most in the NFL. Palmer took every snap, fortunately, for the Bengals. They let backup Doug Johnson go after the last preseason game and traded for Fitzpatrick. As long as Palmer is healthy, the Bengals are strong at quarterback and a competitive team.

It's estimated that 80 percent of the Palmer throws in 2007 that looked errant were indeed the responsibility of receivers running the incorrect route, even by a yard or two. The line protected the quick-thinking Palmer, who rarely holds onto the football too long, with a frachise single-season low 17 sacks. The team's receivers need to regain the route-running discipline that abandoned them too frequently this past season. A consistent run offense also would help.

Question: Do the Bengals need to shop in the offseason for a more qualified backup than Fitzpatrick?

53 underclassmen in draft

The National Football League announced today the names of 53 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2008 NFL draft, April 26-27.

Each of the 53 players has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and each has submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. The deadline for receiving applications was January 15.

The players declared eligible are:

Player, Pos., College
Albert, Branden G Virginia
Anderson, L.J. G Central Florida
Arrington, Adrian WR Michigan
Bennett, Earl WR Vanderbilt
Bennett, Martellus TE Texas A&M
Bess, Davone WR Hawaii
Bobo, Demario DB Mississippi State
Campbell, Calais DE Miami
Charles, Jamaal RB Texas
Clady, Ryan T Boise State
Collins, Anthony T Kansas
Dingle, Johnny DE West Virginia
Dunbar, Franklin T Middle Tennessee
Finley, Jermichael TE Texas
Flowers, Brandon DB Virginia Tech
Geathers, Jeremy DE Nevada-Las Vegas
Gholston, Vernon DE Ohio State
Grice-Mullen, Ryan WR Hawaii
Guion, Letroy DT Florida State
Hardy, James WR Indiana
Harvey, Derrick DE Florida
Hayes, Geno LB Florida State
Henderson, Erin LB Maryland
Ikegwuonu, Jack DB Wisconsin
Jackson, DeSean WR California
Johnson, Josh LB Marshall
Jones, Felix RB Arkansas
Kelly, Malcolm WR Oklahoma
King, Justin DB Penn State
Lee, Xavier QB Florida State
Lofton, Curtis LB Oklahoma
Lymon, Selwyn WR Purdue
Manningham, Mario WR Michigan
Mayo, Jerod LB Tennessee
McFadden, Darren RB Arkansas
Mendenhall, Rashard RB Illinois
Merling, Phillip DE Clemson
Morgan, DaJuan DB North Carolina State
Myles, Lamar LB Louisville
Penix, Sean WR Arkansas
Phillips, Kenny DB Miami
Rachal, Chilo G Southern California
Reynaud, Darius WR West Virginia
Rice, Ray RB Rutgers
Scandrick, Orlando DB Boise State
Sims, Pat DT Auburn
Slaton, Steve RB West Virginia
Smith, Kevin RB Central Florida
Smith, Reggie DB Oklahoma
Stewart, Jonathan RB Oregon
Talib, Aqib DB Kansas
Thomas, Devin WR Michigan State
Urrutia, Mario WR Louisville

Hue Jackson interviews with Rams

Former Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson has interviewed for the vacant St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator job. He and Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese are the only two candidates to have interviewed with head coach Scott Linehan.

UPDATED: 6:40 p.m.

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com
The Bengals are expected to announce their linebackers coach Friday, and attention focuses on a disposed Miami Dolphins defensive coach.

Meanwhile, the Bengals might have an opening on their offensive staff soon, too. Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese is one of two candidates to interview with St. Louis head coach Scott Linehan for the Rams vacant offensive coordinator job.

The other candidate also has Bengals ties. Former Cincinnati wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, who spent the ill-fated 2007 season as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator, is the other applicant interviewed by Linehan.

If Zampese were to get the job in St. Louis, where he was an assistant coach from 2000-02, the Bengals might shift current receivers coach Mike Sheppard to handle quarterbacks. And if Jackson weren’t to land a coordinator’s job in St. Louis or Washington – where he was coordinator in 2003 – he might be interested in returning to the Bengals. His goal is to remain as an NFL play-caller.

Besides St. Louis and Washington, offensive coordinator jobs are open in Atlanta and Baltimore. The Redskins, Falcons and Ravens still need to hire head coaches. Tennessee's offensive coordinator job was filled Thursday when Broncos assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger returned to the job he held with the Titans from 2000-04 under head coach Jeff Fisher.

In Miami, which is starting to look like Dallas East, new head coach Tony Sparano – most recently Cowboys assistant head coach -- is expected to bring Cowboys linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni with him.

Former Dolphins linebackers coach George Edwards is available, and he has direct ties to both Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Edwards was assistant defensive coordinator/linebackers coach under coordinator Lewis in Washington in 2002 and replaced Lewis when he was hired as Bengals head coach in 2003. Edwards also was Dallas linebackers coach from 1998-01, those final two seasons coinciding with Zimmer’s first two seasons as Cowboys defensive coordinator.

No word today on linebackers coach

The Bengals are expected to announce their linebackers coach Friday. He will replace Ricky Hunley, fired Jan. 2.

The linebackers position is the only coaching vacancy on the Bengals staff.

Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese is a top candidate to replace Greg Olson as St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator. Zampese was an assistant coach in St. Louis from 2000-02.

On Zimmer, and who would you keep?

Question: Which of the Bengals defensive free agents do you re-sign if you're making the decisions? Or not? Why?

Defensive line: End Justin Smith, end-tackle Bryan Robinson.

Linebacker: Landon Johnson, Dhani Jones, Lemar Marshall, Caleb Miller.

Secondary: Madieu Williams.

