Observations from Bengals camp (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

The Guru, John Norton, and I went to Bengals camp tonight, excited to see what information we could bring to the IDP faithful.

What we saw was, as per the usual Bengal MO, a ten letter word that starts with cluster and ends with one of the Seven Words You Can't Say on FBG. Antwan Odom in a boot. Chinedum Ndukwe looking like a nine year old on crutches. Jonathan Joseph sitting out with a minor injury. And it ended with Brandon Johnson all but calling me an idiot. Read on.

We got to see about 30 snaps of 11-on-11 spread over all three strings. Here's what we were able to see.

1. Domata Peko is lining up at RDT often enough to make us question the official depth chart. If that's true and Mike Zimmer runs some of the under fronts he used with LaRoi Glover in Dallas and Jonathan Babineaux last season in Atlanta, watch out for Peko. On the other hand, nothing was as it seemed as you'll soon read.

2. Jonathan Fanene ran with the ones. Frostee Rucker rotated with Eric Henderson with the two and played DT in the nickel package. It's not being reported much, but our suspicions about Fanene getting base defensive snaps are likely to prove true.

3. Darryl Blackstock, Dhani Jones and Brandon Johnson were the starting linebackers. It certainly looked to us like they were keying something out of the huddle and aligning to one side based on that key. Johnson, presumably a weak side linebacker, routinely lined up over the TE or opposite an offset back. Granted, we've seen playbooks where the Will is listed toward the strong side, but it certainly looked like the strong side to us. It may have just been a defensive wrinkle. But...

4. We saw Keith Rivers lining up over the TE, too. He didn't see many snaps, but he looked decent enough. I'm not ready to rave yet.

5. Dhani Jones was getting washed out frequently. He looked okay on some plays, but he isn't racking up tackles if the line can't keep him clean.

6. Brandon Johnson looked like the best backer on the field. He can cover and pursue. Rivers probably has something to say about it soon, but Johnson is looking like a threat to contribute as a nickel backer to us.

7. Ahmad Brooks tired easily and wasn't making many plays. However, he did look decent as a defensive end in the nickel package, which featured a defensive line of Geathers, Fanene, Rucker and either Henderson or Brooks.

So, Norton and I are wondering, "Are they looking at Brandon Johnson as a potential SLB with Jeanty hurt again and Brooks struggling, or is this just part of Marvin's old playbook where they try to get a cover backer on a decent pass catching TE like they have done with Brian Simmons and Landon Johnson in the past?"

So we lean over the bleachers and get Brandon Johnson's attention on the way into the tunnel. That conversation went like this...

Bramel: Hey Brandon.

Johnson: Sup.

Bramel: They looking at you as a strong side linebacker tonight?

Johnson: If they were, I didn't know about it.

Bramel: Looked like you were over the TE a whole lot tonight.

Johnson: What you mean? It was just a different defense.

Bramel: Well, were you keying on something different then?

Johnson: Naw, man. What are you talking about?

Bramel: Just saw you over the TE on nearly every snap.

Johnson: Just a different defense, man.

Toward the end, it's clear that a) Johnson thought I was an idiot, b) Johnson thought I was a spy, c) Johnson thought I was an idiot and a spy, d) Johnson didn't realize he was aligned as a strong side linebacker, or e) all of the above.

After that exchange, we elected not to ask any more questions and I didn't ask him for an autograph.

Now, it's likely that none of that was meaningful. It's probably truly is a different defense, where they put the Will in man coverage on a TE. However, it's worth noting that a liberal use of that package is going to depress the value of the WLB -- namely, eventually, Keith Rivers.

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

 

[J Giles Band]

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Johnson was flip-flopping right/left to be over the TE?

Or was the TE on his side all the time? If so, which side, left obviously?

 

[ebcpastor2004]

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

lol- that is classic

 

[Jene Bramel]

Johnson was flip-flopping right/left to be over the TE?Or was the TE on his side all the time? If so, which side, left obviously?

