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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 15 > Entry
Bengals: Face-lift at linebacker
‘THEY LOOK LIKE LINEBACKERS’
The Cincinnati Bengals linebacker corps is going to look different, much different, in 2008.
My projected starters, from left to right:
Strong side: Darryl Blackstock (“Sam”).
Middle: Odell Thurman (“Mike”).
Weak side: Keith Rivers (“Will”).
The top backups: Rashad Jeanty, Ahmad Brooks and Dhani Jones … with Corey Mays, Brandon Johnson and Jim Maxwell fighting for roster spots.
Want to make the team?
You had better be able to excel on special teams, especially kickoff coverage.
This quote from first-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is a stunning indictment about last year’s injury-riddled unit:
“We’re trying to improve that position,” Zimmer said. “We’ve got to improve a lot of positions. They look like linebackers. Whether or not, when the games start, they can play … But they’re good-looking guys. They seem to be intelligent.”
CARSON PALMER ON CHRIS PERRY
“He’s such a threat out of the backfield. I compare him to LaDainian Tomlinson or Larry Johnson running the screen routes.”
NEW KID IN TOWN
The Bengals signed rookie long-snapper Tim Bugg of Indiana to a two-year contract. A college free agent, Bugg (6-0, 257) participated in Cincinnati’s May 2-4 rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Mike
May 15, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I am shocked that is your projected lineup. We know Rivers will play Mike but you can’t just throw Odell out there at middle. Dude hasn’t played for 2 years. I’m sure they’ll ease him along and gradually transition him back in. As for Sam, I understand how Brooks isn’t out there because he’s got all signs of a defensive Chris Perry but Blackstock? He couldn’t play for Arizona. I think Jeanty is your guy and the year starts out Jeanty, Jones and Rivers with Thurman and Brooks rotating in there frequently. Someone is bound to get injured though to through a wrench in there.By KIngsPoint
May 15, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
That’s exactly how I see it too, Chick. As usual, we agree completely.By Kingspoint
May 15, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Bengals’ fans are going to be happily surprised by Blackstock and Odell has the biggest chip on his shoulder than any Bengal I’ve ever seen. Opponents are going to have to gameplan for him because they will fear him.By freexxxpron
June 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this