Mike Zimmer, introduced Wednesday as Bengals defensive coordinator, certainly has an impressive resume with seven years experience as Cowboys coordinator, followed by one year trying to hold together the defense as the Atlanta Falcons fell apart.

Chuck Bresnahan, Zimmer's predecessor, did, too.

The most impressive element in Zimmer's background might be his ability to work for Bill Parcells and to have been re-hired off the previous Cowboys staff by Parcells.

Zimmer looks like the right fit at the right time for the Bengals.

So did Bresnahan.

Head coach Marvin Lewis talked about the need for he and his coordinator to be aligned philosophically. He and Zimmer talked about Zimmer's visit to Baltimore when Lewis was Ravens coordinator and Zimmer had just completed his first season as Cowboys coordinator.

But was Zimmer the first choice? Was it Rex Ryan, the former Ravens coordinator now a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons head-coaching job?

Moot point now.

Zimmer said all the right things Wednesday. How much control will he have, though, or is he essentially a puppet for Lewis' role as de facto coordinator?

Lewis talked about how Zimmer agreed to fit into what the Bengals were already doing defensively.

I asked Lewis about Bresnahan's comment in an Enquirer interview, about how Bresnahan lamented the unfinished business of fixing the defense and convincing management to spend a more equitable amount of salary cap money on the defense, compared to the offense.

"Chuck worked his tail off for us," Lewis said. "We'll let it go at that."

Zimmer's success as coordinator might depend on how much latitude Lewis gives him and if the organization, indeed, will spend more defensively. Will Zimmer be able to maintain the fire that apparently burns inside as a coach? Or he will become defeated in Cincinnati?

The secondary appears to be in good shape, thanks to some smart drafting. Proven depth is needed, though, especially if the team terminates the contracts of cornerback Deltha O'Neal and safety Dexter Jackson. Re-signing safety Madieu Williams would be smart because he also can play cornerback.

Linebacker is an interesting position because of the injured players who will return, namely Ahmad Brooks and Eric Henderson. Will the team re-sign any of the following combination of free agent linebackers: Landon Johnson, Dhani Jones, Lemar Marshall? I would sweeten the deal to keep Johnson. He is something few defensive players have been for the Bengals -- reliable and consistently productive, though not flashy. Johnson can play any of the three linebacker positions well.

Most of the heavy lifting from a personnel perspective needs to be done on the defensive line. Veteran Bryan Robinson, for one, is gone. Offensive lineman Adam Kieft was moved into Robinson's long-time locker cubicle at Paul Brown Stadium. Will the Bengals spend anything in free agency? Lewis said again Wednesday that free agency doesn't fix NFL teams.

Justin Smith was the team's franchise player, as designated in free agency, which cost the Bengals $8.64 million for one season. He had two sacks.

Annoucement to come

The Bengals are expected to make the announcement on their linebackers coach later today. Ricky Hunley was fired Jan. 2, along with defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer had a big hand in selecting the linebackers coach.

Agency signs Lewis, other coaches

This release popped in Wednesday from Octagon, an entertainment representation agency whose clients include NFL players and now three more coaches, including the Bengals' Marvin Lewis.

McLean, VA (January 16, 2008) – Octagon today announced the signing of NFL head coaches Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars), Herman Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs) and Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals) to representation agreements.

The talented trio joins Octagon’s accomplished list of collegiate and professional coaches including former Super Bowl Champion and current CBS analyst Bill Cowher; collegiate head coaches Chris Petersen (Boise State), Jeff Tedford (University of California) and Tyrone Willingham (University of Washington); and NFL assistant coaches Greg Knapp (Oakland Raiders) and Tim Lewis (Carolina Panthers).

“Octagon is proud to represent these highly regarded and accomplished head coaches,” said Phil de Picciotto, Octagon’s President of Athletes & Personalities. “All three have achieved on-field success and, more importantly, are men of high character and great distinction. We look forward to adding value to their career development and off-field profiles.”

Lewis: Chad won't be traded

The Bengals had a news conference at 11 this morning to introduce Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator, but the most telling answer was head coach Marvin Lewis' take on Chad Johnson's radio-broadcast trade demand.

"There will be no trade of Chad Johnson," Lewis said after he and Zimmer both discussed the team's defense. "He felt he was unduly chastised, ridiculed, we defended him then. ... He is a professional football player. He is a Cincinnati Bengal for quite a while."

Lewis also left open the possibility of more changes on his coaching staff. Quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese has interviewed for the Rams offensive coordinator job. Falcons offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who coached Bengals wide receivers for three seasons, is rumored to be coming back to Cincinnati but is in the race for coordinator jobs in St. Louis and Washington.

"It is not an imminent possibility now," Lewis said of a potential Jackson reunion.

In Zimmer, 51, the Bengals have a coach with eight years NFL experience as a defensive coordinator. He is Lewis' third, a position, Lewis said, "I haven't got this right once before."

Lewis and Zimmer said they are philosophically aligned defensively, but that's what Lewis said three years ago about Chuck Bresnahan when he replaced Leslie Frazier.

Lewis said Zimmer's primary job is to create an identity with the defense. Lewis wants a tough, physical defense.

"To be tough, you have to be coached tough," Zimmer said. "I'm an aggressive coach, a tough coach. ... Typically, I can (holler) and (be a) screamer. I'm a stickler for doing things right -- big on technique, play hard all the time, (have) hands in the right place, feet in the right place."

Paper: Zampese talks to Rams

Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese met in St. Louis with Rams coach Scott Linehan about the team's vacant offensive coordinator position, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported today.

Zampese was one of Marvin Lewis' original hires on his first Bengals staff and has has coached quarterbacks with the Bengals for five seasons.

