Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

Why so serious?

It’s Thanksgiving, which can only mean … football day.

Before you get glued to the Turkey Day games, though, here’s a few leftovers from Sunday’s game at Cincinnati — a 49-31 victory for Buffalo.

As already documented, former Kentucky receiver Steve (a.k.a. Stevie during his UK days) Johnson caught a career-high three touchdown passes as the Bills outscored the Bengals 35-0 in the second half. Wednesday, Johnson revealed that the NFL had fined him $5,000 for lifting his jersey to reveal a message — Why so serious? — scrawled on his undershirt. The message being one uttered by the Joker in the Batman movie The Dark Knight. Johnson was poking fun at the Bengals’ self-dubbed Batman and Robin receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco.

Here’s a bit more of what Johnson had to say after the game, as well as updates on a pair of former Louisville Cardinals Jeff Brohm and Eric Wood.

Steve Johnson

“This is the closest (to) being home for me, being close to Kentucky,” Johnson said. “I felt I had to show off a little bit for the Big Blue Nation.”

Owens came to the Bengals after a season with the Bills, so Johnson obviously knows Batman well. But he also knows Robin (Ochocinco).

“Those are my guys over there,” Johnson said. “Me and T.O. built a relationship. And he came (to Cincinnati) and took on the persona of Batman, so I wanted to come out and bet the chaos guy and turn into Joker. … I’ll be hearing from him. I’ll be hearing from both of them. It’s just all fun. … I’m gonna have to cool it, though.”

After catching two touchdown passes over his first two seasons, Johnson already has nine this season.

“Just like at Kentucky, I had to sit around and learn to be patient,” he said. “Two years, I only had 12 catches. I had to be patient. But I’ve got a great group of guys in this locker room. They always kept me humble and kept me focused on the future. They knew that I’d be able to play, so I just kept on working.”

Johnson paid attention. Having learned from his teammates at UK, he continues to learn from pro teammates.

“Just like I learned from Keenan (Burton) and Dicky (Lyons) and (Jacob) Tamme — the same thing I’m doing here,” he said. “We had Josh (Reed) here, and Josh taught me about patience. We have Lee (Evans), and I always watch Lee. So consistent, he seems like a machine. I’m even watching the rookies that we have coming in, and seeing how they’re playing. It’s easy to stay focused when you’ve got a good group of guys behind you.”

* Brohm, the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, has yet to play a down this season. A third-year pro, his only action came in two games last season, when he completed 17 of 29 passes for 146 yards, with two interceptions.

Brian Brohm

“Things are going pretty good. I’m getting reps every day and I’m trying to get better every single day,” he said. “The life of a backup quarterback is to be ready, so I’m just trying to stay ready for whatever opportunity is going to present itself.”

Before his U of L career, Brohm led Trinity to three state championships. So he must have been ecstatic that his Shamrocks dispatched archrival St. Xavier in last week’s Class 6A state quarterfinals, right?

“Trinity got the big win, but I’ve got to say I had to pull back my pulling interest,” he said. “My cousin (Luke) was playing quarterback for St. X. I really had a torn heart there. But always gotta go for the Rocks.”

No torn heart about pulling for a former Kentucky Wildcat (Johnson), though, on a career-game day: “He’s a Buffalo Bill now, so I’m all for it.”

* Wood, who starts at right guard, also found himself rooting for a former Big Blue rival.

“Good for Stevie,” Wood said. “He’s playing well this season and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Eric Wood

Wood, a first-round draft pick, had his rookie season cut short last year because of a compound fracture of his left leg. He still has a titanium rod and four screws in the leg. He went down during Sunday’s game with what was first reported as a knee injury, but he later said it was an ankle sprain.

He said he was “all right,” and Coach Chan Gailey indicated that Wood could have reentered the game if necessary.

“I think I’ve developed all right,” said Wood, a graduate of Elder High School in Cincinnati. “Had a bad injury last year that I’m still working to get back 100 percent from, but I’ve gained some valuable experience these last couple years and have been able to play some pretty good games along the way.”

Dallas          3   3   3   7   — 16
Cincinnati    0   0   0   7   –   7

* Jordan Palmer’s 1-yard touchdown toss to Darius Hill with 51 seconds left averted a shutout. Dave Rayner’s PAT made the final score: Dallas 16, Cincinnati 7.

* With the two-minute warning approaching — the time when media heads to the locker room — Dallas continues to lead 16-0.

* Mat McBriar’s punt to the Cincinnati 1-yard line led to the first touchdown of the season. With Jordan Palmer trying to connect from his own end zone with Jordan Shipley, Dallas linebacker Brandon Sharpe stepped in to intercept and return the ball 6 yard to the end zone. Buehler’s PAT gave Dallas a 16-0 lead with 9:23 left in the game.

* After an exchange of punts and the end of the third quarter, the Bengals finally mounted a drive. It ended, though, when Cordera Eason fumbled. Josh Brent recovered for the Cowboys on the Dallas 11, 13 seconds into the fourth quarter.

