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Perry: 'I can finally run the way I want'
Saturday, August 23, 2008
CINCINNATI — With every step he takes, and every move he makes, tailback Chris Perry's confidence grows.
The fractured right ankle he suffered at Cleveland on Nov. 26, 2006, has healed, and Perry has regained his speed, quickness and power.
The fifth-year veteran leads the Cincinnati Bengals in rushes (18), yards (65) and touchdowns (one) heading into the team's third preseason game tonight, Aug. 23, and all signs point to him starting the Sept. 7 opener at Baltimore because Rudi Johnson remains sidelined with a sore right hamstring.
"I can finally run the way I want to run," Perry said. "It's not like when I get in the game I'm trying to score a touchdown every play. I can run and get a feel for what's going on.
"Everybody remembers me as a scat back. But I went to school at Michigan, and we run downhill. I just never got the opportunity to do that while I was here."
Ghiaciuc still No. 1
Offensive line coach Paul Alexander claims center Eric Ghiaciuc has a firm grip on the starting job.
If that's the case, then who starts at right guard and right tackle? Bobbie Williams at guard, Stacy Andrews at tackle? Or will it be Andrews at guard and Willie Anderson at tackle?
"You'll have to buy a ticket," Alexander said.
Mario mania?
Wide receiver Mario Urrutia, a rookie seventh-round pick from the University of Louisville, did not play in the first two exhibition games. Do the wraps come off tonight?
"I'm very eager," he said. "I'm just waiting my turn. When I get it, I'm going to make the most of it. All I can say is the best is yet to come."
Roster moves
Wide receiver Marcus Maxwell and cornerback Ethan Kilmer, released with thigh injuries, reverted to the Bengals' injured-reserve list after clearing waivers. Both are out for the season.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Today's game
Who: New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
When: 7:35 p.m.
TV: WKEF-TV (Channel 22)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