The defensive tackles and OLBs were standing side-by-side over the ball awaiting the offensive huddle to break. They certainly appeared to us to be watching the offensive personnel align and then take their position. When the offense shifted, the OLBs would shift as well (not every play, but often enough).There were two TE sets with a single back, single TE sets with a fullback offset to the non-TE side and spread sets. We were trying to determine if they were keying the blocking TE (Kelly), the pass-catching TE (Utecht) or the offset back. Johnson was on the left side for almost every snap -- which was mostly the strong side before the snap -- and very frequently in man coverage on the TE. That's why we're left thinking that it was probably the defense that was being installed tonight. Still, though, it had us shaking our heads. Norton's an old center/MLB, so he knows what to look for and I've taught myself enough to feel comfortable with the formations. We're not privy to the playbook, though, and I've seen playbooks where the Will is aligned to the strong side of the offensive formation, so it's probably much ado about nothing. Just funny that we're trying to figure out exactly what they were doing with Johnson and Rivers and Brooks and came away having watched a pretty confusing picture for an outsider.

 

[massraider]

Johnson was flip-flopping right/left to be over the TE?Or was the TE on his side all the time? If so, which side, left obviously?

The defensive tackles and OLBs were standing side-by-side over the ball awaiting the offensive huddle to break. They certainly appeared to us to be watching the offensive personnel align and then take their position. When the offense shifted, the OLBs would shift as well (not every play, but often enough).There were two TE sets with a single back, single TE sets with a fullback offset to the non-TE side and spread sets. We were trying to determine if they were keying the blocking TE (Kelly), the pass-catching TE (Utecht) or the offset back. Johnson was on the left side for almost every snap -- which was mostly the strong side before the snap -- and very frequently in man coverage on the TE. That's why we're left thinking that it was probably the defense that was being installed tonight. Still, though, it had us shaking our heads. Norton's an old center/MLB, so he knows what to look for and I've taught myself enough to feel comfortable with the formations. We're not privy to the playbook, though, and I've seen playbooks where the Will is aligned to the strong side of the offensive formation, so it's probably much ado about nothing. Just funny that we're trying to figure out exactly what they were doing with Johnson and Rivers and Brooks and came away having watched a pretty confusing picture for an outsider.

Well. if they are flopping their LBs that much, it sounds like a Will/Sam situation for the most part, rather than Left/Right. Perhaps some exceptions, but there are teams that don't flip them at all.

 

[Aussie Cowboy]

After that exchange, we elected not to ask any more questions and I didn't ask him for an autograph.

It's a pity you didn't point out how great Rivers was looking.

“To tell you the truth,” said Johnson on Monday before the rookie's arrival, “I'm tired of being asked about Rivers.”

Link

 

[Rozelle]

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

lol- that is classic

What a great read!

 

[John Norton]

Well. if they are flopping their LBs that much, it sounds like a Will/Sam situation for the most part, rather than Left/Right. Perhaps some exceptions, but there are teams that don't flip them at all.

We were looking close at the right/left possibility for a while but decided that wasn't the case. We just weren't able to determing for certain what they were using for a key. They seemed to be matching up Johnson on the receiving TE. He seemed to line up on Utecht nearly every time. Maybe that had more to do with the coverage call than the formation. Or maybe, like Johnson basically said, it was just a quirk of the particular package they were working on. Blackstock made a few pretty solid plays as well but I agree with Jene that Johnson made the biggest impression among the linebackers. Fanene made a few nice plays as well.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Great stuff Jene. Really makes you wonder what was going on. Classic Bengals.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I can't wait to see them in preseason now.

Great exchange with Brandon Johnson, Jene.

Great stuff guys.

 

[John Norton]

I can't wait to see them in preseason now. Great exchange with Brandon Johnson, Jene. Great stuff guys.

You could sure tell he wasn't accustomed to "real football questions". He looked at us like we were aliens. One more observation on the Ndukwe thing. We noted that while he was on crutches and obviously had something wrong, he was putting a little weight on the bad knee and it wasn't immobilized at all. No ice, no wrap or anything restrictive. And he didn't seem to be in poor spirits as you would expect of someone who just suffered a serious injury. That was somewhat encouraging.