* Fifty-six seconds after missing a 49-yard field-goal attempt, David Buehler has nailed a 23-yarder to give Dallas a 9-0 lead. The Cowboys got the ball back when Jordan Palmer’s pass for Maurice Purify was intercepted by Brandon Williams near midfield and returned to the Cincinnati 9-yard line.

* Dallas kicker David Buehler was wide left on a 49-yard field goal with 9:59 left in the third quarter. The Cowboys still lead 6-0.

* Jordan Palmer has taken over at QB for the Bengals to start the second half, only to go three-and-out. FB Brian Leonard, injured late in the first half, is out for the rest of the game due to an injured left foot.

Bengals LB Michael Johnson (93) gets a second-quarter sack of Stephen McGee.

* Another exchange of punts and an interception concluded a lackluster first half. The interception, with 18 seconds left, went to Dallas S Danny McCray on his own 14, grabbing a desperation J.T. O’Sullivan bomb intended for Andre Caldwell.

* Since Buehler’s second field goal, the teams have exchanged punts. The Bengals have just taken over on their 5-yard line with 2:33 left in the half.

* Official attendance at Fawcett Stadium is 22,364, a sellout.

* Several Cowboys are hurting: WR Titus Ryan (broken left thumb) is done for the night; the return(s) of TE Kevin Brock (left ankle sprain) and T Alex Barron (right ankle sprain) are questionable; TE John Phillips (right knee) has been taken to the locker room for further evaluation.

* Dallas has doubled its lead to 6-0, getting a 34-yard field goal by David Buehler. His kick capped an eight-play, 39-yard drive and came with 6:11 left in the half. Dallas used its third QB of the game to engineer the drive, Stephen McGee.

* After an exchange of punts, the Bengals have come up with the first turnover of the game. Dallas RB Herb Donaldson coughed the ball up and MLB Abdul Hodge recovered for the Bengals on the Cincinnati 24-yard line. However, the Bengals went backwards to the 4 and punted with 10:34 left in the half.

* The Bengals “skills” players apparently are done for the night. QB Carson Palmer, who has been replaced by J.T. O’Sullivan, finishes 2-for-5 for 18 yards. Both receptions were made by Terrell Owens. RB Cedric Johnson carried two times for 7 yards.

* Jonathan Fanene got the Bengals’ first sack, a 7-yard drop of Jon Kitna, and forced a fumble. C Travis Bright recovered for the Cowboys. At the end of one quarter, Dallas in possession at its 41-yard line: Cowboys 3, Bengals 0.

* The Bengals’ second possession began with an 11-yard Palmer-to-Owens pass. However, Cincinnati then went 1-2-3 kick, with Palmer getting sacked.

* Kitna went 2-for-4 on the Cowboys’ second drvie, which ended with a punt.

* Bengals S Chris Crocker suffered an injury to his right ankle when the Bengals punted to end their first possession. He will not return.

* The Cowboys opened their second possession with a new quarterback — former Bengals passer Jon Kitna.

* Nothing doing on the Bengals’ first possession. They did pick up a first down on Carson Palmer’s first pass attempt, good for 7 yards to Terrell Owens. The Bengals soon punted.

* Dallas took the opening kickoff and drove 63 yards in 14 plays to score the game’s first points, a 20-yard field goal by David Buehler. The Cowboys were fortunate to get the points and the Bengals were just as fortunate to hold Dallas to only three points. On first-and-goal from the 5, Dallas running back Felix Jones fumbled. Leon Hall recovered for the Bengals in the end zone, but Jonathan Fanene had lined up offsides. Given another chance, first-and-goal from the 2, Cowboys QB Tony Romo threw three incompletions before Buehler came in. Dallas 3, Cincinnati 0 (9:25 left in first quarter).

The Cincinnati Bengals warm up at Fawcett Stadium. (Photo by Mark Maloney)

Awaiting kickoff for the exhibition-season opener — the Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio — between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys.

• Cincinnati’s inactives: WR Antonio Bryant (knee); OT Andre Smith (foot); S Tom Nelson (knee); LB Rashad Jeanty (leg); FB Fui Vakapuna (shoulder); K Mike Nugent (groin/leg); CB Johnathan Joseph (thigh); RB Cedric Peerman (not specified); LB Rey Maualuga (hamstring); and DE Carlos Dunlap (concussion).in

With Vakapuna out, Louisville rookie Joe Tronzo will get the start at fullback. Adam “Pacman” Jones will start at cornerback in place of Joseph. And Michael Johnson will start at SAM linebacker in place of Maualuga.

• Dallas inactives will include DE Marcus Spears (knee); WR and No. draft pick Dez Bryant (ankle).

The Dallas Cowboys prepare for Sunday

Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis checks his notes during Monday morning's workout at Georgetown College. (Photo by Mark Maloney)

Hot, humid, a bright sun. Perfect weather for … football?

That was Marvin Lewis’ take Monday at the Cincinnati Bengals’ Georgetown College training camp.

“It’s been pretty good,” Lewis said after the team’s seventh practice of camp. “I think the weather has been cooperating — hot and humid, and helps get us acclimated and ready for the season.”

Lewis gave the morning off to several players, including running back Cedric Benson. Dressed in jersey and shorts, as were all the Bengals, Benson merely watched. He’s scheduled to be back in the mix for Monday night’s workout.

