Saturday, July 29, 2000

Bengals to focus on RBs in scrimmage

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By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Curtis Keaton | ZOOM |

        GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Bengals will hold their annual intrasquad scrimmage today, and it's time for the offense to pay back the defense.

        The defense won 27-6 in last year's scrimmage, in which it earned two points for forcing punts or field-goal attempts and five points for turnovers.

        “The defense won. They created turnovers,” coach Bruce Coslet said. “It's the offense's job not to turn it over. We're trying to get them some live contact.”

        The only offensive points came on field goals by Doug Pelfrey and Derek Schorejs.

        There were three turnovers in the scrimmage — two interceptions and one fumble — and it was an indication of things to come in the 1999 season. Bengals quarterbacks threw 18 interceptions, and the defense picked off 12 last season. Cincinnati lost 14 fumbles, one fewer than its opponents.

        This year's scrimmage comes six days before the Bengals' preseason opener at Buffalo.

        The Bengals have had 10 practices and six skills sessions (without pads) through Friday.

        “You get tired of beating on each other,” Coslet said.

        Of interest in the scrimmage will be the performance of four running backs competing for the spot opened by the contract holdout of All-Pro Corey Dillon. Michael Basnight, Brandon Bennett, rookie Curtis Keaton and Sedrick Shaw each should get in on an equal number of plays.

        “It's harder with the running backs,” Coslet said. “The reps aren't exactly even.”

        The scrimmage will consist of about 45 plays. The offense gets the regular number of points for a touchdown, field goal and extra point.

        Drives will start from the 35-yard line. No cut blocking or hitting the quarterbacks is allowed. A touch equals a quarterback sack. There are no trick plays, safety blitzes or goal-line personnel.

        At least one player is fired up for the scrimmage. Quarterback Akili Smith requested a copy of the play-by-play from the 1999 scrimmage.

        “Akili does his homework,” Coslet said.

       

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