Before being hired by Lewis, Zampese was an assistant in St. Louis under head coach Mike Martz from 2000-02. Zampese was wide receivers coach in 2001 and passing game coach in 2002. Zampese, who interviewed for the Panthers coordinator job and was offered the coordinator position with the Jets, is the Bengals staff member most primed for advancement.

Zampese, 40, has not returned messages left on his cell phone by The Enquirer.

Don't look for Hue here

Hue Jackson won't return to Cincinnati unless he gets the offensive coordinator job. He won't be coming back to coach wide receivers again.

Jackson has told associates in Atlanta, where he spent the ill-fated 2007 Falcons season as offensive coordinator, that he has possible opportunities to call offensive plays in Washington or St. Louis.

The Bengals had wanted to get Jackson to come back to coach wide receivers, a group of strong personalities and big egos that Jackson was able to harness for the betterment of the team.

PS: These posts were delayed because Blogger software malfunctioned again.

Bengals hire Zimmer as coordinator

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

The Bengals today hired Mike Zimmer as their third defensive coordinator since Marvin Lewis was brought in as head coach in January 2003.

Zimmer replaces Chuck Bresnahan, who was fired Jan. 2 after three seasons as coordinator.

Zimmer has eight seasons of NFL experience as a defensive coordinator.

He coordinated the Atlanta Falcons defense in 2007 under former head coach Bobby Petrino, who had re-signed late in the season to become head coach at Arkansas.

He had left Dallas following the resignation of former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells after the 2006 season. Zimmer, Dallas’ defensive coordinator since 2000, was retained as coordinator by Parcells.

With the Bengals, Zimmer, 51, will be expected to elevate the performance of a defense that is widely regarded as the reason Cincinnati has reached the playoffs just once in five seasons under Lewis.

In the past five seasons, starting with 2007, the Bengals defense has ranked 27th, 30th, 28th, 19th and 28th in total yards allowed per game in the 32-team NFL.

Leslie Frazier was fired as defensive coordinator following the 2004 season, when the defense’s 19th rank would last as the best in five seasons under Lewis.

Lewis came to national prominence as coordinator of the dominant Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl-winning defense in 2000.

Zimmer was credited as coordinator in Dallas for moving its defense from a three-linebacker to four-linebacker scheme, a possibility this offseason with the Bengals. Still, Zimmer is said to prefer the 4-3 defensive setup.

Zimmer and Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski were both on the Weber State staff from 1981-85.

During his time in Dallas, Zimmer established himself as one of the NFL's top defensive minds with a fundamentally sound and aggressive scheme. After joining the staff in 1994 as secondary coach, he was promoted to coordinator in 2000

Through the tumultuous Falcons 2007 season – starting with the NFL suspension of quarterback Michael Vick and crashing with Petrino’s resignation – Zimmer’s defense played hard and somewhat productively. Still, at the end of the season, the Falcons’ defensive rankings were comparably as poor as Cincinnati’s. Atlanta was ranked both 29th in points (25.9) and yards (355.5) allowed per game; the Bengals were 24th in points allowed (24.1) and 27th in yards (348.8).

The Bengals defense appears to be primed for an offseason makeover. Four starters can be unrestricted free agents beginning Feb. 29 – linebackers Landon Johnson and Dhani Jones, end
Justin Smith and safety Madieu Williams. The Bengals are trying to re-sign all four players.

The Bengals also should regain the services of several linebackers injured in 2007, primarily Ahmad Brooks and Eric Henderson.

The personnel could be there to make the switch to a four-linebacker scheme.

Zimmer was chosen ahead of several other candidates, mainly current Bengals defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle and consultant Donnie Henderson.

The Bengals were denied permission to interview Carolina Panthers defensive backs coach Tim Lewis. Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan was interviewed for head-coaching positions with the Ravens, Dolphins and Falcons. Though dismissed by the Ravens Dec. 31 as part of a gutting of their staff, including former head coach Brian Billick, Ryan remained under the team’s thumb because he has one year remaining on his contract. The Ravens were not going to let Ryan leave to join the staff of an AFC North division rival.

Arranging deck chairs

There could be some resolution before the end of the day with two head-coaching vacancies.

The Ravens have offered their top job to Dallas offensive coordinator John Garrett, following a second interview Monday and today, though Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might match the offer to keep Garrett in Dallas, according to ESPN.

And The Miami Herald is reporting that Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, recently with the Cowboys as scouting director, was en route to Dallas to pick up Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano and bring him back to Florida, where the Dolphins would name him head coach to replace Cam Cameron.

There is a trickle-down effect that affects the Bengals.

Mike Zimmer, who interviewed Jan. 4 for the Bengals defensive coordinator vacancy, was on the Dallas staff as an assistant and then coordinator from 1994 through 2006. Zimmer and Sparano coached together in Dallas for Bill Parcells, now Miami's vice president in charge of football operations.

If Garrett takes the Baltimore job and Sparano the Miami post, that would leave just Atlanta as an opening for a head coach. Garrett, though having just completed his first season as the Dallas coaching staff, was the Cowboys backup quarterback from 1993-99 and is likely to know Zimmer, too.

And if Garrett gets the Baltimore job, that leaves former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan with the possible choice to go to work for the man who beat him out for the job. Ryan interviewed for the head-coaching positions in Baltimore, Miami and Atlanta.

The Bengals might be holding out for Ryan, who still would need permission from the Ravens to interview with the Bengals. Baltimore is unlikely to grant it to a division rival. Ryan remains under contract for next season in Baltimore.

Zimmer, given his relationship with Garrett and Sparano, might have several defensive coordinator jobs from which to choose.

