I'm among the crowd that believes the defense didn't play that bad early-- most the late rushing success was the result of 43 second-half plays by the Baltimore Ravens offense, and only 18 second-half plays; inability to sustain a drive by our offense does take a toll.

If you take away the 42-yard reverse and the Joe Flacco 38-yard run, the Bengals still allowed 149 yards rushing -- including 56 yards on the 7:15 to end the game. It should also be noted that the Bengals rush defense only allowed 20 yards, on eight attempts that included a six and four yard loss, in the two drives before the 7:15 drive to end the game.

So, let's take away the 42-yard reverse, the 38-yard Joe Flacco run and the 56 yards rushing on the final drive of the game. Now we're down to 93 yards rushing for the Ravens offense, on 34 carries. That's a Rudi Johnson like, 2.7 yards per carry. Defensively, the Bengals dropped the Ravens, four times, behind the line of scrimmage on rushing plays; a total of 20 yards lost.

But that's football. You can't take away big plays, or game ending sustaining drives to fluff a point about the Bengals rush defense. However, I will maintain that it wasn't the Bengals defense that lost us the game. The offense truly "sucked", giving the defense absolutely no chance to force the Ravens to punt towards the end of the game; their heads were down, with hands on hips, taking massive huffs of oxygen.

Note: James Walker, like Tiki Barber, the so-called experts, do the same thing that novice fans do. Look at the stat sheet, reflect on the stats, and speak about what the stats tell them rather than accumulating all the means that made that end. Ah, who cares. We looked like crap losing a football game. What does it matter, at this point, how they lost. Most fans have already lost hope for the season after a miserable preseason and a frustrating first game; and the Bengals themselves look like a team that's done. Done, I tell you.

One of the most frustrating things with the offense Sunday afternoon, was that Chris Perry mimicked typical Rudi Johnson results. It makes you wonder if it was ever Rudi's degradation, or just a bad offensive line. I have no love for Eric Ghiaciuc, think that Andrew Whitworth is a good tackle ( with more playing time, could be tremendous, if not better than Andrews), but an average guard and think that Stacy Andrews is paid $7 million more than he's proven to be worth (aka, he's here because of his potential, still).

Take note of this little "fun fact". Of Rudi Johnson's games in which he carried the ball 18 times or more (same as Perry on Sunday), Rudi's longest rushing gains-per-game were 15 (against Baltimore), 20, 15 (against Baltimore), 10, and 22.

Except for the play of Johnathan Joseph, Pragmatic doesn't think that the Bengals defense was that good.

Clark Judge accurately says that one "week Cincinnati releases Deltha O'Neal; the next he's making the game-saving play for New England. That tells you something about both franchises."

Peter Kings says of Carson Palmer: "I think I'm starting to think Carson Palmer belongs in Jay Cutlerville. He hasn't been a commanding presence on the field for some time, I'd say going back to mid-2006, and I'm hard-pressed to think of him in the same league with the top five or six quarterbacks. I did put him there in my top 50 in the SI NFL Preview issue, but after watching him Sunday, I almost wish I could have that one back."

Jim Morris says that the Bengals season is already done.

All 11 teams in the Big Ten won this weekend.

The Buckeyes dropped two spots in the polls, and are now 10.5 underdogs against the Trojans this weekend.

Speaking of USC/OSU, this Matt Hinton piece is, actually, a little fun.

Matt Miller raised the stock of Bearcats cornerback Mike Mickens, who could be a first day pick when he enters the NFL draft (if not a first-round pick).

Bill Koch wonders if now is a good time to start giving Demetrius Jones (the transfer from Notre Dame) some playing time.

Don't expect Dustin Grutza for at least another four weeks, says Bearcats trainer, "It would take and act of God for him to come back in three weeks."

After the 52-26 loss to the Sooners, Brian Kelly isn't phased (one bit). "What this shows is that we've got some more work to do defensively. We haven't arrived there yet." Kelly later says, "You're going to think I'm crazy, but I think we can play with the very best." Dude, Brian's crazy.

The players, not the coaches, front office or even the media, are telling you, the fans to stick with them, hang in there with and for them. Antonio Chatman even believes that the Bengals "will be in the playoffs and we will be running for a championship this year."

John Thornton relates and understands the fan's point of view, having lost so many games in the 90s through 2002. "You know, when I'm retired and a fan, I'll have those same feelings."

Perry isn't worried about critics, nor injury. "It's out of my hands. I can't control that. So for me to worry is a waste of time."

Kenny Watson would be in Real Estate if he wasn't playing football.

Willie Anderson is in high demand right now.

Interesting results on an Enquirer survey regarding the Bengals.

WDR thinks that the Bengals should include a clause in Jeremi Johnson's contract fining him per day for being overweight. The only problem is that the Bengals can't just add something into the contract. Johnson is signed through 2011, and gets paid handsomely for a fullback. Maybe restructuring his contract isn't a bad thing; nor a clause for his weight. But Johnson would have to agree to it.

Robert Geathers picked up some skills while playing linebacker last year that he'll apply returning as a pass rushing end.

Carson Palmer press conference
Marvin Lewis press conference

DeDe Dorsey likes kick boxing.

Bobbie Williams is proud to be a big family guy.

Antwan Odom on injury: "No pain, no soreness, nothing. I taped it up and it didn't bother me a bit," Odom said Wednesday of his practice experience Monday. "No restrictions. I just tape it up and go. I want to prove to the fans that I belong here."

How does the defense feel about being the weakest link on this team? Mike Zimmer says, "I think they're tired of all that stuff."

The Bengals newest fullback Reagan Maui'a was arrested back in April for misdemeanor battery.

Bad publicity will always take precedence over all the good that players do in the community that never gets documented.

AROUND THE LOCAL COLLEGE SCENE

Paul Daugherty asks where the UC buzz is. Apparently he doesn't read this blog.

The NCAA denied Mauk, again, saying:

“Our review of the facts as presented and possible mitigating factors for this eligibility request was extensive and thorough, exhausting all avenues in the administrative procedures and ensuring a fair process for this student-athlete,” said Carol Iwaoka, the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee chair and associate commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. “Even after reviewing the latest information, the committee was unable to identify compelling factors that might be viewed as beyond the control of the student-athlete and the University of Cincinnati.”

Is it now on the University of Cincinnati to give the Big East a boost?

Brian Kelly press conference

Head coach Jim Tressel gave the seniors a box of 12 marbles, each one representing how many games are left in their college career, pointing out how quickly they go.

Buckeyes defensive lineman Nader Abdallah is a New Orleans native, and thankful that Gustav wasn't a repeat of Katrina.

