Hall of Fame Game-August 8

[HoosierCat]

backup oline...starting looked pretty bleh too

They looked about as expected. Carson's stat line would be 3/5 for about 30 yards if Chad hadn't jumped. Run blocking was fine. Palmer's one sack was a coverage sack. As predicted, there wasn't enough to tell one way or another. We'll see as the preseason goes on.

On another note, some info on a mid-foot sprain here:

/>http://www.sportsmd.com/SportsMD_Articles/id/291.aspx

If Leonard is going to miss significant time, that could open a door for Joe "Greetings, Program!" Tronzo.

[alleycat]

Let's keep the redemption theme going Mikey: go trade for Vick!

Now THAT'S an idea I can actually stand behind now. Don't think he can run our offense, but man, at least we can get SOMETHING out of 2nd string...

[Kazkal]

backup oline...starting looked pretty bleh too

They looked about as expected. Carson's stat line would be 3/5 for about 30 yards if Chad hadn't jumped. Run blocking was fine. Palmer's one sack was a coverage sack. As predicted, there wasn't enough to tell one way or another. We'll see as the preseason goes on.

On another note, some info on a mid-foot sprain here:

/>http://www.sportsmd.com/SportsMD_Articles/id/291.aspx

If Leonard is going to miss significant time, that could open a door for Joe "Greetings, Program!" Tronzo.

Still a few starters when carson wasn't.

[Kazkal]

Okay only Roland was in past 3rd series but still 3/5 off couple short throws on top off RB being hit and swarmed in backfield wasn't a pretty showing...

But like said earlier I'm not that worried it's still preseason and hopefully 2 people won't be starting on it week 1

[HoosierCat]

To be honest, kaz, I am not worried about the o-line. What I am concerned with was the general cluelessness I saw tonight. It looked like the first team had some vague idea what they were doing, no matter how one feels about the execution. JTO was absolutely lost and Jordan was just playing sandlot ball.

I know teams don't generally prepare for preseason games (in terms of game planning and film study) but the 'Boys definitely looked like they spent more time thinking about the Bengals than the Bengals did about them.

[membengal]

Gee, same overrated o-line as last year, same lame offensive results.

Shocker.

And your act remains tired.

Shocker.

Should I go sit in the virtual corner now? Now that I've dared to criticize the holy offensive line and wunderkind Paul Alexander?

Get back to me with where this offense ranked the last half of the 2009 season if you get a chance, but that might cut into your phoney cheerleading posting time?

From the bottom of my heart, deeply and truly, f**k YOU. It's the first f**kin' game, dickhead. Let's just ease off on the vagina clenching, huh?

Or, not.

Read through the thread before you start with that bulls**t about cheerleading. Good luck finding me doing that.

Course, I have some perspective and don't carry an agenda of abject hatred toward a position coach around with me on this board either like you do. The first team o-line played 8 plays. So, yeah, the season is clearly lost. And while we are here, that same line you spent all of last year savaging blocked for a top 10 running game. I know that remains an inconvenient truth for you, but hey, life sucks. They are far from perfect, but they are not the trash you consistently maintain. God forbid there be ANY shred of nuance to your screeching. Your insistence to spew utter crap and falsehoods to satisfy your warped agenda is Fox News-esque. So, congrats on that, I guess.

After six years of your unceasing bulls**t, seriously, go f**k a barnyard animal.

Peace.

[wpeldios]

Since its the first preseason game and far from time to worry, Im just going to mention a lot of positives I did see, and a couple negatives.

First off, it doesn't need to be said but I am saying it anyways, Gino Atkins and Micheal Johnson have the ability to bring something this defense hasnt had in decades.

The defense as a whole impressed me apart from 2 people. Pacman I was completely against signing, but he looked very good today. If he plays this well all season as a nickel back then this defense just took another step up and I will be happy I was wrong. Most of the dl and linebackers who will have any shot at making the team looked pretty strong and fast and our cbs were great. Roy Williams was laying some hits. Gibril Wilson was inconsistent, but flashed a bit. Ndukwe I believe is still lost on the field. He was out of position on more plays than he was in position.

