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StumbleuponBENGALS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Lewis looking for fast play in scrimmage, mock game
Friday, August 01, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Cincinnati Bengals' starting lineup is basically etched in stone.
But who are the best backups? The coaches don't exactly know, but they're eager to find out.
The intrasquad scrimmage tonight, Aug. 1, and Saturday's Black-Orange mock game are critical steps in the evaluation process because jobs are on the line.
"It's a chance to play live and play fast," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "That's what we're looking for more than anything — to play fast."
Showcasing talent
Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick put the weekend in perspective.
"It's a time to show how far along we are and to gauge how much work we have ahead of us," he said. "For the young guys, it's a great chance to get into a game-like mode — to be out there without the coaches in your ear, going through all your assignments and just playing football."
Who's the No. 3 QB?
Jeff Rowe was the No. 3 quarterback in 2007, but he's feeling heat from Jordan Palmer.
"You can't make mistakes," Rowe said. "This weekend is especially important because it shows a little bit of game speed. You have to show that you know what you're doing and that you know the offense. You have to prove it."
Added Palmer: "It's very critical. With Jeff and I getting maybe six reps a day, if I do six right and he does six right, that's not enough to tell who's the better player."
Diaper dandies
Rookie wide receivers Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Mario Urrutia have all had their moments. But who will emerge under the lights?
"I'm looking for consistency," receivers coach Mike Sheppard said. "We give our quarterback a better chance to play well when we do things right, when we're where we're supposed to be. If we can do that for him, everything will take care of itself.
"I just hope our guys can do our part in the run and the pass."
Setting sail
Tailback Chris Perry's leaping grab of a touchdown catch Thursday, combined with numerous explosive runs, speak volumes about the extra dimensions he brings to the offense if he can stay healthy.
He survived his second straight day of hitting in full pads, fueling his confidence. He's looking for his first productive season since 2005.
"We could come out here in Spandex, shorts and wife-beaters (muscle T-shirts), and I'm happy," Perry said. "I'm just excited to get back in the groove."
Getting physical
Strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe is among the tone-setters on defense. He has adopted coordinator Mike Zimmer's physical style.
"It's just a different type of atmosphere around here right now on defense," Ndukwe said. "It's about having the mindset of practicing every day like you want to play. That's what coach Zimmer's stressing."
Bengals' big weekend
IN GEORGETOWN, KY.
Today, Aug. 1: Practice, 9 to 11 a.m.; intrasquad scrimmage, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2: Black-Orange mock game, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $15 per car
Directions: Take I-75 south to Georgetown (Exit 126). Turn right off the exit ramp. Go through four traffic lights and turn right at the fifth light onto Lemons Mill Road (Route 1962 west). Go a half mile and turn into the driveway on the right at the Toyota Stadium sign.
Note: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will meet the team and address the players Saturday morning as part of a friendly visit before heading to Canton for the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