Bering Sea Bengal's assessment is that releasing Willie Anderson and Rudi Johnson was for health reasons. Marvin Lewis said as much. I disagree with this, which C Trent points out saying "Anderson practiced more this preseason than he has in the past."

The team needed reasons to cut both players that helped them save money under the cap, as well as a few millions in the pocket; since neither were projected starters, the Bengals didn't want to pay them as much. In truth, it's a reasonable business decision; but so is putting together a successful product with parts that help you to those ends.

However, it's difficult to find anyone write that the Bengals are a better team after Anderson's release; though mostly everyone does a good job pointing out that he's not young, has suffered injuries in recent seasons, and is a bit costly. Of which, two out of three actually apply to this season.

In the case of our running backs, releasing Rudi Johnson doesn't hurt the team with Chris Perry coming on and Kenny Watson proving his worth last season. On the other hand, I don't see releasing Anderson, promoting Scott Kooistra and Todd Collins as the team's primary backup tackles, as something that makes the team better. I see it as hurting the team's depth. However, Kyle Cook got a roster spot, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.

Paul Daugherty is arguing the business side of things, saying that "when your time is up, you better be moving toward the door, so you don't get shoved that way."

Fans react.

Scott Priestile concludes the same way most others are after cutting Anderson, Rudi Johnson and veteran Deltha O'Neal, "While Lewis's logic is questionable, the team's direction is indisputable. The Bengals are younger, cheaper and healthier today than they were last week."

But are they better? Nearly everything I've read consciously avoids answering that question using the same talking points that Priestile has. The Bengals are younger. So what? Some of the league's best players are "older". They're definitely cheaper, but aren't magically healthier this season. Just look at our wide receivers and safeties. Are they "healthy"?

Chick Ludwig wasn't impressed with Lewis during the press conference that announced the cuts. "Some coaches would’ve began their news conferences with filibusters full of praise in tribute to their fallen warriors. Not Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. I had to “pry” some praise for Willie Anderson out of him. Is Marvin callous or compassionate? Judge for yourself."

Anyway, enough about all that.

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A player the Bengals deemed a project, with tons of potential ruined by injuries, was Eric Henderson. Going from defensive end to linebacker, to hybrid pass rushing DE/LB, seemed like a hell of a proposition. While with Georgia Tech, Henderson recorded 25 career sacks, and 59.5 tackles for loss. A three-time all-ACC player, Henderson finished his college career with 176 tackles, seven forced fumbles and eight pass breakups. Against Auburn in 2003, Henderson recorded three sacks and four tackles for losses.

Unlike Anderson's history of healthy problems, Henderson has struggled to even make the field. Releasing him doesn't hurt the team's depth (the difference in argument between Henderson and Anderson).

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Releasing Ahmad Brooks, to me, isn't that big of a deal -- in terms of the team's production this season. Let's be honest with Brooks; he was all potential with beastly physical attributes. Instead, his release is the team's most recent draft pick failure; used as a third-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft (he was a 2006 supplemental draft pick). After suffering an injury early in 2007, Brooks' impression with the team and coaching staff dimmed, especially from this offseason through training camp. It would have been neat to see his potential fulfilled, but that's not the case. Instead his potential will likely attach to another team.

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A funny musing. In the past week, Chad Johnson became Chad Ocho Cinco. Rudi Johnson was released and James Johnson was waived. That leaves Brandon Johnson and Jeremi Johnson as the remaining Johnsons on this team.

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By now, you're made the connection. Two Auburn players were released Saturday. In truth, that makes three after the Bengals let Kenny Irons go. Pat Sims is the last Auburn player on the team, and Lewis says of Sims: "Pat’s not been able to work. We’re probably still a couple weeks away from seeing him, and making a determination on him."

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Matt Bowen discusses the cover 4 scheme.

Andrew Brandt talks about one of the toughest days of the year for coaches, and players hoping to catch on with a team.

Bleacher Report says the Bengals are in an absolute mess (now that we dumped Anderson, we should be better now).

The Los Angeles Times predicts the Bengals will finish third in the AFC North -- not that we care what the LA Times predicts.

In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis is on his third defensive coordinator. Can Mike Zimmer draw up the right schemes to start putting heat on opposing quarterbacks, who were sacked a league-low 22 times last season? A lot of that depends on the reliability of cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. The Bengals expect a lot from the two first-round picks.

Pro Trade argues that no NFL team will claim Rudi Johnson. I seriously doubt that. Some teams are liberal enough to give a player a look, no matter how degraded they appear to be.

Maurice Purify is not a free agent, as this article presents. By rule, a player with less than four accrued seasons is put on the waiver -- more than that, they are simply released making them an unrestricted free agent. Purify was waived, allowing 31 other teams to claim him, and sign him to their club. If he's not claimed, then the Bengals can (and likely will), sign the former Nebraska receiver to the practice squad.

We were wondering during Thursday Night's preseason game how the Bengals running back roster would look kickoff weekend. Curnutte believes the Bengals will dump Rudi Johnson and keep Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey on the roster, placing James Johnson on the practice squad after his performance against the Colts.

James Johnson's ran eight times for 54 yards against the Colts with a 42-yard play midway through the fourth quarter. Without that 42-yard run, Johnson rushes seven times for 12 yards. DeDe Dorsey had a nice night rushing for 4.2 yards-per-carry (38 yards, nine attempts), including a six-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Kenny Watson had the worst night among running backs (well, other than Rudi Johnson of course) with a 1.6 yards-per-carry average (10 yards, six rushes). In the game, the Bengals rushed for 171 yards on 38 attempts (4.5 average).

Ironically enough, Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the preseason out-rushing Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey.

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The Bengals leading receivers this preseason were two guys not on the roster last season. Jerome Simpson caught the most passes (11) and recorded the most yards (157). Ben Utecht's 10 receptions and 108 yards receiving ranked second in each category. Glenn Holt is the only player to record more than one touchdown reception. In fact, he has two of the team's three total passing touchdowns with Utecht having the other.

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Domata Peko is the only defensive lineman with more than one sack, with one-sack performances coming from Robert Geathers, Michael Myers, Jason Shirley, and Angelo Craig. Darryl Blackstock (2), Keith Rivers, Kyries Herbert, and Dexter Jackson also recorded sacks.

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The preseason question of finding that number three receiver was answered, by signing Chris Henry. However suspended through the first four games, it would appear that Simpson has the edge at that spot; but Chatman could find himself there based on whether the Bengals feel confident that Simpson knows the playbook.

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Kyle Larson punted a whopping 28 times (average seven-per-game) with a pedestrian 41.9 average.

