Things I Will Be Looking for in Pre-season Game 1

[membengal]

The dearth of on-field chatter is saddening. Here's what I will be looking for as I watch the game tomorrow night (obviously, health will always be paramount):

1. The defense. Pretty good first test, against a Mike Martz offense. How will the rookie safeties and Hall hold up in coverage? How will O'Neal respond in his first test post new attitude?

2. Will the d-line get pressure at this stage?

3. How will Brooks look running things in the middle? Will they give him an extended look tomorrow night with extra reps to help him continue to get ready?

4. On offense, most of my focus will be on Irons. I really don't think we will see much offensively otherwise that will thrill us with all of the injuries they are riding out.

What say the rest of you? What kind of things will you be watching for? What players will you be focusing on? What do you hope to see?

I will be staying away from internets and game reports so I can watch it fresh when NFL Network re-runs it at 11:00 cst Thursday night.

[hrod382]

I'll be focusing on quite a few players.

Ahmad Brooks - Obvious reasons, favorite player and the most influential player on our defense this year.

Ed Hartwell - Don't expect him to contribute much this year so I'm hoping he surprises me.

Eric Henderson - Obvious reasons, like to see him in coverage and blitzing hopefully.

Landon Johnson - With his added muscle I want to see how he moves around.

Marvin White - I've been a big fan for a while now, curious to see him play in stripes.

Ndukwe - Keep hearing about him, time to see.

Frostee Rucker - I just want to see him play lol

Big Toe - Peko impressed last preseason, hoping Big Toe will do the same.

Stacy Andrews - He'll be a big part of our Olines success and I want to see how he works at LG.

Kenny Irons - We need a big play threat at RB, I'm hoping Irons will prove that type. Also curious to see his blocking.

Reggie McNeal - There's a reason he wasn't cut and he'll get PLENTY of snaps tomorrow night.

Leon Hall - Hopefully he lines up on one of the big 3 Detroit WR's.

Then obviously just seeing how Peko/Jeanty/Geathers/Whitworth do after their seasons last year, not sure if Madieu will get much PT but I'd like to see him making some plays.

[HoosierCat]

On an individual basis, guys I'd like to see good efforts out of would include Kooistra, Bluto and Whit on the o-line; Kenny Irons (a few catches would be encouraging); any TE; any WR beyond Chad & TJ; LBs Brooks, Henderson & L. Johnson (we know he's biger, is he any better?); and all the newbies in the secondary: N-duke, White, Hall.

On a unit and team level...at this point, with everyone running vanilla schemes, I'm mainly looking for technical competence, eg., are they running crisp routes and picking up blitzers on offense? Is the defense lining up right and the LBs filling their gaps? Etc.

But in the brief time that both teams have their starting units on the field, it would be nice to see the Bengals O & D do well. I think it's worth looking back at the first couple series from the last time the two teams met (December of '05, Bengals win 41-17) as a yardstick for what we might hope to see them do better:

First Quarter

Cincinnati Bengals at 15:00

S.Graham kicks 63 yards from CIN 30 to DET 7. R.McQuarters to DET 23 for 16 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CIN-T.Perry at DET 23. T.Perry to DET 23 for no gain (B.Gutierrez).

1-10-DET23 (14:50) C.Palmer pass to T.Houshmandzadeh to DET 17 for 6 yards (R.McQuarters).

2-4-DET17 (14:19) R.Johnson right end to DET 14 for 3 yards (K.Kennedy).

3-1-DET14 (13:46) R.Johnson up the middle to DET 12 for 2 yards (W.Rainer).

1-10-DET12 (13:11) R.Johnson left tackle to DET 10 for 2 yards (L.Woods; B.Walker).

2-8-DET10 (12:29) R.Johnson right end to DET 10 for no gain (R.McQuarters; B.Walker).

3-8-DET10 (11:49) C.Palmer pass incomplete to T.Houshmandzadeh.

4-8-DET10 (11:44) S.Graham 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

CIN 3 DET 0, Plays: 7 Yards: 13 Possession: 3:09.

