GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The seven sacks given up by the Bengals' starting offensive line Friday night against Detroit were largely the result of the linemen learning a new pass protection scheme, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said.

        The new approach was brought in by Bratkowski as part of the team's new offense. It involves blocking responsibilities on a “hot read,” which occurs when the defense brings one or two extra players to the line and forces the offense to adjust its play.

        “It was different last year,” Bratkowski said Sunday. “Some of their protections, you would throw hot off one guy coming. Now it's going to take two, which means the line is going to have to be responsible for one of two guys coming, either or.”

        A hot read requires the quarterback to throw the ball more quickly than originally planned. Receivers have to shorten their routes to be ready for the pass. Simply put, there aren't enough linemen to block all the defenders on the line of scrimmage.

        There were additional problems at Detroit that made the line look bad but weren't the fault of linemen.

        “There were a couple of wrong routes by the receivers,” Bratkowski said, “so the ball had to be held longer (by the quarterback) than it normally would. Sometimes, it was an individual just getting beat on a pass rush.”

        Other times, a tackle didn't get the help he was expecting with a pass rusher from a guard.

        “The biggest thing is these protections are new. And they're thinking their way through it instead of reacting their way through it. And hopefully it will continue to improve,” Bratkowski said.

Bengals' line struggles with new protection Bengals release Carlton Gray Coach: 'Audition' led to return TDs

Rijo's return on deck
Rockies 7, Reds 6
Soto says thanks
Davis keeps ball over the plate
Riedling rejoins bullpen
Rockies leave hoarse, happy
Reds-Cardinals Scoutign Report
Reds box, runs
Moore picks UC before other visits
Kuerten's win gives him lift for U.S. Open
Rafter has been second best a lot
'48 Hours' rerun no joke to Henman
Doubles winners aim high
Storm makes trouble for tennis
Tennis Masters Notebook
Lazier repeats win in IRL thriller
Kentucky Speedway Notebook
IRL-Belterra 300 Results
Miami gives wink, nod to Roethlisberger
Boxer Williams 4-0 after latest victory

• Return to Bengals front page...