Andrew Whitworth Wants to Play Tackle, But Wants Win More

Nov 25, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) and quarterback Andy Dalton (14) complain to a referee during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Whitworth is enjoying a healthy offseason after he spent the majority of last year rehabbing from knee surgery that lingered into the regular season.

But Whit says that’s a distant memory now as he enjoys fairly healthy time off from football:

"“I’m starting to feel a lot better. I’m starting to feel a lot more explosion and I’ve got some fire in my knee back,” Whitworth said Monday. “I tried to push it a little too hard and a little too fast.”"

Meanwhile, the Bengals look like they want to move him from the left tackle position he’s grow accustomed to and play guard instead, something he doesn’t sound too enamored about:

"“I’d prefer to play left tackle. I’m a long, lean lever guy without thick arms or legs. I’m built to play tackle,” Whitworth said. “I feel like that’s where I’d like to stay. That’s not a firm thing. It’s just what I would prefer.”"

But Whit is a true pro’s pro, and he’ll do whatever is best for the team and helps them achieve their ultimate goals:

"“I know this is a business and they have to do what they think is best for the future of the team and not for just one or two years,” said Whitworth. “I know I turn the big 33 this year (Dec. 12)…I feel like I can play tackle for a long time.”“So when I got in at left guard and got to pull and got involved, people got to see some of that. That’s always been there,” Whitworth said. “If I get that opportunity, I feel like anywhere I play, I could play center for God’s sake (and be physical).”"

It’s just as Whit said: Hue Jackson loves to have a power running game, and Whit is a much bigger asset on the interior of the team is able to resign Collins.

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