It's not a physical structure. It isn't something you can see or touch. But you can definitely feel it when you hit it.

It's the rookie wall.

Happens every year. The college season is over except for bowl games, and that's when your body is used to shutting down. But NFL rookies have to keep going for at least four more weeks.

"I think that's true, but that happens in Week 8 or 9," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "We've been through that with our guys. They've been able to get through that and have that sigh of relief. They're coming out on the other side of it now. They have grown up."

Leon Hall, who is tied for the league lead among rookies with a team-high four interceptions, coped with the rookie wall by ignoring it.

"I've heard about the rookie wall," he said. "Am I supposed to be getting tired and not play as well? I don't think about that. Regardless if there's a rookie wall or not, I've still got to perform.

"I've definitely had some ups and downs, but I just try to fight through it and keep it going, and just worry about the next game. Heading down the home stretch, I feel very comfortable out there."

On the flip side is strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe, who said he felt fatigued after Week 2 and Week 10.

"It's like I've hit two rookie walls," he said. "That's from selling out every day in practice. The last couple weeks have been pretty tough. But (the trainers) do a good job of helping us out and taking care of us. Now I'm getting my legs back and feel pretty good. I'm ready to make a run and help the team win these last four games."

Quick hitters

• "Sometimes our problem is we don't always have the team attitude," defensive end Justin Smith said. "(We) won't be a good team until our main focus is a 'W.' The best teams really don't care about (statistics). They care about winning. I don't think we're there yet."

• "The motivation is called 'professional athletics,' " Lewis said. "You're a pro. You're either going to be a pro or you won't be here. It's that easy. You don't have to motivate anyone."

2007 draft class analysis

1. CB Leon Hall — Tied for the NFL's rookie interception lead with a team-high four thefts, Hall has seized the starting job at right cornerback.

2. TB Kenny Irons — Placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn left ACL in the Aug. 9 preseason opener at Detroit, Kenny Irons is on the mend after surgery.

3. The Bengals forfeited their third-round pick in 2007 because they selected MLB Ahmad Brooks in the July 2006 supplemental draft. Brooks suffered a severe groin injury at Cleveland on Sept. 16, and the linebacker was eventually placed on injured reserve.

4. FS Marvin White — He's hungry to play more snaps, but he's paying his dues on special teams and learning the safety position as Madieu Williams' backup.

5. QB Jeff Rowe — Rowe has been the designated No. 3 quarterback on the inactive list in all 12 games behind starter Carson Palmer and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, and has not played.

6. DT Matt Toeaina — He's learning and maturing on the practice squad.

7a. C Dan Santucci — The No. 3 center behind Eric Ghiaciuc and Alex Stepanovich, Santucci also is in the learning mode.

7b. SS Chinedum Ndukwe — He's the most pleasant surprise of the class because of his immediate contribution. In 10 games as Dexter Jackson's backup, "Doom" has 18 tackles, including two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He's fifth on the team in special teams tackles with eight.

See more at www.middletownjournal.com