What are the early returns?

[walzav29]

OK. Some of you have been to training camp, we've all seen the 1st preseason game. Are we encouraged with our eternal struggle against the run? I liked Odell, Robinson, and Chuck. It's way early, but I'm encouraged.

[kingwilly]

If Brandon Williams can keep his guy in front of him, he could be a good one. Coach him up!

Odell is fast.

Henry is tall/fast. Once he gets acclimated he will be a serious weapon.

If...IF....Perry keeps healthy this squad could lead the NFL in rushing. O-Line+Rudi+Perry=quarter after quarter of brutalizing the clock and racking the yrds.

The run D is suspect at this point, until proven otherwise. Odell/DP/Robinson/ and a healthy Kim Herring could shore it up. We face no major running game teams until the October stretch of PIT/GB/BAL. By then the D should gel and be ready <crossed fingers>.

Other Issues:

Still not confident in the TE spot. injuries and lack of talent persist.

Larsen better get his boot on. his punts last week were atrocious.

Graham needs to get healthy.

BTW...is anyone else noticing the dramatic increase in talent at just about every position as opposed to just a few years ago. it is like night and day.

[Wraith]

I thought you were no longer a Bengals fan and were going to be a Patriots fan.

[DesperateDerelict]

BTW...is anyone else noticing the dramatic increase in talent at just about every position

The exception being TE - my GOD those guys suck - they make Trumpy look sure handed - where's Dan Ross when you need him?

They better block their a$$e$ off!

[HoosierCat]

The first-string run D looked like it was in pretty good shape during the Bengals/Pats game, but they weren't in there that long, and all the usual caveats (Pats were running a vanilla offense, no Brady to consider, etc.) apply. Second- and third-strings looked progressively worse.

Only things that really stood out on defense to me were that Odell can jump really, really, really high, and K2 can't catch balls that hit him in the hands.

[cincyhokie]

The run D looked alot better....HOWEVER, when the run was to the outsides, the defense seemed to overpursue leaving them out of position at times....leading to bigger run gains.

[Kazkal]

The run D looked alot better....HOWEVER, when the run was to the outsides, the defense seemed to overpursue leaving them out of position at times....leading to bigger run gains.

the runs to the outside is what always kills me on madden and espn 2k5

[Stripes]

The run D looked alot better....HOWEVER, when the run was to the outsides, the defense seemed to overpursue leaving them out of position at times....leading to bigger run gains.

Yeah, and that's the very problem Marvin has tried to address. He understands that the drawback to having a fast defense is frequent overpursuit, and that'll lead to a lot of big runs on the perimeter. Robinson will do well to free up Thornton to keep inside the tackle running in check, but without marginal outside improvement, we will have a serious problem on our hands. That said, Marvin has drafted plenty of smart athletes, and he knows how to coach them better than anyone. Simmons has the experience, Odell has the talent and fire, and Landon has the speed to stop those plays consistently. Madieu won't let any runners through the secondary, so the only remaining weakness is Kim Herring at strong safety. He's got the knowlege and the fire, but has lost a step over the years. I think a rotation between him and Anthony Mitchell would be a perfect blend of speed/talent and general know-how to finish the job. Stop the run, and the playoffs seem inevitable.

[JPW]

I think that the 3rd preseason game is the only one that really gives you any indication of how the team is going to look.

But so far, I am encouraged ...

[walzav29]

Easy Wraith. That was taken out of context. Too many holdouts. I take a lickin and keep on tickin!

[HoosierCat]

I think a rotation between him and Anthony Mitchell would be a perfect blend of speed/talent and general know-how to finish the job.

I dunno. Mitchell didn't do anything to impress me against the Pats. I agree about Herring. Bottom line, I still see a hole at SS.

[walzav29]

I didn't like Brandon Williams over pursuit. He doesn't seem like a sure tackler. Marvin will get rid of him.

[redsbengalsbucks]

K2 can't catch balls that hit him in the hands.

K2 may have caught that ball if it wasnt for the third hand on the ball.

[Bobcat Bengal]

Damn this is the epitome of a Balanced offense, at least on paper.

Better tell those guys to keep their ego's in check.

(Looking at Chad)