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SportingNews.com - NFL - Bengals Team Report

There is growing concern LT Levi Jones (knee) and RT Willie Anderson (foot) won't be in the starting lineup for the season opener, but panic hasn't set in because Andrew Whitworth and Scott Kooistra are excelling in replacement roles. Anderson had a nonsurgical procedure to his heel in Atlanta. Now he's dealing with a time issue and healing process. The four-time Pro Bowler, whose streak of 112 straight starts is on the line, is expected to have his protective boot removed this week. But his on-field activity will be limited the remainder of the preseason. The same goes for Jones, who has endured two knee scopes since October. Whitworth and Kooistra lack the athleticism of the starters, but both have the size, strength and toughness that will allow the offense to survive until Jones and Anderson return. ...

Keep an eye on Ed Hartwell, who quickly is gaining ground on second-year MLB Ahmad Brooks. Hartwell has moved inside from the weak side to push Brooks, who continues to get washed out of plays because he's slow to read and react. Brooks is a physical specimen with great upside because he's so athletic, but he needs time to develop. Hartwell deserves to start because he's more active and makes more plays. He brings savvy, leadership and stability to the lineup.

NEWCOMER REPORT: Fourth-round FS Marvin White has emerged as the top backup to starter Madieu Williams. He's also expected to make a significant impact in kick coverage on special teams because he's fast and physical. White arrived with the reputation for being a big hitter who lacks the ability to read, react and make adjustments. But he has adapted quicker than expected, and is showing good speed, range, ball skills and instincts. White is an outstanding tackler who knows how to recover when he gets out of position. He needs to cut down on mental mistakes so he can become a better coverage defender.

PROBLEM SPOT: The jury still is out on the secondary because RCB Johnathan Joseph hasn't fully recovered from surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot. Rookie first-round draft pick Leon Hall has excelled in his place and will likely start the opener if Joseph isn't ready. LCB Deltha O'Neal continues to show flashes of brilliance, but needs to become more consistent. SS Dexter Jackson and FS Madieu Williams are communicating much better in their second season together. Both need to stay healthy because their backups are both rookies (Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White), who need more to learn and develop. This much is clear: The pass rush, led by DEs Robert Geathers and Justin Smith, should improve. That will help the defensive backs immensely.

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