John Clay's Sidelines

In press box at Paul Brown Stadium for Bengals-Browns:

Bengals lead 17-3 at the half.

• Graham nails a 37-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. But though Cincinnati leads 17-3, the Bengals are not exactly on their game. After scoring touchdowns on two of their first three possessions, the Bengals managed just a field goal the remainder of the half. They have committed four false start penalties, missed a field goal, and lost David Pollack, Rich Brahm and Dexter Jackson to injuries. Right now, only the score is the bright spot.

• The injuries just keep coming. Now Dexter Jackson has rolled his ankle. TV replays were stomach-churning, eliciting a line of ooooooohhhhhhhh in the press box. Jackson is limping slowly off the field with 2:05 left before half.

• Truth be told, Bengals just aren’t sharp. After hitting 17 straight field goals, Shayne Graham just missed a 45-yarder. His concentration may have been thrown off by the fact the Bengals had only 10 on the field and had to hustle Willie Anderson onto to the line at the last second. There’s 7:51 left in the half. Marvin Lewis can’t be happy with the lack of concentration this quarter.

• They just announced in the press box that Brahm has a left knee injury. His return is questionable. So both Pollack and Brahm have been taken off the field and into the lockerroom. And Chad Johnson has bruised his right shoulder. So despite a 14-3 lead, the Bengals can’t feel all that good about the way the afternoon has gone to this point.

• Brahm is being taken off the field on a cart. Eric Ghiaciuc has come in at center.

• Now center Rich Brahm is down on the field with 13:18 to go in second quarter. The Bengals are already without tackle Levi Jones, sitting this one out with an injury.

• Just announced in the press box that Johnson has a bruised right shoulder but will return.

Bengals lead 14-3 with 3:09 left in first quarter.

• Cleveland has absolustely no answer for the Cincinnati offense. Palmer orchestrates a 14-play, 92-yard drive, hitting a falling Chad Johnson in the corner of the end zone for an eight-yard score. Chad then performed a brief, and rather calm "chicken dance" celebration. Scoreboard speaks for itself. Johnson did land on his right shoulder, and is having it examined.

Bengals lead 7-3 with 8:50 left in first quarter.

• Browns cash in on an Andra Davis interception. Palmer’s pass is tipped up in the air by Kelley, then picked off by the Browns linebacker at the Cincinnati 17. There, the Bengals’ defense did the job, keeping Cleveland to a three-pointer. Phil Dawson’s 30-yarder splits the upright. Yet it’s ruled a win for the home team.

• They just announced that Pollack has full movement of his extremities, but did suffer a neck injury. He’s being taken for an MRI.

• Pollack gave two thumbs up as he was wheeled off on a stretcher.

• With 11:34 left in first quarter, they are bringing out a stretcher for Bengals’ linebacker David Pollack, hurt on a head-on hit with Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns. Pollack was moving after the hit, but apparently the medical people don’t want to take any chances.

Bengals lead 7-0 with 12:27 left in first quarter.

• Cincinnati takes opening kickoff and drives down the field as if going against air. Carson Palmer was 3-for-3 for 57 yards, including the 22-yard touchdown pass to Kelley Washington. Five-play, 75-yard drive includes plays of 18 (pass to Kelley), 17 (pass to Kelley), 7 (Rudi Johnson run), 11 (Rudi Johnson run) and 22 (Washington TD reception).

Back from Georgetown and a visit to the Bengals’ practice this morning. The team breaks camp and returns to Cincinnati on Friday for its exhibition opener against visiting Washington on Sunday night (8 p.m., NBC).

Some tidbits:

• Despite tendinitis in his bicep, Anthony Wright will start at quarterback against Washington. Marvin Lewis said the plan is to use Doug Johnson and Erik Meyer, as well.

• Chris Henry has been battling aches and pains since his stellar performance in last Friday’s scrimmage. Henry did not practice this morning.

• Carson Palmer, Chris Perry and David Pollack will not play against Washington. Palmer has made amazing progress with his reconstructed left knee, but is not ready for contact. Perry is shelved by an ankle problem. Pollack is nursing a pulled hamstring. His injury is especially disappointing since the former Georgia star missed all of training camp last year because of a holdout and needs the reps this year. Depending on his return, Pollack’s spot as starting outside backer could be in jeopardy.

• Stacey Andrews could start in place of the banged-up Bobby Williams at guard.

• Defensive tackle Sam Adams has yet to pass a physical, so remains on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. A free agent pickup, Adams was expected to help the Bengals’ shaky run defense.

• Here’s a neat story in today’s Enquirer about how Palmer was helped by an organ donor.

Back from Bengals’ annual intrasquad scrimmage at Georgetown College.

Observations:

• Crowd was estimated at 9,400, and can be seen in the dictionary under "overflow crowd."

• Carson Palmer played two series and appeared to move well, all things considered. After missing on four of his first five passes, Palmer ended up hitting four of nine for 57 yards. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski remarked afterward that part of Palmer’s early problems with accuracy could be from not bending his knees enough. That will come when Palmer is more comfortable with his surgically-repaired left knee.