Would of liked to see the kicking game some more, but thats how it goes. Huber showed ability but not consistency.

The biggest positive on offense, the WR core looked every bit as deep as I had heard, and a lot of good play all around. After the starters Shipley looks like a player, Matt Jones just outbigged everyone, Simpson looked quick and athletic, Briscoe looked big and ran good routes. I think Cosby is now in trouble if some of the others can show something on special teams. I don't think our ol or te have blocked anyone yet, but its one game.

There is one thing I am going to freak out about a bit. Every show they we had to watch commercials for during every break looked TERRIBLE. I surely will not be watching any of what looks to be a terrible NBC evening lineup.

[TJJackson]

And Shipley just proved why Cosby was fools gold. Shipley is superior in every way to him.

Shipley gets one very good PR against the Cowboy's 3rd stringers and camp cuts, and you're ready to pronounce him Cosby's replacement?

Talk about an overreaction!

Now if he returns every punt ongoing for 60+ yards, or hell, let's say even a third of that, *laff*....then yeah, I will happily concede this point.

But after one punt? C'mon dude......

[TJJackson]

I had a feeling about Geno after I read his draft profile the day of the draft. Dunno, just a feeling, nothing I could quantify exactly.

So I wrote

from: http://forums.bengalszone.com/index.php?showtopic=21556&view=findpost&p=320403

Favorite pick - Dunlap (he's a lineman, right? hehe) Runner up - Geno.

Least favorite pick - the picks not made of a cover safety, developmental QB (Pike would have rocked) and a big power running back

It looks (albeit its only one game) like MJ will be the pass rushing force I had hoped Dunlap would be, but regardless of who it turns out to be, I'm happy someone is drilling the quarterback a but more often than in previous years.

[johnswahoo]

To be honest, kaz, I am not worried about the o-line. What I am concerned with was the general cluelessness I saw tonight. It looked like the first team had some vague idea what they were doing, no matter how one feels about the execution. JTO was absolutely lost and Jordan was just playing sandlot ball.

I know teams don't generally prepare for preseason games (in terms of game planning and film study) but the 'Boys definitely looked like they spent more time thinking about the Bengals than the Bengals did about them.

When you go to camp 5 or 6 days earlier than the other teams you are going to be a little more crisp. I thought they showed up at camp around 23rd, so they have had 16 days to get things together...Bengals on the other hand are looking at 10 days or so.

[johnswahoo]

And Shipley just proved why Cosby was fools gold. Shipley is superior in every way to him.

Shipley gets one very good PR against the Cowboy's 3rd stringers and camp cuts, and you're ready to pronounce him Cosby's replacement?

Talk about an overreaction!

Now if he returns every punt ongoing for 60+ yards, or hell, let's say even a third of that, *laff*....then yeah, I will happily concede this point.

But after one punt? C'mon dude......

Cosby is so good at controlling the ball. It's one area that Adam Jones has a problem with. With many of the mistakes this team made last year penalty wise, this team can't afford to put themselves in bad field position to start any series. While I know that sound stupid and not very insightful, it is the truth. This team is very thin in certain areas offensively that they need to eliminate as many issues as possible.

[johnswahoo]

There are two areas of concern on this teams that I can see. As the rest of the preseason goes on, I want to see some development in this area. First, back up QB. It's been 5 years since Palmer has played almost every snap, if they don't get someone who can stand in and toss the ball in his place it's going to be a problem. I could see this team bring in another arm to help out as least through final cut. Secondly, a nice cut back runner. Ced is fantastic blasting the middle and pounding the ball but what I didn't see and a 3rd back like Dallas has (Tashard Choice) who could take the ball outside and pick up that much needed 5 or 6 yrd run. WR is fine, TE is much better off than last season. Someone mentioned Chase playing in a two tight end set, i can see that happening too but I do see his in ability to pick up the block as a big problem.