If the Bengals get the ball on the Detroit 23 again I would hope they punch the thing in this time. Also worth a note is that they really didn't run the ball any more successfulyl in the next few series, either. Would be nice to see Rudi or Kenny break a couple early.

Cincinnati Bengals at 11:41

S.Graham kicks 64 yards from CIN 30 to DET 6. R.McQuarters to DET 24 for 18 yards (T.Perry).

Detroit Lions at 11:33

1-10-DET24 (11:33) A.Pinner right tackle to DET 30 for 6 yards (K.Kaesviharn; J.Smith).

2-4-DET30 (10:56) J.Garcia pass incomplete to S.Vines (D.O'Neal).

3-4-DET30 (10:51) (Shotgun) J.Garcia pass incomplete to M.Pollard.

4-4-DET30 (10:45) N.Harris punts 51 yards to CIN 19, Center-D.Muhlbach. K.Ratliff to CIN 32 for 13 yards (A.Goodman).

Cincinnati Bengals at 10:33

1-10-CIN32 (10:33) C.Palmer pass incomplete to T.Houshmandzadeh (S.Rogers). Ball batted at the line.

2-10-CIN32 (10:30) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to T.Houshmandzadeh to CIN 40 for 8 yards (W.Rainer).

3-2-CIN40 (9:56) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to K.Washington to DET 48 for 12 yards (D.Bly; J.Davis).

1-10-DET48 (9:26) (No Huddle) R.Johnson left end to DET 41 for 7 yards (K.Kennedy).

2-3-DET41 (9:01) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to C.Johnson to DET 22 for 19 yards (D.Bly).

1-10-DET22 (8:39) (No Huddle) R.Johnson left end to DET 18 for 4 yards (B.Walker; L.Woods).

2-6-DET18 (7:58) C.Palmer pass to K.Washington for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

CIN 10 DET 0, Plays: 7 Yards: 68 Possession: 2:41.

Solid defensive three-and-out followed by a 68-yard drive fueled by the no-huddle. Will we see much no-huddle in preseason?

Cincinnati Bengals at 07:52

S.Graham kicks 47 yards from CIN 30 to DET 23. B.Swancutt MUFFS catch, recovered by DET-S.Bryson at DET 23. S.Bryson to DET 23 for no gain (P.Body).

Detroit Lions at 07:47

1-10-DET23 (7:47) J.Garcia pass to S.Vines to DET 31 for 8 yards (T.James).

2-2-DET31 (7:14) A.Pinner up the middle to DET 33 for 2 yards (S.Smith).

1-10-DET33 (6:31) A.Pinner left tackle to DET 34 for 1 yard (K.Kaesviharn).

2-9-DET34 (5:53) J.Garcia pass intended for S.McHugh INTERCEPTED by J.Thornton at DET 45. J.Thornton to DET 45 for no gain (M.Pollard).

Obviously a great series. Notably in both this and the prior stand K2 was an active participant. We need to look for someone (Hall? N-duke?) to step up in similar fashion.

Cincinnati Bengals at 05:47

1-10-DET45 (5:47) C.Palmer pass to R.Kelly to DET 38 for 7 yards (D.Bly).

2-3-DET38 (5:20) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to C.Johnson to DET 29 for 9 yards (D.Bly).

1-10-DET29 (4:53) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass incomplete to K.Washington.

2-10-DET29 (4:47) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to T.Houshmandzadeh to DET 18 for 11 yards (R.McQuarters).

1-10-DET18 (4:16) (No Huddle) C.Palmer pass to R.Kelly to DET 2 for 16 yards (B.Walker).

1-2-DET2 (3:48) R.Johnson left tackle to DET 1 for 1 yard (D.Wilkinson).

2-1-DET1 (3:05) C.Palmer pass to C.Johnson for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

CIN 17 DET 0, Plays: 7 Yards: 45 Possession: 2:48.

