John Clay’s Sidelines

The Bengals have exited Georgetown College — don't worry, they'll be back Wednesday and Thursday before breaking camp on Friday — for Green Bay and Lambeau Field where they meet the Packers tonight in the pre-season opener for both teams, 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Didn't Green Bay used to have a quarterback named Favre?

Whatever happened to that guy?

If you can possibly tear yourself away from the Olympics — and you have to admit that U.S. men's swimming win over trash-talking France in the 4 X 100 relay was nothing short of outstanding — here are three things to keep a keen eye out for tonight:

• 1. Cincinnati defense vs. Aaron Rodgers: The Bengals have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer. The Packers have a new quarterback in Rodgers. The pressure is on the likable Zimmer to finally make a difference in what has been a bad Bengals defense. But the pressure is really on Rodgers, who replaces that fellow who used to wear No. 4, now in the Big Apple. Heard Cris Carter on ESPN radio this morning say, "What do you mean when they start booing Rodgers? They're already booing Rodgers." Rodgers' backup? Ex-U of L quarterback Brian Brohm. He'll get some snaps tonight.

• 2. Bengals battle for fifth wide receiver: Ex-UK product Glenn Holt has his work cut out for him here. Rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell are near locks to make the team. Antonio Chatman, Marcus Maxwell and Holt are fighting for the fifth spot, should Cincinnati decide to keep five wide outs. Holt has been the Bengals' kickoff return man, so he could fall back on that. But I'm sure he'd love to see some time at wide out.

• 3. Bengals' linebacker competition: What Cincy may lack in talent here, the Bengals might make up for in depth. Brandon Johnson, ex-Louisville Cardinal, has been a camp standout. But rookie Keith Rivers has been penciled in as the starter at Johnson's outside starting spot. Rivers just got into camp last week, but has shown enough that he might take the field tonight. Darryl Blackstock, another free agent signee, has also jumped up the depth chart.