DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — If Bengals second-year middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks looks over his shoulder, he'll find Ed Hartwell gaining on him — fast.

Hartwell's shift from outside linebacker to the middle is designed to stabilize the position and give the team a veteran alternative in case the youngster struggles.

Brooks, obtained in the July 2006 supplemental draft, is blessed with outstanding physical skills.

But he's making mistakes and learning on the fly. Hartwell, on the other hand, has six years of experience — four with Baltimore and two with Atlanta.

"We've just got to see how the cookie crumbles," Hartwell said. "The biggest thing is staying healthy. It's a business, so you've just got to wait. When your turn arrives and your opportunity comes, you've got to be ready for it."

Hartwell's 57 starts in 77 career games — he has seven sacks, 13 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and an interception — speaks volumes.

He played right inside linebacker alongside Ray Lewis, so Hartwell's used to being at the heart of the action.

"I'm gonna come downhill and hit people," he said. "I love the traffic. When you've been in there all your life, and that's all you know, you've got to love it to play the middle."

Brooks doesn't want to let go of his grip on the position.

"I just need to correct a few mistakes, and it'll be all right," he said. "I'm still learning on the go, but I have a better feeling about what I have to do and what my teammates have to do on a particular play.

"I feel very comfortable at middle linebacker. I just need to keep playing hard and I'll have the experience down the line."

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