It is generally mocked by everyone that follows the National Football League, but there was nothing funny about the last preseason game for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sure we can make excuses for the Bengals good performance in their 27-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but overall the team looked hungry for a win and they won the game easily over the unknown Colts.
Naturally, we Bengal fans are negative people when it comes to this franchise. If they lose, they stink. If they win, well, they didn’t beat anyone good.
And in the fourth preseason game, the Colts didn’t play any of their stars. However, you have to remember that the Bengals didn’t play their No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver. In addition, Cincinnati didn’t play Rudi Johnson (right) or their franchise quarterback.
Speaking of Carson Palmer, who sat out with a broken nose, he saw his first offense (without his top two WRs) play extremely well without him. The offense line blocked, fullback Jeremi Johnson was great (and played a lot) and Ryan Fitzpatrick scrambled for first downs and threw a touchdown pass.
Looking at Fitzpatrick scrambling had me wondering if he was better suited to being the Bengals starter. I know it sounds crazy. I mean anytime a Bengal fan would be feeling down they would just tell themselves, “well, at least we have Carson Palmer.” With Palmer at the helm, there is always a chance for a Super Bowl run, but does this offense need a more mobile quarterback?
There are a lot of what ifs in a game that saw no superstars on the field. So who knows, but if Palmer struggles early this regular season don’t be surprised if the city starts calling for Fitzpatrick.
Anyways, I was very pleased with the defense. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, defensive end Eric Henderson, defensive tackle Domata Peko, safety Kyries Hebert, defensive tackle Jason Shirley and outside linebacker Darryl Blackstock looked great. Starters Peko and Blackstock played great, Peko ripped the ball away and into his own hands causing a turnover and Blackstock looked like a great pass rusher on the opposite side of Robert Geathers. Brooks’ and Henderson’s play should secure them a roster spot. Hebert is still a question mark and Shirley looked like a stud out there. It was also nice to see outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty back on the field.
Overall, I don’t know if the Bengals could have played any better in their last preseason game, but at the same time there is always that excuse that the Colts didn’t play any of their stars and if they did the score would have been reversed (that is the argument and not my opinion).
As for the team being ready, I might be hoping, but I like Cincinnati’s chances in their regular season opener against a rookie quarterback, as the Baltimore Ravens look to start Joe Flacco from Delaware.
Prior to the opener, the Bengals have to make some moves in order to get down to 53 players. Right now, they have to cut 22 by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. Don’t be surprised if the team brings in a veteran on offense or defense. Most fans will be interested in seeing what happens with Rudi Johnson. Will the team keep four running backs? If not, who do you release Rudi or Dede Dorsey?
6 comments ↓
See comment from the last post below.
Who Dey.
I’d hate to see Rudi go but the Bengals can’t afford to have him week to week with a nagging hamstring again. Once the running game gets established I see this team (offensively) looking like 2005 and I’m making a bold prediction that the Defense will end the season with an overall ranking somewhere in the 15-17 area. No not great, but vastly improved.
WHO DEY!
I agree with your posting with exeption of the opinion about Amad Brooks. He was around the action a little bit in game 4 but he always seems to be a step behind.
I think his the slowest of the LBs and would predict he’ll be cut.
Here are the answers to your questions Mr. Bengal Stripes. Are they ready? NO. Fitzpatrick as the QB? OF COURSE, YES. Could they play better? HECK, YES. ITS CALLED PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL!!! Who do you release? BOTH RUDI AND DEDE. Oh yea, and Marvin can go, too.
I remember watching Palmer back in his days at USC. I left the school before his final year there, so I didn’t see him at his best, but I was never really impressed by what I did see. I don’t know about sitting him though, I’m not sure the problems are of his making. UnSpun has the Bengals ranked at #25 on their Best NFL Team in 2008 list, and I don’t think pulling Carson Palmer would move them up the ladder.
Josh and Rik sorry to approve your comments so late, I was away from the computer this weekend. From now on your comments will flow unmoderated, thanks for visiting Bengalstripes
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