Saturday, November 20, 1999
Wilson still learning at linebacker
No. 1 pick in 1997 backing up undrafted Ross
BY TOM GROESCHEN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
By now, Bengals linebacker Reinard Wilson figured he would be an NFL star. For now, he would settle for being an NFL starter.
Wilson, the Bengals' No.1 draft choice in 1997, is playing mostly in nickel (third down) situations these days. Adrian Ross, an undrafted free agent, has started ahead of Wilson all season at right outside linebacker.
“It hurts not to be a starter,” Wilson said. “Every player wants that. I know I can play, but it's kind of hard to get any rhythm going when you're not out there all the time.”
After struggling as a rookie in '97, Wilson appeared to be emerging in 1998. He started 15 games, led the team with 6.0 sacks and tied for the team lead by forcing two fumbles.
But in 1999, Wilson had a groin injury in training camp and never got into the starting lineup. He ranks just 15th on the team in tackles (with 16) and has 2.0 sacks, not the kind of stats you'd expect from a man who left Florida State as the school's career sacks leader (35.5).
“Sure, a high first-round draft choice like that, you would have expected more,” coach Bruce Coslet said Friday. “He's doing a good job on our third-down defense and he's a good pass rusher, but he's still kind of trying to learn the craft of playing linebacker.”
Dave Lapham, the Bengals' radio analyst, said Wilson's game is too specialized as just a pass rusher. Wilson still needs to improve his coverage and run-stopping skills, Lapham said.
“He gets eaten up in space, and he gets abused because of that,” Lapham said. “He can't redirect. He's more of a down lineman than a linebacker, but they want him to do more at that outside 'backer position.”
Coslet said Wilson gives supreme effort and plays with intensity. He said Wilson's linebacking skills have improved since his rookie season, and pointed out that Wilson is among the leading tacklers on special teams. He also indicated that Wilson must become a more well-rounded player.
“He understands there's more to playing linebacker than just rushing the passer in this league,” Coslet said. “You have to be a complete linebacker and right now, he's not.”
Wilson, an upbeat sort who usually is smiling, said he would welcome the opportunity to play more. He virtually alternates with Ross and has more tackles (16-13) and sacks (2-1) than Ross this season, but the Bengals believe Ross is a notch better overall.
Wilson said his pass-rush game is hampered with the Bengals consistently behind in games. When teams are ahead, they run the ball more and sit on the lead. That affords little chance for pass rushers such as Wilson to tee off on the quarterback.
“A guy like (Tennessee's) Jevon Kearse is in a good situation,” Wilson said. “He gets more chances to make plays because they're usually ahead. When you're behind, it's just harder. If you're going to make plays, you'd better do it quick in the first quarter, or you won't get much chance. It does make a difference for the defense.”
Lapham believes Wilson also may be worn down by the Bengals' losing. The team has gone 11-31 since Wilson arrived.
“Here's a guy that comes from Florida State, he's used to competing for the national championship on an annual basis,” Lapham said. “I think guys like him are more affected by what's going on here than others. When you're used to the penthouse, sometimes that's a hard thing to deal with.”
Wilson said he's not ready to give up on Cincinnati. He is in the third year of a five-year contract.
“I'd love to stay here,” he said. “The fans still come out and support us. I can imagine if we got a playoff team, or even if were like 5-5, the fans would be going crazy right now. I'd like to stay here and help us win.”
INJURY UPDATE: Right tackle Willie Anderson (right foot strain) did not practice Friday, but it appears he will start Sunday.
“I think he'll be OK,” Coslet said. “His foot's bothering him. At this time of year, especially a big guy like that, playing on AstroTurf ... he's probably going to have to play with it the rest of the season.”
The Bengals cannot afford to be without Anderson, their best offensive lineman. Coslet said Anderson didn't miss a block in last week's game vs. Tennessee.
“If we had them all playing like Willie, we'd be OK,” Coslet said.
• Cornerback Artrell Hawkins (shoulder) will be the third cornerback Sunday, Coslet said. Ty Howard and Rodney Heath again will be the starters.
Bengals Stories
UC freshmen ready for first step
Satterfield's bravado best part of game
It's official: Harper will join Bearcats
Bertucci to start at QB for UC
Upset still haunts Prosser
Kentucky 56, Utah 48
Majerus on UK: 'Terrific'
NKU 120, Thomas More 66
Stuff cut XU's Massey, sign UK's Turner
Michigan blocks OSU from bowl
Buckeyes' bowl hopes big 'if'
Miami's Yeager headed to sidelines
Speedway schedule offers 3 weekends of racing
Big weekend for NKU volleyball, soccer
Cleveland 5, Cyclones 4
Mighty Ducks 7, Saint John 4
Rose says he's angry at Selig
