The Bengals signed OL Andrew Whitworth to a four-year contract extension before the start of last season. That's looking more and more like a wise move after Whitworth has thrived at left tackle in 2009. Whitworth, who played left tackle at times in each of his first three seasons in Cincinnati, moved there full-time after the club released Levi Jones in the offseason, and his smooth transition back to protecting QB Carson Palmer's blind side has played a major role in the success of the offensive line, the way we hear it. Whitworth could be a fixture on the left side for years, we're told, considering how he has fared this season. Stability at left tackle in the AFC North is essential, with the division filled with pass-rushing threats coming off the right edge, most notably Pittsburgh's James Harrison. And Whitworth, a 6-7, 335-pounder, appears capable of handling such tough assignments.

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