Fake Game 1: Lions @ Bengals

[ArmyBengal]

YES, preseason is here and they kick things off at home this Thursday against the Lions.

We already know Burrow and the starters are going to get some playing time for the Bengals, but it looks like the Lions will not be starting Goff or many of the starters unless there are competitions for the starting spot.

With the history of not being prepared to do a damn thing at the start of the season, seeing Burrow and the starters get time in the preseason does not surprise me.  I wish that wasn't the case, but Burrow has got to find a way to get out of his head sooner at the start of the season.  As I mentioned before, I'm putting a lot of the slow start issues on him.

As for our guys, I'm really interested in seeing what the younger guys do with the opportunity and the guys maybe a little deeper in some of the group rotations.  There are some specific groups and players I have in mind:

For the o-line, I'm interested in seeing if Brian Parker and Connor Lew get some snaps.  I know Lew was coming back from injury but thought they said he was good to play.

For the WR's, Colbie Young and Noah Thomas along with Dohnte Meyers should get plenty of snaps.

The TE's should see Jack Endries, the rookie draft pick from Texas and he could surprise if given opportunity.

On the D-line, I want to see Mafe, Howell, and Robinson.  I want to see Lawrence and Allen, but would be ok not risking much there.

God help the linebackers.  Please someone shine.

Tacario Davis at the CB should be interesting to keep an eye on as well.

They are calling for rain and as much as I love the preseason, I'm not sitting in the rain at this point.
We will see, because I would really like to go check out the upgrades to the stadium and catch the game.

Anything outside of no injuries you guys will be wanting to see ??

[Stripes]

I don't think the preseason reps made a difference last season, 2-0 start aside. The offense still played like shit in Week 1. I think Zac Taylor just gets outcoached every time the opponent has numerous months to gameplan for his offense. This time, Todd Bowles might be even worse, so that'd be nice. Burrow can't come out and lay an egg though, he's definitely been part of the issue too. 4 INTs against Pittsburgh a few years ago in a loss that prevented a 1-seed loom large.

[ArmyBengal]

I don't think it will be possible for me to forget Burrow saying how he gets it in his head that he goes out there at the start of the season with the mindset of "Just don't throw an interception" and when he does it just all starts to fall apart.  I'm paraphrasing and could get the exact quote, but you get the point.  I've posted that here before.  It's on him.

[ArmyBengal]

Could Zac call a better game?  Yeah, like every week.

However, they have done almost everything you can to try to reverse the slow start thing they have going on over the last handful of years.  Since they can't run a tougher camp, that takes that option off the table.  I really think that contributes as well.

[HoosierCat]

Look guys I can already tell you the three plays that Joe and the starters will get:

1st and 10: handoff to Chase Brown, up the middle for 2 yards.

2nd and 8: handoff to Chase Brown, right side for 1 yard.

3rd and 7: incomplete pass to Tee Higgins (open, pass sails 3 feet over his head).

4th and 7: punt

[HoosierCat]

Via bookface:

Today's Practice Participation List:

DNPs:

- Dexter Lawrence II (Vet Rest Day)
- Ted Karras (Vet Rest Day)
- Bryan Cook (Hamstring; Day-to-Day)
- Cashius Howell (Rest)
- Daxton Hill (Hamstring; Day-to-Day)
- Tacario Davis (Rest)
- B.J. Hill (Foot/Ankle; Week-to-Week)
- Shemar Stewart (Knee; Week-to-Week)

Limited:

- D.J. Turner II (Partial Rest Day)

Everyone else was Full Participants.
 

Also per Hobs, All and Lew are OUT Thursday so as to not push things with their ACL recoveries.

[HoosierCat]

Real life interruption: massive storms up here in Chicagoland. Pushing 300k power outages, including me. Likely kiss a Couple hundred bucks worth of food goodbye. 
https://nwitimes.com/news/local/weather/article_9e6a1ff9-7a44-4d4e-aa31-c9c5c6ee6c41.html

[HoosierCat]

I would like to note the following local tragedy, per the ap:

Quote

The fifth day of the 10-day Lake County, Indiana, Fair was canceled, disappointing fans who were hoping to see a professional wrestling event involving people under 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall.

Bummer, Army, maybe next year.

(ducks, runs away, unfortunately not fast enough to out run the mortar strike…)

[ArmyBengal]

You saw the flyer Hoosier?

And here I thought my wrestling name of “David Chadwick” was a good cover. No wait, that’s my porn name. My wrestling name is “The Pocket Pounder”.

I was suppose to get a shot at the title, but I got suspended for bringing a prop into the ring. Turns out anal beads are frowned upon. Thankfully my Astroglide sponsorship stuck with me through a really challenging time.

Yes, next year Hoosier. 

[COB]

We had those storms as well in central Ohio.  Power was out about 7 hours, but the previous owner put a natural gas powered generator in and that thing works flawlessly.  
New Arby’s ad slogans:

“Arby’s: For when a power outage rots all your food!”

”Push Your Maggot Infested Fridge Over The Fence Into Your Neighbor’s Yard, Then Drive To Arby’s!”

”We Don’t Have Generators Either So When The Power’s Out, Get Here Fast.” - Signed, Insolent Teenagers Who Work At Arby’s

“If Your Rotting Fridge Meat Spawns A Blowfly Hatch And Their Larvae Are Burrowing Under Your Skin, Come To Arby’s Anyway, We Straight Up Don’t Give A Fuck.”

 

[HoosierCat]

Oddly my local Arby’s was one of the handful of local businesses that didn’t lose power. Saw multiple videos of the mile long line to get into the drive thru on bookface.

Finally got power back after 23 hours. New freezer performed surprisingly well. Most stuff was ok, just tossing soft stuff like ice cream and eggos.

Still 240k customers out as of 9 pm last night. It’s going to be the weekend before some people see the lights come back. 

[ArmyBengal]

The power going out sucks.  I mean it's Football Day for Christ sake.
Someone get these people power.

Arby's could clean up if they are the only show in town.
Install a few TV's and BAM, Arby's sports restaurant.

[HoosierCat]

Arby’s line in valpo yesterday:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BnFrBZQmr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[ArmyBengal]

Looks like the weather is going to hold off here for tonight's game.
I just picked up 3 lower level corner endzone tickets by the pro shop for $15.00 each.
Even if it does rain, the seats are under the overhang.  Just perfect.
Should be fun to check out the upgrades to the stadium and watch the team play.

FOOTBALL IS BACK !!!
 

[COB]

Arby’s stepping up in an emergency is so righteous.  And that Arby’s drive thru line shows incredible taste and civic refinement on the part of Valpo.  Impressed.  Go Bengals backups, beat the Lions!

[Stripes]

Obligatory “no injuries please” preseason post

[COB]

“The Bengals went out and got some dudes on defense.”

[volcom69]

Hello guys!  Well just hope for no injuries and move forward. Hopefully the young guys get the most plays and do well doing it. Excited to see some of these rookies 

[COB]

Dexter playing, I’m glad to see it.

[volcom69]

Hopefully Dugger makes more plays could really use him as backup or even just coming in on certain downs 

[volcom69]

Battle still picking off passes 

[Stripes]

Don’t care for the defense needing to rescue itself with a pick against backups.

But whatever. It’s a stop.

[volcom69]

Most starters came off pretty darn quick bunch of backup guys were in after 3 plays 

[volcom69]

Well least Burrow still holds the ball forever lol 

[Stripes]

Most of the drive under center. Sacked by backups. Bleh.