Bengals v. Indy game thread

[jjakq27]

I know it is a couple of days early but I just saw this note about Peyton Manning on Foxsports. I thought it would be a good way to get the discussions going for Friday's game.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/wcStory?conte...6&storyNumber=9

Manning to see less action against Bengals

Associated Press

Posted: 11 hours ago

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Tony Dungy has more to worry about than Peyton Manning's left shoulder.

The Indianapolis coach has to make some tough cuts this week, wants to see the Colts reduce their mistakes, and, yes, he would like to get his first win of the preseason Friday night in Cincinnati. But Dungy's most pressing need is keeping starters healthy - including the NFL's two-time MVP.

While Manning insists he's not hurt, Dungy plans to play it safe in the exhibition finale.

"The starters won't go more than one series," Dungy said. "Anybody who is hurt at all or at risk will not play."

That could include Manning, who spent Tuesday brushing off speculation about the left shoulder he bruised Saturday night at Denver.

When asked how it felt, Manning responded: "It's good, it's good."

The shoulder hasn't affected Manning's work. He followed his usual script during Monday's light practice and again Tuesday during the Colts normal routine.

If there were any doubts, they seemed to disappear with his actions on the field.

"Health-wise, I don't think it's an issue," Dungy said.

Still, Manning could miss his first preseason game since 2001.

"There is a chance," Dungy said. "A good chance? That depends on how you define that."

For Manning, injuries are the exception.

In seven NFL seasons, he has started 120 consecutive games, including the playoffs. He was every bit as durable in college, where he started 45 straight games for Tennessee.

He also has survived two major scares.

In August 2001, Minnesota's Chris Hovan hit Manning in the right leg, which bent awkwardly. Manning missed the preseason finale with a sprained right knee but returned for the season opener. That was the last time Manning missed a game for the Colts.

Later that season, Manning missed one play after Miami's Lorenzo Bromell hit him underneath the chin strap and broke his jaw.

But if he doesn't play Friday night, it won't be because of the shoulder, it will be because of Dungy's decision.

"Last year, they went one series in this game, and it went really well for us," Dungy said.

Manning wouldn't be the only Indianapolis player on the sideline.

Cornerback Donald Strickland, center Jeff Saturday and right tackle Ryan Diem - all starters - are expected to sit out. The list could also include safeties Mike Doss and Bob Sanders, first-round pick Marlin Jackson and 2004 sacks leader Dwight Freeney.

"They've not said yet what the situation is," Manning said. "I think we had one series last year in this game. But we've already played four games this year, so maybe it will be a little different."

[jjakq27]

I will be interested to see the following on Friday:

1. the health of Shayne Graham and Willie Anderson

2. the battle for the third WR spot. KDub or Henry or Walter?

3. the play of the new guys (Navies and IO)

4. the continued development of Odell Thurman and David Pollack

5. how the team plays after last weeks butt-kicking

[Spain]

I want to see the first stringers on O look sharper than I think they are!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

2.  the battle for the third WR spot.  KDub or Henry or Walter?

I say it's Warrick!

Seriously, though - it's KW and I don't think it's close. Henry might end up there, but not at the beginning of the season.

And honestly, what's it going to take to convince some people that Walter is nothing more than a great preseason wonder? He's nowhere close to the 3rd WR spot, with or without Warrick.

[skyline]

Can't wait to see what Lewis decides about playing time. Wonder if he'll pull his starters as well...should be interesting.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I want to see the first stringers on O look sharper than I think they are!

I want to see you hit by a satellite falling from the sky!

You probably won't see much of the first stringers at all for the same reason the Colts won't be playing their first stringers.

[andybren]

Marvin needs to start Walter on Friday. Finish the message he started with PDub.

[redsfan2]

Can't wait to see what Lewis decides about playing time. Wonder if he'll pull his starters as well...should be interesting.

I think he'll most likely do the same thing the Colts are. First offensive play of the game Palmer launches a deep one to ............ ?????????? Chad Johnson .... I know what you're saying, but believe me its a possibility.

Second offensive series will star a bunch of guys who are trying to make the team or PS.

That's what I think ..... I think !

[Stripes]

I want to see if the starting offense shows better timing while they're on the field, first and foremost.

I want to see this year's preseason stars have a chance against first team units (Kevin Walter, Chris Henry, H.D. Jones, etc...)

I want T.J. to make mutliple catches.

I want the defense to pick off Peyton Manning. (a lot to ask)

I want Peter King to refrain from analyzing our performance, good or bad.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I want to see if the starting offense shows better timing while they're on the field, first and foremost.

I want to see this year's preseason stars have a chance against first team units (Kevin Walter, Chris Henry, H.D. Jones, etc...)

I want T.J. to make mutliple catches.

I want the defense to pick off Peyton Manning. (a lot to ask)

I want Peter King to refrain from analyzing our performance, good or bad.

Doesn't look like there will be time for all that - by the time our "Preseason wonders" are on the field, Indy's starters will be off.

If Marvin was planning on having those guys get significant playing time, I think they would have had more time in the 1st half against Philly.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm up from San Antonio to catch the game, so I'm hoping for good things !!!

God knows they need to get better !!!

