Livings In Silence

With the cameras swarming around the Bengals for HBO’s Hard Knocks and the print media feeding fans daily updates and developments, it seems odd that one starter has gone through training camp and two preseason games without even a mention by name: Nate Livings. 
 
Livings is tops on the depth chart at left guard and started six games last season after Whitworth was injured.  With two seasons on the practice squad under his belt, the Bengals activated Livings for a nationally-televised Thursday night game in Pittsburgh.  
 
I can imagine Marvin Lewis grinning at Livings that night, clapping him on the back, saying “Welcome to the big show, Nate.  Now try not to get killed,” and then walking away chuckling the way he does. 
 
Livings didn' t get killed, but rather held up okay in that game and the games after.  He began showing consistency once he settled in next to another replacement, Anthony Collins, as the season finally completed its nosedive.  With the backup line in as starters, Cedric Benson ran his way to his career's best days, and because of the effectiveness of their play during that stretch, Livings and Collins have earned themselves starting spots in 2009.
 
From Bayou Bengal to just plain old Bengal, the Louisiana native has apparently been a successful project for the coaching staff, particularly o-line coach Paul Alexander, but why has there been zero  media coverage of this starter?  We've heard coaches talk about Kyle Cook's strength. We know about Whitworth's footwork, Bobby Williams girth and there's been plenty written about Collins and his development, but Livings appears to be a guy who blocks quietly.
 
The age-old saying about offensive linemen is that if they aren't noticed then they're doing their job.  With the kind of anonymity that Livings has going for him so far, he must be working overtime.  In that case, let's hope Livings is never mentioned again.
 
Mojokong---he who must not be named.