"I like him," Alexander said. "It's not because he's smart and tough. He's smart, tough, and a good player.

"He's a natural leader. Whatever it is, he's got it. They trust him. They know he's right. They follow his direction. He's what we're looking for. He's the center. He's got to take charge, make all the calls, synthesize complex things in a hurry and be right."

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Ok, it's way too early to tell but according to his coaches and teammates Kyle Cook might be the real deal. I might have to admit that I was wrrr... wrrr... wrron.... less right than I usually am when I downplayed him a few months ago. There has never been a question about his size and strength and now it looks like he's stepping up. But he still hasn't taken an NFL snap. John Thornton has said a lot of guys practice well then stink it up at gametime. Let's hope Cook really is as good as they say he is.

We'll see..... I dont think he has taken 1 snap in the NFL yet. Hopefully he works out, but I remain cautiously optimistic.

I like the fact that he's the strongest guy on the team with 39 reps. of 225 lbs. If I remember right that's even better than Anthony Munoz. But I also think squats might be a better indicator than bench presses when it comes to Centers.

I also like the fact he's got a mean streak, apparently frustrating Dhani Jones the same wa Andrew Whitworth frustrated John Abraham last season, and he's constantly communicating with the other linemen. Of course if he really is that good, I expect him to pop an ACL any day now.

"Would you like your blocks sunny side up, or sunny side down?"

The Bengals don't have a center on the roster that has taken an NFL snap

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In Memory of Darren