Dave Rayner, a fourth-year NFL player from Michigan State, is expected to handle kickoff duties against the Jets because of the right groin injury sustained by Shayne Graham.
Bengals sixth-round draft pick Matt Toeaina said Tuesday he's ready to contribute to the team in any way possible. Now all the Bengals have to do is sign the 300-plus-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle. The Bengals have contacted Toeaina's agent, Angelo Wright, and a deal could be completed before the July 27 opening of training camp."My thing is to go in there and do a good job," Toeaina said. "It's all in the process of being a rookie. I have to allow the coaches to see me and use me in any way they see fit.
"Whether it's developing me as a D-tackle, a sub, or whatever — I have to be ready for all of that. I hope to get better each day and eventually work my way into a starting spot." The Bengals drafted the versatile defensive lineman to play in rotation on a defensive front that finished the season ranked No. 15 against the run. Toeaina will be reunited with high school teammates Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene along the defensive line.
"Growing up with those guys (Peko and Fanene) and being reunited on this level is like a dream come true," he said. "As kids we never thought that we would end up together on a professional level." So what are the Bengals getting in Toeaina? I think his agent said it best. "Toeaina is a young man with outstanding character and solid work ethic," Wright said. "He's a throwback type of guy in an era where personalities have become ever so unique to deal with."
Toeaina is quick off the snap and shows good overall technique. He plays with a mean streak and is nasty in the trenches. He can be effective both inside and out. Toeaina could be very valuable to the Bengals' defense due to his ability to play every position across the line. In preparation for training camp Toeaina said he worked on positioning and overall consistency.
Working the lines
Getting draft choices signed is obviously a priority at this time of year, and the Bengals seem to be working hard toward that end. The team has exchanged contract proposals with the representatives for fourth-round draft pick Marvin White, a safety. One of White's agents, Kevin Conner, is confident that a deal can be struck before camp. It is believed the two sides may be close.
Updated: 3:30 p.m.
E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Safety Marvin White gave the Bengals a lift early in third quarter when he made a leaping interception inside the Bengals 5 for his first career pick coming on Jets quarterback Brett Favre's NFL record 293rd...
Updated: 6:20 p.m.
E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Bengals defense got no help from its offense and special teams Sunday in Cincinnati's matchup with Hall of Famer Brett Favre as the Jets took a 26-14 win here at The Meadowlands.
Twice in the second...
Updated: 12:20 p.m.
As Shayne Graham recovers from a sore groin, the Bengals opted to sign a kickoff man for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Jets in The Meadowlands when they inked four-year veteran Dave Rayner and released fullback Reagan...
This is THE podcast for all Cincinnati Bengals fans.Twice a week, legendary Cincinnati sportscaster, Ken Broo, is joined by the editors, writers and publisher of the popular bi-weekly publication, Bengals ReportIn this up to the minute podcast, the discussion is all Bengals featuring interviews with your favorite Bengals players.Get the inside scoop on the Bengals and their upcoming games by placing Bengals Report on your list of favorites!
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin, preview the upcoming Bengals vs Jets game in the Meadowlands. You'll hear comments from Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis, as well as quarterback, Carson Palmer. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com.
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Cowboys in week #5 of the NFL season. You'll hear comments from wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh, as well has head coach, Marvin Lewis. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Browns and look ahead to week #5 in the 2008 season as the Bengals travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys. You'll hear comments from Bengals DL Antwan Odom, RB Cedric Benson and WR Chris Henry. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