Late this afternoon, the Tennessee Titans announced that Norm Chow would not be retained as offensive coordinator. Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese might be a candidate for that job. If Zampese were to leave, his departure would create an opening on the staff in Cincinnati to allow for the return of Hue Jackson as wide receivers coach.

Chess pieces on a board

Word from Atlanta over the weekend is that Hue Jackson, Falcons offensive coordinator in 2007, could be re-hired by the Bengals. Officially, the Falcons, still searching for a head coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who quit, have given the Bengals permission to interview Jackson. Jackson has told associates in Atlanta that he is confident he could be back on the Bengals staff quickly.

In fact, both of Atlanta's 2007 coordinators, defensive boss Mike Zimmer and Jackson, could end up on Cincinnati's staff in the near future. Zimmer interviewed with the Bengals for their vacant coordinator job Jan. 4 and is the top candidate.

Jackson had a successful run from 2004-06 as Bengals wide receivers coach and played a big role in the further development of Chad Johnson, the emergence of T.J. Houshmandzadeh as an eventual Pro Bowl player and the grooming of 2005 rookies Chris Henry and Tab Perry. Jackson's greatest asset was his ability to communicate with his position players and the way he kept a collection of strong personalities in check and focused.

But there are no openings on the offensive staff at this point.

One possible shift to keep an eye on:

No coach on the Bengals staff is ripe for promotion or advancement like five-year quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. He interviewed for the offensive coordinator position at Carolina and was offered the coordinator job by Jets coach Eric Mangini. Zampese chose to stay with the Bengals.

Zampese's name is likely to surface again in the next couple of weeks as a strong candidate for another coordinator position, once head-coaching jobs are settled in places such as Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta.

If Zampese were to leave for another job, current Bengals wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard, a former quarterbacks coach with the Saints (2002-04), could slide over to coach quarterbacks, creating room for Jackson to return as wide receivers coach.

No one is saying this, but I will. (Again, this opinion is mine and is not based on anything I was told.) But I would guess that quarterback Carson Palmer, in his Dec. 31 comments that changes had to be made on the coaching staff, might have been talking about the unruliness of the team's wide receivers. Palmer never outed his receivers, but the sense around the locker room was he was growing weary from dealing with the constant lobbying for the ball and personal competition between his top two receivers.

Sheppard is an excellent coach, a professorial type, with an impressive resume, but word in the locker room was that the receivers didn't listen to him the way they had Jackson. Whoever was responsible, there were many times this past season when Palmer and his receivers mis-communicated on pass routes. The ball was one place, the receiver another. Such problems shouldn't have been so frequent with a quarterback and receivers (Johnson and Houshmandzadeh) who'd been starting together for a fourth season. A symbol of the dysfunction was the goal-line interception before the half against New England and the now-infamous caught-on-TV verbal confrontation between Palmer and Johnson coming off the field.

When the Bengals fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley two weeks ago, they also said that the rest of their coaching staff was under contract for 2008. But there still could be more changes, especially if a coach or two left for a promotion with another team. There is no one more likely to get that chance than Zampese. He is primed to be an NFL offensive play-caller.

Most signs point to Zimmer

The Bengals are expected to remain quiet through the weekend but could name Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator as early as next week. Zimmer interviewed Jan. 4 with the Bengals in Cincinnati.

He was told by the Falcons to look for another job, though he was not fired, after Atlanta's season and staff fell apart with the resignation of head coach Bobby Petrino to take the Arkansas job.

Zimmer was Atlanta's coordinator in 2007 and was credited as coordinator in Dallas for moving its defense from a three-linebacker to four-linebacker scheme, a possibility this offseason with the Bengals.

Zimmer and Bengals offensive coordiantor Bob Bratkowski were both on the Weber State staff from 1981-85. Here is Zimmer's biography from the 2007 Atlanta Falcons media guide:

Mike Zimmer enters his first season with the Falcons after spending the past 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys,including the last seven years as Defensive Coordinator.

During his time in Dallas, Zimmer established himself as one of the NFL's top defensive minds with a fundamentally sound and aggressive scheme. After joining the staff in 1994, he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in 2000. In seven of his 13 years with the club, the Cowboys ranked in the top 10 in total defense and pass defense, while advancing to the postseason seven times.

As Defensive Coordinator in Dallas, Zimmer has earned respect and recognition from around the NFL in 2005 as he adapted his defense to the Cowboys changing rosters by successfully overseeing the transition from the club's base 4-3 defense to a 3-4 system.

Prior to assuming the Defensive Coordinator post, Zimmer directed the Cowboys Secondary that was one of the league's best throughout the second half of the 1990's.

In 2006, Zimmer coordinated a defense that finished ranked 13th in total defense and 10th in rush defense as Dallas advanced to the postseason. Second-year linebacker DeMarcus Ware ranked tied for second in the NFL with 11.5 sacks on the way to his first Pro Bowl honor, while veteran safety Roy Williams led the team in interceptions as he tied a career-high with five thefts en route to his fourth straight Pro Bowl under Zimmer's watch.

Incorporating as many as three rookies (Ware, Marcus Spears and Chris Canty) and another first-time starter (Bradie James) in the front seven, Zimmer's unit finished the year 10th in the NFL in total defense in 2005. A veteran secondary anchored by Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler, and third-year starter Terence Newman, allowed opponents to complete just 54.7% of their passes, the second lowest figure in the League.

Zimmer's 2004 defense was forced to play without the services of veteran safety Darren Woodson (back) for the year while rotating through four different players at right cornerback.

The Cowboys defensive unit finished the season 16th in total defense, but came together over the final half of the season, recording 17 sacks and 17 turnovers while holding three opponents to 12 points-or-less.

