Critically speaking, I believe there's no bigger matchup on Sunday than the Titan's defensive line, and the Bengals offensive line. Kyle Vanden Bosch recorded the Titans' only sack in last year's 35-6 win over Tennessee, that led to a fumble and a missed 26-yard field goal by the normally always automatic Shayne Graham.

But this year, the Titan's defense is better.

Last week, Titans defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth and Tony Brown recorded two sacks each -- four of the team's seven sacks last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vanden Bosch recorded a sack, and Stacy Andrews will have to contend with Jevon Kearse's 69.5 career sacks. James Jones (a backup to Vanden Bosch) and Kevin Vickerson (a backup to Haynesworth) also recorded sacks respectively.

If the Bengals can't allow Palmer to sit comfortably in the pocket, for more than three seconds, the Bengals haven't a chance. Eric Ghiaciuc and the Bengals running backs will be critical for the success of the team's pass protection, helping Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams on both defensive tackles. More so, the Bengals offense will need to address the defensive ends and help out Andrews and Jones. At the very least, Reggie Kelly should be in a majority of the team's passing plays, assisting one side while a running back helps the other; at least chipping the pass rusher before going out into routes.

The offensive line, right now, is under a microscope. And if they keep Palmer clean, and open up lanes for a passable rushing offense, it should help bring some credibility and respectability among the team's offensive line; especially this week.

First things, first. I plan on being around for the Ohio State game and the University of Cincinnati game. If there's enough interest from you guys, then we can do an all-day open thread to chat about our two best Ohio teams -- if not all-day college football. That's up to you.

Keith Rivers will officially be #55.

Jerome Simpson really, really wants to be that number three wide receiver. "There are still a lot of people who don't believe in me, who don't believe I was worth a second-round pick. I've just got to keep showing 'em that I'm worth it." (Or stop worrying about what others think, remember your routes and show on the field that you're worth it) "It's a confidence thing, getting in there and showing the coaches I can make plays to help put this team in a position to win games. I just want to get better every week."

James Walker writes that Johnathan Joseph and Stacy Andrews will have breakout seasons this year. In fact, of the five selections for breakout players, the Bengals have two spots -- making this the first Walker piece in three months with more than one Bengals reference. And who says that I'm a tacky?

Then he writes spells Cincinnati as "Cincinnatti". Where the hell does the second "T" from?

NFL.com previews Bengals and Ravens. So does this site, and this site and this site. I tend to find matchup previews, or even game previews -- unlike primers -- utterly useless for me to write about. Not only do I have a failing understanding of the other team, but I figure I spend all week talking about the Bengals with a sneak-peak to the opposing team that we can all understand the battles our teams face. It's not that I have a problem with others doing them, but I'm not going to BS you into thinking that I actually know the entire opposing team -- I don't, because I'm here bitching too much about the Bengals.

I'm really not sure the point Sean McClelland is trying to make.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

The problem with projecting Stacy Andrews the heir apparent to Willie Anderson is that Andrews isn't signed beyond this season. And with the going-rate of quality tackles in the league today, you have to believe that the Bengals may struggle to sign Andrews to a long-term deal -- which, in reality, they have been. It's not that the Bengals won't be able to afford it; rather they're interpretation of value is often different than what other high-paying teams may consider. On the other hand, as the salary cap expands, so do the chances of signing Andrews.

Even though Anderson is signed through 2011, it's highly unlikely that he'll see it to the end; either through retirement or simply the team waiving the second best offensive tackle in franchise history (sorry, I'm biased... Willie is my guy). Furthermore, Levi Jones' deal grows a decent amount after 2009 while Andrew Whitworth also sees a constant $3 million number. This brings a cautious mind forward, wondering if the Bengals will add to the increasing value of the team's offensive linemen we have signed long-term. Of course, the key to figuring out a player's impact against the cap is the bonuses signed that protract throughout the lifetime of the contract -- which is added to the base salary (and is not always made available).

