Chad to media: I'm in shape, OK?

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 12:49 PM Monday, June 22, 2009

CINCINNATI — Some memorable moments from the Bengals’ full-squad minicamp, Thursday through Saturday, June 18-20:

Media invasion

In addition to an NFL Films crew hunkered down at Paul Brown Stadium, ESPN’s John Clayton, Bob Holtzman and James Walker parachuted in for the Chad Ochocinco Circus.

Chad talked and talked, and talked some more.

“I keep trying to get people to understand the type of shape I’m in right now,” Ochocinco said. “Nobody gets it. The way you train when you get ready for the Combine? That’s how I trained.”

Voice over

Head coach Marvin Lewis played a game of H-O-A-R-S-E on Thursday. Up until then, workouts were voluntary for players. This weekend was mandatory.

“The only thing different for me is now they’re mine,” Lewis said. “I didn’t want to run anybody off because they were volunteering to be here. But (Thursday), I could be myself.”

Fight back!

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski revealed Lewis’ motto for 2009.

“We’re going to fight back,” Brat said about the offense, which finished 32nd in 2008 after generating just 245.4 yards a game. “That’s not us.”

Tempers flare

Friday was hot and tempers were short. Center Kyle Cook and linebacker Rashad Jeanty exchanged words and shoves, and linebacker Jim Maxwell traded a few swings with guard Nate Livings.

The muggy, 92-degree temperature offered players a sneak peak of the training-camp weather conditions at Georgetown College.

Foot soldier

Punter Kevin Huber sharpened his technique under the watchful eye of special teams coach Darrin Simmons.

“Getting a lot of hang time and getting really good direction — outside the numbers and inside the 20,” Huber said. “That’s the game plan right now, and that’s what we’re going to work on throughout the summer in training camp.”

Boom box

Shayne Graham made his teammates happy, booting a 55-yard field goal that ended one of the five practices 20 minutes early.

Final exam

Offensive line coach Paul Alexander’s unit is under pressure to keep Carson Palmer upright and open holes for Cedric Benson.

“It’s the biggest challenge we’ve ever had,” Alexander said. “The attitude’s been right. They’re working hard. They’re competitive. They’re tough. And we have some strong leaders.”

Globe trotter

Middle linebacker Dhani Jones revealed his show on the Travel Channel — “Dhani Tackles the Globe” — will be back for a second season. The first stop: Iceland.

Mad man

Wide receiver Laveranues Coles has great hands. He caught every pass thrown his way. Now all he needs is a personality. His favorite hobby is scaring the media with his menacing scowl.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2253 or  cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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