[UK Bengal]

Well I didn't see the game as it wasent shown over the pond but looking at the stats on this topic it was the same as it is most 1st pre season games which this really isn't. It's replaced the mock game which is more of a spectical than a true game same said of the hof game.

People continue to get over excited by the talent we have and because they don't perform in a total meaningless game it's doom and gloom.

I know brat is not the best playcaller ever and god knows I've ripped him several times but anyone with an ounce of sence is not going to reveal his new playbook and new offencive sets in a meaningless hof game hence why what we say on offence wasent diff to last season.

Pre season means nothing it's just there to get the guys in sinc and ready to go full on for the season, I am not worried at all ATM if this was the last pre season game the I would be but it ain't there is time to rectify any issues.

Some guys stood out which is what we are looking for come seasons start I expect things to be wholy different.

Steve

[membengal]

To expound on my latest post Shula:

If you had any nuance in your posting, you might have said with respect to the first team line, "Hey, they didn't play long, but what I saw didn't put to rest any fears"...which is a perfectly reasonable take. They indeed did NOT look like a very cohesive o-line in their brief cameo. Course, there are reasons for that, not the least of which is the additional practice time Dallas had (as pointed out above), but I would agree, most would, that the various o-lines were not great last night. As for the second and third lines, given the rookie at OG and the UFA at T (in the absence of the fat one), it was sadly expected from a lot of us that they would be sieve-like in their first outing. At least, I was not surprised.

But you take it too far because you have this crazed hatred for the o-line coach and the line in general, and you skew 95% of your posts to feed that agenda. And it's kinda s**tty. I actually like your take on stuff when it is not filtered through the constant pounding on the line (a line, which, again, was actually pretty damn okay last year in terms of running the ball and controllig clock, but less than okay when pass blocking). I thought the team needed weapons at WR to vary the offense coming into 2010, and I think it addressed that. It will take more than a handful of plays from the first of FIVE pre-season games to cause me to go douchy with "concern" over offense again. I will hit "concerned" when they cannot block against NE. Let's hope Andre loses the weight and gets on the field before that.

As for the "cheerleading" thing, I remain in GFY mode to you on that. It's absolutely inaccurate. Hell, I was trying to get rid of ML for a good chunk of the 2007 season on this board. Should I have kept on that to the point where it ruined threads? Or was it okay to accept that some things I cannot change and hope that retaining him was for the best? Sitting here in 2010, I was wrong to want ML gone in 2007 (and Hair was right to tell me I was crazy).

[Sea Ray]

Sure it's still 5 wks 'till the start of the season but I still find it disturbing that the offense showed the same problems as last year:

1) Penalties

2) Poor pass blocking

3) Lack of cohesiveness

4)Lack of a backup QB

Sure there's time to fix it but will they? I'll believe it when I see it

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Shipley gets one very good PR against the Cowboy's 3rd stringers and camp cuts, and you're ready to pronounce him Cosby's replacement?

An overreaction by Shula to be sure, but it certainly puts it in the conversation. The WR depth chart is definitely a challenge, so the coaches will certainly be looking for ways to get Cosby's production out of somebody that can deliver as an actual WR on gameday.

To be fair, it's not like the notion of Shipley as PR came out of nowhere - he does have a track record.

Incidentally, the notion of Cosby getting deep-sixed seems to be gaining traction. From Hobson:

What was once one of the more competitive roster spots in camp is now almost moot. Six make it and we know the five that are going to dress on game day: The Ocho, Owens, Bryant, Andre Caldwell and Jordan Shipley. That would seem to leave Simpson and Briscoe battling for the sixth spot that is deactivated unless something crazy happens. What to do with Quan Cosby, a very reliable punt returner?

Sounds like he's not even considering that Cosby might make it into the 5 that dress. And we know there's exactly 0 sense in having him on the roster but not dressing.

Of course, as we all know, all of the above assumes that Bryant isn't PUPed, which looks more likely by the day.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Why couldnt any WR's other than TO get open in the first 2 drives? Seems like more of the same, late last season form, from the O.

