Cincinnati Bengals 08/16/2009 6:44 PMThe Dayton Daily News reports when the Cincinnati Bengals defense finished the 2008 season with 17 sacks, upgrading the pass rush became a primary concern. They turned to the NFL draft to bolster the end position and imagine their surprise when one of college’s premier pass-rushers, Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson, was available to them in the third round. The Bengals did not hesitate, and what they saw of Johnson on film is starting to show up in training camp. The 6-foot-7, 258-pound Johnson, who has stood out early in camp, brings speed, athleticism and versatility to a veteran defensive line. He possesses a quick first step along with the ability to speed-rush off the edge. Johnson is relentless in pressuring the quarterback. He also shows good agility and quickness to angle and stunt.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 08/16/2009 6:44 PMThe Dayton Daily News reports this year’s Cincinnati Bengals have been labeled a sexy pick as one of the unlikeliest NFL teams to reach the Super Bowl, much like the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. But if the Bengals are to live up to the expectations of being the league’s surprise team, their makeshift offensive line will have to play a major role. The success of the offensive line will undoubtedly determine the effectiveness of quarterback Carson Palmer through the air and running back Cedric Benson on the ground. The unit has shown some solidarity during training camp and second-year center Kyle Cook appears to be the guy who sets the tone. Bengals assistant head coach/offensive line Coach Paul Alexander is confident that what Cook brings to the field will improve the team’s maligned offensive line.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 07/14/2009 7:49 PMThe Dayton Daily News reports when the Cincinnati Bengals signed five-time Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams to a 1-year contract this offseason, he was immediately anointed the team’s starting strong safety. That may indeed be the case when the smoke settles in training camp, but the 8-year veteran is prepared to compete for a starting position. “I want to be the best and will take that onto the practice field,” Williams said during the recent minicamp. “I’m going to compete and whatever I do I will try to do at a high velocity. I see all the other guys are like that as well. The competition is great and we will have a great team because everyone is competing for the same jobs and that’s a good thing.” With so much depth on the roster, no job is guaranteed with the exception of quarterback. Williams will be competing against the likes of Chris Crocker, Chinedum Ndukwe, Marvin White, Kyries Hebert and Corey Lynch.Read more
Tennessee Titans 07/02/2009 6:37 PMBigCProfootball has learned that the Tennessee Titans have agreed in principle on a 4-year contract with third-round draft pick tight end Jared Cook.Read more
