Friday, October 22, 1999
Akili's critique draws mixed reactions
BENGALS NOTEBOOK
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ask 52 Bengals about rookie quarterback Akili Smith's statement that he hopes his teammates are studying, and you get 52 different answers.
Some, such as defensive captain Takeo Spikes, appeared miffed. Spikes said he wasn't sure what Smith meant: “It's not like we've had busted plays.” One Bengal said Smith just shouldn't have said it and should have approached individuals.
And coach Bruce Coslet was concerned enough to raise the issue in Thursday morning's team meeting at Spinney Field, warning players their words might not have the same intent once captured by the media.
But other players, such as right tackle Willie Anderson, embraced Smith's bold bid to take a leadership role.
“Some people don't understand the power of the quarterback position,” Anderson said. “If he's playing well and doing the right thing, he has the right to say those things. ... That's a leader. That leader answered the question to the press. It's not a thing (where he) embarrassed somebody.”
Anderson didn't think Smith overstepped his bounds: “We need that. ... If not now, when is he going to do it? As long as they see him working hard, putting in his time, studying, taking everything serious. I mean, the guy had tears in his eyes (after the loss to the Steelers). To me, that's the sign of a champion.”
HALL MAKING MARK: The same day Smith made his first NFL start in Cleveland two weeks ago, third-round pick Cory Hall made a more quiet starting debut at free safety.
Secondary coach Ray Horton is pleased with Hall's progress but wants him to take the next step and make some big plays. Hall, a 205-pounder who can run, lacks no confidence.
“I've stepped in on cue; I haven't missed a beat,” Hall said. “I think my presence back there has been felt in the speed and tackling. When I'm on the field, in my own mind, I don't think you'll ever see an 80-yard run. If there's a big play, it's going to be hand to hand through the air.”
Hall blitzed three times Sunday and was in the pocket each time, but he couldn't come up with the sack.
“I have to get out of the mindset how everyone else views me,” Hall said. “I still worry about that a lot, how the public views me. "Who's Cory Hall? How good can he be? A safety out of Fresno State?' I did a lot of film study my senior year, and I think I'm just as good as any athlete in the NFL.”
KI-JANA BACK: Running back Ki-Jana Carter was back at Spinney Field for the first time since getting put on injured reserve three weeks ago, and he's even more disappointed now that the team shelved him for the rest of the season with a dislocated knee cap.
“I've been doing (leg weights) and I think I can start riding the bike next week,” Carter said. “It feels like I could be ready in three weeks. I felt like they just gave up on me and what I can do to help the team.”
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This week's football schedule
CINCINNATI FOOTBALL PICKS
Northern Ky. football picks
Enquirer polls
Ohio football computer ratings
Ohio Football Polls
CINCINNATI HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Edgewood knocks off top-seeded Summit
MAC media predict lost year for Miami
Miami still has shot at bowl
N.KY. HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Overachieving Summit golfers reach for top
Sullivan leads Boone County to title
UK fans lose in local broadcast feud
Unbeaten Falk leads march to state tennis tourney
Williamsburg 76, Hillcrest 20
