Professor

The Enquirer - Bengals notebook

MIDDLE MEN: Middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks said Friday that coaches now have him working as a pass-rushing end on third downs.

"They're starting to put my hand down on the ground (off the end)," said Brooks, the team's projected starting middle linebacker.

Look for the Bengals to specialize heavily throughout their defense, including at linebacker, given the down and distance.

Free-agent acquisition Ed Hartwell has worked as the No. 2 middle linebacker. Lewis said Hartwell could figure into the mix there.

Hartwell is mentoring Brooks.

"Ed helps out a lot. He has been there," Brooks said. "He knows what to expect. He tells me to keep my eye on the key, which is the fullback. It might be the tailback."

Lewis said Brooks "has done fine."

Newly acquired Lemar Marshall, who started 31 games at middle linebacker for Washington the past two seasons, will play all three linebacker positions, Lewis said.

"He should be up to speed quickly," Lewis said of Marshall.

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BengalBoy

Should be interesting, im suprised they are thinking of putting Brooks at DE at times. He needs to keep his mind focused on learning the MLB position as he still isn't up to speed.

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Professor

Well, I hear that Hartwell is being a great mentor for him and that should go along way is his learning process.

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