SB Nation User Blog: Kirkendall

Wednesday afternoon links and notes

Kirkendall — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:42:03 -0000

Carson Palmer is definitely out for Thursday night's game against the Colts.

Sean McClelland argues that Mike Brown undercutting Marvin Lewis means that the head coach's credibility is shot. In truth, I doubt that's totally true. Players unquestionably know what happened, how it went down. They're not stupid and they're likely seeing Lewis as more of a sympathetic figure that has their back -- meaning, they might work harder for him, rather than against him.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh on players coming back form injury: "My body is saying that I’m fine. I knew that but I just had to make sure of it. I felt good. I knew I would but there is always doubt with something like that. I think we’re all getting back in time. Chad will be back, Antwan Odom is getting back, Carson will be back, so I think we’re all coming around pretty good right here now."

Is pre-season game #4 Rudi's last chance?

Kirkendall — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:31:57 -0000

Another issue we raised earlier in the week was how Rudi Johnson would react hearing his name apart of a trade-rumor. The issue isn't truly how he feels, rather his role in any locker room distractions or divisions. "They've been trying to get me out of here for years. Since I first got here. That's why nothing surprises me and I'm not worried. Every year. It night not happen. Every year."

Marvin Lewis points out that Rudi Johnson's chance to prove he's still the team's feature back is this Thursday. "He's still working, fighting for a job just like everybody else is, right? That's the way it is. This is his first chance this year. I haven't seen (him), so that's the big thing."

One has to wonder if Rudi doesn't play, or records a poor performance, he could be gone either by trade or simply releasing him. Personally, I would think that it wouldn't be a good idea. We need the position filled with the fear of injury to, at least, two backs have suffered injury -- not including Johnson. And I'm not of the opinion that James Johnson is much of an improvement over Rudi. Next year, who knows? But I believe the Bengals will dip into the draft pool for at least one power-back. But that's next year.

Either way, he knows that this is a business and this happens.

Tuesday afternoon links and notes

Kirkendall — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:19:42 -0000

A quick site update: We will be conducting another Bengals Banter -- a back-and-forth with other Bengals bloggers on a variety of topics. This is where you come in. We need topics. Email me (joshkirkendall [at] gmail [dot] com) a one-line sentence on something you believe. If it's good enough, we'll throw that into the topic repository (big word = over-zealous writer).

Onto today's links...

Many of the players that have missed much of preseason are returning to practice this week, preparing for opening weekend. Those players include T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rudi Johnson, Rashad Jeanty, and Antwan Odom. Pat Sims and Andre Caldwell are still sitting.

Johnson's response after the ESPN Report that the Bengals are shopping him: "I haven’t heard anything."

Ludwig writes his five problems the Bengals are facing: The health of Rudi, Palmer, and T.J., the offensive line, the running back, the defensive line and the secondary.

Ludwig also writes his projected 53-man roster. I disagree that Daniel Coats replaces Jeremi Johnson.

Houshmandzadeh on the question whether he's sandbagging his injury or not: "I don't care what people think about that. If I was a rookie, would I have come back and practiced? Yeah and I would have got hurt again."

Bengals have 5-1 odds of having the next player arrested in the NFL. Too bad they didn't include those odds when dozens and dozens of players were arrested since the last Bengals player was.

There's a worry that if Chad takes another hit, he could be lost for the season. The way we view is that if he has surgery now, he's lost for the season anyway.

Canal Street Chronicles breaks down Saturday's game from the Saints perspective -- First Half | Second Half

Even with partially torn labrum, Chad going to play, have procedure in off-season

Kirkendall — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:25:49 -0000

Chad Johnson is committed to playing the opener against the Baltimore Ravens, partially torn labrum or not. Already deciding to get the season-ending procedure after the season, Johnson was convinced of players that had similar injuries, yet successful seasons when they put the procedure off until the end of the season. "I need surgery, but there's still nothing wrong with me. I'm not going to have (surgery). For what? I've got a season to play."

