Bengals Finish Preseason With 1-3 Record; Fall to Colts 17-13
by Jason Garrison on Sep 1, 2011 10:22 PM EDT
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PrintThe Bengals snapped a seven-game winning streak against the Colts in the preseason on Thursday night, falling to Indianapolis by a score of 17-13.
The Bengals first-string offense looked impressive again, even though Andy Dalton only played in a couple of series and neither Cedric Benson nor Bernard Scott played. The first-string defense also played very well, only allowing three points in the first half -- a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter.
The second-string offense got the team it's only touchdown, leading the Bengals on a 13-play drive in the second quarter which was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from Cedric Peerman.
After a 25-yard field goal from Mike Nugent, the Bengals went into halftime with a 10-3 lead.
They would keep that lead throughout the entire third quarter as neither team could find a way to put points on the board. By this time, both teams had their third-string and lower players on the field so coaches can see who to cut and who to keep on Saturday when teams have to get down to 53 men.
It wasn't Dan LeFevour who led the Bengals to their eighth straight preseason win over the Colts, it was Dan Orlovsky that led the Colts. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. The majority of those yards and that touchdown went to Taj Smith, the second year receiver out of Syracuse, who seemed to be open deep every time Orlovsky looked his way.
The first score in the second half came on a one-yard run from Colts rookie Darren Evans, which capped off a nine-play, 95-yard drive.The score was then tied at 10.
Bengals kicker Mike Nugent broke that tie with a 24-yard field goal 7:12 left in the game, giving the Bengals a 13-10 lead.
But, in the end, it was the Colts who were able to find their way into the end zone. Orlovsky found Smith in the end zone with just 1:59 left in the game to finish off a nine-play, 75-yard drive.
The Bengals got the ball back with less than two minutes in the game and were down by four points. LeFevour and the Bengals moved down the field but with 19 seconds left in the game, LeFevour scrambled out of the pocket and targeted Chase Coffman, but the pass was intercepted by Kevin Thomas, sealing the deal.
The Colts ran out the clock and won 17-13.
Now, on to the regular season.
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It's over..
Let’s play for keeps now.
Dalton looked his normal calm, cool and collected self tonight. I like the look of this kid. He has the poise and leadership skills of a QB years older than him.
I would like to have seen him get the ball in the end zone though. I would also like to see him get Simpson more involved.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
Dalton's not quite all that calm, cool, and collected.
Just as in his previous games, he came in throwing too high or far. This time around he was clearly long or high in his first four passes. He always settles down, but it’s a problem that he always comes in geeked up.
And score
Some points in the first quarter. As well as some TDs.
by BENGALS69 on Sep 1, 2011 11:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
My thoughts
—Dalton looked good, again. There were a few times that he forced it into double-coverage, and his accuracy was off on a pass to Shipley, but considering his situation, he’s doing great.
—Leonard and Peerman both looked good, as did Pressley, and most of the o-line. Roland was horrible, Livings struggled, and MJG looked like a UDFA, instead of a vet. I’m afraid that Stephens has regressed a bit. Boling stood out, and I thought O’Donnell did well. I’d rather have O’Donnell at backup RT than Roland.
—Cochart and Whelan both did their jobs efficiently, though Cochart hurt his shoulder. I haven’t been able to find any news about it. Hawkins could be in the mix on ST.
—I’m worried about the secondary in coverage. They’re good in run-support, but we looked awkward at times when dealing with deep passes. Poor Taylor Mays couldn’t get turned around.
—I can’t believe we have a strong d-line; it’s sort of surreal. MJ, Sims, and several others were constantly getting penetration. I hope Dunlap can come back soon, though.
—Skuta played with a non-stop motor, and Evans may have made the team, tonight.
Dalton did not look good, I don't know what game you were watching.. I don't think he even attempted apass over 10yds.
In the regular season you can only check down so many times until linebackers and safety’s start jumping our routes.
Kenneth Lewis Moore
by lightskin350 on Sep 1, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Dalton barely played
If he’d been in the game longer, I think we would’ve seen some intermediate-to-deep passes. Most of our passing will indeed be WCO-style dinks and dunks. I don’t hold the system against the player.
by Big Sky Bengal on Sep 2, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with big sky
it was limited playing time in a WCO. If he played deeper into the game the deep pass would have opened up
He kept it short because that is what open
I even looked at the Colts open thread and they were all crying about how big of a cushion the Colts DB’s were playing and short pass defense (screens and curls) was expsoed again. If that’s what they give that’s what you take
Exactly.