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Even I was pleased with the performance of Ahmad Brooks. But I don't think that the final preseason game against a team that played few, if any, of their starters is that much of a reason to keep him. I still think he's on the chopping block, and I think that if Brooks was good enough, that he wouldn't have fallen so far, so quickly, on the depth chart and been mediocre in the other preseason games. Then again, the Bengals coaching staff loves projects with players that have potential (see Eric Henderson and Stacy Andrews -- who actually worked out).

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Are people actually considering Fitzpatrick the better starting quarterback in Cincinnati?

I really enjoyed Fitzpatrick's performance this preseason. He had the best quarterback play, recording a 104.2 passer rating, no picks and two scores. Along with his 218 yards passing (which is second, behind Jeff Rowe's 228), Fitzpatrick added 79 yards rushing (scrambling). However, we don't need is a scrambling quarterback. What we need is our two Pro Bowl wide receivers back without protection breakdowns that force our quarterbacks to scramble. All of which, I believe, will return by kickoff weekend.

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Along with Keith Rivers, I think Corey Lynch is one of the most impressive defensive rookies. Even though Pat Sims didn't record those key numbers (which is normal for a defensive tackle), I liked his motor with his noticeable intensity. With Shirley coming on against the Colts, I think the Bengals are close to having a solid defensive tackle rotation. Given more experience with the rookies, and the noticeable improvement with Domata Peko, there's a lot to look forward to this group. Once John Thornton leaves after this season, the Bengals could either draft another defensive tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, or develop Antwon Burton with the practice squad this season.

Secondary-wise, I think this unit is much better than last season -- or the year before that, or the year before that. Johnathan Joseph was an aggressive hitter during the preseason, coming up to the line of scrimmage when the opposing team rushed to his side. He played the island role, along with Leon Hall, as best as we could expect of them. While big-body wide receivers will generally always have their way with most NFL cornerbacks, I didn't think to myself that our young cornerbacks will be problematic.

My biggest concern wasn't the secondary against the rush, nor the play of our starting cornerbacks. It was our safeties against the pass, allowing the opposing wide receiver to stream past them. This didn't happen against the Colts as much as it did in the first preseason games. Still, Corey Lynch and Marvin White are young enough to learn from it and become better as the season wears on. Not to mention Chinedum Ndukwe missed the preseason.

I do believe, however, that our secondary is as deep as it has ever been during the Marvin Lewis era.

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Like many of you, I just don't know what to expect this season. On one hand, this team is talented enough among their starters; everyone returns, the protection schemes improve and the rushing attack is actually meaningful. On the other hand, we could the regular season become an extension of the preseason becoming the worst season during the Marvin Lewis era. Either way, the critical aspect for success on this team will be the offense. An improved defense will be icing on the cake, that could find themselves in the role to win games if the offense sputters.

In the end, your guess is as good as mine.

With three preseason games in the books, I wanted to take the time to review each position (in some cases, units) as we prepare this week to play the meaningless of meaningless of preseason games, as well as upcoming roster cuts. While I'm not trying to predict the roster -- and definitely not projecting depth chart -- I didn't include every player in some scenarios, but included more than what the team is expected to take (mostly because I'm just not sure who they take, or the play is pretty even between the competition).

Quarterback - Even though Palmer has been assaulted on nearly every play (it seems), he hasn't been sharp -- likely a result of being assaulted. Twice against the Saints, Palmer nearly threw interceptions because 1) the ball was overthrown and 2) the pass was too near the middle of the field intended for a receiver sprinting down the sidelines. With the assault by the opposing pass rush, Palmer is becoming too aware of what's going on around the pocket rather than what's going on downfield. Once protection flaws are worked out, and communication issues resolved, we're confident that Palmer will be Palmer and give the Bengals their best chance to win each week.

Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the few successful offensive players, completing 70% of his passes, with a 6.8 pass-per-attempt average and a 101.3 passer rating (all team highs). His 44 yards rushing is third on the team behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson. Fitzpatrick's performance proves he'll be a coveted unrestricted free agent next season as a "veteran" quarterback that so many teams need.

1. Carson Palmer
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
3. Jeff Rowe

Running Back - While it's exciting to see Chris Perry back to full strength, we've been missing our primary feature back, Rudi Johnson due to another hamstring injury -- this time to the other leg. However, along with their troubles protecting their quarterbacks, the offensive line has struggled rush blocking for Perry -- mostly Eric Ghiaciuc. Since the first game, Perry's yards-per-attempt has fallen from 3.8 to 3.4. Watson's 4.7 yards-per-attempt is encouraging, but a majority of his attempts have come against second team defenses, with only one attempt the entire game against the Saints.

I think the Bengals keep Dorsey over James Johnson. Though neither have done much this preseason, Dorsey is a more explosive back while James Johnson is eligible for the team's practice squad. If the Bengals haven't cut Jeremi by now, they won't.

1. Rudi Johnson
2. Chris Perry
3. Kenny Watson
4. DeDe Dorsey
5. Jeremi Johnson

Wide Receiver - Talk about depressing. With Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh nursing and rehabbing injuries ("supposedly", if you believe in conspiracies), the Bengals have been searching for that evasive receiver we hoped would step up. Jerome Simpson's 144 yards receiving is far above Chatman's 63 yards among the yardage leaders at wide receiver. However, passes are being dropped and receivers are not separating from defensive backs, forcing Palmer to hold onto the ball longer. One has to appreciate this bit of irony. If Chad Johnson was traded, then this unit has absolutely no hope going into the season, even though the team signed Chris Henry to help.

I think Andre Caldwell's injury hurts him big. While he's not on the field battling for a spot, the Bengals would be more inclined to keep Holt for experience and versatility on special teams. Caldwell is another player eligible for the practice squad. This is all based on the assumption when Henry returns, not when the season starts. When Henry is reinstated after the fourth game, the Bengals will need to decide whether to keep Holt or Caldwell -- and it's doubtful, no matter what other writers suggest, that the Bengals will let Henry go.

1. Chad Johnson
2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
3. Antonio Chatman
4. Jerome Simpson
5. Glenn Holt
6. Andre Caldwell

Tight End - Stable as stable comes. Ben Utecht, another glowing offensive player this preseason, leads the team with 10 receptions, second with 108 yards receiving and only one of two players with a receiving touchdown through three games. Reggie Kelly is the league's best tight end blocker, taking a lot of reps in the backfield. If the Bengals keep four tight ends (which includes long snapper Brad St. Louis), then Daniel Coats makes the team.

