It's obvious what the Bengals' offense can accomplish in voluntary May practices, when quarterbacks and receivers work to sharpen their split-second timing in the pass game.

        But May is just as important for the team's defense, which is putting in 90-95 percent of its plays and formations. The goal is to improve a unit that finished No.9 in total yards last season.

        While the offense and special teams seek respectability, the defense looks for greatness.

        So far, so good, say Bengals coach Dick LeBeau and coordinator Mark Duffner.

        “We have more to do because we do more defensively than a lot of teams,” LeBeau said. “There is a lot of communication and coordination going on, especially in our pressure package.”

        LeBeau, the team's former defensive coordinator, said he was especially pleased with the defense in the second half of the season, when it allowed 290 yards a game.

        “The guys worked real hard to get there,” Duffner said. “We want to take the next step.”

        Linebacker Takeo Spikes, the Bengals' defensive captain, said the defense has the same returning group for the first time in his five years with Cincinnati.

        “We have the continuity,” Spikes said. “We brought everybody back.”

        Unrestricted free agents Artrell Hawkins and Reinard Wilson return at cornerback and defensive end, respectively. Even though Hawkins suffered a knee ligament injury last week at practice, his six-to-eight-week rehabilitation will have him 100 percent before the start of training camp.

        The Bengals also bolstered their secondary by signing free agent cornerback Jeff Burri, and drafting safeties Lamont Thompson and Marquand Manuel, who is drawing rave reviews from Bengals scouts.

        “I'm real pleased with how we've looked, and I'm not just saying that,” Duffner said. “We're getting a lot of repetitions in, and that's where you get the timing down.”

        SPIKES GONE: Spikes had an excused absence from Tuesday's voluntary workout and will return today.

        STEELE BACK: Defensive tackle Glen Steele returned to practice Tuesday. He had undergone minor knee surgery following a minicamp injury.

        THREE MORE: The Bengals end their voluntary workouts with 90-minute practices today, Thursday and Friday before breaking for the summer. Training camp begins July 26.

        E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
       

Learning time for Bengals' defense Frerotte happy in stripes

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