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Backups have yet to match the proficiency of the Lions' current starting quarterback. Jon Kitna, in his second season with the Lions, was considered a team leader for the Bengals as a starter in 2004 and a backup in 2005. The Cincinnati Bengals will reunite with a friend tonight when they open their exhibition season at the Detroit Lions. Jon Kitna, who helped lift the Bengals out of their long doldrums, is in his second season as Lions quarterback. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis couldn't say enough nice things about Kitna this week. "He was, no question, the leader of this football team," Lewis said, "both on the field and subtly behind the scenes. We wouldn't have all these people out here (watching camp) every day if it weren't for Jon Kitna and his leadership, frankly." Kitna played well as a starter in 2004, then graciously accepted a backup role behind Carson Palmer the following year. Although the Bengals gush about Kitna's effect, he will serve as a reminder tonight that the void he left might not have been filled. Anthony Wright, last year's top backup at quarterback, signed as a free agent with the New York Giants. That has left Doug Johnson, the third-stringer in 2006, as Palmer's backup. Jeff Rowe, a fifth-round draft pick from Nevada, is No. 3. Johnson and Rowe have not exactly lit it up in camp. So for those who have observed Bengals training camp, there would be no more catastrophic injury than one to Palmer. "I would say he's done OK," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said of Johnson. "I've seen him at times play a little better. And there are some circumstances involved in it. We're still early in camp." Training camp is always a mish-mash of players, and second-unit receivers Tab Perry, Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt and Bennie Brazell have missed time because of injuries. But Johnson has had several passes batted down at the line of scrimmage and has thrown his share of interceptions. "As a unit, I think we've got a long way to go," Johnson said. "We have to keep gradually taking steps and finish strong, but I think it has gone well. We've got to keep building and not make the same mistakes twice." Rowe has shown little so far. His throws lack zip and accuracy. "Like any rookie quarterback, there's a lot to learn, a lot going on they haven't dealt with before," Bratkowski said. "That's why they very rarely play early. It's a new system. Jeff took most of his snaps in a shotgun last year, and now he's under center. It's a completely different thing. He's making progress." Asked if the coaching staff had any anxiety based on what it had seen so far from the backups, Bratkowski replied, "I don't think so. Not at this time. I think we're fine. We're comfortable with Doug and his knowledge of the offense and his ability to manage the game. When we get into the preseason games, that'll tell us a lot." Johnson and Rowe are expected to see ample playing time tonight. Lewis wouldn't divulge how much Palmer and the first unit would play, but traditionally starters don't play beyond the first quarter this early. Columbus Disptatch |