Thus my head-scratching continues. Supposedly some believe that signing Chris Henry was in response to Chad Johnson's injury. I still don't view that a realistic possibility considering that 25% of Henry's season is aimed at serving his suspension. Furthermore, if Johnson is going to play, then that degrades the argument. Unless you're talking about an insurance policy -- which is an awfully lame excuse for destroying whatever perceptions were that Marvin Lewis was in control of the locker room. Sure, Brown is the owner and can do whatever he wants. Furthermore, Lewis was never titled as the General Manager -- but that was the kind of role we were originally led to believe.

On the bright side, T.J. Houshmandzadeh said during Saturday night's game that he'll work this week and see how his hamstring feels -- maybe even playing a series or two against the Colts Thursday night.

Bengals are shopping Rudi Johnson for Starting WR

Kirkendall — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:15:56 -0000

I've been late to the party today because of that pesky real-life work stuff that tends to get in the way.

By now you've heard the story. ESPN reports that the Bengals are shopping Rudi Johnson for a starting wide receiver. The truth is, the Bengals are diluting themselves regarding Johnson's value on the market, and actually thinking they'll get a good starting receiver in return -- and actually expecting that they can trade Rudi's untradeable $3.2 million?

Furthermore, with the publicity of this report, Rudi Johnson now feels out of the loop -- or even disrespected. There's going to be more to this story, but the two things that popped in my mind when I heard this were the team's delusion of Rudi's value, and the likelihood that Rudi Johnson now feels unwanted and could be yet another distraction -- though, in truth, that would be against the persona we know of him.

Rudi Johnson for Anquan Boldin, Ludwig ponders. Actually getting that trade to go, straight up, would be impressive. However, Boldin's demand for a trade is his contract, and it's unlikely the Bengals would hand him an extension -- unless they see Boldin as Houshmandzadeh's replacement.

I've also heard that Marvin Lewis wasn't aware of this.

Taking a look at the team through three preseason games

Kirkendall — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:40:24 -0000

With three preseason games in the books, I wanted to take the time to review each position (in some cases, units) as we prepare this week to play the meaningless of meaningless of preseason games, as well as upcoming roster cuts. While I'm not trying to predict the roster -- and definitely not projecting depth chart -- I didn't include every player in some scenarios, but included more than what the team is expected to take (mostly because I'm just not sure who they take, or the play is pretty even between the competition).

Quarterback - Even though Palmer has been assaulted on nearly every play (it seems), he hasn't been sharp -- likely a result of being assaulted. Twice against the Saints, Palmer nearly threw interceptions because 1) the ball was overthrown and 2) the pass was too near the middle of the field intended for a receiver sprinting down the sidelines. With the assault by the opposing pass rush, Palmer is becoming too aware of what's going on around the pocket rather than what's going on downfield. Once protection flaws are worked out, and communication issues resolved, we're confident that Palmer will be Palmer and give the Bengals their best chance to win each week.

Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the few successful offensive players, completing 70% of his passes, with a 6.8 pass-per-attempt average and a 101.3 passer rating (all team highs). His 44 yards rushing is third on the team behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson. Fitzpatrick's performance proves he'll be a coveted unrestricted free agent next season as a "veteran" quarterback that so many teams need.

Carson Palmer
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Jeff Rowe

Running Back - While it's exciting to see Chris Perry back to full strength, we've been missing our primary feature back, Rudi Johnson due to another hamstring injury -- this time to the other leg. However, along with their troubles protecting their quarterbacks, the offensive line has struggled rush blocking for Perry -- mostly Eric Ghiaciuc. Since the first game, Perry's yards-per-attempt has fallen from 3.8 to 3.4. Watson's 4.7 yards-per-attempt is encouraging, but a majority of his attempts have come against second team defenses, with only one attempt the entire game against the Saints.

I think the Bengals keep Dorsey over James Johnson. Though neither have done much this preseason, Dorsey is a more explosive back while James Johnson is eligible for the team's practice squad. If the Bengals haven't cut Jeremi by now, they won't.

