Bengals Training Camp Preview

[Ox]

Per the new Insider:

Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp

Site: Georgetown College

Location: Georgetown, Ken.

Start date: July 29 (rookies, vets)

2005 Record: 11-5

Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage

Three Burning Questions

How will all of the Bengals' off-the-field issues influence the team?

This is the one issue I have with the Bengals organization since Marvin Lewis took over -- they insist on bringing in players with off-the-field baggage. Of course, you can usually get a player with baggage on draft day a few rounds later than his talent and production would suggest, but the cost to the locker room can be enormous. Character counts, especially in crunch time and in the playoffs. Having a roster full of poor character players cannot only embarrass the organization in the community, but it makes the head coach's job much more difficult. This is a big enough factor to keep the Bengals from realizing their potential.

Camp battle to watch

Tory James vs. Johnathan Joseph

Joseph was drafted as the starting cornerback of the future, but the future could be very soon if he adapts to the speed of the game and his assignments quickly in the preseason. Even as a draft prospect, Joseph was considered a bit raw, but his talents and athletic ability will never hold him back.

James gets his hands on the football quite a bit, has great height for the position and is smart and savvy. Expect Joseph to start the season as Cincinnati's nickel back and James to keep his starting position. The Bengals now have fine cornerback depth and their subpackage defenses should be improved.

How good can this offense become?

Assuming Carson Palmer is healthy, this offense really doesn't have a weakness. We got a big taste of it last year, but this group could separate itself from the other 31 offenses in the league this season. Yes, they are that good. Palmer will only improve, but he is already amazing. No one in the league throws the football better and his 32/12 TD/INT ratio is ungodly for a second-year starter. The receivers are big-play guys and Chad Johnson has quickly established himself as one of the top few in the business. The running backs are two deep and the rushing attack is one of the best going behind what might be the top offensive line in the NFL. If you were impressed with the offensive line last year, remember that several of these starters are scheduled to become free agents after the season and huge paydays will be awaiting them. This will be the best offense in the league this season -- if Palmer is healthy.

Can Marvin Lewis really make the Bengals a perennial winner?

If anyone can, it's Lewis. What he has done in his stint as head coach has been remarkable. The Bengals have fewer personnel people and scouts than any organization in the league, so Lewis pretty much does it all -- and he does it all well. He has built a very talented roster with fine depth while manipulating the draft very well to get their guy. Free agents now want to come to Cincinnati and Lewis is the reason. Players play hard for him and he puts them in great situations to succeed, especially on defense. With an outstanding young quarterback like Palmer to be the face of the franchise, the future is bright.

The player under the microscope

Palmer. Every step Palmer takes in training camp will be overanalyzed to death. How's his knee? Think he will be able to play in the opener? How many times did Carson see the trainer today? Carson looks great today -- he cut in the open field. Carson wasn't very accurate today -- maybe his knee is bothering him. Boy, Carson really stepped into that throw, his knee must be doing great. Carson is on the stationary bike -- it must be because his knee is swelling up. Carson underthrew Chad on that go route -- must be his knee. Under the microscope? Big time.

Breakout player

OLB David Pollack. A defensive end at the University of Georgia, Pollack had a few growing pains in his transition to outside linebacker during his rookie season. He also is nursing a foot injury, which the Bengals have been quiet about, but he is expected to be fine by training camp. Pollack is ready to explode as a pass rusher. He is extremely knowledgeable, has a great work ethic and is relentless on the field. He is strong, well built and explosive off the snap. A punishing tackler, Pollack will cause turnovers and quickly become a big play specialist. He is ideally suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker and Marvin Lewis could incorporate that scheme regularly this season to play to Pollack's strengths, as well as the strengths of the front seven. Pollack has Pro Bowl potential and there isn't a better coach to get it out of him than Lewis.

Comeback player of the year

FS Madieu Williams. Williams' injured left shoulder forced him to miss 12 games last season, but he has reportedly added some strength and bulk since the last time he saw the field. He is an underrated football player who covers a ton of ground in deep patrol and is capable of making plays all over the field. He can run with most wide receivers in man coverage and is a fearless physical tackler who doesn't shy away in the run game. Cincinnati's safety play was a problem last season and Williams' return will go a long way to remedy those issues. Williams can flat out play.

Offensive philosophy

This is a big-time offense. Palmer is the total package. In the passing game, the Bengals can pick apart a defense with short and intermediate routes or can get six very quickly over the top to Johnson. They don't get production from their tight ends, but they don't need it. The offensive line is very athletic on the left side, rugged on the right and equally adept at slugging it out in the trenches or protecting Palmer. Chris Perry has emerged as a weapon as a receiver on third downs and could be an everydown back on many teams, while Rudi Johnson is a nasty runner with excellent vision and toughness. All of this and they rarely turn the ball over. Not too shabby.