In 2003, Zimmer's defense surrendered only an NFL best 253.5 yards average per game - the sixth best single-season performance in club history. The Cowboys led the NFL in pass defense, and closed out the season third in rush defense. The end result helped return Dallas to the playoffs after a three-year absence. The Dallas defense held six opponents to less than 10 points while finishing the year as the only NFL club to boast an opponents' pass completion percentage of less than 50% (48.6). The defense also led the NFL in fewest yards allowed on first down (4.13) and fewest first downs (14.3 per game) while ranking second in scoring defense (16.3).

For the first time since 1998, three Dallas defenders earned Pro Bowl recognition as Williams, LaRoi Glover and linebacker Dexter Coakley represented the NFC in Hawaii.

Despite playing with the youngest secondary in the NFL in 2002, Zimmer's squad finished the year 18th in the NFL in total defense, 15th against the run and 19th against the pass. On a play-by-play basis, the Cowboys were sixth in the league in yards per play, third in rushing yards per attempt and 13th in passing yards-per-attempt. Only six teams allowed fewer touchdowns than the 32 given up by Dallas, and the 10 rushing touchdowns given up by Dallas was the fifth best total in the League. Five times during the season, the Dallas defense allowed 13 points or less. Setting the pace with young players, Zimmer had two rookies, safety Roy Williams and cornerback Derek Ross, tie for fourth in the NFC with five interceptions each.

In 2001, the Cowboys allowed 1,710 rushing yards, a figure that was 927 yards less than the club allowed during the 2000 season. That figure represented the largest turnaround in the NFL in 2001. The club's overall defense showed a 730-yard improvement when compared to the previous season, jumping the club from an overall NFL ranking of 19th in 2000 to fourth in 2001. The Dallas defense jumped from 31st against the run in 2000 to 13th, allowing an average of 106.9 yards per game on the ground. The Cowboys were third in the NFL (second in the NFC) in pass defense, giving up an average of 180.6 yards-per-game. The unit gave up fewer than 200 passing yards in seven of its last nine games, while allowing only one opposing quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in 16 regular season games.

The Cowboys 2000 defense battled through a string of injuries that forced a total of five key starters to miss a combined 33 games. The Dallas pass defense once again landed near the top of League rankings under Zimmer, finishing third in the NFL (second in NFC), allowing just 168.3 passing yards per game. Despite struggles early in the season, Zimmer's troops improved to finish the season ranked 19th in the NFL (ninth in NFC) in total defense, allowing 333.1 yards per game.

Prior to being promoted to Defensive Coordinator, Zimmer spent five years as Dallas' Defensive Backs Coach and a year as a Defensive Assistant working with the nickel defense. In six years under Zimmer's watchful eye, the Cowboys pass defense surrendered an average of 190.6 passing yards per game, the second lowest figure in the League over that time span (Philadelphia 187.4). In addition to finishing as one of the top two pass defenses in the NFL three times in that time frame, Dallas was the only team to have allowed fewer than 176.0 passing yards per game over a season three times.

Despite using five different starting lineups in the secondary in 1999, Zimmer's defensive backfield helped the Cowboys pass defense finish fourth in the NFC. The unit also tied for sixth in the NFL with 24 interceptions and returned four for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985, 1995). The Cowboys defense also limited seven opponents to 190 yards-or-less passing.
In 1998, the Cowboys were able to hold eight opponents to 200 yards passing or less, including four to 160 yards or less. Cornerback and former Falcon Deion Sanders led the team with five interceptions, totaling 153 return yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth, while Woodson earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl appearance after leading the team with 136 tackles.

The Cowboys finished 1997 at or near the top of several NFL pass defense categories, including fewest completions allowed (253 - first), net yards per pass play (4.94 - third) and yards gained per completion (10.74 - third). The Cowboys also held five opponents to less than 120 yards passing and 12 to 176 yards or less.

In 1996, CB Kevin Smith returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon to tie for the team lead with five interceptions. Woodson earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth after finishing with 118 tackles and five interceptions to tie Smith for the team lead. Sanders intercepted two passes, knocked away another nine and recovered a team-high three fumbles to earn his fifth career Pro Bowl selection (and first with Dallas).

In his first season as Defensive Backs coach in 1995, Zimmer lost Smith for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the season opener and did not have Sanders' services until week nine. Despite the injuries, the secondary surrendered only 204.5 passing yards per game, and Dallas returned four interceptions for touchdowns, tying the club record (1985). Through Zimmer's help, Dallas' defense allowed less than 200 yards passing in 10 of 16 games in the regular season and Zimmer was fitted for a Super Bowl ring as the Cowboys captured Super Bowl XXX with a 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a Defensive Assistant in 1994, Zimmer worked with the Dallas nickel defense, which helped the secondary finish as the top ranked pass defense in the NFL (allowing only 172.0 passing yards per game) en route to advancing to the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.

Before joining the Dallas staff, Zimmer spent five seasons as the Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach at Washington State. Zimmer's first Cougar defense in 1989 established a school record with 24 interceptions and 48 sacks. In 1993, the Cougars finished eighth in the nation in total defense and second in rushing defense.

Prior to joining the Cougars' staff, Zimmer was an assistant at Weber State from 1981-88. Zimmer coached inside linebackers from 1981-84, while adding the duties of Defensive Coordinator. From 1985-88, he served as coordinator and oversaw the secondary alongside current Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino, who served as the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Coach for the team from 1987-88.

Zimmer began his coaching career as a part-time assistant on defense at the University of Missouri in 1979, coaching, among others, All-Pro cornerbacks Eric Wright (San Francisco 49ers) and Johnnie Poe (New Orleans Saints).

Zimmer played quarterback at Illinois State University in 1974. After redshirting the 1975 season, he suffered a broken thumb in the spring of 1976 and was moved to linebacker. A neck injury suffered during the 1976 season led to surgery and the end of his playing career. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1979.

