A look at Bengals training camp

Buzz up!

Here's a breakdown of the Cincinnati Bengals 2008 training camp:
Difference makers

The Bengals remain explosive on offense led by quarterback Carson Palmer, receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi Johnson. Houshmandzadeh tied New England's Wes Welker for NFL honors with 112 receptions in 2007. He's the only player with 200 catches over the past two seasons. Chad Johnson took the practice field for the first time this week following ankle surgery. Rudi Johnson was limited to 11 games because of a hamstring injury last season. Defensive end Antwan Odom, brought in to improve the pass rush, has been slowed by a foot injury. First-round draft pick Keith Rivers, projected to start at outside linebacker, remains unsigned.

Head coach Marvin Lewis, 49, is 42-38 with an AFC North title in 2005. He is one of three coaches in franchise history with a winning record, but he also had his first losing season in Cincinnati last season (7-9). Lewis has a lot of things going for him, including leading the Bengals to a playoff berth in 2005, ending a postseason drought from 1990. But he also needs a winning season to end speculation about his job security. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer could give Lewis freedom to focus on other areas of need.
Offensive coordinator

Bob Bratkowski, 52, is in his eighth season as offensive coordinator. He brings stability to the position and a strong track record. Cincinnati has ranked in the top 10 in total offense and passing in each of the last three seasons. With the addition of free-agent tight end Ben Utecht from Indianapolis, Bratkowski plans to use the tight end more to complement arguably the best two receivers on the same team in the NFL.

Defensive coordinator

Mike Zimmer, 52, has had success coaching both the 4-3 and 3-4; the Bengals will continue to feature four down linemen. Zimmer spent one year with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving when coach Bobby Petrino took the Arkansas job. Previously, Zimmer was the defensive cordinator at Dallas for seven years. A demanding in-your-face motivator, Zimmer said he demands accountablity from his players and will attempt to minimize mistakes that continue to plague the defense and prevented the unit from reaching its potential last season.

On the hot seat

Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson demanded a trade then quickly backtracked. He's recovering from offseason ankle surgery and needs to learn to put team goals ahead of his own. His pass-catching ability is second-to-none, but his No. 1 priority has to become winning. Quiet as it's kept, T.J. Houshmandzadeh was Carson Palmer's No. 1 target in 2007, not Johnson.

Stock rising

CB Leon Hall is a a second-year player who came on late last season. He started 10 games and tied the Bengals' rookie record with five interceptions. "For us to blitz, they have to be able to play and cover man-to-man," defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said about Hall and fellow cornerback Jonathan Joseph. "I wasn't sure at first. But watching them, they're both pretty smart guys, they both can run."

Stock falling

T Willie Anderson played in only seven games last season after missing just two contests from 1996-2006. He's been replaced at right tackle by Stacy Andrews, who was designated as the Bengals' franchise player this season.

Notable additions

WR Andre Caldwell (third-round draft pick); T Anthony Collins (fourth-round draft pick); DE Antwan Odom (free agent); LB Keith Rivers (first-round draft pick); WR Jerome Simpson (second-round draft pick); DT Pat Sims (third-round draft pick); TE Ben Utecht (free agent).

Notable losses

WR Chris Henry (released); LB Landon Johnson (free agent, Panthers); DE Bryan Robinson (free agent, Cardinals); Justin Smith (free agent, 49ers); LB Odell Thurman (released); FS Madieu Williams (free agent, Vikings).

Projected starting lineup

Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Offense

QB -- Carson Palmer

RB -- Rudi Johnson

FB -- Daniel Coats

WR -- Chad Johnson

WR -- T.J. Houshmandzadeh

TE -- Reggie Kelly

LT -- Levi Jones

LG -- Andrew Whitworth

C -- Eric Ghiaciuc

RG -- Bobbie Williams

RT -- Stacy Andrews

Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Defense

LE -- Robert Geathers

LT -- Domata Peko

RT -- John Thornton

RE -- Antwan Odom

OLB -- Rashad Jeanty

MLB -- Dhani Jones

OLB -- Brandon Johnson

LCB -- Jonathan Joseph

RCB -- Leon Hall

FS -- Marvin White

SS -- Dexter Jackson

Cinicnnati Bengals 2008 Special teams

P -- Kyle Larson

K -- Shayne Graham

KR -- Glenn Holt/Andre Caldwell

PR -- Deltha O'Neal/Antonio Chatman

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_581307.html?source=rss&feed=9