GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Perhaps it's a sign of how muddled the Bengals' quarterback situation is that one quarter plus an overtime of an exhibition game can cause such a commotion in camp. Or maybe what Akili Smith did Saturday night in the Bengals' loss to Chicago is the first, flickering sign that the club's No. 1 draft choice from three years ago is finally starting to get it.

        Yes, Smith directed the Bengals' only touchdown drive in an otherwise disappointing offensive showing. And yes, he displayed toughness and creativity in rushing for 34 yards on five car ries. But he didn't exactly light up the night with his passes, even though he was 4-of-5 for 35 yards.

        Coach Dick LeBeau made official Tuesday what everyone connected with the Bengals suspected: Smith will start Friday night against Detroit in Pontiac, Mich. Beyond that, the Bengals are no closer to settling on a quar terback than they were when they signed Jon Kitna in March.

        Smith, once considered the third man in a three-way race, has made the coaches take notice. But he still has work to do.

        “He has to be able, when the protection is good and the pocket is solid, to go through his progressions and deliver the ball on time,” said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. “Hopefully, we'll get to see some of that on Friday night.”

        Now it's important for Smith to produce at the start of a game running the first-team offense against a first-team defense. If LeBeau sticks to his plan of naming the starter for the season opener before the final exhibition game, Friday will likely be Smith's only opportunity to prove himself under those circumstances.

        Scott Mitchell is expected to start against Buffalo on Aug. 25 at home.

        “This is my shot,” Smith said. “Hopefully, I'll be 60 percent, 70 percent or even better throwing the ball.”

Smith must pass passing test LeBeau uses bench to emphasize point Doughty AWOL from camp

Giants 9, Reds 3
Bonds' 48th HR sets Cinergy mark
SULLIVAN: Still no conclusion to Rose saga
Chronology of Rose case
Season over for Larkin, Harnisch
Larkin: SS is only spot open for me
Rijo focusing on relief
Reds to honor Davis
Reds box, runs
Wyoming star Hall now a Bearcat
Las Vegas tourneys shift to high school
Tennis Masters loses Safin, Enqvist
Tennis Masters schedule, results
Becker draws overflow crowd
Sampras looks frisky in romp
Tennis losing grip on Rafter
Ousted Safin: 'I'm just bad'
Spain's Ferrero rising star
England's eyes focused on Henman
Heat is tournament's hot topic
Tennis Masters Notebook
Tennis Masters facts
40,000-plus expected for IRL race

• Return to Bengals front page...