1. Reggie Kelly
2. Ben Utecht
3. Daniel Coats
4. Brad St. Louis

Offensive Line - We've talked about their struggles, and fantasized of a Jurassic Line. Still, the running game hasn't really taken off and the quarterbacks are struggling to focus downfield rather than the pass rush -- Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 10 times, and knocked down three times as much. I'm not sure the Bengals will keep a second center, depending on Bobbie Williams to play that role. On the other hand, you could easily replace Nate Livings with Dan Santucci with limited fall in production. Something of note: Kyle Cook took some first-team snaps against the Saints in the third quarter.

1. Levi Jones
2. Andrew Whitworth
3. Eric Ghiaciuc
4. Bobbie Williams
5. Stacy Andrews
6. Willie Anderson
7. Nate Livings
8. Scott Kooistra
9. Anthony Collins
10. Dan Santucci

Defensive Line - Domata Peko has impressed me this preseason against the rush. He's working the line, challenging double teams and finding ways to stuff gaps at the point of attack. Other than that, I think this unit is just down right dreadful. Fanene and Rucker appear like average ends with limited upside, while John Thornton and Jason Shirley have made a library seem like a Metallica concert. Pat Sims, before his injury, impressed me with his aggressiveness and motor-style play. Hopefully we get him back when the season starts. While Angelo Craig has made plays, I've labeled him a practice squad player until either Rucker or Fanene (even though he signed an extension this offseason) are let go. I see no scenario in the world in which Eric Henderson makes this squad -- nor did I see any scenario that the Bengals sign Chris Henry.

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. Johnathan Fanene (DE)
4. Frostee Rucker (DE)
5. John Thornton
6. Domata Peko
7. Jason Shirley
8. Pat Sims
9. Michael Myers -- I'm adding Myers here for two reasons. The team could be concerned about Shirley's upcoming court case and keeping Myers adds an insurance policy in case Pat Sims' rehabs slowly.

Linebacker - I'm actually more impressed with this unit than I thought I would be before training camp. At WILL, Keith Rivers and Brandon Johnson have combined for 28 tackles and a sack -- Rivers accounts for 17 tackles and that sack. Corey Mays has been solid at backup middle linebacker and Darryl Blackstock's two sacks leads the team. The thing I would be most concerned about is Dhani Jones' nine total tackles through three games. Ahmad Brooks had some first-team snaps at defense when Blackstock suffered a cramp against the Saints. Also expect Carl-Johan Bjork to make the team as he's exempt from the 53-man roster.

1. Dhani Jones
2. Keith Rivers
3. Darryl Blackstock
4. Rashad Jeanty
5. Corey Mays
6. Brandon Johnson
7. Jim Maxwell
8. Ahmad Brooks
9. Anthony Hoke (?)

Secondary - For the most part, I think our starting cornerbacks have done a decent job working on an island. For the plays that you see them get beat, either a dump-truck named Calvin Johnson used his super-size advantage, or the quarterback found a hole in zone coverage. I don't like the play of our safeties -- Dexter Jackson is Dexter Jackson and Marvin White still struggles keeping the receiver in front preventing long plays. White is a hitter though, and his efforts to make sure-tackles have improved greatly since the first game.

David Jones scares the hell out of me, and I don't see much of an improvement with Castille. O'Neal has accepted his role, and done well, as the team's third cornerback giving the Bengals good depth at the position.

1. Leon Hall (CB)
2. Johnathan Joseph (CB)
3. Deltha O'Neal (CB)
4. David Jones (CB)
5. Simeon Castille (CB)
6. Dexter Jackson (S)
7. Marvin White (S)
8. Chinedum Ndukwe (S)
9. Corey Lynch (S)
10. Herana-Daze Jones (S) -- mostly for his special teams work.

Anyway, those are my impressions at this point. If you have more, or want to adjust my impressions because I always miss at least one player (or two) when I do these things, it's all yours.

At first, I thought last night's offensive problems was a total and complete failure on the offensive line to protect Carson Palmer. There's some truth to that, but not totally. After watching the game again Sunday morning, I realized that the sum of the failure to protect Palmer, was mental mistakes (like missed assignments) and flawed protection schemes (major problem here). It wasn't like the line was manhandled (some were, we'll get to that later). The Saints did a good job overloading with schemes and stunts, while Bob Bratkowski failed at adjusting the protection schemes to STOP exposing Palmer to massive hits. Several times when Palmer was hit, the Bengals sent five people into routes, leaving Palmer alone with the offensive line, who weren't able to prevent the Saints from passing rushing, mostly by over-loading blitzes and adding confusing stunts. I agree with the assessment that 100% of the blame can't be put on the offensive line.

The following is broken up; first pointing out the the times that Palmer was knocked down and the second showing just out awful of a time Eric Ghiaciuc had run blocking. I tried to keep it clean, but I couldn't get it to flow. There's a lot of data here that kind of requires your imagination (at least the ability to see what I'm describing) and ability to go back and forth through the first half. In other words, I didn't go from the start to finish in the first half, instead I'm all over the place.

HIT ON PALMER #1
On third and seven at the Cincinnati 47-yard line with 3:00 left in the first quarter, Palmer lined up in shotgun. The Saints brought five, sending their right defensive end into zone coverage. Perry picked up the blitzing safety off the right edge while Stacy Andrews locked up with the defensive end. Bobbie Williams and Eric Ghiaciuc worked on one defensive tackle while Whitworth and Levi Jones worked on the other. The blitzing linebacker sprinted through a gap between Ghiaciuc and Whitworth. Sadly, neither player made a move on the linebacker and Palmer was blown up as a result. In truth, Ghiaciuc was locked up with his tackle (Bobbie Williams was behind Ghiaciuc watching) while Andrew Whitworth had his hand on Jones' back watching the tackle totally ignoring the blitzing linebacker.

ANALYSIS: I put this one on the offensive line. This wasn't a defeat physically, as much as it was a missed assignment, mental error type of thing. Ghiaciuc should have called something to prepare for the blitz and Whitworth should have kept his eyes up field. Blitzes happen, and in a lot of cases, they are hidden before the snap. Not only did the Bengals fail to see the blitz before the snap, but the line failed to react when he came.

HIT ON PALMER #2 (and near hit)
On first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 34-yard line with 12:00 left in the second quarter, Palmer and the offense lined up off-set I-formation, strong side right (Reggie Kelly at tight end off the right tackle) with Daniel Coats at fullback and Chris Perry at running back. At the snap, Coats ran a pattern into flats to the right. Perry ran to Palmer's right, which was a horrible effort at play-action, helping the offensive line block two guys up the middle -- likely a reaction to the earlier hit with a blitzing linebacker up the middle. The right outside linebacker blitzed, picked up by Levi Jones while the defensive end stunted to his left, picked up by Andrew Whitworth. Essentially, no one was left to block Kevin Kaesviharn, blitzing off the edge. You can blame Palmer on this one, not seeing the blitz coming and adjusting so there's a hat on Kaesviharn. The hit was just a good defensive call, blitzing where no Bengals were left to block him. Palmer didn't see it coming before the snap and the play was dead before ever starting.