When you talk about the “linebackers and safeties [starting to jump] our routes”, THAT’S the point at which you start throwing those intermediate and deep routes. If they leave the short routes open, take them. If they leave the deeper stuff open, then take them.
Just like if they play 7 in the box and you can beat them on the ground. Rush it at them until they have to stack with 8 – THEN you pass behind them with the play-action.
If you get good protection, keep dropping back and picking them apart. When they start blitzing aggressively, THEN you start throwing the screens.
You beat them with whatever works. When they start adjusting to that THEN you switch it up and beat them with something else.
what game were you watching?
"God has blessed me and I will continue to do my best for him. This is more important than anything I could do in baseball." -Albert Pujols
its a WCO now
some games vs some teams, you will never seen a ball deeper than 10 yards. the WCO should not try to force the deep ball.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
also
How can you give up on the secondary when not a single starter played tonight. They are our “weakness” but they will be just fine. We need consistent QB pressure to ease the burden on them and by the looks of it we got a D-line that will flat out hunt QB’s this season.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
That's my bad
I didn’t realize that Reggie Nelson and a few others didn’t play.
by Big Sky Bengal on Sep 2, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
both starting corners did not play
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
didn't take it as him writing off the secondary
rather that he was concerned with the coverage play of everyone that played last night.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
You will not find a bigger Bengal fan than yours truly!
But guys we need to prepare our self for a long frustrating season. Our defense is going to suprise alot of so called “experts” this season and possibly rank in the top 10. Opposing defenses are going to put 8-9 defenders in the box and dare Andy Dalton to beat them.
The only way this team will come close to contending for the division is unless Carson decides to come back and play. I don’t think it will happen but there are rumors about Palmer possibly coming back. I know that everyone is pissed about him refusing to play, but the bottom line is that this team needs him.
Kenneth Lewis Moore
This team doesn't need Palmer
Bobbie Williams said it best “Carson is a friend but I like blocking for #14”. He will have growing pains but that kid is a winner mark my words. Most rookie QB’s look like Cam last week or LeFevour every night. This kid has the perfect demeanor. Palmer is not coming back and people need to deal with that fact.
This is preseason football he didn’t go out to win the game. He went out for more reps. and barring A.J Green’s fumble the kids did just fine.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
The story about CP9
Returning in tme for guaranteed money the first week of the season as been floating out there for weeks. If he does return, I’d make him the highest paid gunner IN NFL history.
by BENGALS69 on Sep 2, 2011 12:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If he comes back.. Mikey looks like a genius.
Even if he sticks him at gunner.
by Cry on Sep 2, 2011 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions
They said the same thing about Carson...
when he first started. In fact, that’s the same tired line that all the “vets” give every time the Bengals bring in a new QB. Look back at what they said about Blake, Akili Smith, Kitna, Palmer and now Dalton. What matters is results on the field and for all those guys the results ultimately weren’t there. What this team needs is someone making personnel decisions who can draft, develop and keep good talent.
There's at least one reason why the offensive linemen might prefer Dalton to Palmer.
I’ve nothing to back it up, other than my subjective viewing, but Dalton makes his reads and gets rid of the ball quicker than Palmer did. Obviously that means the linemen don’t have to maintain their pass blocking for quite so long, which they must like a great deal.
palmer had no wheels
never did. before the injury to the leg or in college. wasn’t his style, never was. a traditional by the book pocket passer. palmer forced out of the pocket ran like a drunken lost duckling. nothing against him there. you play to your strengths not your weaknesses.
williams might have been eluding to the fact that dalton appears to have young legs, he’s not elway, but if squeezed in the pocket dalton can run, a little.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
To be a top 10 D
There has to be some impact players, dominant players. Name them please?
Dunlap could be. Anyone else?
This defense is far from top 10 or top 20.
by BENGALS69 on Sep 2, 2011 12:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
OK
Pat Sims, Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Geno Atkins, Rey Maualuga, Leon hall and the guys around them are all playing lights out.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
PEKO
Think what you want but he takes on the double teams to free others up as well! It will be a team effort on D, what more do you want that will get results???
"Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, I then acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning."
by Dwight Carter on Sep 2, 2011 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions
agree
We have so many play makers on this defense, it’s unreal. i didn’t mention Fenene either. too many to name. throw a dart at the defense and you will hit a play maker somewhere.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
"I'm convinced after being in the league for a while that you don't have to have the best guys to be a dominant defense. You can be a very good defense if you have smart guys. "
- Demarcus Ware, 3 time All-Pro linebacker
These days, defensive success isn’t so much about having dominant players, but having bright aggressive players that fill their roles within a challenging system.
