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Debut at cornerback special for Bengals' Kilmer
The rookie intercepted a Drew Brees pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown.
Monday, November 20, 2006
NEW ORLEANS — Bengals coach Marvin Lewis calls Ethan Kilmer "Three Way" — after the popular Cincinnati-style chili — because he plays safety, wide receiver and special teams.
Change the moniker to "Four Way" because Kilmer added cornerback to his repertoire on Sunday.
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The rookie seventh-round pick from Penn State scored from 52 yards out on an interception that helped the Bengals to a 31-16 victory over the Saints in front of 68,001 at the Louisiana Superdome.
Subbing for Keiwan Ratliff, who suffered bruised ribs on a punt return, Kilmer's big play came with 6:14 to go on the fourth play of a Saints' drive.
"Those were my first official snaps not on special teams," said Kilmer, who figured he got a little lucky. "Maybe I ought to play the Lotto. What's the Powerball up to today?
"I knew my assignments. I was just playing as hard as I could and hoping for the best — not play scared, but just go out and play."
Kilmer was responsible for running back Aaron Stecker in the right flat. Brees passed that way under pressure from linebacker Landon Johnson.
"I have to protect against those inside throws and underneath throws," Kilmer said. "We had guys blitzing, and I think (Brees) got a little flustered and just threw it out there and didn't see me.
"I couldn't believe it, to be honest. That split second, I was thinking, 'Is he really throwing it there?' I was in my curl flat read, and it worked out."
What was Kilmer thinking as he sprinted down the left sideline with Brees closing in?
"Keep running," he said. "It became a track meet because I know what kind of athlete Drew Brees is. I know he can run a little bit. I was telling myself, 'Don't get caught.' "
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
