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.
Ravens managed only one sack, but line needs improvement to get rushing game going.
The Cincinnati Bengals' refurbished offensive line was supposed to look like this: Center Eric Ghiaciuc flanked by left guard Andrew Whitworth and right guard Bobbie Williams — with bookends Levi Jones and Willie Anderson anchored at left and right tackle. Nowadays, left to right, the line consists of Whitworth, Stacy Andrews, Ghiaciuc and Williams — with Anderson splitting time with Scott Kooistra. Jones? He's nowhere to be found.
Sunday's lineup at Cleveland remains a mystery. This much is clear: It must improve if the Bengals expect to keep winning. Quarterback Carson Palmer was sacked only once by the Baltimore Ravens, but the Bengals rushed for only 55 yards and Palmer's 20 completions resulted in 194 yards for a 9.7 average. "We missed a few things," Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander said. "But I give Baltimore credit. They gave us a whole slew of new looks. I was happy Palmer only got sacked once. All I know is that Monday night was a battle. It was just constant adjustment after adjustment. It wasn't pretty all the time, but (the line) hung in there, and I was happy."
Head coach Marvin Lewis put a positive spin on the O-line shuffle: "We're pretty blessed," he said. "We were seven guys deep, and Levi didn't play an offensive snap. That's eight players who could go in and play winning football. So we feel pretty good about that." Andrews said the line "will get it rolling, and there's no stopping us after that." But the line needs time to jell.
"The reality is it's a 16-game season and it's going to be a learning process as we go," Anderson said. "There's new guys in and young guys in. Don't try to match this line with the line of '05 because the experience factor is not there."
Jones, who missed all of training camp with a sore left knee, dressed for the opener, but didn't play. "I said two weeks ago (my knee) was a nonissue," Jones said. "It'd be one thing if I wasn't trying to get back and wasn't trying to play. But it's what they (the coaches) wanted, so what else can I do?"
Said Lewis: "I believe Levi will play and I believe Levi will probably start at some point."
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