The follow is a chart of what the offensive line is scheduled to earn (dollars are in the millions, in case you needed that bit of instruction):

The Bengals claim that Andrews, Houshmandzadeh and Shayne Graham are their priorities to get deals done before becoming unrestricted free agents after this season. While it's speculated that Houshmandzadeh is staging his own silent protest, and Andrews is under a heavy cap-hitting franchise deal, any growth on Graham's deal is quiet (though he's the most likely free agent to re-sign with the Bengals... but that's just a guess).

Questions answered? Before the game, I threw up 10 questions. Not sure if any were answered, and it's foolish to take the first pre-season game and project the team as anything. Still, let's answer the questions after the Bengals 20-17 win Monday Night.

1) #3 Wide Receiver
Marcus Maxwell had a nice 19-yard reception and a nine-yarder. Maxwell's frame and technique reminds me of a green T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Hey, it took T.J. a long time to prove he was worth anything. Jerome Simpson showed good athleticism and Andre Caldwell hauled down an 11-yard pass for first down. It's not that any receiver played bad -- other than bad routes, or blown up plays, which we hardly know about -- but who really stepped up in your opinion.

2) Defensive tackle rotation and rookie DTs Sims and Shirley.
Domata Peko had several nice plays, pushing off the offensive linemen and strafing down the line of scrimmage for, at least, a hit. Jason Shirley, as the game progressed, seemed to get to the quarterback easier, and it seemed that boy has a motor. Admittedly, I don't have HD, and pointing out DTs are often hard enough for me. So it could have been Pat Sims. All and all, the Packers rushing offense was successful after Brandon Jackson and Kregg Lumpkin rushed 13 times for 80 yards (6.2 yards-per-carry).

3) Tight end contribution (an idea of the passing offense’s philosophy, which includes double-TE formations)
Reggie Kelly caught a five-yard pass -- the first completion by the Bengals. Ryan Fitzpatrick targeted Utecht twice, and Palmer looked at him three times -- first was incomplete, second was a four-yard gain and the third was a 14-yard touchdown pass.

4) Pass rush (includes Fanene and Rucker's improvements?)
Rucker and Fanene were nonexistent in the pass rush, though Robert Geathers sprinted around the tackle to pick up an early sack. Most of the success came from the team blitzing linebackers and safeties (Jackson, Herbert).

5) Keith Rivers, Chris Perry, rookie WRs (Caldwell, Simpson)
Rivers was as advertised. Chris Perry was back. Caldwell and Simpson made some nice grabs. I was generally happy with all four.

6) Offensive line combinations (Bobbie Williams at center?)
It's hard to praise the offensive line after the Bengals first-team started the game with three three-and-outs before picking up a first down and a touchdown. I don't recall seeing Williams at center, Santucci replaced Eric Ghiaciuc and Kyle Cook replaced Santucci after it was reported that the backup center broke his right ankle. Stacy Andrews didn't play long, out before the end of the first quarter replaced by Scott Kooistra after Willie Anderson was told to sit the game with a minor shoulder problem.

7) Is Kenny Watson better than last season?
I didn't pick up that Watson was better than last year on the minimal attempts he was given. At the same time, I didn't see a bit of degradation either.

8) Daniel Coats blocking out of the backfield.
I just didn't make it a point to watch him blocking. At the same time, that's a good thing. When a blocker does his job, neither he or the person he blocks make an impact on the play and become essentially invisible.

9) Aggressive cornerbacks, disrupting timing off the LOS (defensive coverage philosophy)
For the most part, I was happy with our cornerback play. Sometimes the receiver would pick up a step on the cornerback, or David Jones was on the field -- who had a rough, rough start.

10) Linebackers (Dhani, year 2… Brandon Johnson and Darryl Johnson, Arizona Cardinal cast-offs)
With Rivers being an obvious positive, and Brandon Johnson holding firm his stepping-up role, I thought the Bengals linebackers were generally positive, though again, the Packers ran the ball pretty well -- which is against the linebackers and defensive line.