Rudi Johnson
Chris Perry
Kenny Watson
DeDe Dorsey
Jeremi Johnson

Wide Receiver - Talk about depressing. With Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh nursing and rehabbing injuries ("supposedly", if you believe in conspiracies), the Bengals have been searching for that evasive receiver we hoped would step up. Jerome Simpson's 144 yards receiving is far above Chatman's 63 yards among the yardage leaders at wide receiver. However, passes are being dropped and receivers are not separating from defensive backs, forcing Palmer to hold onto the ball longer. One has to appreciate this bit of irony. If Chad Johnson was traded, then this unit has absolutely no hope going into the season, even though the team signed Chris Henry to help.

I think Andre Caldwell's injury hurts him big. While he's not on the field battling for a spot, the Bengals would be more inclined to keep Holt for experience and versatility on special teams. Caldwell is another player eligible for the practice squad. This is all based on the assumption when Henry returns, not when the season starts. When Henry is reinstated after the fourth game, the Bengals will need to decide whether to keep Holt or Caldwell -- and it's doubtful, no matter what other writers suggest, that the Bengals will let Henry go.

Chad Johnson
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Antonio Chatman
Jerome Simpson
Glenn Holt
Andre Caldwell

Tight End - Stable as stable comes. Ben Utecht, another glowing offensive player this preseason, leads the team with 10 receptions, second with 108 yards receiving and only one of two players with a receiving touchdown through three games. Reggie Kelly is the league's best tight end blocker, taking a lot of reps in the backfield. If the Bengals keep four tight ends (which includes long snapper Brad St. Louis), then Daniel Coats makes the team.

Reggie Kelly
Ben Utecht
Daniel Coats
Brad St. Louis

Offensive Line - We've talked about their struggles, and fantasized of a Jurassic Line. Still, the running game hasn't really taken off and the quarterbacks are struggling to focus downfield rather than the pass rush -- Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 10 times, and knocked down three times as much. I'm not sure the Bengals will keep a second center, depending on Bobbie Williams to play that role. On the other hand, you could easily replace Nate Livings with Dan Santucci with limited fall in production. Something of note: Kyle Cook took some first-team snaps against the Saints in the third quarter.

Levi Jones
Andrew Whitworth
Eric Ghiaciuc
Bobbie Williams
Stacy Andrews
Willie Anderson
Nate Livings
Scott Kooistra
Anthony Collins
Dan Santucci

Defensive Line - Domata Peko has impressed me this preseason against the rush. He's working the line, challenging double teams and finding ways to stuff gaps at the point of attack. Other than that, I think this unit is just down right dreadful. Fanene and Rucker appear like average ends with limited upside, while John Thornton and Jason Shirley have made a library seem like a Metallica concert. Pat Sims, before his injury, impressed me with his aggressiveness and motor-style play. Hopefully we get him back when the season starts. While Angelo Craig has made plays, I've labeled him a practice squad player until either Rucker or Fanene (even though he signed an extension this offseason) are let go. I see no scenario in the world in which Eric Henderson makes this squad -- nor did I see any scenario that the Bengals sign Chris Henry.

Antwan Odom (DE)
Robert Geathers (DE)
Johnathan Fanene (DE)
Frostee Rucker (DE)
John Thornton
Domata Peko
Jason Shirley
Pat Sims
Michael Myers -- I'm adding Myers here for two reasons. The team could be concerned about Shirley's upcoming court case and keeping Myers adds an insurance policy in case Pat Sims' rehabs slowly.

Linebacker - I'm actually more impressed with this unit than I thought I would be before training camp. At WILL, Keith Rivers and Brandon Johnson have combined for 28 tackles and a sack -- Rivers accounts for 17 tackles and that sack. Corey Mays has been solid at backup middle linebacker and Darryl Blackstock's two sacks leads the team. The thing I would be most concerned about is Dhani Jones' nine total tackles through three games. Ahmad Brooks had some first-team snaps at defense when Blackstock suffered a cramp against the Saints. Also expect Carl-Johan Bjork to make the team as he's exempt from the 53-man roster.