 

[bcr8f]

Toward the end, it's clear that a) Johnson thought I was an idiot, b) Johnson thought I was a spy, c) Johnson thought I was an idiot and a spy, d) Johnson didn't realize he was aligned as a strong side linebacker, or e) all of the above.

Were you wearing your official Football Guys press pass?

 

[PewterFan]

Toward the end, it's clear that a) Johnson thought I was an idiot, b) Johnson thought I was a spy, c) Johnson thought I was an idiot and a spy, d) Johnson didn't realize he was aligned as a strong side linebacker, or e) all of the above.

Were you wearing your official Football Guys press pass?

I get the feeling that Johnson simply didn't want to talk to a stranger. I doubt he knew that Jene was a part of the press.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I think we need to raise the funds to send you guys to all 32 camps in the month of August to harangue players about their roles.

great stuff!

 

[bcr8f]

I think we need to raise the funds to send you guys to all 32 camps in the month of August to harangue players about their roles. great stuff!

Federal grant money may be available from the NFL or Washington.

 

[T Bell]

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

lol- that is classic

 

[Saints-Man]

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

lol- that is classic

What a great read!

 

[Saints-Man]

I think we need to raise the funds to send you guys to all 32 camps in the month of August to harangue players about their roles.

great stuff!

Federal grant money may be available from the NFL or Washington.

Matt Lesko has the info!!!!

 

[Bizkiteer]

So we lean over the bleachers and get Brandon Johnson's attention on the way into the tunnel. That conversation went like this...

Bramel: Hey Brandon.

Johnson: Sup.

Bramel: They looking at you as a strong side linebacker tonight?

Johnson: If they were, I didn't know about it.

Bramel: Looked like you were over the TE a whole lot tonight.

Johnson: What you mean? It was just a different defense.

Bramel: Well, were you keying on something different then?

Johnson: Naw, man. What are you talking about?

Bramel: Just saw you over the TE on nearly every snap.

Johnson: Just a different defense, man.

Toward the end, it's clear that a) Johnson thought I was an idiot, b) Johnson thought I was a spy, c) Johnson thought I was an idiot and a spy, d) Johnson didn't realize he was aligned as a strong side linebacker, or e) all of the above.

After that exchange, we elected not to ask any more questions and I didn't ask him for an autograph.

Oh man, this is stand up material! The actual exchange between you two probably is far better and write up most likely doesn't do it justice. I can only imagine the facial expressions to go along with it. This is a classic! I agree...you two should be sent to every training camp for just this type of things. Kudos to you guys!

 

[Jene Bramel]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.

We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.

Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.

We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.

Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

LMAO! Now that would have been scary, huh?How has Johnathan Joseph looked? Do you project him to do well or better than his 49 tackles, 13 assts, 4 INT's, and 15 pass def's?

 

[Jene Bramel]

ORLY!!?!?!?!?!?

GOOD IMPRESSION: Now that Keith Rivers has signed his contract and will work back into his starting role at outside linebacker, Brandon Johnson figures to be demoted. Or will he?

The third-year linebacker from Louisville made the most of his time on the first team and has earned more playing time.

"He showed us some things," linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said.

"It's not like he's going to go on the shelf by any stretch of the imagination. As a matter of fact, we've got to get him on the field some way. I know coach (defensive coordinator Mike) Zimmer is thinking about some different ways of doing that."

Maybe they'll put him at corner....

 

[bcr8f]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

Next time bring a cameraman along.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.

We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.

Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

LMAO! Now that would have been scary, huh?How has Johnathan Joseph looked? Do you project him to do well or better than his 49 tackles, 13 assts, 4 INT's, and 15 pass def's?

Joseph didn't practice last night, but he's been picking off a pass a practice according to team observers. I'm buying into the argument that it took most of the early season to work back into shape after the foot injury early last training camp. If his hands have improved that much, his PD stats over the past two seasons would suggest that he's a candidate for big INT seasons, especially in the man coverage scheme Zimmer wants to use. That should bode well for his tackle numbers, too.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

Next time bring a cameraman along.

