The third preseason game every year has always been known as the dress rehearsal, conducting business as if it were a regular season game. First-team units on offense and defense would play the first half and a portion of the third quarter, simulating conditions as much as possible for things like adjustments, returning to the field after letting the body rest.

Head coach Marvin Lewis says that the Bengals aren't planning to do a "dress rehearsal" this Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.

"We’ll play like we did last week and take care of our guys and play them the way we need to play them," Lewis said.

The Bengals offense ran 29 plays in the first half last week with the Falcons running 37 of their own.

Suppose it makes sense. Why host a game with Bengals fans paying full price for a preseason game and a limited showing of first team players? But then it's only preseason, where fans are paying full price. Not that we're irritated about fans paying full price for a preseason game. But we get it.