Defensive philosophy

Marvin Lewis is a master of utilizing his defensive personnel, confusing opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers. This year, expect to see the Bengals running a lot more 3-4 schemes and multiple fronts to put their defenders in the best situations to make plays. Cincinnati has a fine stable of young athletic linebackers and their defensive front is a little light on talent, so the idea makes sense. What kept the Bengals from trying some 3-4 last year was their lack of a true plugger nose tackle. Enter Sam Adams. While they create a ton of turnovers, the Bengals must improve their interior run defense and the pressure they generate on the quarterback. Playing more 3-4 will help.

[Stripes]

I love to see the Bengals get so much pimpage. Great article, Ox.

[El Tigere]

man i am so pumped!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bengal4life]

With all this criticism going around, I didn't think there was a journalist that actually had something good to say about the bengals. Good article

[Ox]

I agree. It's hard to find anything positive about our boys this time of year.

[semiotter]

I agree. It's hard to find anything positive about our boys this time of year.

Hey OX you being right down there near G-town r u going to any of the camp workouts to check out the team?? Being in E-TOWN im going to try myself if I can get in!!!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Breakout player

OLB David Pollack. A defensive end at the University of Georgia, Pollack had a few growing pains in his transition to outside linebacker during his rookie season. He also is nursing a foot injury, which the Bengals have been quiet about, but he is expected to be fine by training camp. Pollack is ready to explode as a pass rusher. He is extremely knowledgeable, has a great work ethic and is relentless on the field. He is strong, well built and explosive off the snap. A punishing tackler, Pollack will cause turnovers and quickly become a big play specialist. He is ideally suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker and Marvin Lewis could incorporate that scheme regularly this season to play to Pollack's strengths, as well as the strengths of the front seven. Pollack has Pro Bowl potential and there isn't a better coach to get it out of him than Lewis.

Looking forward to watching Pollack help the defense - watching him on tape, when he played every down, at times, he would dominate the LOS. I remember the road game at Pitt last year early in the game, he was all over the place and I haven't seen a guy that impressive in stripes for some time, both as a pass rusher and a tackler/run stopper. Just remember saying "wow" he is going to be good at some point - hell he already is.

Pollack is the type of good, solid football player and person the Bengals' need more of.

[Ox]

I agree. It's hard to find anything positive about our boys this time of year.

Hey OX you being right down there near G-town r u going to any of the camp workouts to check out the team?? Being in E-TOWN im going to try myself if I can get in!!!

Yea man I'll be heading over to watch camp next Wed. I'll be going to the night session, 7-9. I used to work the camp back in the late 90's. I think my first year was when we drafter Akili. What a sh*tty year. Anyways I'll be there!

[schweinhart]

Breakout player

OLB David Pollack. A defensive end at the University of Georgia, Pollack had a few growing pains in his transition to outside linebacker during his rookie season. He also is nursing a foot injury, which the Bengals have been quiet about, but he is expected to be fine by training camp. Pollack is ready to explode as a pass rusher. He is extremely knowledgeable, has a great work ethic and is relentless on the field. He is strong, well built and explosive off the snap. A punishing tackler, Pollack will cause turnovers and quickly become a big play specialist. He is ideally suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker and Marvin Lewis could incorporate that scheme regularly this season to play to Pollack's strengths, as well as the strengths of the front seven. Pollack has Pro Bowl potential and there isn't a better coach to get it out of him than Lewis.

Looking forward to watching Pollack help the defense - watching him on tape, when he played every down, at times, he would dominate the LOS. I remember the road game at Pitt last year early in the game, he was all over the place and I haven't seen a guy that impressive in stripes for some time, both as a pass rusher and a tackler/run stopper. Just remember saying "wow" he is going to be good at some point - hell he already is.

Pollack is the type of good, solid football player and person the Bengals' need more of.

Ditto.

10 sacks plus he'll hopefully be a great asset in space vs. all the speed backs the Bengals will face this year. Let's hope the motor is on full throttle from start to finish.

I'd be interested to hear what some of you all going to G-town observe about Johnathan Joseph. He's going to have to be the real deal and probably sooner rather than later.

[ArmyBengal]

Someone was giving updates last year from camp and it was great, if anyone is going, reports back are much appreciated !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Ox]

I'm def going to be at camp next Wed. during the evening practice. I'll have a full report plus some pics for you guys a well. I am trying to go to at least one practice a week, so hopefully I'll have some good shots for you to check out every Wed or so through the camps. Can't wait!