If you haven’t already, check out the article that was linked to in yesterday’s Cincy Jungle. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1189944/1/index.htm
check this out from an eagles fan/blog
they point out of the 5 worst 4-3 LB cores in the nfl, and the bengals aren’t on their list
an eagles fan actually respects our LB’s
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
this is the best d-line mike brown has ever assembled
paul brown built his d around a solid line and backers. 2011’s bengals d strength appears to be their d-line, then backers or secondary (depending how you feel about those units).
looking forward to seeing a full season of the “Fisher-Price” line
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
Michael Johnson
Has been unstoppable this preseason and he isn’t even playing with Dunlap. Pat Sims made Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday wish he took the day off. Geno Atkins did the same thing last week to Ryan Kalil(spelling) the push up the middle is sweetness. We more depth at D- Line than any two team could wish for.
"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue
sims keeps playing like that
and he’ll be the starter before the end of the season.
MJ, dare I say it yet again (like i do every year), might have finally put it all together? (maybe – hoping)
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
Ever heard of the 1972 Miami Dolphins
Their D was known as the no name defense and helped lead them to the only undefeated season in NFL history. Not saying we will have that kind of record but you do not have to have big name players to be a top defense. You have to have hungry players that work well together and want to prove they are great. I.E. exactly what the bengals have.
Not even close to the top 20?! You are begining to lose credibility with statements like that
Top 10 may be a stretch with some weakness in the secondary but top 20 has to be a reasonably high percentage bet. So, lets do it. If they finish 21st or worse I will put a sig on my posts for a year that says “Bengals60 owns me” or whatever you want. If they finish 20th or better I choose your sig. You game?
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Beginning to lose credibility?
Haven’t seen a credible comment from him
by Oregonbengalsfan on Sep 2, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
And I suppose I should clarify
All comments are along the lines of…
Bengals suck. Nothing else.
by Oregonbengalsfan on Sep 2, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
He says "not even close to top 20" That means 27th? 28th
I want to know what he is drinking so I can make sure I stay awaw from it. Wood alcohol maybe?
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
not scared of 8-9 guys in the box
WCO will screen that crap nonstop until the defense stops it.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
This reply was to lightskin350
We do not nedd CP back!!!!!!
lightskin, the way I see it you can approach this season one of two ways.
Hopeless or hopeful. Hopeful is more fun and I am all about having as much fun as I can before I get planted. This team has a lot of potential, perhaps more than at anyother time in the last dozen years or so. In the past we played bad because we had moderate, washed up talent. This year we have a core of young, athletic and talented guys in the key areas. The just need to grt their feet under them. I think it will be fun watching their progress. You seem to forget that Palmer was under performing in key situations. He is going the opposite direction that this team is. If he comes back as is rumored, MB should simply make him the highest paid backup in football. His team mates I am sure will not be happy to see him. The kind of betrayal that he is guilty of is not easily forgivable.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
My Analyze...
Only cus I have stats to go off of and few highlights it could be argued! Stats don’t lie though! They held the ball for 38 minutes! Alot of short passes is going to force the d to come up. With Green and Simpson on the outside I want defenses to come up! It’s a quick read, hot route, and then hike! Dalton can get the ball out quick enough for Simpson or Green to mak a play on the ball! 3rd down conversions… 45%! That’s high in the NFL and something to buld off off going into the season! I was a little worried going into week one with out Benson but after seeing Peerman and Leonard go to work will still be able to run the ball efficiently! Scott didn’t even play today so you know he’ll be in the mix too! It was a close ball game but the Defense played well and are aggresive… Play action and screens hurt a little but the speed they have at all positions will help nullify there mistakes and be able to recover. The D is going to be good! As far as playmakers, who needs a playmaker if the whole defense does what it’s suppose too! I think Manny Lawson is a darkhorse in the playmake category, I siad it first! He’ll be back in the 4-3 D he once made a name for hisself! Rey Mal in the middle will be good and at home in the middle. Nelson is a playmaker. A year in the Defense roaming around the field you’ll see it this season! I am pumped Bengal nation =)! I got off subject but you get my point! The O will be boring at times with the short passes and runs but they’ll connect deep a few times thru out the game =)! Who Dey!!!
"Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, I then acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning."
chris pressley
he blocked for leonard and tossed out some nice blocks.
peerman was impressive because the coaches wanted to evaulate him, forcing peerman to run almost exclusively in singleback sets.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
I get you Dwight but I might add....