ANALYSIS: You can easily credit the Saints, as you could blame Palmer for not recognizing the blitz. I'm not blaming the line on this one. The Saints overloaded the right side, and the offensive line put a hat on someone -- of which, no one came close to Palmer. If you want to blame Palmer, you can, for not recognizing the blitz and calling a hot read. At the same time, it's awfully difficult to recognize a blitz by a safety unless they are on the line of scrimmage, which Kaesviharn was not. Therefore, it's probably best to conclude that the Saints called the perfect defensive play on the sack that lost six yards.

On the next play, Palmer, with plenty of protection, hit Perry on a quick pass up the middle. On third-and-ten, Palmer lined up in shotgun with Utecht on his left and Perry on his right. The Saints brought six, two blitzing linebackers with the front four. Andrews and Jones pushed their defensive ends out and Palmer was cleared once he stepped up in the pocket. Whitworth picked up one of blitzing linebackers. The play only called for all five offensive linemen to protect Palmer -- everyone else went into routes. The last blitzing linebacker found a gap between Ghiaciuc and Williams, sprinting through the lane and almost hitting Palmer. Luckily, the linebacker just missed. Bengals punt.

ANALYSIS: Even though Palmer wasn't knocked down, the blitzing linebacker still penetrated to Palmer forcing the incomplete.

PALMER BECOMES MORE AWARE OF RUSHERS INSTEAD OF RECEIVERS
On third-and-ten at the Cincinnati 12-yard line with 7:00 left in the first half, Palmer in shotgun had over four seconds to make a pass. On that fourth second, Charles Grant hit Palmer's peripheral vision and forced an odd throw (Palmer did some scissor-like thing with his legs) to Perry over the middle, picking up five yards. Bengals punt. At this point, you get the impression that Palmer is more aware of the pass rushers than his receiver's routes.

PALMER HIT #3
The Bengals fourth possession start at the Bengals 23-yard line with 4:29 left in the first half. Palmer drops back, while Reggie Kelly and Chris Perry (in I-formation) run off Palmer's left side into routes. This was the death of this play resulting in another hit on Palmer (and sack). Though that's questionable if it was a sack because Palmer's knee never hits the ground (OK, it was totally a blown call by the refs, but it's pre-season and the refs are likely trying to protect the players). Still, Palmer was rushed, nearly brought down and forced to run -- and Palmer can't run.

The Saints rushed their front four and the Bengals offensive line couldn't keep them from getting to Palmer. Levi Jones had his guy, pushing him deep into the backfield -- as most good tackles do to an end that wants to sprint around them. The problem appeared when the two Saints defensive tackles stunted. The left defensive tackle, in the gap between Bobbie Williams and Eric Ghiaciuc, ran to his right to Ghiaciuc's left shoulder while the other waited momentarily, then looping around. Whitworth chased his defensive tackle, whereas he probably should have let the tackle go, picking up the one that hit Ghiaciuc's left shoulder -- and Ghiaciuc picks up the man that looped around.

In truth, this sack was just a miserable failure with the communication and cooperation of the offensive line working together.

ANALYSIS: On this play, I came to realize that the Bengals offensive line (mostly the guards and center), are having a hell of a time picking up stunts and blitzes. Man on man, the line is just fine. But they are easily getting confused, failing to communicate with each other.

On the next play, Utecht picks up ten yards on a quick pass to Palmer. The Saints blitzed the linebacker off the left tackle and no one picked him. This was poor design by the Bengals offense with Jones picking up the defensive end and Chris Perry running a route in the right flats. Unless Eric Ghiaciuc picks up the defensive tackle and Andrew Whitworth drops back behind Jones to pick up the linebacker (which only happens in video games), this play was doomed. And that's by design. Palmer saw the blitz coming and let the pass go on his third step.

Analysis: Bad design.

On third-and-eight, Palmer in shotgun with Utecht and Watson flanking him, threw a beautiful pass to Antonio Chatman fading on the right for a 19-yard gain. Palmer had plenty of time.

PALMER HIT #4
After a minimal Perry rush up the middle, Palmer threw a pass that wasn't picked off after Jerome Simpson molested the defensive back. It was a good play by Simpson to become the defender, preventing the turnover with just over two minutes left in the first half.

Palmer was hit on the play. Under center, with Perry the lone back in the backfield, Palmer fakes the handoff and throws deep to his left. The blitzing linebacker came from the Palmer's right side, where Reggie Kelly lined up and left for a pass route. Perry ran to Palmer's right, also running a route.

The Saints' left defensive end and left defensive tackle ran a stunt. The defensive end ran around the defensive tackle, picked up by Williams. The defensive tackle ran straight for Willie Anderson to free up the blitzing linebacker of the edge. The stunt worked primarily because the tackle occupied Anderson. With only five blockers, two occupied after a stunt where the blitzing linebacker attacked, Palmer was forced to throw a rainbow pass that was nearly picked off. The offensive pass interference on Simpson forced the Bengals into a second-and-17, which the Bengals couldn't pick up and were forced to punt.

SUGGESTION: The Bengals need to keep more men blockers in for Palmer.

PALMER HIT #5 AND BLOODY NOSE
Bengals get the ball back after a three-and-out by the Saints offense, with 1:06 left in the half at the Cincinnati 36-yard line. After a quick pass to Utecht, Palmer spikes the ball to stop the clock.

On second-and-ten at the Cincinnati 48-yard line, Palmer lined up in shotgun, with two wide receivers on the left, another on the right, and no tight ends. Utecht lined up to Palmer's left and ran a route. Reggie Kelly, lined up to Palmer's right, stepped up in the pocket to help block. The linebacker and safety (Kaesviharn), targeted their blitz between Ghiaciuc and Anderson. Williams pushed the defensive tackle to Ghiaciuc, who was a non-factor. Williams turned to the blitzing linebacker, already picked up by Reggie Kelly. Willie Anderson took the defensive end out. This created a MASSIVE gap for which Kaesviharn to make his assault (and sack) on Palmer. The defensive end on Anderson made the hit on Palmer that forced the bleeding.

ANALYSIS: Kelly likely should have taken Kaesviharn (or the outside blitzer) while Williams, already free after handing off the tackle to Ghiaciuc, picked up the blitzing linebacker.

