--The third time is the charm for Marvin Lewis in his defensive coordinator search. Mike Zimmer's relentless emphasis on fundamentals and experience under Bill Parcells in Dallas should get the most out of emerging talent at cornerback and from rookie linebacker Keith Rivers -- a keeper. Zimmer's task is not an easy one: The Bengals were last in the NFL in sacks last season, and their prized new rush end, Antwan Odom (foot), has been out since Day 1 of camp. Tackling was a problem with some starters and top backups in the Green Bay game. Zimmer might not have the right personnel yet.

--As long as Carson Palmer, one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, is on their side, the Bengals have a chance to win every game they're in. He is at the height of his powers physically and has matured as a leader. He sets a hard-working, team-oriented example to go along with his physical gifts.

--Safety Dexter Jackson had a sack, another tackle for loss, a broken-up pass and an interception in short work vs. Green Bay Aug. 11. Never shy to express his opinion, Jackson has lofty goals for the Bengals defense.

"I honestly feel like we can be a top-10 defense this year," he said. "We need to do the little things right. We had problems with tackling last year, and a great defense doesn't miss tackles."

The Bengals missed five tackles early in the game that contributed to Green Bay scoring drives.

--After stretching exercises during one of the last training-camp practices, middle linebacker Dhani Jones called teammates together into a large huddle and addressed them. He was voted a permanent special teams captain last season and is projected to start at middle linebacker this year.

--The second preseason game, played Sunday night, featured the first return to Cincinnati of former Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna, beginning his third season as Lions starter.

Kitna, who played for the Bengals from 2001-05, played in 53 games for the Bengals with 46 starts. Kitna ranks fifth in Bengals franchise history with 1,009 completions, 10,707 passing yards and 59 touchdowns. He started in 2003, Carson Palmer's rookie season and backed-up Palmer in 2004 and 2005. Palmer said Kitna, a mentor, was "invaluable as a player, as a teammate and a leader in our locker room."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The temperatures down here haven't been as hot as they had in the previous summers. So that's a little disappointing to me. I'm sure not to the players. But it's been good. We've had good work." -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, on the end of the team's three-week training camp.