One on the offense and one on the defense.

DE Greg Romeus really showed up in the Cinci game. He made a bunch of plays as his playing time has increased. Naturally, that means a puff piece.

And as Romeus has learned and gained more experience, he has become harder for coaches to keep off the field. That’s why he has seen his playing time increase almost weekly and is now playing as many snaps as starters seniors Chris McKillop and Joe Clermond.

Romeus doesn’t have the experience of either of those two, but he has been able to be just as productive when he has been in the games because he is such a good athlete. Romeus, who is 6 feet 5 inches and 250 pounds, has 23 tackles and a team-leading seven for losses, including a sack. He also has broken up two passes.

Defensive Line Coach Greg Gattuso is trying to temper enthusiasm and expectations regarding Romeus. Coach Wannstedt freaked people out by reminiscing about and comparing Romeus to the legendary Dallas Cowboy Leon Lett. Hopefully the comparisons only stop at the physical part. Otherwise Romeus is being insulted about his intelligence.

Over on the O-line, when Joe Thomas went out with a hamstring injury (status, questionable for Saturday) John Bachman came in and performed exceedingly well. That’s a relief. No hiking the ball as a center, and suddenly he looked good on the line.

At right guard, Bachman appears to have finally found a position he can call home. Wannstedt and Dunn have both said Thomas won’t lose his starting role to injury, but that the position is now open to competition.

Bachman, for one, welcomes the opportunity.

“I’ve been around a lot,” Bachman said. “That’s been an experience for me, a positive experience. I think that works for me because I understand the offensive line better than some guys do. I feel more comfortable at guard than I have at tackle and center. I’m excited to be there. I think it’s going to be my natural position.”

I like that. Thomas won’t lose his job due to injury, but he will in competition.