Another good drive, also fueled by the no-huddle. Notably, the first, failed, Bengals drive of the game didn't use the no-huddle. So there's another thing to watch for in this game and the preseason: with the usual caveat about vanilla schemes, how well are they moving the ball outside the no-huddle?

Cincinnati Bengals at 02:59

S.Graham kicks 62 yards from CIN 30 to DET 8. R.McQuarters to DET 26 for 18 yards (T.Stewart).

Detroit Lions at 02:53

1-10-DET26 (2:53) A.Pinner right tackle to DET 25 for -1 yards (J.Thornton).

2-11-DET25 (2:13) J.Garcia right end ran ob at DET 27 for 2 yards (B.Simmons).

3-9-DET27 (1:37) (Shotgun) J.Garcia pass to S.Bryson to DET 40 for 13 yards (D.O'Neal).

1-10-DET40 (:54) J.Garcia sacked at DET 36 for -4 yards (B.Simmons).

2-14-DET36 (:16) J.Garcia pass to A.Pinner to DET 46 for 10 yards (A.Mitchell).

Second Quarter

Detroit Lions continued...

3-4-DET46 (15:00) J.Garcia pass to M.Pollard to CIN 37 for 17 yards (L.Johnson).

1-10-CIN37 (14:18) A.Pinner left tackle to CIN 31 for 6 yards (K.Kaesviharn, L.Johnson).

2-4-CIN31 (13:34) J.Garcia pass to C.Rogers to CIN 5 for 26 yards (T.James; K.Ratliff).

1-5-CIN5 (12:46) J.Garcia pass to R.Williams for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-D.Muhlbach, Holder-N.Harris.

CIN 17 DET 7, Plays: 9 Yards: 74 Possession: 5:17.

And the Lions finally score as the game moves into Q2. It would be nice to see the Bengals D shut down Detroit's starters in the first quarter this time around, too. However, the Lions' last series exemplifies the kind of defensive struggles we had last year: the converted a 3rd and 9, then turned a 2nd and 14 into a 3rd and 4, which they also converted. Pass D was particularly bad, giving up 4 double-digit gain passes of 13, 10, 17 and 26 yards, with virtually everyone -- O'Neal, James, Ratliff, Landon and Anthony Mitchell -- getting burned. So, I hope to see fewer long passes given up by our D and more stops on 3rd.

[membengal]

I really hope to see some depth and nastiness on the d-line. And definitely agree with LBers getting to the right spots and arriving with authority.

[GregCook]

Special teams is one area of interest. Will the rookies and 1st year vets get some big hits? Give up big plays? And who are the gunners?

Defense: Who can play end once Smith, Geathers and BRob leave the game?

Who can play tackle once Thornton & Peka leave?

Brooks is my only interest at linebacker.

Leon Hall

Offense: Where is our fullback? I hear JJ is fat and out of shape.

Third wideout

Kenny Irons

Tight end

How does Scott Kooistra do?

[HoosierCat]

Special teams is one area of interest. Will the rookies and 1st year vets get some big hits? Give up big plays? And who are the gunners?

Good point. We've lost a lot of ST talent this offseason, and have a couple more key ST types like Busing and Indiana Jones who are in danger of being moved to make room for the likes of Nduke & White. My bet is that Nduke in particular needs to show the ability to play STs to avoid getting relegated to the PS. But given his aggressive, hard-hitting rep, he should.

[jjakq27]

I'll be focusing on quite a few players.

Ahmad Brooks - Obvious reasons, favorite player and the most influential player on our defense this year.

Ed Hartwell - Don't expect him to contribute much this year so I'm hoping he surprises me.

Eric Henderson - Obvious reasons, like to see him in coverage and blitzing hopefully.

Landon Johnson - With his added muscle I want to see how he moves around.

Marvin White - I've been a big fan for a while now, curious to see him play in stripes.

Ndukwe - Keep hearing about him, time to see.

Frostee Rucker - I just want to see him play lol

Big Toe - Peko impressed last preseason, hoping Big Toe will do the same.