By The Numbers

• Bengals converted only four of 15 third down attempts while the Packers converted eight of 17.
• Two penalties by the Bengals as a whole -- Frostee Rucker was offsides and Nate Livings false started. The off-sides by Rucker allowed the Packers to pick up a first down on third-and-three. After picking up the first down, Rodgers converted a 22-yard pass (then an incomplete), an 11-yard pass and then a 30-yard touchdown.
• The Packers picked up 15 first downs through the air -- however, they passed 53 times.
• The Bengals play selection: 27 pass attempts, 33 rush attempts.
• Bengals special teams allowed 40 yards on six punt returns.
• Bengals defense allowed four plays of 20-yards or more -- the longest play by the Bengals was a 19-yard pass reception by Marcus Maxwell.

The Ryan Fitzgerald offense before the end of the first half, utilized Ben Utecht and Chris Perry, combining for three catches for 25 yards giving Shayne Graham a 43-yard field goal attempt.

Palmer on Utecht and Perry: "(Perry) can stay in the backfield and pick up a safety pressure and get outside with runs. With Ben, his versatility is he can get back in the backfield on the run game and he can (pass block) in max protection."

Moving Bobbie Williams to center could be a possibility after reports claim that Dan Santucci suffered a broken right ankle.

Corey Lynch, in last weekend's scrimmages, had two interceptions and a sack. On Monday Night, he had a fumble recovery and two tackles on special teams.

Marvin "Mr. Obvious" says: "But we have to tackle better. Our tackling really left something to be desired."

Marvin White learned a lesson Monday Night. "It's not like college, where you pretty much hit a guy and he does down. I learned something from this game. That's the idea. Learn something every game."

Mike Zimmer was satisfied with the Bengals defense Monday Night, "we're not the '85 Bears. But for the first time, it was OK."

Antonio Chatman "endorses Packer Rodgers".

Former Bengals safety Madieu Williams is lost for up to six weeks due to an undisclosed injury.

Typically it takes the offense a great deal more time to grasp timing routes, blocking schemes and projecting defensive alignments for blocking assignments. Out of the gates, the defense has a leg up since a defensive playbook requires less coordination than the offense, imploring more instinct.

If the Bengals defense can come out of the gates early, playing to the tune of the pre-season music of an aggressive secondary, a passing disrupting defensive line, and an intelligent linebacker crew, then the Bengals will have to rely less on the offense. And in truth, since 2003, the Bengals as a team only do as well as the offensive unit does. It's always been the way of things and the major reason why Marvin Lewis is constantly in the cross-airs of those that somehow think that the Bengals front office will find a coach that will improve the team further.

You also have to wonder if this offense will be better than previous seasons to start any season. The Bengals have started the same two wide receivers, the same feature back, the same tight end and quarterback for several seasons now. The offensive line is a different story after Levi Jones and Willie Anderson struggled last year to recover from injury before the season even started. Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews were rotated around the line, albeit brilliantly, but there's something to be said about having a home. And Eric Ghiaciuc started feeling the heat of an inability to block bigger defensive tackles in the trenches.

This year, the offensive line is ready, healthy and arguably, the strongest it's been since 2005 when we had Eric Steinbach and Richie Braham dominating the middle of the line with Eric Ghiaciuc being the lone weak link -- hopefully he's improved. You also have to wonder if the offensive line would be better with Bobbie Williams at center, flanked by Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews with Levi Jones and Willie Anderson as the bookends. I know it's not really a possibility, though the idea is pretty fantastic when you combine the weight of all men and come a few pounds short of a ton.

The offensive line projects Eric Ghiaciuc at center, flanked by Williams and Whitworth with Andrews and Jones at tackle. Willie Anderson and Anthony Collins are the logic second-team tackles with Nate Livings and Scott Kooistra backing up the guards. Still, the weakness is at center, with Ghiaciuc starting over Dan Santucci and Kyle Cook. And truthfully, we know very little of the backup centers; though if OTAs and training camp reports of Whitworth and Williams taking snaps at center is any indication, then the center position is truly the weakest part of our offensive line.

