[BFritz]

The one problem I have with the Bengals' LB group is that they seem to be a collection of decent-to-good players, but they don't have that one stud, a la Brian Urlacher or Ray Lewis. Most of them seem pretty even in terms of talent, except for Brooks (and Thurman before his suspension). I have high hopes for Brooks that he will take it to the next level this year.

I agree, and you never see any Bengals linebackers going up and blowing up backs in the hole, or making athletic plays that are amazing enough to make you go "wow". I'm hoping Brooks, along with new guys like Hartwell and Everett, can bring that to our team this year.