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Jones: Bengals' defense can be top-10

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 12:49 PM Monday, June 22, 2009

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer calls Dhani Jones and Dat Nguyen the most intelligent middle linebackers he’s ever coached.

Nguyen (pronounced “win”) played seven seasons for Dallas (1999-2005) and is currently the Cowboys assistant linebackers coach and defensive quality control coach. Jones is a 10-year veteran and clear-cut leader of the Bengals’ defense.

“Dhani’s sharp. He handles everything pretty quickly,” Zimmer said. “He tells guys where to line up. He knows the checks. He knows what everybody does on the defense. It’s really nice having a guy like that.”

Fresh off the weekend’s mandatory minicamp, Jones believes the Bengals’ 12th-ranked defense can become a top-10 unit.

“I like the personnel, the people, the attitude and the mentality going into training camp,” Jones said. “All I want is for everybody to be successful. I get my information from Zim and pass it on. I study as much as I possibly can so I know as much as I can on the field so that we’re prepared for anything.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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Wasn't Dhani cast off by the Eagles because he couldn't play. Now he is older and the best player on their defense?? That is scary and not in a good way.

P
1:47 PM, 6/23/2009

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Last year is over. Get over it! The upcoming season is all that matters, and I have high hopes! Dhani is the man, and our D will be well prepared for THIS season. Go Bengals!!!

V
10:47 AM, 6/23/2009

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Please keep in mind: They were 12th only in yardage. That was because the offense was awful and gave short fields.

30th in sacks. 24th in TDs allowed. 21st in interceptions. 21st in rushing yards allowed (even with the short fields).

The D was poor at best last year.

Kato
6:18 PM, 6/22/2009

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