Georgetown Notes: Just some thoughts for Game 1 (8/11/08)

The Bengals have just completed their first week of training camp in Georgetown and are about a week away from the Monday Night showdown against the Green Bay Packers - so with what we have heard, here are some simple things to look for during that first preseason game.

Center: Everybody says that Eric Ghiaciuc is too small, too weak and just not good. Well, Ghiaciuc is listed at 6-foot-4 303 lbs. on the team’s Web site, but does appear smaller than that. If Ghiaciuc struggles, fans will cry for the team to sign LeCharles Bentley. Look for Dan Santucci to get some time at the position on Monday. This offseason, many wanted Stacy Andrews (left) to start at guard and have Bobbie Williams move over to center, but that won’t happen because of…

Tackle: Even though he is as healthy as he has been in recent memory, Willie Anderson said that he will pass the torch onto Stacy Andrews. Anderson says that it will help the team if Andrews starts at RT. While that story will gain a lot of attention this preseason my focus will be on the development of fourth-round pick Anthony Collins. I believe it will take a couple of years for Collins to develop, but eventually he will become a solid starter at tackle for many years.

Cornerback: From the first day of mini-camp new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has been all over Johnathan Joseph. He watched game film and thought Joseph wasn’t very good, but John-Joe has been dominating all week in training camp. Interception after interception has many people predicting a breakout season. On CBs trying to make the team, many good things have been said about David Jones and rookie free agent Simeon Castille, so keep an eye on them.

Defensive End: Don’t expect Antwan Odom to be playing, which was one of the players many fans would love to see. However, that opens the door for Jonathan Fanene, Eric Henderson and Frostee Rucker. All three players have huge upsides and could impress while Odom is recovering from a minor foot injury.

Defensive Tackle: Pat Sims! Do I really need to explain. Leading up to the 2008 NFL Draft, fans wanted Cincinnati to do anything (trade up) it could to acquire DT Sedrick Ellis, but the Bengals stood firm and selected linebacker Keith Rivers. Then in the third round the Bengals selected Sims (right). If Sims turns out to be a stud no one will remember that they ever wanted Ellis.

Linebacker: Former Arizona Cardinal Brandon Johnson has impressed everyone this week. In less than a full season, Dhani Jones has already become the leader of this defense, hopefully he can keep it up. Ahmad Brooks will have a different role this season, instead of playing the middle, Brooks will play on the line and on the outside where he will rush the passer on almost every play he is in the game (the old Lawrence Taylor role). This position is always key, look for the young guys, Darryl Blackstock and Corey Mays. Also, at this time, Keith Rivers remains unsigned.

Running back: Rudi Johnson is bigger and better than ever. Does that story sound familiar? Last year, he was faster than ever. Every year, every Bengals beat writer does a story about how Rudi’s hard work in the offseason will lead to a great season. I hope they are right. Rookie free agent James Johnson has been very impressive all week, but failed to play well during the scrimmages this weekend. Chris Perry is back and playing, which should be a big story this preseason.

Safety: Fifth-round pick Corey Lynch played great in the scrimmages. Second-year guys Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe will need to have big seasons this year and will be counted on to do so. I want to see Kyries Hebert, not much as been said about him this week, but this kid was a stud in the CFL.

Receivers: A lot of new faces here. First, everyone will look for tight end Ben Utecht, who was the other big free agent signing for the team this offseason. The team is loaded with rookie wide receivers Travis Brown, Clyde Logan, Maurice Purify and Mario Urrutia figure to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot. Vets Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt and Marcus Maxwell (has looked great this week and is the No. 3 WR right now) will have to perform to stay on the roster. Rookies Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson along with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh figure to roster locks.