Stacy Andrews - He'll be a big part of our Olines success and I want to see how he works at LG.

Kenny Irons - We need a big play threat at RB, I'm hoping Irons will prove that type. Also curious to see his blocking.

Reggie McNeal - There's a reason he wasn't cut and he'll get PLENTY of snaps tomorrow night.

Leon Hall - Hopefully he lines up on one of the big 3 Detroit WR's.

Then obviously just seeing how Peko/Jeanty/Geathers/Whitworth do after their seasons last year, not sure if Madieu will get much PT but I'd like to see him making some plays.

I second everything you have said.

It will also be interesting to see how they play against Kitna. Also I'll want to see how Rudi does with the Andrews and Whit in there and without Levi and Willie.

Also I want to see if some of the things like delay of game and false start penalties are a thing of the past or will they continue to hurt this offense.

[J24]

I just want to see our D play. I mean that whole unit is under scrutiny and if we go anywhere they will have to produce.

[DesperateDerelict]

Things I Will Be Looking for in Pre-season Game 1

NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES !!!

Can I have an "Amen !"

[BengalszoneBilly]

It will also be interesting to see how they play against Kitna.

I hate to break this to ya buddy, but they're done for going up against Jon and that TD scoring machine known as the Detroit Lions!

Oh wait...didn't you hear? They are going to win over 10 games this year!! Yeah, I know they only went 3-13 last season but this is for reals bro! Jon Kitna said it's true, so it only reasons that our fast and young, but still relatively inexperienced defensive unit just won't stand a chance when facing an offensive juggernaut such as what Jon Kitna calls the signals for.

I hope I didn't kill your buzz with this bad news!

[hrod382]

Things I Will Be Looking for in Pre-season Game 1

NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES !!!

Can I have an "Amen !"

Really in the end this is all that matters. I'd rather everyone play terribly than most players play great then an impact player get hurt.

I haven't heard much on Ethan Kilmer this ST, any reason why? Maybe I missed something (I'm not the brightest you know).

[J24]

Things I Will Be Looking for in Pre-season Game 1

NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES !!!

Can I have an "Amen !"

Really in the end this is all that matters. I'd rather everyone play terribly than most players play great then an impact player get hurt.

I haven't heard much on Ethan Kilmer this ST, any reason why? Maybe I missed something (I'm not the brightest you know).

Last Iheard was he damanged his Quad but other than that NO.

[Scottishbengal]

IF Kitna plays most of the game then I don't expect the secondary to be stretched that much so it should be an easing-in process for them. It would then be interesting to see what pressure the D-line brings to bear on the Lions and if the linebackers can get in there and wreak havoc!

[Stripes]

I'm only worried about injuries, as with any preseason game. In terms of actual performance, I'm interested to see how the bubble players perform in the second half. Among the starters, the guys I'll be watching the most closely are Ahmad Brooks, Eric Ghiaciuc, and Jonathan Joseph.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Detroit should be quite improved this year - but are still limited by Kitna.

Their D-line is quite superior to the Bengals', but without Rodgers it won't be the same test.

I'm interested in seeing what Rowe can do, Irons and McNeal in particular. And hell i'm just glad to see football live again after the annual depression that has become Cincinnati Reds baseball.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I really hope to see some depth and nastiness on the d-line.

I'm looking forward to the 2008 draft too.

[jjakq27]

It will also be interesting to see how they play against Kitna.

I hate to break this to ya buddy, but they're done for going up against Jon and that TD scoring machine known as the Detroit Lions!

Oh wait...didn't you hear? They are going to win over 10 games this year!! Yeah, I know they only went 3-13 last season but this is for reals bro! Jon Kitna said it's true, so it only reasons that our fast and young, but still relatively inexperienced defensive unit just won't stand a chance when facing an offensive juggernaut such as what Jon Kitna calls the signals for.

I hope I didn't kill your buzz with this bad news!

Thanks Bill. There I go thinking we've got a chance and you ruin it......

I guess it's the Steelers and the Lions in the Super Bowl this year.