I don't think we're getting back down there this year, but I'd either have to wear a disguise or deputize my 4 year old to ask the questions while he's getting autographs."Hey, Mr. 59, can I have your autograph? By the way, why are you still covering the tight end? Are you still a Will or what?"

 

[bcr8f]

[quI don't think we're getting back down there this year, but I'd either have to wear a disguise or deputize my 4 year old to ask the questions while he's getting autographs."Hey, Mr. 59, can I have your autograph? By the way, why are you still covering the tight end? Are you still a Will or what?"

 

[Zoomanji]

Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

Mine too now that the quote machine, Kenny Irons, is gone.

 

[Rozelle]

Norton will tell you. That's exactly how the conversation went down. The facial expressions were pretty good, though. From my point of view, it looked like he wanted to get away from us after the second question but was so that he couldn't help himself from asking me what I was talking about. It had a little Abbott and Costello feel to it by the end. If I was quicker on my feet, I'd have yelled, "Third Base" at the end.

We were thinking about asking Dhani Jones some of the same questions, but after the Johnson exchange, we figured we'd quit before we found out that all the players were more confused than we were.

Truth is, Brandon Johnson is now my favorite Bengal.

Next time bring a cameraman along.

Hey you could take Kenny Irons with you as your camera man next time... here he's has some experience behind the lens and is looking for work.

 

[Tick]

Thanks for the info - I'm curious to see their preseason games after reading this.

It seems like someone weird is going to be really valuable among their LBs. I know people are keying on Dhani Jones, but it could end up being something odd like Boley last season.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Okay, so now that I've been able to rewind and see what's happening on HDTV, I'm a little more comfortable with what's going on here.

Sparing you all the gory details, it's first worth noting that the camp practice we saw featured many of the same sets the Packers ran tonight -- mulitple WR sets with a TE/WR to one side and 2 WR on the other. My understanding on defensive calls, which is admittedly relatively little compared to a NFL player, would be that the TE side is more likely to be declared the strong side. The Bengals are clearly not declaring the strength that way, or Johnson is a SLB. There's no other alternative.

As I've mentioned before, I've seen playbooks that with an over shifted defensive front, the SLB down over the open end and the "Will" stacked behind the overshifted line but over the TE. That's what happening here. You can call that guy a Will if you like. However, to me it means a number of things.

1. The Will in this set may be protected by defensive linemen but will still have to fight through trash to make plays in pursuit.

2. The Will in this set will be in coverage frequently and may or may not be in position to make pursuit plays on draws or underneath screens, etc.

3. This is why Michael Boley had such a big year as the "SLB" for Mike Zimmer in Atlanta last season.

I'm anxious to see how the Bengals align against a team that uses a single TE and two backs. Johnson did line up on the right side against the rare balanced formations the Packers used. Unfortunately, the Bengals see DET, NO and IND for the remaining preseason games.

With this alignment, I think you'll see Keith Rivers struggle to make bunches of tackles in certain matchups. He'll do better if Blackstock or Jeanty plays ahead of Johnson on the other side, though, as Johnson looked very good working his way through the muck tonight. Rivers, on the other hand, was taking some false steps and looked more comfortable on some plays than others. It's also worth mentioning that Peko aligned in a three-technique only once in the first ten snaps tonight -- in the dime defense.

 

[BearsFan]

Did anyone see where Brooks lined-up last night and how he did?

 

[Bonecrusher]

Did anyone see where Brooks lined-up last night and how he did?

Third team DEF right now at SAM behind Jeanty and Blackstock. I am not convinced that he will even make the squad at this point. Guy has all the physical abilities in the world but nothing between the ears. He has been hampered by injuries over the years and moved around in different positions but he should at least be able to make 2nd team defense with his physical attributes.I wouldnt hold my breath on him performing this year.

 

[T Bell]

Did anyone see where Brooks lined-up last night and how he did?

Third team DEF right now at SAM behind Jeanty and Blackstock. I am not convinced that he will even make the squad at this point. Guy has all the physical abilities in the world but nothing between the ears. He has been hampered by injuries over the years and moved around in different positions but he should at least be able to make 2nd team defense with his physical attributes.I wouldnt hold my breath on him performing this year.

