DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — The Bengals entered the season with the goal of landing at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., for Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3.

Nowadays, they find themselves in the AFC North cellar at 1-4, attempting to rally toward respectability.

The long road back to .500 begins Sunday when the Bengals host the reeling New York Jets. But first, let's pause and examine who's doing what on a roster riddled with underachievers, injuries and suspensions. Base salaries are in parentheses.

Measuring up

1. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh ($2.25 million): This exquisite route runner is on pace for 150 catches. He's worth every penny.

2. Linebacker Landon Johnson ($850,000): Team tackling leader (46) becomes a free agent at season's end. He'll be a hot commodity.

3. Defensive tackle Domata Peko ($360,000): A starter in his second season, he's become a disruptive force in the trenches. Future's bright.

4. Tailback Kenny Watson ($600,000): A versatile runner, receiver and special teamer, Watson is a team player. He's also a bargain.

5. Offensive tackle Scott Kooistra ($595,000): This big, tough guard-tackle plays with a mean streak, and gets the most out of his ability.

Not measuring up

1. Defensive end Justin Smith ($8.644 million): A hard-try defender with a nonstop motor, Smith hasn't taken his game to the next level.

2. OT Levi Jones ($1 million): His left-knee problems have the club wondering if it made a six-year, $40 million mistake in 2006.

3. DT Bryan Robinson ($1.5 million): Grizzled 11-year veteran is in the final year of his contract. Retirement is a consideration.

4. Strong safety Dexter Jackson ($1 million): The club's most vocal trash-talker should be an enforcer, but he whiffs on too many tackles.

5. TB Rudi Johnson ($3.55 million): He improved his speed and quickness by losing weight. Now his durability is a hot issue.

Must step it up

1. Free safety Madieu Williams ($510,000): This instinctive ball-hawk must lead a secondary that yields too many explosive plays.

2. WR Antonio Chatman ($620,000): Chatman has talent, but can't stay on the field because of a chronic hamstring injury.

3. DE Frostee Rucker ($360,000): Club is banking on his pass-rush potential, but he must show a lot more to stick around.

4. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph ($360,000): Burned in coverage and fresh off one-game suspension, he's searching for first pro interception.

5. Punt returner Skyler Green ($360,000): If his 4.5-yard average doesn't improve, speedy Courtney Roby will get an opportunity.

Injured reserve

1. WR Tab Perry ($435,000): Perry had surgery on his right hip, ending his season. He hopes the injury won't end his career.

2. FS Ethan Kilmer ($360,000): Injured (left quad/knee) early in training camp, he was finally shelved for the year this week.

3. TB Kenny Irons ($285,000): Second-round draft pick blew out his knee in preseason opener at Detroit on Aug. 9.

4. LB Lemar Marshall ($700,000): A waiver pickup on Aug. 23, he made three starts, but tore his left Achilles vs. Patriots.

5. LB Eric Henderson ($285,000): Showed promise until he suffered a right wrist fracture against New Orleans on Aug. 18.

Unable to help

1. WR Chris Henry ($435,000): An eight-game suspension costs him $230K. He hopes to return on Nov. 11 at Baltimore.

2. LB Odell Thurman ($435,000): Thurman forfeits his entire '07 salary because of a second straight yearlong suspension.

3. LB David Pollack ($535,000): NFL career is in jeopardy because of a neck injury suffered Sept. 17, 2006.

4. TB Chris Perry ($667,000): Remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he rehabs a right ankle fracture from '06.

5, LB Ahmad Brooks ($360,000): Hasn't played since Game 2 at Cleveland when he suffered a groin injury in kick coverage.

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