Levi Jones false started on the next play and flipped out at Eric Ghiaciuc (segue comes next). After a handoff and punt, the half was over.

GHIACIUC CANT BLOCK ON RUNS
On the first offensive possession, Antonio Chatman had the ball stripped with a soft tap from Indiana rookie Tracy Porter on an end-around. Glenn Holt dove on the ball after a horrible effort by Chatman to secure the ball. On the second play, the Bengals lined up double-TE and run behind Andrew Whitworth for a minimal two-yard gain. Kendrick Clancey (the guy Eric Ghiaciuc was blocking) spun around and made the first contact with Perry. After Stacy Andrews was flagged for a false start, Palmer overthrew Jerome Simpson and nearly had the ball intercepted by Mike McKenzie. The Bengals were force to punt. Note on the first possession that Palmer wasn't hit and the pass he three on third down, he had plenty of time because the Saints only brought the front four.

After the Saints took a 10-point lead, Perry rushed the ball behind Bobbie Williams with 5:57 left in the first quarter. Well, he tried to. Perry ran into Ghiaciuc, going backwards where Perry was forced to redirect to the left. Kendrick Clancey (the guy Ghiaciuc was blocking), shed off the block and made the tackle. On Perry's first two runs, Clancey was credited for both tackles. On second and seven, Palmer in off-set I (strong side right), called an audible (likely forcing the called run from left to right), and handed off to Perry running off-tackle to the right. Clancey made the tackle again, but it was Andrew Whitworth's guy this time. Whitworth was forced to take a large step to his right to cut off Clancey who was lined up in the gap to Whitworth's right. Clancey just shed to his right and filled the gap for the stop. You could blame Ghiaciuc (kind of the theme going on here) by not impeding Clancey's first step, one way or another. But that's simply a perception you can make for yourself.

On third down, Palmer completed a 16-yard pass to Ben Utecht for the first down. The Saints only brought their front four and never touched Palmer. On the next play, Palmer hit Perry running in the flats to the left; Palmer was untouched. On second down, Kendrick Clancey stood up Eric Ghiaciuc, threw him to the ground and stuffed Perry at the line of scrimmage.

The Bengals third possession started with 7:33 left in the second quarter with first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 12-yard line. Standard I-formation, Perry took the handoff and ran right-side of the center. When the play was over, Eric Ghiaciuc was laying on his back four yards down field.

QUICK HITS
On first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 14-yard line with 13:11 in the second quarter, Chatman lined up on the left, took two steps back, caught the quick pass and picked up nine yards. The Bengals called the same play, instead passing to Ben Utecht on the right for an 11-yard gain. This was about the closest thing the Bengals offense had for momentum in the first half.

FINALLY
All in all, that was one of the worst games I've ever seen during the Marvin Lewis era Bengals. Pre-season or not, that's just horrible. Exactly what are we supposed to get excited about with that offense? The defense played as well as they've been asked to. After giving up 10 points in the first two possessions, the Saints were shutout.

Still, the story of the game was Palmer's bloody nose, and the inability to get anything going. The second half wasn't much better, but we didn't much care anyway because the focus now is that the first team offense is playing so awful. You can claim injury to the starting wide receivers, if you want. And this team takes a huge hit when both go down.

Either way, if this is a dress rehersal of things to come, then this season will be long and painful.

This week, I sat down with Dave who runs Canal Street Chronicles -- a Sports Blog Nation site that blogs the New Orleans Saints -- for tonight's game at Paul Brown Stadium. You can read my responses to Dave's questions at his site.

1) Recently acquired tight end Jeremy Shockey is expected to make his first appearance this weekend against the Bengals. How is his transition into the Saints offense, will he be a distraction and what's the general pulse from Saints fans?
We don't have too much info to go on as far as Shockey's transition. When he first arrived, he was taking part in practices, then was being held out for a while. This week was the first time he returned to the field to get some reps but I think he is ready to go. He is exactly what Sean Payton's offense needs with a quarterback like Drew Brees, particularly in the red zone and I am expecting big things from him. I really and truly don't think he will be a distraction. Seems to me that Shockey had some personal problems with the Giants organization and the coaching staff. I don't think Shockey ever really respected Coughlin and that doesn't seem to be the case with Sean Payton. He seems to really respect Payton and if he gets a chance to be an important part of this offense like everyone is expecting, he should be happy. I also think he now has a take charge leader in Drew Brees at quarterback. Eli doesn't seem to be the type of person who can handle a loud mouth like Shockey. Drew does. I hope I don't wind up eating my words.

2) I remember in the draft, the Bengals were leap-fogged by the Saints so you guys could pick up Sedrick Ellis -- the Bengals biggest target. What's your impressions of Ellis to this point in pre-season?
Yeah we did! Wasn't that great? I like Ellis. He has looked pretty good so far even though he came to camp late. We're still waiting for him to notch his first sack, but he's been in on a few plays and applied some good pressure in the first two games. He will constantly draw comparisons to his counterpart Glen Dorsey and I really think that when we are looking back at this, Ellis will prove the better pick. I think he is the real deal.

3) The Bengals and Saints have a similar two-back style. Whereas Deuce McAllister and Rudi Johnson are similar pounding the ball, Reggie Bush and Chris Perry bring a ton of intangibles. Two of the last three seasons, McAllister has suffered long-lasting injuries. Does McAllister figure to be a factor this season like he's been in the past, or are they basically using a running back by committee with Reggie Bush?
Last week against Houston we got our first chance to see Deuce run and gauge his recovery and things are looking good. He had a few runs and on one, made a nice cut back. That single cut has a lot of Saints fans excited. Tonight's game will be even more revealing. The hope, obviously, is that he is as good as new but I'm not sure that will be the reality. I think he could get 10-15 touches a game. If something goes wrong and he has a set back, I would like to see the Saints stick with that same running philosophy by plugging in Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker and continue to have Reggie doing the intangible things like running to the outside and doing a 720 degree flip into the endzone, as opposed to making Reggie the every down back.

4) This one is primarily for Bengals fans. I read that Kevin Kaesviharn is fighting for a starting job. For the Bengals, Kaesviharn always found a way to impact the game. How's your impression of him been?
Well, I remember K2 when I saw him play against the Saints in 2006 and he had an interception in the endzone and 1.5 sacks. I hated him! Unfortunately, I don't think he made as much of an impact while wearing the black and gold. He is expected to start alongside Roman Harper this season, which is a good sign of improvement, though I wouldn't say the competition for the spot is very tough. Hopefully after this season I will have a more positive answer for you because our cornerbacks need all the help over the top they can get.