Dhani Jones
Keith Rivers
Darryl Blackstock
Rashad Jeanty
Corey Mays
Brandon Johnson
Jim Maxwell
Ahmad Brooks
Anthony Hoke (?)

Secondary - For the most part, I think our starting cornerbacks have done a decent job working on an island. For the plays that you see them get beat, either a dump-truck named Calvin Johnson used his super-size advantage, or the quarterback found a hole in zone coverage. I don't like the play of our safeties -- Dexter Jackson is Dexter Jackson and Marvin White still struggles keeping the receiver in front preventing long plays. White is a hitter though, and his efforts to make sure-tackles have improved greatly since the first game.

David Jones scares the hell out of me, and I don't see much of an improvement with Castille. O'Neal has accepted his role, and done well, as the team's third cornerback giving the Bengals good depth at the position.

Leon Hall (CB)
Johnathan Joseph (CB)
Deltha O'Neal (CB)
David Jones (CB)
Simeon Castille (CB)
Dexter Jackson (S)
Marvin White (S)
Chinedum Ndukwe (S)
Corey Lynch (S)
Herana-Daze Jones (S) -- mostly for his special teams work.

Anyway, those are my impressions at this point. If you have more, or want to adjust my impressions because I always miss at least one player (or two) when I do these things, it's all yours.

A 17-game regular season would be challenging to implement

Kirkendall — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:20:40 -0000

When Roger Goodell visited the Bengals training camp earlier in the month, he made it clear that he thinks preseason "is not up to NFL standards and that we should address that." He said the league is "stuck" on 20-game schedule, and talked about floating the idea of changing the current ratio of preseason and regular season games. Instead of a 16-game regular season with four preseason games, he floated the idea of having a 17-game regular season with three preseason games, or even an 18-2 scenario.

I don't mind dissolving a preseason game or two -- though as a Bengals fan, it seems we'll need seven preseason games to be ready for kickoff weekend. Limiting preseason games, however, won't limit the injuries from the first to third preseason games -- look at the injuries that occurred in that span. And most teams limit their starters and high-ranking back ups in the fourth game anyway. Reducing the preseason is fine, but I don't think it's that big of a deal, nor will it magically prevent injuries.

Other than obvious financial advantages, I also don't think going to seventeen games is a very good idea.

First off, every single player would have to have their contracts reworked. Most, if not all contracts, are designed to pay a player in a 16-game season. If the league started a 17-game schedule today, they'd work that seventeenth game for free. That might not sound like a big deal to us, but the players and the NFLPA will assure everyone that will not risk players careers, on any given play, for free (though that's a big reason, from the player's perspective, to reduce preseason games).

Secondly, a 16-game season wears on a player's body. There isn't a starting NFL player out there that isn't suffering from some injury (at least an "ache") by the time the season is over. Adding more games with players hurt through the grueling 16-game season, could risk a depreciated product late in the season. And for those teams going through the playoffs, adding a regular season game would mean they could play a 21-game season -- not that the players playing that 21st game care.

Thirdly, NFL teams are unlike most businesses; the money that they make is distributed among their competition during the regular season. The preseason is the only way teams can make, and keep, their own money because revenue sharing does not apply. Business is business and if you were an owner of a business, you'd want to keep all of your earnings. Think of it like the government milking your earnings in the form of taxes.

Fourthly (that's my word), like increasing games before (from 12 to 14 and 14 to 16), we'll see more records fall because we're diluting the schedule. Records are basically meaningless in football games, but hold historical and emotional significance to the media, fans and the player (and their teammates) that set/break the record. Any record is able to be broken when you increase the number of games. But the NFL is more about the entertainment dollar today than it is the historical significance of the players that made this league great.