• Rookie LSU receiver Bennie Brazell caught five passes for 89 yards, including a long of 52 yards. He can also return kicks. A world-class track star, Brazell right now looks like the fourth receiver behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and, yes, Chris Henry.

• Henry was spectacular, catching four passes for 80 yards. He made two great grabs. And he also caught two touchdown passes. Henry’s off-the-field problems are a major hurdle, one the NFL could even become involved with some sort of disciplinary action. But if Henry can get past all that, and grow up more than a little, he will help this team.

• A darkhorse standout was ex-Arkansas safety Tony Bua, who made seven tackles and could end up being a factor on special teams. He’s just 5-11, 182, but is always around the blocks.

• Reports are rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks looks like a real steal, and he showed signs last night. The supplemental draft pick out of Virginia made five tackles. He runs will and hits hard. Could end up taking playing time away from veteran Brian Simmons in the middle.

• Linebacker David Pollack may have pulled a hamstring in the scrimmage.

• Defensive tackle Sam Adams, the free agent signee, is still working his way back into shape. He did not participate.

• Shayne Graham was six-of-six on field goals, with a long of 46 yards.

• Ex-UK receiver Glenn Holt is trying to make the team. He was thrown to once, but Anthony Wright’s pass was behind the ex-Cat. Holt reportedly made some impressive catches during Thursday’s practice.

• In the battle to back up Palmer, Anthony Wright was seven of 17 for 107 yards, while Doug Johnson was five of 11 for 84 yards. Johnson threw the night’s only interception, a tip drill that Brian Simmons picked off. Wright has the lead. I’m not sold on Johnson.

• The Bengals were flagged for a celebration penalty after Tab Perry caught a TD pass from Palmer. Perry acted as a bowling ball, rolling into Henry, Johnson and T.J. Said Lewis, "I didn’t see it, but from what I understand Ron (head referee Ron Winter) said it was pretty good."

Made first visit to Cincinnati Bengals camp this morning at Georgetown College.

Some observations:

• 
  It was hot. Very hot. Marvin Lewis reported that the humidity was 80 percent at the start of practice, with the temps rising up to 90 degrees. "Our bodies aren’t ready for that," said the Bengals coach. Chad Johnson right, begged to differ. When questioned about the head, the loquacious one said, "I’m from Miami. Nothing compares to Miami.  Nothing compares to home."

• Carson Palmer did plenty of throwing in pass skeleton and in an 11-on-11 drill. His aim appeared rusty, but merely seeing No. 9 out there, even in a left knee brace, had to fortify the striped hearts of Bengals’ fans.

• Ex-UK receiver Glenn Holt is trying to make the team at wide out, but did not see Holt get a rep in pass skel or 11-on-11.

• Rookie wide out Bennie Brazell out of LSU is receiving good reviews. "He’s explosive," said quarterback Anthony Wright. "We were talking about him last night, the quarterbacks. As a quarterback, he’s catching our eye. He’s catching the coaches’ eyes."

• At the end of an autograph signing session, Palmer came running down a concrete stretch, in cleats, trying hard not to fall, through rocks, and ended up grabbing hold of a large trailer from a truck to stop his momentum. Now that would have been something. Carson Palmer injured running down hill after autograph session!

• Linebacker Odell Thurman is not in camp and there are whispers he may not be available this season. The former Georgia star is suspended from the first four games after violating league drug policy. He was the team’s leading tackler last year as a rookie, but as Lewis said last week, Thurman needs to get his life in order. (Update at 3:30 p.m., cincinnatibengals.com is reporting that Thurman did arrive in camp this afternoon.)

• Embattled wide out Chris Henry, he of the four arrests in the past seven months, was getting plenty of reps at receiver this morning.

• Ryan Pitino, son of Rick Pitino, is serving as an assistant equipment manager at camp. In fact, Pitino spoke to the Bengals on Sunday. [Cincinnati Post]

• Bengals practice again tonight from 7-9 p.m.

Above: Kicker Shayne Graham signs an autograph. Below: Rudi Johnson does his part.

Thursday’s column from the Cincinnati Bengals annual pre-season luncheon kicked up quite a bit of e-mail from unhappy Bengals’ fans. Unhappy not with the conduct exhibited by some members of their team. Unhappy with me:

Gary wrote that, "Askew was getting a hot dog, when the cops freaked out. Told him to move his car and when he did, tasered him. A.J. was getting his own stuff back. His charges will be dropped along with Frostee’s, Askews. Most of Henry’s have already been dropped."

Gary must know some things I don’t. The police report said that Askew ignored an officer’s instruction that he move his car. He also refused to give identification, struggled with officers trying to handcuff him, then tried to flee. And I guess poor Chris Henry just always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Jason writes that, "Only one Bengal player of 85 young men on the Bengals payroll has been convicted of anything and that is Chris Henry for his string of incidents. Mind you 1 out of 85, versus University of Kentucky’s basketball program which is something like 6/15 (tongue in cheek). . . . Your article is laughable to anybody who knows anything about the NFL and the value it has on the community’s economy."