5) Jonathan Vilma was acquired this off-season. How has he looked?
Vilma is another one like Deuce wherein last week's game against Houston was the first chance we have gotten to see him play. It's been a while since he's played football so I think he's a little rusty. Once he's warmed up a bit, we are all expecting him to be an integral part to turning this defense around. From what I did see of him in last weeks game, it seems like he has great instincts and covers a lot of the field. On one play, he failed to bite on a play action and then immediately ran all the way back into the secondary to help in coverage. He wound up being the closest man to the receiver by the time the ball go there. I was impressed. As far as the injury is concerned, I think he's pretty close to 100% or at least will be by week one.

On the night of January 22, 1989, the Bengals lost to the San Francisco 49ers that left me cursing at the television, throwing pillows and the like, frustrated as hell. After that display, I was reprimanded by my mother after she witnessed her 10-year old son display a foul-mouthed hissyfit. When the pain dimmed a week later, I was able to sit on my rump again and permitted to watch television when spring invited the leaves to blossom.

This January will be the 20th anniversary of the Bengals last Super Bowl appearance. Soon afterwards, we'll see men and women legally allowed to purchase adult beverages at their local pub, knowing they were yet to be born when the Bengals went to their last Super Bowl; how's that for perspective?

The sad part is that you could apply the same frustration with both professional teams in Cincinnati. The only difference is that the Reds won in 1990 and have five world championships on their resume -- the Bengals have two appearances and no world championships; though we do have two conference titles and that should mean something. Still, that was such a long time ago that it seems like it never happened. I'm not talking playoffs, I'm talking championships.

The Reds are in no better shape than the Bengals right now. They're life-less, display no effort in a town that appreciates blue-collar work. With time of unsuccessful trends, fans of professional sports in Cincinnati, justifiably so, attack ownership for not making winning a priority. It forced Carl Lindner out of Reds majority ownership, and it's sealed a nasty opinion of the Bengals owner -- and everyone, I believe, is right to assume such things -- to such a point, that even winning a Super Bowl, won't reverse opinions of him.

Maybe some day, in the future, the Reds and Bengals will fight again for supremacy of what town this is. Is it a baseball town? Is it a football town? At this point, we just want it to be something worth appreciating.

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Friday night marked the start of high school football -- in my opinion, the purest form of football today and a proud tradition in the Cincinnati area. Number one St. Xavier (ranked 18th in the nation) faced off against number two Colerain. The underdog Cardinals took an intentional safety with a second left on the clock to beat the Bombers, 13-8. Colerain started out of the gate quickly, taking a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, depending on the defense to win the remaining three quarters. Mason, my old kicking ground, plays Saturday afternoon (2:45 pm). Go Comets!

Tonight being a Saturday night, I'm not expecting much participation in the way of comments and all that. But that doesn't stop dorks like me. I'll be online tonight until, roughly, half time. Though that could change depending on the site's participation, as well as how the game is progressing.

Mark Curnutte is looking for the Bengals to pound the ball tonight, and control the clock -- mostly in response to having the team's top four wide receivers out. It appears he's right. "The wideouts are down, so we have to emphasize running the ball and running the ball effectively," Levi Jones said. "And the young guys at wide receiver are going to have to catch the ball when we need them to catch the ball."

Chris Perry is happy to finally run with a style that he's used to. "Everybody remembers me as a scat back. But I went to school at Michigan, and we run downhill. I just never got the opportunity to do that while I was here." Will Perry be happy being healthy for a full 16-game season? "I mean, not really. I want to have an impact." Good answer.

Mario Urrutia on hopefully playing tonight after not playing the first two exhibition games: "I'm just waiting my turn. When I get it, I'm going to make the most of it. All I can say is the best is yet to come." Another good answer.

Five questions with Shayne Graham.

James Walker responds to the question of the Jurassic Line on his AFC North, ESPN blog. "The Bengals have been discussing it, Kris. They also used it a tiny bit in the preseason. But until I see Marvin Lewis use it consistently, it's difficult to tell if this is a viable option for the Bengals in the regular season. Andrews has experience at guard and obviously he is a great right tackle when healthy. So the key is if Bobbie Williams can make the adjustment from guard to center." Walker could have just reference Paul Alexander confirming that Eric Ghiaciuc has a "firm grip" at center.

Furthermore, in a later question in the same piece, Walker says that Henry is fortunate to play at all this season after Henry was initially suspended for the season pending his latest day in court. I so disagree with this point. Charges being dropped means he wasn't convicted of anything. So why does Henry have to be suspended? Because some guy either fabricated a story, or the guy's lawyer was unable to present a case? It's just another example that Roger Goodell hands out sentences on his own perceptions... and mood of the day.

Adam Zimmer will be across the field as the Saints defensive assistant, likely watching his dad calling the defensive plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.

I wish I could read what JungleInsider writes. But I can't. I don't have $90 to pay for a year's subscription and I tend to like free -- which is something that Cincy Jungle will ALWAYS be.

BJ at BengalsZone wonders if Palmer will "have enough" and complain -- being signed through 2014, that's a real possibility for most players. But I just don't see it from Palmer.

Mike Greenberg actually has a fan web site.

Fake Teams (a fantasy sports site under the Sports Blog Nation umbrella), is toying with the idea of picking up Chris Perry as "a sneaky-good late choice."

Last night's Texans-Cowboys game displayed a too-real result of how violent football is. On kickoff, Texans receiver Harry Williams was falling down, missing a tackle, when he collided with another teammate fracturing his C3 vertebra. From a Bengals perspective, this was reminisce watching David Pollack being carted off the field against the Browns in the second week of the 2006 season. Like Pollack, Williams was able to regain basic motor functions afterwards. But this injury puts severe doubt on anyone's NFL career that suffers it.

There's another Bengals site in town.

In truth, I was shocked and disappointed that the Bengals signed Chris Henry back; but what exactly can anyone do about it? It's not like the Bengals listen to you, anyway; considering Marvin Lewis said pointedly that the fans "can be frustrated all they want....it's a waste of time". Though likely that was in frustration with the front office, rather than the fans or even the media -- oh, how Marvin loves Chick Ludwig. T.J. too! Is there going to be a call for another boycott? Brown paper bags? No, not likely. Mike Brown has assured a legacy that will never be endearing -- and he deserves it.

My point isn't to suggest that you have to accept the signing Henry. It never was. For the six years I've done this gig I've always wrote with a style to angle, examine and bring up any arguments for the issue and let you develop your own opinion. I'm not arrogant enough to think that my opinion is all that you're interested in. It's something I learned when I did political commentaries "back in the day" that Dave (Stripe Hype) was always so fond of -- and always agreeable.