Zimmer was a two-time all-conference quarterback at Lockport (Ill.) High School in 1972-73, playing for his father, Bill, who played football at Bradley and later with the 49ers. Mike also earned all-conference honors in wrestling and baseball.

Born June 5, 1956 in Peoria, Illinois. Mike and wife Vikki have three children, Adam, Marki and Corri. Adam is currently an assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints.

Chad: 'If I am a cancer, we need to get chemo'

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

The Chad Johnson trade-me-if-I'm-the-problem tour of sports radio hit the ground running this morning with his appearance on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning.

Asked what’s going to happen in the future with the Bengals, the wide receiver said, “I’m not sure what’s going to happen. … I’ve been labeled as selfish, as the reason we’re losing. I’ve been told I’ve been a cancer to my team."

Johnson's offseason campaign is believed to be orchestrated by agent Drew Rosenhaus in an effort to get a new contract for Johnson with another team.

Johnson did not return a message left today on his cell phone.

The Bengals finished 7-9. At midseason, when the team slumped to a 2-6 start, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that the Bengals had discussed the possibility of trading Johnson. Johnson would not speak to the Cincinnati-based media for the remainder of the season.

Head coach Marvin Lewis and team president Mike Brown, in an early November interview requested by The Enquirer, both said the team would not trade Johnson and that his contributions were valued.

"Chad Johnson is a tremendous football player," Brown said in November. "We’re glad he’s here. He is an integral part of what we do. And he isn’t going anywhere."

Johnson is under contract through 2011 with the Bengals. He signed a $35.5 million extension in April 2006.

Johnson, today morning on ESPN radio, went on to say that if he is indeed a cancer, "then the team would need to get chemo. If I am a problem, the problem needs to be dealt with."

Johnson was hurt because no one within the organization came to his defense.

"To do me the way I was done, not too many people really having my back within," he said.

Johnson finished with a single-season franchise record 1,440 receiving yards. He has six consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards.

"Now the season is over," Johnson said on ESPN radio. "I was the problem, I have been a distraction. Chad Johnson, the fingers were pointed at me. My celebrations, all this stuff was the reason we were losing.

"The only thing for me to do or say now is, if you guys, as a team and organization, want to further yourself in the playoffs, I think you need to get rid of what the problem was during the season."

The Bengals late today declined to comment on Johnson’s radio interview, spokesman Jack Brennan said.

Chad on Mike & Mike: Let me go

Chad Johnson's efforts to manufacture a trade from the Bengals hit full stride today when he took his complaints with the Bengals national on the Mike & Mike radio show on ESPN.

"I was labeled selfish and a cancer, and it hurt," he said. "Fingers were pointed at me this year. If the team and the organization wants to further itself (make the playoffs), I think you need to get rid of the problem.

"It hurt me. To do me that way and not to have my back. Things were said, and nobody came to my defense."

CB Hall makes all-rookie team

Bengals cornerback Leon Hall was voted to the all-rookie team by Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America.

Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-NFL team

Offense
QB Tom Brady, Patriots
RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
RB Brian Westbrook, Eagles
TE Jason Witten, Cowboys
WR Randy Moss, Patriots
WR Terrell Owens, Cowboys
C Jeff Saturday, Colts
OG Logan Mankins, Patriots
OG Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
OT Walter Jones, Seahawks
OT Matt Light, Patriots

Defense
DE Jared Allen, Chiefs
DE Patrick Kerney, Seahawks
DT Albert Haynesworth, Titans
DT Kevin Williams, Vikings
OLB DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
OLB Mike Vrabel, Patriots
MLB Patrick Willis, 49ers
CB Asante Samuel, Patriots
CB Antonio Cromartie, Chargers
S Ed Reed, Ravens
S Bob Sanders, Colts

Specialists
PK Rob Bironas, Titans
P Andy Lee, 49ers
KR Josh Cribbs, Browns
PR Devin Hester, Bears
ST Kassim Osgood, Chargers

Most Valuable Player — Patriots QB Tom Brady
Defensive MVP — Colts S Bob Sanders
Coach of the Year — Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
Offensive Rookie of the Year — Vikings RB Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year — 49ers LB Patrick Willis
Most Improved Player of the Year — Browns QB Derek Anderson
Comeback Player of the Year — Patriots WR Randy Moss
Executive of the Year — Patriots VP-player personnel Scott Pioli
Assistant Coach of the Year — Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett
Golden Toe (Best Placekicker or Punter) — Titans PK Rob Bironas

Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie team

Offense
QB Trent Edwards, Bills
RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings
RB Marshawn Lynch, Bills
TE Greg Olsen, Bears
WR Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
WR Calvin Johnson, Lions
C Samson Satele, Dolphins
OG Arron Sears, Buccaneers
OG Ben Grubbs, Ravens
OT Joe Thomas, Browns
OT Tony Ugoh, Colts

Defense
DE Brian Robison, Vikings
DE Gaines Adams, Buccaneers
DT Amobi Okoye, Texans
DT Ed Johnson, Colts
OLB Jon Beason, Panthers
OLB David Harris, Jets
MLB Patrick Willis, 49ers
CB Darrelle Revis, Jets
CB Leon Hall, Bengals
S LaRon Landry, Redskins
S Reggie Nelson, Jaguars

Specialists
PK Nick Folk, Cowboys
P Daniel Sepulveda, Steelers
KR Yamon Figurs, Ravens
PR Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins
ST Brandon Siler, Chargers

Bengals hike ticket prices

This release in this afternoon from Bengals PR:

The Bengals today released general admission season ticket and single-game ticket prices for the 2008 season at Paul Brown Stadium. Tickets are up $4 each:

SEASON TICKET PRICES (per game)

Zone EE (North End Zone, Club Level) $ 59
Zone J (Corners, Canopy Level) $ 59
Zones D, E (Corners / End Zone, Field Level) $ 69
Zones F, G, H (Sidelines, Canopy Level) $ 67
Zones A, B, C (Sidelines, Field Level) $ 77
Zone CC (Convertible Club, Club Level) $ 77

SINGLE GAME TICKET PRICES (if available)

Zone EE (North End Zone, Club Level) $ 64
Zone J (Corners, Canopy Level) $ 64
Zone D, E (Corners / End Zone, Field Level) $ 74
Zones F, G, H (Sidelines, Canopy Level) $ 72
Zones A, B, C (Sidelines, Field Level) $ 82
Zone CC (Convertible Club, Club Level) $ 82

Lewis to Ravens?

Baltimore Sun NFL columnist Mike Preston heard rumblings and wrote today that the Ravens might consider trading draft picks to the Bengals in order to hire Marvin Lewis as their head coach to replace the fired Brian Billick.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.preston09jan09,0,234842.column

Lewis, of course, the Bengals head coach for five seasons, came to national prominence as coordinator of the Ravens' record-setting, Super Bowl-winning defense in 2000.

Lewis, today, through Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan, had little to say: "It's not something for me to respond to. Just a writer making a speculative point."

NFL winter-spring schedule of events

Super Bowl XLII -- Feb. 3, Phoenix.

Pro Bowl -- Feb. 10, Honolulu.

Scouting combine -- Feb. 21-24, Indianapolis.

Free Agency period -- begins Feb. 29.

NFL Annual Meeting -- March 30-April 3, Palm Beach, Fla.

Draft (Annual Player Selection Meeting) -- April 26-27, New York.

Rolling through the wires

UPDATED: 9:22 a.m. -- The Enquirer reported Monday on its Web site and again Tuesday morning in the print edition that the Panthers denied the Bengals permission to interview secondary coach Tim Lewis, who remains under contract with Carolina.

A quick look at the NFL news this morning that affects the Bengals:

-- From the Associated Press in Buffalo, N.Y., comes word that former Bengals offensive line coach Jim McNally of the Bills has retired.

(January 9, 2008) — BUFFALO — Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally retired Tuesday, ending a 28-year NFL career that included tutoring Hall of Fame tackle Anthony Munoz.

"I have truly enjoyed my coaching career in the NFL, and I just feel that the time is right for me to retire," McNally said in a statement issued by the team. "I want to offer a big thank you to all the players I've coached. ... I can only hope that I've been as instrumental in their lives as they have been in mine."

McNally, who turned 64 last month, spent the past four years with the Bills, ending his career in his hometown and where he broke in as a coach with the University at Buffalo in 1965. He's best known for the 15 seasons — from 1980-94 — he spent with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he coached both Munoz and Pro Bowler Max Montoya, and made two Super Bowl appearances.

-- From Baltimore, Sun NFL columnist Mike Preston has launched this trial balloon, speculating that the Ravens might trade draft picks to the Bengals to release Marvin Lewis from the final three seasons of his contract in order to hire Lewis to replace the fired Brian Billick as head coach:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.preston09jan09,0,234842.column

-- And, out of Miami, former Bengals defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, now with the Vikings, as well as former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan have interviewed for the Dolphins head-coaching position. Ryan, of course, is now believed to be the top pick of Lewis to replace Chuck Bresnahan as Bengals defensive coordinator.

My awards ballot

As one of 50 voters nationwide for the official Associated Press NFL awards, here was the ballot I filed Dec. 31:

All-Pro team

OFFENSE:

WR (2) Randy Moss, Terrell Owens

TE (1) Jason Witten

T (2) Chris Samuels, Matt Light

G (2) Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson

C (1) Jeff Saturday

QB (1) Tom Brady

RBs (2) LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook

FBs (1) Tony Richardson

Place Kicker (1) Rob Bironas

Kick Returner (1) Devin Hester

DEFENSE:

DE (2) Patrick Kerney, Jason Taylor

DT (2) Albert Haynesworth, Vince Wilfork

OLB (2) Julian Peterson, Mike Vrabel

ILB (2) Lofa Tatupu, DeMeco Ryans

CB (2) Asante Samuel, Al Harris

S (2) Bob Sanders, Darren Sharper

Punter (1) Andy Lee

The awards
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady
Comeback Player: Brett Favre
Defensive Rookie: Patrick Willis
Offensive Rookie: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Player: Bob Sanders
Offensive Player: Randy Moss
Coach: Wade Phillips

Rex Ryan under contract with Ravens

Bengals coaches are off this week, so the team's Paul Brown Stadium offices are quiet. The stillness reflects the club's willingness to take its time to hire a third defensive coordinator in head coach Marvin Lewis' five-year run.

Attention has focused on former Baltimore coordinator Rex Ryan, who has interviewed for the head-coaching positions with the Ravens and Falcons.

If he doesn't land one of those jobs, look for Ryan to stay with the Ravens as coordinator, especially if Marty Schottenheimer is hired.

The Bengals would have to get permission from the Ravens to interview Ryan, an unlikely scenario given the Bengals are an AFC North division rival of Baltimore's.

Rex, along with other assistants, has at least one year left on his contract. We would have to give the Bengals permission to speak to anyone under contract," Kevin Byrne, Ravens senior vice president/public and community relations, wrote in an e-mail today to The Enquirer.

The Ravens are allowing Ryan and other coaches dismissed last week, along with head coach Brian Billick, to use desks and phones at Ravens headquarters in Owings Mills. Md.

