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Sunday, July 22, 2007
Left cornerback:
O'Neal vs. Hall
Extras
Deltha O'Neal is the incumbent, an eight-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowl player who set a Bengals record with 10 interceptions in 2005 only to struggle through an injury-riddled 2006 season in which he recorded just one pick.
Leon Hall is the new kid on the block, a rookie first-round choice (No. 18 overall) who enters the league as the player thought to be the most NFL-ready cornerback in the draft.
The mercurial O'Neal is blessed with great speed and ball skills, but lacks consistency.
If he doesn't get his act together, Hall could be starting by the bye in Week 5.
Hall, who generated 12 INTs and 43 pass-breakups in 37 starts at Michigan, has an excellent feel for press, man and zone coverages.
Left guard:
Whitworth vs. Andrews
Eric Steinbach's departure to Cleveland in free agency creates an opening both Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews want. Both are 6-foot-7 and 339-plus pounds, so they'll push the pile.
Steinbach was skilled at pulling and trapping, but sometimes got overpowered at the point of attack. Fifty more pounds at that spot won't hurt because Whitworth and Andrews are athletic for their size.
Third wide receiver:
Perry vs. Chatman
Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh form an impressive one-two punch, but Chris Henry's eight-game suspension opens up the competition for the No. 3 role.
Tab Perry is a big, fast and physical receiver with the ability to make tough catches in traffic. Antonio Chatman is a tiny dancer, ideally suited for the slot. His speed and quickness will give linebackers and safeties fits. Both will see plenty of action in the spread offense.