Brooks had an injury earlier in camp and returned to practice recently. If he was playing with the 3rd string I'd be more inclined to attribute it to that fact than to overall disatisfaction with his play and his imminent departure from the squad. Jene, who's right here?

 

[gregjcross]

Okay, so now that I've been able to rewind and see what's happening on HDTV, I'm a little more comfortable with what's going on here.Sparing you all the gory details, it's first worth noting that the camp practice we saw featured many of the same sets the Packers ran tonight -- mulitple WR sets with a TE/WR to one side and 2 WR on the other. My understanding on defensive calls, which is admittedly relatively little compared to a NFL player, would be that the TE side is more likely to be declared the strong side. The Bengals are clearly not declaring the strength that way, or Johnson is a SLB. There's no other alternative.As I've mentioned before, I've seen playbooks that with an over shifted defensive front, the SLB down over the open end and the "Will" stacked behind the overshifted line but over the TE. That's what happening here. You can call that guy a Will if you like. However, to me it means a number of things.1. The Will in this set may be protected by defensive linemen but will still have to fight through trash to make plays in pursuit.2. The Will in this set will be in coverage frequently and may or may not be in position to make pursuit plays on draws or underneath screens, etc.3. This is why Michael Boley had such a big year as the "SLB" for Mike Zimmer in Atlanta last season.I'm anxious to see how the Bengals align against a team that uses a single TE and two backs. Johnson did line up on the right side against the rare balanced formations the Packers used. Unfortunately, the Bengals see DET, NO and IND for the remaining preseason games.With this alignment, I think you'll see Keith Rivers struggle to make bunches of tackles in certain matchups. He'll do better if Blackstock or Jeanty plays ahead of Johnson on the other side, though, as Johnson looked very good working his way through the muck tonight. Rivers, on the other hand, was taking some false steps and looked more comfortable on some plays than others. It's also worth mentioning that Peko aligned in a three-technique only once in the first ten snaps tonight -- in the dime defense.

Do Brandon Johnson and Rivers have any reasonable chance of both playing OLB on opening day with Jeanty going to bench?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Did anyone see where Brooks lined-up last night and how he did?

Third team DEF right now at SAM behind Jeanty and Blackstock. I am not convinced that he will even make the squad at this point. Guy has all the physical abilities in the world but nothing between the ears. He has been hampered by injuries over the years and moved around in different positions but he should at least be able to make 2nd team defense with his physical attributes.I wouldnt hold my breath on him performing this year.

Brooks had an injury earlier in camp and returned to practice recently. If he was playing with the 3rd string I'd be more inclined to attribute it to that fact than to overall disatisfaction with his play and his imminent departure from the squad. Jene, who's right here?

He's definitely behind Blackstock right now and Jeanty, if you believe the camp depth chart, is still considered the starter. Brooks has been used on the strong side as a rookie and all offseason long, and I think the depth chart reflects the play of he and Blackstock more than any minor injury. While I don't remember Brooks ever having an impact on special teams, he's enough of a threat as a nickel pass rusher that he'll likely stick on the roster. With the way Brandon Johnson is playing and the horrible tackling Blackstock showed last night, it wouldn't surprise me to see Johnson opposite Rivers in the coming weeks. I don't think Brooks has any chance at a major role right now. He may have a surprise game or two now and then, but he's not getting enough snaps to have an impact.

 

[T Bell]

Did anyone see where Brooks lined-up last night and how he did?

Third team DEF right now at SAM behind Jeanty and Blackstock. I am not convinced that he will even make the squad at this point. Guy has all the physical abilities in the world but nothing between the ears. He has been hampered by injuries over the years and moved around in different positions but he should at least be able to make 2nd team defense with his physical attributes.I wouldnt hold my breath on him performing this year.

Brooks had an injury earlier in camp and returned to practice recently. If he was playing with the 3rd string I'd be more inclined to attribute it to that fact than to overall disatisfaction with his play and his imminent departure from the squad. Jene, who's right here?

