DaytonDailyNews.com

MOBILE, Ala. — The Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff deserves some sort of medal for the way they conducted business with the Senior Bowl's North squad this week.

In my seven years of covering the event, I have never seen anything like it, even when the Bengals coached here in 2004. Take nothing away from the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff that coached the South squad, but they were simply outdone.

The Bengals staff prepared the unit as if they where preparing for the Super Bowl. I guess in so many ways this event is like the Super Bowl for many of the prospects participating. This is their last game as collegiate players before moving on to the next level — or not.

The North practice was always spirited and up-tempo, but what was being taught on the field stood out the most.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was the physical presence while running backs coach Jim Anderson was the taskmaster's voice. When you heard Anderson's booming voice you knew class was in session.

During an interview with Anderson after practice Tuesday, he talked about the importance of coaching the prospects at the Senior Bowl.

"It's very important to get a hands-on look at these guys," Anderson said. "You get a chance to know their temperament, how well they learn, respond under pressure and make adjustments on the move. It's a great tool for us and we're excited to be here."

Anderson has coached a long list of successful running backs in the NFL and loves teaching the game. The thing that the coach stresses to players here is hard work and dedication.

"The energy level in which you play and the passion you have for the game, you have to show the people in the stands that this is your business. If it's not your business then you have no business being here," the coach said.

Virginia running back Cedric Peerman is one of those prospects who have responded well to Anderson's coaching

"It's an honor being coached by coach Anderson," Peerman said. "He's been around the game a long time and there's not a better guy out there. I'm actually thankful to learn from him. He encourages you to play hard and is the ultimate motivator. I'm just out here taking it all in."

Peerman has performed admirably. He's a tough inside runner with good vision and lateral mobility in the hole. He did an exceptional job picking up the blitz during drills and showed good balance, and body control after initial contact.

He has pretty good initial burst, but may lack top-end speed. Peerman reminds you of a slightly smaller version of Bengals running back Kenny Watson.

We'll see if all the high-level teaching pays off for the North squad and Bengals coaching staff in Saturday's Senior Bowl game.

Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for Dayton Daily News.

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