Anyway, I have to say the Hall of Fame Game last night could have put me in a better mood. It's still preseason and many starters barely played, but the team didn't truly look ready. In Coach Marvin Lewis' defense, the first preseason game usually comes after another full week of training camp. But either way, much needs to be worked on.
So let's get started with HOF Game Villians:
1. QBs J.T. O'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer - what was that? Those interceptions were pitiful. I realize that most NFL teams don't truly have a viable backup quarterback, but we have some of the worst. We're going to have a lot of problems should Carson go down to injury for any stretch. Which brings me to number two.
2. The Offensive Line (that's like 14 players) - As many feared, the Bengals pass protection looked unstable. None of the Bengals quarterbacks had much time to get the ball downfield, so I'll forgive a little bit of sloppy play from Carson and company. This unit is the biggest question mark on the team in my opinion, and I'm not encouraged by what I saw last night.
3. Tight End Daniel Coats - Every time Coats suits up in a Bengals uniform a little piece of my soul dies. Pray no other tight ends get hurt so he doesn't make the roster.4. Cornerback Adam Jones (24) - He really didn't have that bad of a game, but he isn't quite ready to go against number one WRs again. Having been out of football for over a year, I think he'll be more ready to go by when the season starts. Won't it be nice when both Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph start though?
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It's important Bengals fans take something positive from this game. You might have missed some of this if you tuned out early (which most sensible people would have done).
HOF Game Heroes:
1. Defensive End/Linebacker Michael Johnson - Johnson played more of this game than I would have expected, and made the most of it. He had two sacks, and lined up in at least three different spots. This is the kind of stuff the Ravens do that people gush about. It's been said that he is poised to have a big year, and now we've seen why.2. Wide Receiver/Punt Returner Jordan Shipley - Shipley didn't play much at wideout, although he had one decent third down catch that probably would have been for a first if it hadn't been thrown behind him. But he did break out a lengthy punt return to set up the Bengals lone score. It was in the fourth quarter against Cowboys scrubs, but even on his other punt returns he showed poise and confidence (unlike Adam Jones who bobbled a kickoff return). I like Quan Cosby, but the Bengals are suddenly deep with kick and punt returners and it's starting to look unlikely he'll make the team.
3. Defensive Tackle Geno Atkins - Geno was a fourth round pick, but he played liked a wiley veteran. He was going up against backups, but "Taz" (that's his actual nickname folks) consistently got pressure up the middle to hurry or sack the quarterback. If he can play well against starters, he'll become an important piece of the DT rotation.
4. Wide Receiver Matt Jones - Jordan Palmer found one reliable target, and an unlikely one at that. Matt Jones actually led the team in catches and yards, and would have added one more big chunk had he gotten his right foot down inbounds. He really does look slow, but he seems to actually have some talent at using his large body to get the ball. He also showed some surprising moves upfield. Most were certain he wouldn't make the team at this point, but he made a strong case for himself last night.5. Wide Receiver Terrell Owens - TO was the only Bengals starter to catch a pass from Carson Palmer. He caught two. Questions about the ability of the two to get in sync can be temporarily silenced. And wasn't it weird to see Owens in a Bengals uniform?
I would joke and say it might have been more worth my time to watch the TO Show and Ultimate Catch last night instead of that dreadful, meaningless game (where the White Weapon got hurt - eek!), but who am I kidding.
who are the heroes?
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