One of the major benefits of the WCO is that is consists of long time consuming drives when it is clicking. That means that the D will be fresher thru the whole game as opposed to a team that has a lot of 3 and outs and keeping the D on their feet. Last night the D only played for 20 minutes or so while their D played twice that amount of time. I expect to see the opp D, particularly the older aged Ds (Pittsburg and Ravens) standing with their hands on their hips in the 4th quarter if we can make the WCO work. Dalton’s quick reads and realeas will negate some of their vaunted pass rish. Cody and Ray running sideline to sideline for 40 minutes is not a pretty picture.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I made the spell check correction on this one, I know this site oh to well and somebody will say something lol!!!
Only cus I have stats to go off of and few highlights it could be argued! Stats don’t lie though! They held the ball for 38 minutes! A lot of short passes is going to force the d to come up. With Green and Simpson on the outside I want defenses to come up! It’s a quick read, hot route, and then hike! Dalton can get the ball out quick enough for Simpson or Green to mak a play on the ball! 3rd down conversions… 45%! That’s high in the NFL and something to build off going into the season! I was a little worried going into week one without Benson but after seeing Peerman and Leonard go to work will still be able to run the ball efficiently! Scott didn’t even play today so you know he’ll be in the mix too! It was a close ball game but the Defense played well and are aggressive… Play action and screens hurt a little but the speed they have at all positions will help nullify their mistakes and be able to recover. The D is going to be good! As far as playmakers, who needs a playmaker if the whole defense does what it’s suppose too! I think Manny Lawson is a darkhorse in the playmaker category, I siad it first! He’ll be back in the 4-3 D he once made a name for himself! Rey Mal in the middle will be good and at home in the middle. Nelson is a playmaker. A year in the Defense roaming around the field you’ll see it this season! I am pumped Bengal nation =)! I got off subject but you get my point! The O will be boring at times with the short passes and runs but they’ll connect deep a few times thru out the game =)! Who Dey!!!
"Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, I then acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning."
Any news on Mays injury?
serious or no big deal?
i hope its not serious
i liked the way taylor mays was flying around out there… bit once but was in position… he could be an enforcer out there over the middle!
On the pass interference call we saw May's vice and his virtue
he was with his man step for step, but he didn’t turn his head around. Other than that, Mays looked like beast out there. I think he needs to be on this team if he’s healthy.
Yea Paul, I agree. The good thing is that his vices are coachable and....
if anyone can do it Zim is the kind of coach who can. But, we have to give him at least a couple of weeks to get his message across. Can you imagine what Zim’s face will look like when they review the video? Holoween will be early for Mays.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
haven't found anything
though I must confess I’m more interested in Miles. True, he’s not a lights-out hitter, but he seems to make stops, is quick in run support, and doesn’t get repeatedly burned in coverage the way our other backups do.
if miles sticks
someone we’re expected to stick is getting cut. like wilson or ghee or mays. i could see a scenario where miles sticks too.
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
Fellas
a one-year TD run is a hell of a play, isn’t it?
I really liked watching my two favorite Bengals, Leonard and Shipley play
Both of them shined. eonard puts his head in there and pounds it. Is is me or was he hitting the hole with even more quickness and speed than ever before. Shipley, well, he just makes his job look easy. Carson is probably watching this corps of receivers and RBs and having second thoughts but, screw him. There is no way I could ever root for him again.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
leonard doesn't have that stellar night without
" I for one, welcome our new Buffalo overlords. " - Whokebe
No doubt Pressley is coming into his own this year
But, good argressive blocking doesn’t mean that much if the RB doesn’t know how to use it by being disciplined enough to wait for it to deelope and hit the hole hard. I am becomming a fan of Pressley more and more. It will be hard for people to stop the run game. There are only a handful who will be able to stop it without cheating the safeties up. One on ones againsp Green and Simpson coupled with the sure handedness of Shipley, who always seems to be in the right spot, and catches & holds onto everything, and then throw in Gresham. If Dalton can continues to mature and we can hold down the injuries we will be a very tough team in the 2nd half when 5 of 8 games are in the division.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Lightskin what r u talking about???
Dalton didn’t look good?? He can only check down so many times before the waffles and backers jump the routes?? What are you talking about? Coming from a past of no check downs from Carson and forcing the ball in double coverage repetitively!! Check downs should happen more. And guess what, if the safeties and backers cheat- boom long ball to Simpson or Green!! Absolutely nothing wrong with check downs. Dalton looked very poised. I think he feeds off the criticism. Oh yeah and he’s a rookie. He will be fine!
by Bengalsredsvictim on Sep 2, 2011 10:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
If we lose more than 8 games, which is entirely possible, it won't be because of Dalton
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
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