The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI — The undefeated Cincinnati Bengals got more exposure than they wanted following last week’s victory at Buffalo when during an interview with cornerback Adam Jones an NFL Network camera recorded naked players during the live shot.

Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth called for a change in NFL policies pertaining to media locker room access and an NFL Network executive apologized for the incident.

As of now, neither the Bengals nor the league were considering changes to the current procedure which allow accredited media access to the locker room following a 10-minute cooling off period as well as mandated access during the week.

“This is my office space,” Whitworth told reporters on Monday. “I shouldn’t have to change in it and be in front of people I don’t know or really don’t have any purpose for being near me other than the fact they are interviewing other people.

“(Men) have rights. We have privacy. We deserve all the things we want as well. As a man, I think it’s right the policy is changed.”

–Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins missed seven games and the AFC wild card playoff game last season because of a torn ACL. He’s back, and stronger than ever.

Through six games, Atkins ranks second in the NFL in sacks by interior linemen with four, trailing only Tampa’s Gerald McCoy. Atkins is on pace for 11 sacks this season. He had 12.5 sacks in 2012.

Coach Marvin Lewis is pleased with all aspects of Atkins’ game. “I think Geno in particular has been playing the run exceptionally well,” Lewis said. “I think that always gets a little underrated in Geno’s case.

“I thought he had an excellent year last year playing the run, and this year he came back much stronger in his lower body, and you see that in his play. He understands our run fits and what he needs to get done. If they try to single-block him in the running game, we know the ball is coming back to us.”

–The running game hasn’t been a big part of the Bengals’ offense this season, or has it? Cincinnati leads the NFL with 183 rushing attempts through six games, but ranks 10th in yards. Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill, who’s mostly struggled, have helped open up opportunities in the passing game.

“We can run the ball better,” offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said. “But how we run it, whether it’s two backs, one back, six backs, I don’t care, we’ll find a way. You have to have enough attempts against really good football teams because if not, too many things can happen to your quarterback that are not fair and fun.”