In an ideal world, the Bengals would have eased Ahmad Brooks into NFL action. Taken in the supplemental draft less than three weeks before training camp, Brooks didn’t have time to learn the nuances of the Bengals defense. Though his physical skills were obvious in training camp, his inexperience was just as glaring. But Brooks’ apprenticeship lasted only four games. Brian Simmons’ neck injury forced the Bengals to start Brooks last week against Tampa Bay. "For his first time out, I thought he did extremely well," Bengals linebackers coach Ricky Hunley said. "He played fast. He played physical. He got in on 14 tackles. Hopefully, he can continue to build on what he has started." Hunley acknowledged he was worried how Brooks would do in his first game, just as he would about anyone’s debut. "But he’s a different player when the lights are on," he said. "It’s just that (I have to) demand from (him) the same type of intensity in practice as in the game." Coaches gave Brooks a grade of 76, equivalent to a C or C-plus. He said he had a couple of plays where he was a step away from making a big play. He did well in the run game, he said, but needs improvement against the pass. Simmons remains questionable for the game Sunday against Carolina after not practicing yesterday. Backing Bratkowski
When a high-powered offense slumps, the offensive coordinator has a bull’s-eye on his back. Such is life for the Bengals’ Bob Bratkowski, a target for barbs on Internet message boards and talk radio. "The only criticism I worry about is from Marvin (Lewis) and Mike Brown," Bratkowski said. "If they come to me and talk to me about something, I certainly listen and will do anything they want us to do." There’s no sign that Lewis, the coach, or Brown, the team owner, is unhappy. "Criticize me," Lewis said. "I’m the one that’s in charge of this place. It’s not Bob’s fault. It’s my fault when we don’t win." Quarterback Carson Palmer said, " ‘Brat’ is getting thrown under the bus. It’s ridiculous. It’s a lot of people talking who don’t know football, obviously. When you lose, you’re the bum. When you win, you’re the hero." Funny first impressions
Carolina receiver Steve Smith chuckled when asked about his first impressions of Bengals receiver Chad Johnson. The two played together at Santa Monica Junior College. "Oh, man, who’s this cat? " Smith said. "He was from Florida and being in L.A., with his mentality and his style, he looked like a tourist. He still does when he goes back home, but that’s the part of Chad that’s irreplaceable. There’s no other guy like Chad." Jeanty doubtful
Linebacker Rashad Jeanty (foot) was downgraded to doubtful after not practicing yesterday. …The Bengals waived running back Quincy Wilson, presumably to make room for Chris Perry later in the week. Columbus Dispatch http://columbusdispatch.com/bengals/bengals.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/20/20061020-F11-03.html |
