Bengals' Offseason Questions Answered

As minicamps concluded in Cincinnati, several things became more evident.

For starters, Chad Johnson will be in a Bengal uniform on opening day, like it or not. 

After a noteworthy day on Thursday, Johnson and his agent Drew Rosenhaus have seemingly softened their stance on an imminent trade demand. 

Johnson trotted out onto the practice field on Thursday for the first day of minicamps, ten minutes after his teammates.

Also emerging Thursday was confirmation that his ankle injury is legit, with both sides agreeing a minor surgical operation is expected. 

While Johnson seemed at ease with his teammates, chatting with good friend and fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Leon Hall and others, he did very little in terms of practice. 

It remains to be seen if the relationship between Johnson and franchise quarterback Carson Palmer can return with such ease. 

Palmer, the leader of this Bengals' team, has made no mistake that he is not pleased with Chad's antics.

When rookie minicamps opened several weeks ago, Palmer was one of the few veterans who stuck around Cincinnati, working with rookie wide receivers and anyone else who would give an ear. 

Palmer was less than happy that another Pro Bowl receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, remained in California and did not join the team until mandatory mincamps. 

It's not all bad news in Cincinnati these days, however.

Minicamps have also shown that this may be the healthiest Bengals' team in years.

Running back Chris Perry seems to be regaining his 2005 form where he had a monster rookie season. 

They have also gotten healthier on the offensive line as well.

Veteran right tackle Willie Anderson, coming off an injury-plagued season, seems to be in great shape, and poised to enter training camp 100 percent healthy.

Fellow bookend left tackle Levi Jones emerged late in minicamps with the first team.

Questions have emerged at right tackle with incumbent Willie Anderson and the recently franchised Stacy Andrews.

Earlier this summer, Marvin Lewis indicated Andrews would find his way into the starting lineup, simply for the fact that they would be paying him far too much to be a backup.

But with Anderson returning healthy this year, Andrews may slide to his left at right guard. 

Another noteworthy change has been the new-found aggressiveness on the defensive side, brought to you in large part by new coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Even the offense has noticed a difference.

The defensive front has garnered attention so far with the addition of Antwan Odom at defensive end, and Domata Peko's five-year contract extension. 

The linebacking core has received a fair amount of attention as well, although largely for the wrong reasons.

With the release and imminent suspension of Odell Thurman, first round draft pick Keith Rivers seems all but a certainty to start the season as the starting weak backer. 

Mike Zimmer's most dramatic improvement may come in the secondary this year.

It'll be young, but immensely talented.

Jonathan Joseph is healthy again, and Leon Hall has one more year of experience to build upon.

New Bengal David Jones is having a great summer, and may push Deltha O'Neal out of the nickel spot and ultimately out of Cincinnati.

Marvin White has the inside track on the free safety spot, along side former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson.

Zimmer's defensive philosophy seems to fit perfectly with this secondary, thriving off athleticism, speed, and turnovers, something this secondary can provide plenty of. 

All said, Marvin Lewis must be pleasantly surprised with his defense this summer.  With Perry returning healthy to the backfield, and the offseason acquisition of Ben Utecht at tight end, both sides of the ball look promising.