“We’ve been able to give our players who need a little bit of some rest some much-needed … time off their legs at times,” Lewis said. “And some of the young guys, lean on them a little bit more to get them a little bit more reps. Guys that need to have a little bit more learning, getting that opportunity, so that’s a good thing.”

Lewis also had several of his veterans working at their “second positions” — spots where they may have to move later in the season in case of injuries.

Returning to action Monday was cornerback Leon Hall (back tightness) and guard Evan Mathis (calf). Still out due to pre-camp surgery and/or injury are safety Tom Nelson (knee), linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg) and offensive tackle Andre Smith (foot). Rookie defensive end Carlos Dunlap also is out (concussion).

“Our tempo has been pretty good,” Lewis said. “Obviously there’s a couple plays that wane in there and I have to remind them about it. Because we seem to have a little dip every once in a while, which is natural and expected. But we’ve got to pick it up and get going — your tempo in and out of the huddle, getting to the line of scrimmage and the things we need to do.”

* Wide receiver Antonio Bryant, who gave up his No. 81 jersey to Terrell Owens, is wearing No. 19. However, Bryant likely will be wearing a number in the 80s before the season begins.

Chad Ochocinco (85) and Terrell Owens.

Terrell Owens

T.O. gets loose.

 

Free-agent acquisition Terrell Owens, the six-time Pro Bowl receiver, finally made it to training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Although he hadn’t been expected to dress for Thursday morning’s opening session, a planned mid-day news conference didn’t happen either due to a travel delay.

However, he arrived in time to sign his contract, undergo a physical exam and be on the field for the 7 o’clock night session.

(All photos by your blogger.)

Tank Johnson (99) was among the first players to greet Owens on the field.T.O. gets loose.

Jerome Simpson laid out to make a long "touchdown catch" during Thursday morning's drills. (Maloney photo)

The Cincinnati Bengals opened training camp at Georgetown College on Thursday morning, missing the most talked-about player on the squad.

Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens, who agreed to terms with the team Tuesday, had been scheduled to piggy-back with Coach Marvin Lewis’ mid-day press conference. However, Owens had flight problems and is not expected to arrive at the Greater Cincinnati Airport in Northern Kentucky until about 2 p.m.

Chad Ochocino grabs a pass under the watchful eye of receivers coach Mike Sheppard. (Maloney photo)

“He should arrive some point later today and we’ll have to go through some of the things we have to do administratively with him,” Lewis said at his press conference. “Hopefully, we’ll get him on the field this evening (a 7 p.m. workout). But, may not be, so we’ll have to see how it works — if he gets here in time to take care of the things we need to take care of.”

Lewis gave a thumbs up to the defending AFC North champions’ first workout in shorts and helmets.

“As a football team, we reported in outstanding shape,” he said. “I thought we had good work today on the field. A good start, good kickoff to things.”

Lewis said five players have been listed on “active PUP” (physically unable to perform):

* Rashad Jeanty (LB), who is recovering from off-season leg surgery;

* Leon Hall (CB), due to “slight tightness in his back” that could limit his participation for a few days;

* Evan Mathis (OG), who is day-to-day as he recovers from a calf strain suffered in June;

* Andre Smith (OT), foot rehab, who could be ready in two-to-three weeks;

* Tom Nelson (S), who had recent surgery to clean out his knee and could be out two-to-four weeks.

No need for injury alarm, though. Lewis described the active PUP moves as precautionary.

“We just took the ability to do this right now, and that’s the best way to do it, is put these guys on the active PUP,” he said.

Michael Johnson led the way in a defensive agility drill. (Maloney photo)

After a Thursday night and Friday afternoon practice, the Bengals will don pads for the first time Saturday. They begin exhibition play the following weekend, Aug. 8 (Sunday) against Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio.

Chad Ochocinco, who has dubbed himself Robin to Owens’ Batman, reiterated Thursday that he thinks the Bengals are armed to win a Super Bowl.

Talking about Owens, Lewis brought Ochocinco’s comment into the conversation.

Owens is, Lewis said, “a guy who has got some skins on the wall, an accomplished player and is looking goal-wise to match up with the same things we are. He’s done everything else. … But simply us just talking about it, as my favorite wide receiver seems to want to do, that doesn’t get you there. You’ve got to do the work and you’ve got to make the plays.”

* Antonio Bryant, like Owens an off-season free-agent acquisition at wide receiver, practiced in his assigned No. 81. However, he reportedly has agreed to give up the number to Owens in exchange for a donation to the Overtown Optimists, a youth football team in his hometown of Miami.

“I don’t need anything. He’s had that number. He’s got the legacy with that and I’ve had a lot numbers,” Bryant told Geoff Hobson of bengals.com. “I just told them to give those kids something. At least $8,000 for all the uniforms and registration and all the equipment they need.  They’re trying to get where we are.”

Take a good look: Antonio Bryant looks for the ball while wearing No. 81 -- the number he has ceded to Terrell Owens. Receivers coach Mike Sheppard checks out the play. (Maloney photo)