Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga

Through six days and nine practices, the Bengals' defensive coordinator has been pleased with the progress of his unit, which ranked fourth in the NFL last year.

"We seem to have good retention from (organized team activities) and last year in what we're trying to get done," Zimmer said. "Last night I forgot to put a check in and they made the check from the OTAs. There's been some good carryover."

Zimmer's main message has been not to rest on last year's laurels. With two years of building a solid foundation, he is looking for the unit to take a step up.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga missed practice today after tweaking his hamstring during Monday night's practice. He's listed as day-to-day and hopes to return later this week and participate in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The former USC standout is entering his second year with the Bengals and was a key part to the success of the rushing defense as a rookie last season. The team struggled during the final two games against the New York Jets as their rushing attack took advantage of Maualuga's absence. Despite Cincinnati's defense allowing their opponents to average just 87.7 rushing yards per game the first 15 games of the season, the Jets ran for a combined 428 yards during the regular season finale and Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Last season,Maualuga finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles and recorded one sack. Unfortunately,  was placed on injured reserve after fracturing his ankle against the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 16. He also forced three fumbles.

Antonio Bryant and Rey Maualuga  didn't practice today, which you already knew about. Bryant's knee still hurts and Rey Maualuga's nursing a tweaked hamstring. What you may not know is rookie defensive end Carlos Dunlap didn't practice because he has a concussion.

Dave Rayner is looking good right now. He was 5-6 today which puts him at 11 of his last 12.

Jermaine Gresham made his practice debut today and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski he was "swimming a little bit".

Signing veterans like Terrell Owens  makes the adjustment less difficult for the quarterback and wide receiver because a guy like TO has been around the block a few times and knows his stuff. There is still an adjustment period though. Carson and TO have never been on the same team. It will take a little time to get their timing down. The good news is, they have some time. The bad news is, they don't have that much time....and to have a rapport like Chad and Carson have, takes seasons.

Joe Reedy thinks Palmer and TO's timing is "way off" right now. Two veterans like Palmer and TO shouldn't have a problem getting their timing down over the next couple weeks. After all, that's what practice is for, right? I personally think that, when the regular season rolls around, Palmer and TO will look like they've been on the same team for a long time. We'll find out what kind of rapport they have on Sunday.