BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Lee Johnson
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GEORGETOWN, Ky. -- The punting competition between 14th-year veteran Lee Johnson and rookie Brad Costello will affect more than just who kicks on fourth down.
Other issues the duel might influence include:
The holder's responsibilities. If Johnson's cut, the Bengals must find a new holder for kicker Doug Pelfrey. Quarterback Paul Justin and free safety Greg Myers are listed behind Johnson on the depth chart, but there's a chance Costello might inherit those duties if he makes the team.
Long snapper. Greg Truitt has been virtually perfect in that role for four years. But if kickoff specialist Jay Kirchoff makes the team, Truitt could be gone, since the Bengals would be unlikely to keep more than three specialists.
But that means tight end Steve Bush, linebacker Steve Foley or offensive lineman Brock Gutierrez must prove that he can long-snap adequately.
"So the competition is between Kirchoff and Greg Truitt and Steve Bush and all the other combinations that make us a team," special teams coach Al Roberts said Tuesday. "They all know it. I'm not hiding anything from them. Greg Truitt has to snap and say, "You can't do without me.' Kirchoff has to kick off and say, "You can't do without me.' "
Coach's eye
Though inside linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons are just beginning to learn the intricacies of the defense after missing early workouts, they've already showed the speed that prompted the Bengals to draft them in the first round.
"One time, Spikes ran right by one of our defensive backs, who was in full flight, to make the play. It's impressive," Bruce Coslet said, recalling a recent practice scene. "Simmons chased down a couple of screen passes when he was dropping to his left and the screens were to his right, and he made the tackle."
Coslet said both rookies have been paired with veteran linebackers who can help them learn as they go along. Spikes has been on the field with Tom Tumulty while Simmons typically joins Jerry Olsavsky.
QB watch
Jeff Blake's assertiveness in trying to keep his starting job has not surprised Coslet.
"He's rising to the challenge of the competition," Coslet said. "He knows he has some stuff to prove, and he's a very prideful person. I knew he would react this way.
We've been together a long time now, and I know how he deals with certain situations. He gets down, but he doesn't stay down for long. It's encouraging."
For kicks
There, in 85-degree heat at the foot of a section of seats, sat right tackle Willie Anderson on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, posing for a photograph that will be used on a poster with the Bengals' 1998 schedule.
Despite the sun and heat, Anderson patiently wore a black leather jacket over a black Harley T-shirt during the photo shoot, which lasted about 15 minutes. He also wore his Bengals uniform pants. When a fan asked Anderson if he was "burning up," he replied, "If I had to sit any longer, I probably would have."
Following the afternoon workout, defensive end Clyde Simmons donned his full game uniform and stood by a sculpture of a tiger (Georgetown College's mascot) behind one end zone at Rawlings Stadium - Applebee's Field to pose for a photo for Sports Illustrated's football preview issue.
Injury report
Wide receiver Mike Jenkins didn't practice Tuesday as he recovered from a minor concussion caused by a couple of ringing hits in Monday's workout. He'll be re-examined today and likely will be cleared for action.
Defensive end Ramondo Stallings also will be examined today after being carted off the field Tuesday with what appeared to be upper leg cramps.
Nose tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen (groin strain) resumed practicing. Defensive end Jevon Langford (left knee) participated on a limited basis.
Right guard Ken Blackman (lower back) continued to improve and could be cleared to resume practicing by Monday, pending the outcome of his Saturday examination.
Wide receiver Jason Tucker and fullback Buddy Rodgers again sat out practice with hamstring injuries.
Big moment
Cornerback Jimmy Spencer made a nice interception in a one-on-one drill, maintaining position in front of wide receiver Chris Doering and holding onto the ball as Doering -- 6 inches taller -- reached over Spencer and tried to wrest the ball away.
Etc.
Coslet likes what he has seen of defensive lineman Glen Steele, the fourth-round draft choice from Michigan who has been tried at nose tackle. "He's low to the ground, tough, relentless."
The Bengals will conduct two full practices today, which might not mix well with increased humidity and temperatures in the low 90s.
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