At this point in the process, what can anyone do or say that will make the team understand why we cringed when the Bengals signed Henry, or why the nation of NFL fans laugh at our ridiculous missteps, or understand why we've demanded for almost two decades that Mike Brown reconsider the process in which the team acquires players? He won't change, he's too fond of accomplishments that few "successful" business owners ever accomplish -- a lengthy period of a failing product, and yet able to make good money. You know, like Microsoft.

Chris Henry is a small story this season accelerated and inflated by the media that's surprised it actually happened, the fans exploding anger against Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis doing an excellent job promoting hope, but failing at translating that into success on the field. There's more to this season than Chris Henry. There's always Carson Palmer, his famous receivers and an offensive line that protected Palmer so well, that they'll go down in the books for lowest sack numbers in franchise history. There's the project of continual growth (KOOL-AID ALERT) of a better-than-last year defense that we keep hoping for with this season being the most promising. There's an exciting return of Chris Perry that seems like the '05 version, a pass-catching tight end for the first time since the Reagan administration and decent depth on the offensive line. There's the promising pass-rushing tandem of Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom, or the promising secondary tandem of Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. There's Keith Rivers and Brandon Johnson cooperating as the team's most promising WILL linebacker duo in recent memory.

Yea, I know, a lot of promising, nothing truly known. But that's my point, there's more to this season than just Chris Henry.

Moving on...

Marvin Lewis on T.J. Houshmandzadeh:

"I think T.J. needs more time than he thinks he needs (to be ready to play). I'll tell you that. I think for the runner, it's not quite as significant. We want to see him and make sure he can withstand it. I think for T.J., there's more to it. Things change, things have changed. When you're not out there and doing it, things move within the snap of the football, so it's important that T.J. gets some snaps going and gets going here. He's a very smart guy, he understands football very well, and understands the offense and the nuances of what we're doing very well. But until you're doing it, there are going to be some things. Now, you start working to a game plan and everything's limited and it comes down, but yeah, it's important for them to get some snaps and some time."

I'm not exactly sure how you look into this. But do you get the impression that Lewis is talking about an injury? If you were a casual fan of any NFL team, and replaced "T.J." with some unknown (let's call him Frank), would you think that the head coach is talking injury or prepping for the speed of an NFL game?

Geoff Hobson reacts to the Ludwig piece that Houshmandzadeh is "sandbagging his injury" (which wasn't something we wrote -- just responded to). "But isn't guessing about a person's integrity merely on gut instinct strike you as irresponsible?"

You guys were pretty split. Of the 99 that voted, 51 of you said that Houshmandzadeh was "sandbagging" while the other 48 said no.

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Marcus Maxwell on being lost for the season:

"I'm sick to my stomach, because you think of all the hard work you put in," Maxwell said. "I put in a lot of hard work in the off-season, I made 100 percent of my workouts in the off-season. And then there's training camp, that was the hardest training camp I'd been in and then for this to happen. I felt like I had a lot of room to grow, I'm not near my max potential, that's what gets me as well. There's a lot of things mentally and physically I could improve upon. Now, it's more mental, which I know will make me a better player in the future."

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I agree with those that say Joe Horn won't (and shouldn't) be a receiver in Cincinnati. He's talented, no doubt. But he's not the type of receiver that would be third or fourth on the depth chart, and be cool about it.

A season ticket holder writes to PFW in response to the Bengals signing Henry. "My only concern is the affect it may have on the players perception of Marvin Lewis – he was definitely over-ridden on this issue by Brown."

Rudi Johnson intends on keeping his starting job responding to Lewis' declaration that Perry would start if the season starts now. Johnson says, "The season doesn't start now." Touche.

However, Chris Perry is set on becoming the team's feature back. And you have to love this guy's attitude. "I want to make it so they (the coaches) have to make a decision. I want to be taken seriously.”

As long as Bob Bratkowski actually uses the running game, and doesn't freak when the team doesn't rush successfully in the first quarter, this could be the team's best core of feature backs during the Marvin Lewis era. Nah, I'll actually go out on a limb and say it is the best core of feature backs during the Marvin Lewis era.

Marcus Maxwell tore his quad muscle while working with Jeff Rowe after practice on deep routes. Maxwell worked his ass off this entire off-season, getting more work in after practice and gets hurt for the season. That's depressing irony.

The Bengals will wear black at PBS this Saturday night.

Paul Alexander says that "Eric Ghiaciuc is unquestionably the No. 1 center."

Pine Riders project the Bengals as most people are. "I have this team pegged for about 7 wins, but that 7 could easily be 8 or 9." I agree. But it could easily be only five wins, too. Or ten.

Fantasy Football experts are high on Kenny Watson this year. Matthew Berry suggests that Watson will be the team's leading rusher by gaining over 1,000 yards rushing.

Even though Chris Perry was named the starting running back for the Bengals (if the season started this weekend), Rudi Johnson is still listed on the team's depth chart on Bengals.com. Coming into this season, I was big on Rudi Johnson's return. I had hoped his rigorous off-season training program, with renewed health, would reinvigorate this rushing offense. Instead, Rudi Johnson hasn't practiced much during training camp, dealing with another hamstring injury, all but assuring that his participation, at most, will be enabled with a running back by committee type of deal. That is, of course, he comes out of the gate firing, which doesn't appear likely right now. Chris Perry's renewed play during pre-season accelerated that, if not promoting him to the top spot and the team's future feature back beyond this season.

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The Bengals waived Ethan Kilmer and fullback Bradley Glatthaar. Once Kilmer clears waiver, he'll be placed on injured reserve while Glatthaar was waived "with an injury settlement" cutting his ties with the organization. After recent cuts, including cornerback Jerrid Gaines, the Bengals roster stands at 76.

Dates to remember.

August 26 - Roster maximum is 75
August 30 - Roster maximum is 53

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Carson Palmer sees the best way for this offense to come out of the gate this season, is using Chris Perry and Kenny Watson and making the running game a staple.

Palmer and Paul Daugherty made a bet.

Palmer made a friendly bet with WLW Sportstalk host Paul Daugherty on the Sept. 13 Southern Cal-Ohio State game.

If the Trojans win, "Doc" has to wear orange-and-black "Bengals stripes" face paint to a news conference. If the Buckeyes win, Palmer has to wear a Jim Tressel-style Ohio State sweater vest.

Jeremi Johnson will play Saturday night.

The worst city to be a sports fan is Miami. The fifth worst city is Cincinnati (surprised?)

Kirby points out that Marcus Maxwell appears to have torn a muscle that "threatens to keep him out the first month of the season".

Prag discusses the 53-man roster.