I hope Chad starts to get open for Carson to throw the ball to. Where were the RB screens and dumpoff pass routes that need to be in the O plan for this season. With a suspect pass blocking line the dump-off route is essential.

[Sea Ray]

Of course, as we all know, all of the above assumes that Bryant isn't PUPed, which looks more likely by the day.

I'm tired of posting this but I see some haven't gotten the memo.

Bryant cannot be PUPed because he passed his physical and practiced the first day. This makes him ineligible for PUP. This leaves IR for the year as the only option if he doesn't make the 53.

This does bring up an interesting quandry and an area where the Bengals have left themselves open to criticism. Why did they ever allow him to practice if they weren't sure about his knee? If they'd held him out of the full fledged practices that first day or two he'd be eligible for PUP now.

[Sea Ray]

Why couldnt any WR's other than TO get open in the first 2 drives? Seems like more of the same, late last season form, from the O.

I hope Chad starts to get open for Carson to throw the ball to. Where were the RB screens and dumpoff pass routes that need to be in the O plan for this season. With a suspect pass blocking line the dump-off route is essential.

My guess is Carson was particularly targeting TO because he wants to work on the timing with his newest receiver...at least I hope that's the case

[bwillycuse]

Of course, as we all know, all of the above assumes that Bryant isn't PUPed, which looks more likely by the day.

I'm tired of posting this but I see some haven't gotten the memo.

Bryant cannot be PUPed because he passed his physical and practiced the first day. This makes him ineligible for PUP. This leaves IR for the year as the only option if he doesn't make the 53.

This does bring up an interesting quandry and an area where the Bengals have left themselves open to criticism. Why did they ever allow him to practice if they weren't sure about his knee? If they'd held him out of the full fledged practices that first day or two he'd be eligible for PUP now.

If he passed his physical then why would they hold him out?

I assume they didnt want to shelve him for 3 months.

Any word on Leonard? I read he feared torn ligaments. If so then the first game left me very worried.

Oline a revolving door which negates all WR talent.

Penalties

Backup QB's look like a waste of space. I really love the kneel down for a loss of two yards play. It would make me feel better if I would see one other team do it.

I hope Brat does a better job of playcalling. I know its vanilla preseason but Dallas looked 3x better.

But, Coffman catch, Simpson being open and a couple catches, Dline..there were positives.

Keep showcasing Matt Jones to get that 6th or 7th.

[markymark69]

I always hesitate to get to worked up about pre-season games, especially the first one. However, having said that, we saw some of the same problems that always seem to be there with this team and it is clear that they still have a lot of work to do, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

It's a good thing the defense played a good game, with four turnovers and 12 penalties they were probably fortunate that they didn't get beat worse.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I'm tired of posting this but I see some haven't gotten the memo.

Sorry I didn't get your 'memo', but there's no reason to be an ass about it. I wasn't aware he was ineligible.

[Sea Ray]

If he passed his physical then why would they hold him out?

I assume they didnt want to shelve him for 3 months.

If they didn't want to hold him out then they'll get their wish. The problem is now they don't even have that option due to how they handled the situation.

Looks like the game was not good for the Cowboys because their TE Phillips, who smoked the Bengals like we've seen so many others do, is now out for the season after tearing his ACL.

[bwillycuse]

If he passed his physical then why would they hold him out?

I assume they didnt want to shelve him for 3 months.

If they didn't want to hold him out then they'll get their wish. The problem is now they don't even have that option due to how they handled the situation.

All I know is I thought he looked good in that first morning practice. If they thought he had a problem they would have held him back. But he passed a physical and they didn't feel the need to sit him out.

Im not treating Bryant but I think he will be ready to go soon enough. If it ends up he is more hurt than we hope, then its bad news. But the Bengals cant hold everyone out because they aren't 100%.

Can they PUP Leonard? Or does he have to take a roster spot if he needs 2 months to heal?

[HairOnFire]

The most penalized WR in the NFL picks up where he left off.

Mid-season form.

Still trapped on Revis Island.