Pre-Season Preview - Saints

by The Dealio on Aug 14, 2009 2:00 PM EDT

Amidst all the hype over Hard Knocks, I think the Jungle has overlooked one very important piece... Football starts today! Thats right, jaw crunching hits, long bombs, and the entire pre-pre-season anticipation and work is finally coming together for some "real" football games. And while the pre-season tends to be overlooked, I thought it would be fair to put together a list of all the things to watch for in our pre-season debut against the Saints.

A) Offense Line work. While the saints "D" has been slightly worse than mediocre the past few years (Otherwise known as the Michael Bay ratio) l I think we all know that it is CRUCIAL to see how the O line holds up this year. Last year's group was the worst in the league, maybe even little league, but Anthony Collins has shown some promise as has Witworth. If this group can keep Carson upright and pop open a few holes for Cedric then I have to assusme in the next few weeks we'll all think Andre the Giant is referring to that big guy in the Princess Bride

B) Getting to the QB - Unlike the Saints "D" their "O" line is perhaps the best in the game. Opposing teams had a grand total of 13 sacks against a pass happy team. With all the talk about our improved "D" the Bengals got to the QB as often as the shy kid gets the hot girl at prom. If our line can put pressure on Brees (maybe one or two sacks) and slow the running game in the first half, then our "D" will have gone a long way towards reaching legitimacy.

C) Life after Hoosh - I know we are all missing Hoosh, but I am excited to see if Chris Henry and L. Coles can fill the void. Cason hooking up with those guys for one or two deep passes would be a great sign for our offense

Again, to most, pre-season doesn't mean anything. But for a Bengals fan, I'm excited to see sings of life after a dismal 08 campaign. With Carson back, a revamped O line and an up and coming "D" I'm more excited to shout "Who Dey Baby?" than I have been in years.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.

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FOOTBALL….finally!

I can’t wait to see Michael Johnson flyin off the edges.

I think best part about preseason, is there’s always a surprise undrafted free agent in preseason play. Can’t wait to see which young guy steps up when that whistle blows. Believe it or not, Darius Hill could surprise at TE. We’ll see, that’s just a wild guess with only college stats for basis.

Has anybody else been listening to “Welcome to the Jungle” today?

WhoDey time baby!!!!

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Aug 14, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

I nearly became deaf

when “Welcome to the Jungle” came on the radio on drive home from work the other day. I can’t WAIT for tonight!

I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.

by chazerize on Aug 14, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

actually... not bad

Ok, So I didn’t get to watch the game, but based on the stats, there are a couple of things that I am pretty impressed with… and a couple things I’m not.

A) Offensive Line – Seemed to do, OK. They popped open a few holes for Bernard Scott who had some pretty great numbers averaging exactly 5.0 yards per carry and 1 catch for 12 yards. It seems like he could be a good change of pace to Cedric Benson,.The line also only gave up 1 sack! Those are numbers we can stick with.

B) D seemed to hold the saints offense in check, but didn’t create turnovers. Hopefully we can get some pressure against teams in the near future.

C) I don’t think we are going to miss Hoosh. Chris Henry could be a freak this year! L Coles should be solid. It looks like (*despite the pick and the fumble) we moved the ball really well. That should translate to touchdowns if the team can stay healthy and stay focused

While a W would have been nice, it looks like we moved the ball well on offense, defense was stout in the first half (when first teamers were playing) and the Ocho looked like his old self. We need to clean up the turnovers on offense and create some on the other side, but otherwise not a bad start!

by The Dealio on Aug 15, 2009 1:34 AM EDT reply actions