Under league rules, if a coach is under contract, teams can deny other teams permission for an interview for any job other than head coach. Carolina denied the Bengals permission to interview secondary coach Tim Lewis for Cincinnati's vacant coordinator, though it was a promotion.

The rumor was floated this week that the Bengals might be willing to trade a draft choice or two to the Ravens for Ryan's release.

The Bengals are expected to receive several compensatory draft picks – one possibly as high as the third round – for the significant number of unrestricted free agents lost in the last free agency period. (Those picks won’t be known until late March or early April.)

But a league rule listed in its anti-tampering policy prohibits the exchange of draft picks or cash for any individual under contract with another team – except for a head coach or high-level club employees, such as a club president or general manager.

Bengals secondary coach Kevin Coyle and Falcons coordinator Mike Zimmer are the known candidates to replace Chuck Bresnahan as Bengals coordinator. He was fired last week along with linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.

Rex Ryan interviews with Ravens

Rex Ryan might be Marvin Lewis' top choice as Bengals defensive coordinator, but he'll have to wait to talk to him.

Ryan interviewed Sunday for the vacant head coaching job with the Baltimore, The Baltimore Sun reported today, though, as Ravens defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, he was fired last week along with Brian Billick and his entire staff.

Ryan is now expected to get interviews for vacant head coaching positions in Atlanta and Miami. Former Bengals defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, now Vikings defensive coordinator, is reported to be in Miami today to interview for the Dolphins head coaching job.

So far, the list of candidates to replace Chuck Bresnahan as Bengals defensive coordinator consists of Ryan, Panthers defensive backs coach Tim Lewis, Bengals defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Bengals consultant Donnie Henderson.

Bengals to interview Zimmer

Mark is currently traveling but just called in with this piece of news on the Bengals search for a new defensive coordinator:

A new candidate has emerged to replace Chuck Bresnahan as Bengals defensive coordinator.

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will interview today with the Bengals. Zimmer is still under contract with the Falcons, but was given permission by the team to pursue other opportunities. The Falcons are in the process of interviewing for a new head coach.

Zimmer previously was defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys.

Stay tuned...

No other coaching changes

All of the Bengals' other assistant coaches are under contract, Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said this afternoon.

Only former defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and ex-linebackers coach Ricky Hunley will be replaced.

Returning on defense are line coach Jay Hayes, defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, assistant defensive backs coach Louie Cioffi and assistant linebackers/assistant special teams coach Paul Guenther.

On offense, coordinator Bob Bratkowski, line coach Paul Alexander, quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, running backs coach Jim Anderson, tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes and wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard will return.

Special teams coach Darrin Simmons and strength coach Chip Morton and assistant strength coach Ray Oliver are back, too.

Coyle a candidate: Hebert's background

-- Don't discount Bengals defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle in the race to become Bengals defensive coordinator as Chuck Bresnahan's replacement. He and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese are two of the hardest workers on the staff and are known for watching untold hours of film.

Coyle was defensive coordinator for five college programs: U.S. Merchant Marine, 1981; Holy Cross, 1986-90; Syracuse, 1991-93; Maryland, 1994-96; Fresno State 1997-2000. Then-Bengals defensive coordinator Mark Duffner, Coyle's boss at Holy Cross and Maryland, brought him to the Bengals after the 2000 season.

Coyle also isn't afraid to speak his mind with head coach Marvin Lewis.

-- Other defensive coordinator candidates are Carolina Panthers secondary coach Tim Lewis and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, fired along with Brian Billick and his entire staff Monday.

-- This note from a column written and posted earlier this week by Paul Friesen on Slam Sports Canada about safety Kyries Hebert, signed to a two-year contract by the Bengals following four seasons playing in the Canadian Football League.

"Hebert's life appears to be at a crossroads, both professionally and personally.

Early this year he was charged with assaulting his wife, which is what initially scared off most CFL teams in the dispersal draft. The charges have since been reduced to misdemeanours through a plea bargain.

"I've taken 100 percent responsibility for the incident that occurred between my wife and I," Hebert said. "I've been in the church ever since, and I've sought out counseling. I'm a lot better person. Hopefully, through time, I'll build relationships and people will see who I am."
As a player, they already know, at least in the CFL.

Ottawa thought enough of him to sign him to a five-year contract in January, a deal the Bombers took over when they claimed him.

A hard hitter who can run, Hebert would look good beside free agent acquisition Barrin Simpson, especially now that linebacker Sean Woodson has retired.

But the Louisiana native says bigger things are calling him south.

"There's just so much I have on my table right now, as far as my family is concerned, as far as trying to make my marriage work. I mean, everything I need in my life is pointing me towards the NFL right now."

CFL safety Hebert in fold

The Bengals this afternoon announced that they have signed four-year Canadian Football League safety Kyries Hebert, who started the past two seasons for Winnipeg after playing his first two seasons in the CFL for Ottawa.

Hebert played college ball at Louisiana-Lafayette and is 6-feet, 3-inches, 220 pounds.

He will be 28 on Oct. 9.

Hebert comes aboard as the second Canadian Football League veteran signed by the Bengals in the past two years. On Feb. 13, 2006, the Bengals signed linebacker Rashad Jeanty, who has made 16 starts for Cincinnati after playing for three years at Edmonton.

Hebert's Winnipeg team advanced to the 2007 Grey Cup championship game, losing to Saskatchewan. The Blue Bombers had the CFL’s second-ranked defense.

A three-time team tackling leader at Louisiana-Lafayette, Hebert signed his first pro contract as a college free agent with Minnesota of the NFL in April 2002. He was on the Texans 53-player roster (inactive) for the final game of the 2002 season. He was briefly on Tampa Bay’s offseason roster in 2005.