Hensley's Postcard of Bengals Camp

[ArmyBengal]

Take it how you wish, but here's his take on what he saw yesterday.

I think he has another day in town watching how things go.

The first round of team drills went to the defense. The receivers couldn't get open. On one play, quarterback Andy Dalton just threw the ball in the ground after the pass rush got to him.

Dalton went on to throw two impressive passes later in practice. He dropped a 15-yard pass over a defender and right into the hands of A.J. Green on the right sideline. He then hit Mohamed Sanu in stride down the left sideline after the rookie got past safety Robert Sands.

The two receivers who stood out Tuesday were rookie Marvin Jones and Andrew Hawkins. Jones got open a couple of times over the middle and then got free deep, but backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski didn't see him.

There was a small scare toward the end of practice, when Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins hobbled off the field. He got retaped and stayed to watch the rest of practice.

There was a brief scuffle that included backup guard Clint Boling. There's no truth to the rumor that Rex Ryan is coming down to scold the Bengals.

Cornerback Leon Hall wore a yellow jersey throughout practice, which signifies him as the defensive leader of the day. The Cincinnati beat reporters call it the "Tour de Zimmer" after defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. It's kind of like a gold star that you wear. I would immediately give that yellow jersey to defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was unblockable today.

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[ArmyBengal]

On a side note, I love hearing anything involving Dunlap being "unblockable" !!!

Zimmer's response to Hall wearing the yellow jersey ??

"We call it the gold jersey," Zimmer said. "We don't like yellow."

[walzav29]

It would make sense that the defense would be better than the offense. They are getting to their prime and the offense is still real young. Hopefully the defense is dominant early in the season, and can carry the offense when needed. Then the offense hits it's stride.

[volcom69]

Saw where he said that Clemants was playing some safety. Makes sense to me! Kind of like what Marvin did with Woodson.

[HoosierCat]

The idea of moving Clements to safety has been around for a while. Reportedly, the guy most resistant to the idea has been Clements. But I think he could prolong his career at the position.

[volcom69]

The idea of moving Clements to safety has been around for a while. Reportedly, the guy most resistant to the idea has been Clements. But I think he could prolong his career at the position.

Well Clement comments sounded like he wouldn't mind the move, whatever to help the team. I wouldn't mind this move if he proves he can play and beat Mays. Unless the use Clements on nickel package at safety.

[ArmyBengal]

And another set of observations from Hensley:

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins didn't practice. He suited up, but the Bengals used rookie Devon Still and Nick Hayden in his spot. Atkins, who limped off the field in Tuesday's practice, said he expected to play in Friday's preseason opener.

Rookie third-round pick Mohamed Sanu, who is battling for the No. 2 wide receiver spot, had an added role. He played Tim Tebow on the scout-team offense. The Bengals open the preseason against the New York Jets on Friday.

Andy Dalton looked sharp in a two-minute drill, completing 4 of 5 passes, which included a 30-yard toss to Armon Binns. The only incompletion was a drop by Binns on a pass that sailed behind him.

Brandon Tate, who worked with the second-team offense Wednesday, didn't look good in dropping a long pass from Bruce Gradkowski. Tate then got yelled at by coaches after failing to field a punt and letting it bounce in-bounds.

Bengals kicker Mike Nugent went 4-for-5 at the end of practice. His only miss was wide left from 44 yards.

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