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Top 10 issues facing the Bengals in 2006

If Palmer can't start the season, backups need to be ready to run the offense.

In honor of the Cincinnati Bengals' 10th training camp at Georgetown (Ky.) College, here are the top 10 issues facing the club in 2006:

1 Getting quarterback Carson Palmer completely healthy and into the flow of the offense. Palmer, whose left knee was reconstructed Jan. 10, has progressed much quicker than expected. He must reach the point where he's totally comfortable and confident in the strength of his knee so that he's not thinking about it when he steps onto the field.

2 Backup quarterbacks Anthony Wright, Doug Johnson and Erik Meyer must grow in their knowledge of the offense in case they're needed. "We keep preparing the other guys as though (Palmer) won't be there, but chances are he will be," head coach Marvin Lewis said.

3 Two free agents — defensive tackle Sam Adams (Bills) and strong safety Dexter Jackson (Buccaneers) — must emerge as leaders for the 28th-ranked defense to improve. Adams is a massive run stuffer. Jackson is an enforcer with good range.

4 If they can communicate well, Jackson and free safety Madieu Williams have a chance to be one of the top safety tandems in the NFL. Both are intense, aggressive ballhawks and run defenders with excellent speed and tackling technique.

5 Left linebacker David Pollack needs an impressive camp to prove himself worthy as a 2005 first-round draft pick. He missed his entire rookie camp as a holdout, and nagging knee and foot injuries have impeded his progress. Pollack has the speed, quickness, power and smarts to become the club's first double-digit sack artist since 1992 — if he stays healthy.

6 With middle linebacker Odell Thurman facing a four-game suspension, linebackers coach Ricky Hunley must get his starting unit of Pollack, Brian Simmons and Landon Johnson in sync quickly while developing newcomers Rashad Jeanty, Ahmad Brooks and A.J. Nicholson.

7 The most intriguing position battle should take place at wide receiver with Kelley Washington trying to hold off Antonio Chatman and Tab Perry for the No. 3 role behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Washington has size and strength, but Chatman is blessed with more speed and quickness. Chris Henry is out of the picture because of a knee injury and numerous off-field problems.

8 Aging right cornerback Tory James and left cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who underwent an offseason knee scope, will get pushed to the limit by a pair of swift, athletic youngsters in Keiwan Ratliff and rookie first-round pick Johnathan Joseph.

9 Keep an eye on rookie wideout Reggie McNeal. His expertise as a runner, passer and receiver has earned him the nickname "Slash." The club has installed a special play package for him so it can take advantage of his triple-threat skills.

10 Backup tailback Chris Perry, who had a knee scope in April, will be limited. That means more snaps for Kenny Watson, Quincy Wilson, DeDe Dorsey and Terrence Whitehead behind starter Rudi Johnson.

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

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