By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals locker room is dotted with men who endured the prolonged bad before reaching the elusive good.

Eric Steinbach is one of the exceptions.

Bengals rookie offensive lineman Eric Steinbach. (AP/file photo)

"I know nothing about what some of these guys have been through last 10 years," said Steinbach, a rookie who has started every game at left guard. "I talk to some of the other rookies and I'm like, 'Man, we came at the right time.' "

Cincinnati is 7-5 and tied with the Ravens for first place in the AFC North entering Sunday's game at Baltimore.

So it is now, after already playing what amounts to a full collegiate schedule, that the Bengals are asking Steinbach and two other offensive rookies - fullback Jeremi Johnson and wide receiver Kelley Washington - to play beyond their age and professional experience.

"I told them a couple of weeks ago their rookie status is about over," coach Marvin Lewis said. "For us to have an opportunity to win the division, they've got to play like veteran players now."

Cincinnati has the No. 7-rated offense overall in the NFL after its comeback win Sunday in Pittsburgh.

The playmaking abilities of quarterback Jon Kitna, running backs Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson along with wide receivers Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick and a largely veteran offensive line are a primary reason why.

But the accelerated maturation of Steinbach, Jeremi Johnson and Washington has eliminated a potential weakness.

"They've grown up and have been playing well in their roles," Lewis said. "They're doing a great job and aiding this offense quite a bit."

The Bengals were one of four division-leading teams to start two or more rookies in Week 13. Indianapolis was the only NFL team ranked in the top 10 offensively to start three Sunday.

Steinbach, a second-round pick from Iowa, has started every game this season on the offensive line.

"I think it helped coming from a good college background," he said. "I don't care where you come from, you still have so much to learn. As soon as you're in the NFL it's a lot different."

The biggest challenge has been learning on the job while trying to play more like a veteran than a rookie.

Steinbach has negotiated that balancing act with the help of linemates center Rich Braham and right guard Mike Goff.

"He's making strides every week," said Braham, who is in his 10th season. "He definitely understands he's a rookie. The thing is, you've got guys who are older than you, been in the league and have that knowledge, and he's taken advantage of all that.

"He appreciates working with us, and he's doing well with us."

Johnson, a fourth-round pick from Western Kentucky, has started 11 of 12 games.

Primarily a blocking back, opening holes for Dillon and Rudi Johnson for the AFC's fifth-ranked rushing offense, he has 12 carries for 31 yards and 13 receptions for 53 yards. He also has scored twice.

"I feel I'm adapting well to the game," he said. "I'm a rookie and still have got tons of time to learn.

"I'm learning stuff during the game and after the game about how to play against people and how people play."

Washington did not start against the Steelers but scored his third touchdown this season on a 51-yard pass in the first quarter. A third-round pick from Tennessee, he has 17 catches for 235 yards.

"I knew Marvin was going to come in here and turn things around," Steinbach said. "I didn't know if it was going to happen overnight like it has. But this is great."

Youth brigade

Cincinnati was one of four division-leading teams that started two or more rookies Sunday.

AFC EAST, New England (10-2): WR Bethel Johnson, C Dan Koppen

AFC NORTH, Cincinnati (7-5): LG Eric Steinbach, FB Jeremi Johnson

AFC SOUTH, Indianapolis (9-3): LT Makoa Freitas, RG Steve Sciullo, TE Dallas Clark

NFC SOUTH, Carolina (8-4): RT Jordan Gross, TE Mike Seidman

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