True, Odell Thurman wasn’t convicted of anything. But he does have to sit out the first four games.

"An Angry Bengals Fan" writes that it’s "columns like these that can generally give sports reporters a bad rap. While I know you probably haven’t read this far, I thought it was necessary to let you know that there are people who think you are completely one-sided and totally biased in your columns. If it’s not UK basketball, It must not be anything good. Maybe you should go to work for Fox News."

How about Hannity, Colmes and Clay?

Jim writes, "Sounds to me like your (sic) a scare little Squeeler fan. If Jack Tatum were playinign today for the Bengals, would you say the same and call him a Killer?"

No, sorry, no fan of the Squeelers. And yes, I would write about Tatum if he were a Bengal and part of off-the-field problems.

Joel from Dayton wrote, "As far as ‘allegations’ you know you must live in the old USSR where everyone is guilty before they are innocent. The country I live in innocence is presumed until you have your day in court."

Trouble is, too many Bengals will be spening more time in court than on the field.

In these parts, Rock Oliver is known for his work as a strength coach under Rick Pitino. Now as assistant strength coach with Cincinnati, Oliver is using his hoops contacts to find possible football talent for the Bengals. Oliver’s connections helped lead Marvin Lewis into taking a flyer on Byron Allen, a 6-foot-7, 255-pound center from Northwestern State. Allen was to be tried at tight end when the Bengals come to Georgetown College to open training camp on July 29, but failed a physical. Still, Oliver keeps looking. [Bengals.com]

Cincinnati Bengals announced today that they have reached agreement to extend their training camp at Georgetown College through the 2007 season. [Bengals.com]

Here at important dates for the Bengals’ 2006 camp at Georgetown:

• Sat. July 29, camp opens with first practice at 7 p.m.

• Fri., Aug. 4, intra-squad scrimmage at 6:30 p.m.

• Sat., Aug. 5, mock game at 1 p.m.

• Fri., Aug. 11, final practice at 3 p.m.

Carson Palmer has a cover-boy good looks. Now he is a cover boy. Just not in the way he would have liked.

The re-habbing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. Like Barbaro, Palmer is halfway submerged in water to work on the knee that was torn early in the Bengals’ playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of last season.

Ironically, on Sunday morning at Pimlico I was talking with Nick Zito about the surreal feeling that was at the track the day before when Barbaro was injured. Though the race was running, all the attention was on the stricken horse. I told Zito it reminded me of when Palmer was hurt in the Bengals’ loss. The game continued but all anyone thought about was how badly Palmer may have be hurt. It cast a pall over the entire game, and surely affected the Bengals’ performance.

Funny now that Palmer is on the same cover that, at the top, reads "Barbaro’s Preakness Heartbreak." [Cincinnati Enquirer]

Leftovers from the Bengals’ 23-20 win over Cleveland at PBS on Sunday:

• A win over Detroit next Sunday, or a loss by Pittsburgh at Minnesota, clinches the AFC North title for the Bengals.
• Carson Palmer did not complete a pass on first down Sunday. He was 0-for-5.
• Palmer threw 11 times to Chad Johnson, but completed just two.
• In the first half, Cleveland’s average possession started at its own 49-yard line.
• Browns’ fans should be encouraged with the direction under new general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel. The Browns had a terrific game plan on defense, taking away the pass. On offense, rookie quarterback Charlie Frye proved to be mobile and resourceful. He did make the biggest blunder of the game, however, throwing a pick to Cincinnati’s Deltha O’Neal, which set up a Bengal touchdown.
• NBC chief Dick Ebersol was at the game Sunday, apparently overseeing a practice broadcast with Cris Collinsworth and Merrill Hoge. Collinsworth has already signed on to be the network’s NFL analyst next year when NBC starts broadcasting Sunday night games.

After yesterday’s 38-31 triumph at Pittsburgh, winning the North Division is the least the Bengals can do. Marvin Lewis’ team has a real shot at a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Only a total collapse keeps 12-0 Indianapolis out of the No. 1 seed. After that, Cincinnati and Denver are both now 9-3. Since the Bengals and Broncos did not play in the regular season, first tiebreaker is conference record. The Broncos are 6-2 in the AFC, the Bengals are 6-3.

The two have similar remaining schedules. Denver finishes by playing host to Baltimore  (4-8), going to Buffalo (4-8), coming back home for Oakland (4-8), then finishing at San Diego (8-4). Cincinnati finishes up with Cleveland (4-8) at home, then at Detroit ( 4-8), home for Buffalo (4-8), then at Kansas City (8-4).

The conference’s No. 2 seed watches the first round of the playoffs from an easy chair. The No. 3 seed will be on the field, though at home for a first-round game. If the playoffs were held today, the Bengals would play host to San Diego.