Bengals--Preseason Game 1

Cincinnati hosts Washington in Game 1 of the preseason. Here are my thoughts as the fist half unfolds...

Redskins get the ball and drive at will on the Bengals D.
Yippie!! Keiwan Ratliff intercepts a ball along the sideline and runs it back 30+ yards.
Ayieee!! Clinton Portis makes the tackle on Ratliff and has to leave the game--I've been targeting Portis with the 4th pick in my upcoming fantasy draft. This marks the first time in my life I have gotten this freaked out by a player injury WHEN I HAVEN"T EVEN DRAFTED THE GUY YET!

5:36 left in 1st Qt. Bryan Robinson pressures backup QB Todd Collins and forces an incredibly poor throw that is intercepted by DT John Thornton. That's two picks so far...nice to see the Cincy D is at least picking up where it left off in that department.

5:29 Hold on Bengals LG Eric Steinbach--where was that hold last season when Kimo was lunging at your QB Steinbach!

5:23 QB Anthony Wright makes a throw to on a hook route to Chris Henry. Henry manages to catch the ball AND avoid picking up any new criminal charges on the play. Bravo!

4:20 3rd and 8, Wright drops back and is immediately sandwiched by two pass rushers. Nice turnstyle action there O-Line!

3:30 The Redskins' return man makes the poor decision to let the punt sail over his head, and Cincy downs it at the two yard line. Not to worry buddy, your next high pressure decision will involve whether to double bag a customers jug of milk at the Piggly Wiggly.

2:14 SAFETY! 'Skins QB Collins is at it again. When faced with pressure in his own endzone he flings the ball at the back of one of his O-lineman (nearly picked, again). Intentionaly grounding, two points for the good guys.

2:07 No Antonio Chatman on the return, where the hell is he? In his stead we have Keiwan "my max. return is 5 yards" Ratliff.

1:56 Bob Bratkowski has been playing Techmo Bowl in the offseason--he just called a flea flicker and Wright hits T.J. Houshmandzedah for a big gain (52 yards).

Evidently Palmer's druthers is to play three quarters of the third preseason game, then about a quarter in the final game and be ready to go for the season opener.

Cris Collinsworth reports that Palmer worked out before the game. Palmer related that his work was more extensive than anything he'd done thusfar, and he was very pleased with the outcome.

0:59 Wright hits Chris Henry on a fade in the endzone. He seems to be getting a rythym. Nice touch on the throw.

I note that Washington's O-line seems to have no problem shoving Cincy's D around on running plays. Sure, its early, and Sam Adams isn't playing, but I fear we will still leak like a sieve against the run (again). If so, Carson's comeback may not matter.

2nd Quarter

Washington's drive ends when Collins stumbles coming away from center. Jason Campbell's going to pass him on the depth chart without ever taking the field.

14:14 Cincy goes no huddle. I love this. They had some success with it last year. I'd like to see it every game, if only for a couple drives, as a homage to the Sam Wyche days. Also, if Marvin Lewis could berate the fans at halftime of at least one game a year, just for old time's sake.

13:50 Chris Henry is beating CB Kenny Wright like a drum. First the TD, now Henry blows by Wright, forcing the defender to mug him to avoid a big play. Did you know that Henry's carrying a concealed weapon charge in Florida involves allegations that he was in possession of a loaded Lugar. Seriously? A Lugar? Is he trying to build up his street cred in Leipzig?

13:44 Nice out route for a 1st down, Wright to Henry.

Cincy scores again, field goal makes it 12-0

12:01 Andrea Kramer reports Portis's injury is to his shoulder.

11:57 Cincy's D looks pretty good so long as Todd Collins is playing QB against them.

11:12 Spoke too soon. Collins nails throw for first down on 3rd & long.

9:41 Rookie 1st-rounder Jonathan Joseph breaks up a pass on a fly route. Nice.

6:36 Ahmed Brooks is in the game at middle 'backer. Nice play to break up a dump-off pass. He left Virginia early after being kicked off the team for failed drug tests. The Bengals figure they can platoon him and Odell Thurman as they alternate time on suspension...

5:44 Suddenly Collins is having an easy time completing 3rd and long (two in a row).

Domata Peku, DT out of MSU is in the game and sporting a crazy Samoan pony mullet. Domato was involved in an incident while in college in which he was caught urinating on a building and then fled from police. In light of the other Bengals off-the-field issues, I find that story adorable.

4:13 Madden tells the story of how Bengals DE Frostee Rucker got his name--something about his dad insisting he be unique (that's right, Frostee is his given name). Madden elects not to share the anecdotes about how Frostee is alleged to abused and sexually assaulted women.

4:01 'Skins get a figgie. Washington 3, Cincinnati 12.

3:04 Wright completes an eight-yard hook to Kelly Washington. More impressive than the throw was the presnap read Wright made (recognizing the blitz) and audibling to the hook knowing he'd have man coverage. (Yes, I'm totally trying to talk myself into the whole "we could be alright if Wright runs the show for the first couple weeks" thing. Just try to humor me).

2:30 Wright's first real scramble nets ten yards and a first down.

1:11 Kramer reports Portis's shoulder is separated.

Dr. Madden explains to an attentive Al Michaels "A separation is where [the shoulder] separates..."

Man, I love football.

P.S. Wright finished 9-for-16 with 101 yards, 1 TD and no picks.