Based on the fact the Bengals took nine offensive linemen last season, I'm going to project the guys that make the squad for this season in no particular order.

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

It's not unreasonable to believe that the Bengals will keep only one center with the flexibility to move other linemen out of position (aka, the Jurassic Line).

This all brings me to this. Is this roster of offensive line the best we've seen during the Marvin Lewis era?

Anyone that's seen or reported on Rudi Johnson, comes to the same conclusion: Rudi is changed, and much, much better. Some are calling him the "Auburn Rudi". No matter how you spin it, everyone that's talked about his off-season goal to bulk up, were true. The irony here is that he's quicker and stronger than he was last year, or the year before that. James Walker writes that "Johnson is consistently running well in practice."

Virtual Bird's Eye of Paul Brown Stadium.

Pete Carroll and Conquest Chronicles are loving the Carson Palmer rant -- which, still to this day, I think was harmless and actually muse at my fellow Buckeyes fans that took it to so much heart.

Glenn Holt (Kentucky) and Mario Urrutia (Louisville) are old rivals in college, now teammates and roomies during camp. “I was like, ‘Glenn, oh gosh.' We're going to go at it every day.” Urrutia said.

James Walker calls Marcus Maxwell the "Bengals' secret weapon".

With Antwan Odom out for an unknown amount of time, guys like Frostee Rucker have a chance to impress coaches with additional snaps. With Rucker, the Bengals have Angelo Craig, Jonathan Fanene, Eric Henderson competing for the backup spots. We figure that Odom will regain his starting job when he recovers.

Daniel Coats impressed with his hitting during Oklahoma drills (he "hammered" Dhani Jones) while Reggie Kelly "flung" Rashad Jeanty to the ground.

MVN's Bengals network site writes their five position battles. I disagree about John Thornton vs. Pat Sims (not that it matters; I'm sure rotationally speaking, both will have a good number of snaps). I also disagree with Daniel Coats vs. Jeremi Johnson. Hell, I don't see Johnson making the squad, and that's not because of Coats. It's because he's too fat and Lewis is tired of throwing the team's fullback on the sidelines to drop his weight.

"I have a special barber back home (Wyalusing, Pa.)," Kilmer said. "He ripped it off. It's cool. I figure we're getting back in the swing of things. It's time to get a new 'do. I feel lighter, a little more aerodynamic."
- Ethan Kilmer on his transition from safety to cornerback.

"If I have to be the leader, then I'll be the leader." Mike Zimmer on developing camaraderie and togetherness with the defense.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is really, really focused at training camp.

Andrews was asked about his brother, Shawn Andrews, absence from Eagles training camp. "He has a few personal things he has to deal with and he's going to get them taken care of. I really can't elaborate."

"I'm frustrated right now because they won't let me practice," Chad Johnson says.

The Steelers lost their punter for the year, but showing signs of having a good receiving corps this season.

Terrell Suggs is still out of Ravens camp because he hasn't signed his tender yet.

Shaun Rodgers has been beating Eric Steinbach during one-on-one drills.

Stacy Andrews dominated Jason Shirley during Oklahoma drills. Some are wondering if the offensive line might not be better with Bobbie Williams at center, Andrews at right guard and Willie Anderson at right tackle. The beefiest line ever? Still, the prospects of that offensive lineup is, well, kind of cool. If this line is healthy, it could be one of the NFL's best.

In 2007, the Bengals set a franchise low 17 sacks allowed -- ironically, the Bengals were the worst sack producing defenses in the NFL. Anderson, Andrews and Whitworth each allowed a sack while Levi Jones allowed four and Bobbie Williams two.

Behind the likely starters -- which probably includes Eric Ghiaciuc at center -- is rookie Anthony Collins, versatile Scoot Kooistra, Nate Livings and Dan Santucci -- among others.