He's definitely behind Blackstock right now and Jeanty, if you believe the camp depth chart, is still considered the starter. Brooks has been used on the strong side as a rookie and all offseason long, and I think the depth chart reflects the play of he and Blackstock more than any minor injury. While I don't remember Brooks ever having an impact on special teams, he's enough of a threat as a nickel pass rusher that he'll likely stick on the roster. With the way Brandon Johnson is playing and the horrible tackling Blackstock showed last night, it wouldn't surprise me to see Johnson opposite Rivers in the coming weeks. I don't think Brooks has any chance at a major role right now. He may have a surprise game or two now and then, but he's not getting enough snaps to have an impact.

What is Brooks' problem? Is he this stupid when it comes to learning the defense? He certainly would seem to have all the physical tools you could ever want.

 

[chadjohnsonfan]

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

 

[massraider]

Any word on Jason Shirley and/or Pat Sims?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Any word on Jason Shirley and/or Pat Sims?

Learning. Getting plenty of snaps, and probably will get at least 2 1/2 qtrs tonight. On the night I was at practice, Sims was outplaying Shirley by a fair margin, but you could see Shirley's athleticism. Sims has a shot to get 10-15 snaps a game if he continues to come along, Shirley makes the team but probably won't see much time until 2009.Thornton, Peko and Myers are the main guys in rotation, with Geathers and Fanene both likely to see snaps inside on passing downs at times (maybe Rucker, too).

 

[massraider]

Any word on Jason Shirley and/or Pat Sims?

Learning. Getting plenty of snaps, and probably will get at least 2 1/2 qtrs tonight. On the night I was at practice, Sims was outplaying Shirley by a fair margin, but you could see Shirley's athleticism. Sims has a shot to get 10-15 snaps a game if he continues to come along, Shirley makes the team but probably won't see much time until 2009.Thornton, Peko and Myers are the main guys in rotation, with Geathers and Fanene both likely to see snaps inside on passing downs at times (maybe Rucker, too).

Just watched the game. Really unimpressed with Dizon, but it's early.Shirley was having his way with the Detroit 2's, and he really seemed to diagnose quick. Made a lot of plays, and near-plays in that second half. I do wonder about his motor, on that 50 yard TD pass he had pushed his man into the QB, but seemed to be going half-speed, almos tlike he was surprised it was so easy. If he had gone full throttle, he would've broken that play up.

 

[PewterFan]

FBG's has Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers, Daryl Blackstock and Rashad Jeanty as the starting LB's for Cincinnati.

Does this pretty much end Brandon "Naw, man. What are you talking about?" Johnson chance of putting up numbers this season?

 

[bcr8f]

The Guru, John Norton, and I went to Bengals camp tonight, excited to see what information we could bring to the IDP faithful.

So we lean over the bleachers and get Brandon Johnson's attention on the way into the tunnel. That conversation went like this...

Bramel: Hey Brandon.

Johnson: Sup.

Bramel: They looking at you as a strong side linebacker tonight?

Johnson: If they were, I didn't know about it.

Bramel: Looked like you were over the TE a whole lot tonight.

Johnson: What you mean? It was just a different defense.

Bramel: Well, were you keying on something different then?

Johnson: Naw, man. What are you talking about?

Bramel: Just saw you over the TE on nearly every snap.

Johnson: Just a different defense, man.

Toward the end, it's clear that a) Johnson thought I was an idiot, b) Johnson thought I was a spy, c) Johnson thought I was an idiot and a spy, d) Johnson didn't realize he was aligned as a strong side linebacker, or e) all of the above.

After that exchange, we elected not to ask any more questions and I didn't ask him for an autograph.

Now, it's likely that none of that was meaningful. It's probably truly is a different defense, where they put the Will in man coverage on a TE. However, it's worth noting that a liberal use of that package is going to depress the value of the WLB -- namely, eventually, Keith Rivers.

Oh, and if you hear that Brandon Johnson is the starting SLB on opening weekend, please remember that we knew it before he did.

Had to bump this one.