WHODEY !!!

[JohnsonX5]

One thing that could be interesting is the possibility of seeing either of the two Perry's returning kicks. In the press conference Marvin noted that they'd be trying different options at kick returner and that Chris Perry was a possibility for returning kickoffs. I don't think we've had a single good return yet this preseason so hopefully one of these guys can do what Russell and Broussard haven't been able to do.

[Stripes]

One thing that could be interesting is the possibility of seeing either of the two Perry's returning kicks. In the press conference Marvin noted that they'd be trying different options at kick returner and that Chris Perry was a possibility for returning kickoffs. I don't think we've had a single good return yet this preseason so hopefully one of these guys can do what Russell and Broussard haven't been able to do.

While I'd like to see any one of the return candidates to succeed, I can't figure any of them ousting Cliff Russell. I think he has looked better and better with more experience on the job, and will prove to be a useful commodity during the season.

[jjakq27]

One thing that could be interesting is the possibility of seeing either of the two Perry's returning kicks. In the press conference Marvin noted that they'd be trying different options at kick returner and that Chris Perry was a possibility for returning kickoffs. I don't think we've had a single good return yet this preseason so hopefully one of these guys can do what Russell and Broussard haven't been able to do.

Dave Lapham was on the radio a couple of days ago and mentioned that he thought Chris Perry would make a great punt return candidate. I think he later asked Marvin about it and he quickly said yes without going into details.

I wonder if they will try it Friday or wait until the regular season so it is a surprise.

[jjakq27]

The most we will see from Manning and James are when they come out on the field during pregame warmups.

When we played them last year, Manning may have played for one or two series and I don't think James played at all.

I wonder if Simon will play tonight. I am sure the home faithful will let him know how they feel about him playing for the Colts and not us.

$$ $$

[bengalsrz]

I think we should all come to the this forum at 7:30 and discuss the game as it goes on, here are some links to how you can listen to the game on radio for free

FREE RADIO LINKS

here is also the link to gamecenter which you can also sorta watch the game on

GameCenter

once the game starts click on GameStats under the cincinatti vs Indi section to get to gamecenter

i saw this done on another fansite and it turned out pretty well

[TippCityRick]

Dave Lapham was on the radio a couple of days ago and mentioned that he thought Chris Perry would make a great punt return candidate. I think he later asked Marvin about it and he quickly said yes without going into details.

I wonder if they will try it Friday or wait until the regular season so it is a surprise.

I think we will see CP try his hand at kick returner, but I believe the punt return job will be held by Ratliff or O'Neal.

I hope Perry can give them something in the return game. Not only is it another way to get his hands on the ball, but it would make the decisions at WR a lot clearer.

[BengalszoneBilly]

What time is the kickoff guys? (EST of course.) I want to make sure I'm off of work in time out here in Arizona.

[TippCityRick]

7:30 EST, Billy.

[BengalszoneBilly]

7:30 EST, Billy.

Thanks Rickster!

[Kazkal]

I'd like to see Mwilliams intercept mannings first throw and run it back for a td

[Bobcat Bengal]

7:30 EST, Billy.

Thanks Rickster!

But its on TAPE DELAY. Meaning it won't be shown until 11 EST in Dayton.

BOOOOOO.

[jjakq27]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...mplate=printart

colts notebook

Stars may not play tonight

Dungy says, 'If you get there in warm-ups, you'll see them,' but can't guarantee snaps.

By Mike Chappell

mike.chappell@indystar.com

September 2, 2005

Coach Tony Dungy stopped short of announcing that quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James, wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne and several other front-line offensive players will not play in tonight's preseason finale at Cincinnati.

But he offered a word of advice for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Indianapolis Colts' high-profile players: Don't dawdle in the parking lots surrounding Paul Brown Stadium.

"I would say if you want to see them, you better get there early," Dungy said after Thursday's practice at the Union Federal Football Center.

Will fans actually get to see Manning & Co. play if they arrive early?

"If you get there in warm-ups, you'll see them," Dungy said. "If you get there (for the) opening whistle, it's probably 50-50.

"Offensively, they won't play much, if at all. We'll make that determination as we go."

Manning has started all 112 of the Colts' regular-season games and eight postseason games since 1998. He has missed one preseason game -- Aug. 30, 2001 at Cincinnati. In the previous game at Minnesota, he suffered a sprained right knee.

Considering Manning's limited -- or absent -- workload, backup Jim Sorgi and No. 3 Tom Arth will share the snaps.

Watching finale

Ruled out of tonight's game are center Jeff Saturday (hamstring), wide receiver Brandon Stokley (shoulder), tight end Dallas Clark (undisclosed injury), running back Dominic Rhodes (foot), linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (sports hernia), cornerback Von Hutchins (foot), safeties Bob Sanders (leg), Mike Doss (groin), Daryl Dixon (thigh) and Gerome Sapp (shoulder), defensive ends Robert Mathis (undisclosed), Josh Thomas (foot) and Jonathan Burns (knee), defensive tackles Josh Williams (sports hernia), Montae Reagor (groin) and Vincent "Sweet Pea" Burns (knee), and offensive lineman David Porter (knee/ankle).