Finally, the NFL schedule uses a simple formula that's fair for all teams. Six games against your division, four games against another division within your conference, four games against a division in the other conference, and two games against other in-conference teams, not against the division you're set to play, based on the standings the respective team finished. For example, the Bengals play six games in the AFC North, four games in the NFC East, four games in the AFC South, and games against the Chiefs and Jets (teams that finished in the same position in the standings as the Bengals in the AFC West and East). The eight games scheduled against other divisions is rotational.

If the league added a seventeenth game, where does that 17th game come from? Would they play with the idea of adding a third game against a league rival? Perhaps the 17th game would be a fifth game against an opposing conference on a rotational basis that's not scheduled as the original four based on where they finished in the standings the season before? No matter. Long story short, the league would have to find a formula that agrees with the one that exists now.

It's not that I don't want to see more meaningful football games. I just see too many hurdles to really think it's worth it. The league is doing it simply to make a good chunk of change, likely after a renegotiating television contracts to include that 17th game. However, the league pays smarter people than I to come up with good solutions, I'm sure of it.

Poll

Do you think the NFL should go to a 17-game regular season?

Monday morning links and notes

Kirkendall — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:18:34 -0000

If the latest poll is any indication, there's a deep divide between Bengals fans. You have the people that concerned with what they've seen in the preseason, but realize that preseason is preseason -- a period in which teams are still implementing schemes, offenses are still working on their timing and communication (see offensive line), and defenses are playing game-speed, still working on their Mike Zimmer aggressiveness. Then you have those that have zero hope for this season, based on what they've seen through the first three games of the preseason.

In the poll, 40% view this season already as a miserable failure. However, 46% of you haven't change your opinion that the preseason is meaningless, though you're justifiably concerned. Another 12% really don't care what happens right now.

However, the more interesting (and a justified position) is that no one, not a single person, thought that the coaches could fix whatever problems this team is dealing with.

The first roster cut down day is tomorrow (Tuesday, the 26th). The Bengals have 76 players on their roster and will need to cut one to hit the maximum. The big roster cut down day is August 30th (Saturday), where we'll learn the team's active 53-man roster.

Prag is liking the progression of our defense, but points out that there's a lot more work to do.

Palmer is questionable against Indianapolis after suffering a broken bone in his nose. He'll be ready by kickoff weekend.

Chick Ludwig writes that Armageddon will start against the Ravens.

Clyde Logan handed his #15 to Chris Henry and picked up #12.

William Rhoden of the New York Times examines the Bengals signing Chris Henry.

Sunday afternoon links and notes -- Bengals are not ready for regular season

Kirkendall — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:31:56 -0000

Did you know: Three of the past four Super Bowl Champions finished their respective Super Bowl seasons with a 1-3 record during the pre-season.

The one positive spin I can throw at you is that I still don't have the impression that this football team lacks talent. The same offensive line that set a franchise record low for 17 sacks allowed, is still intact. We have three incredibly talented wide receivers out right now, likely returning soon, while the team (and fans) see Chris Perry and Ben Utecht as upgrades over their respective positions last season.

Preseason is still meaningless. That's not changed.

What happened Saturday night was awful; there's no way to conclude otherwise. Though if you watch the game carefully, the problems incurred wasn't the result of a talent-less group of players (except for perhaps wide receiver). It was mental mistakes, an effort that makes the description of piss-poor an understatement, and bad communication amongst the offensive line. It was lacking our three best wide receivers, a power running back and flawed protection schemes by the Bengals offensive coordinator. It was using a manila philosophy on offense and testing their progress with the implementation of an aggressive defense. As a result, the Bengals couldn't rush the ball with any consistency while passing to wide receivers that are lower than fourth on the depth chart who failed to create any separation against the Saints defensive backs.

Saturday night was a preseason game, clearly displaying the team's un-readiness for the regular season. Saturday night was the failing interim before the quarterly report card. Yet, it's best that this performance happened in August, rather than any of the proceeding 4-5 months.

The bad performances in the past two weeks is, I truly believe, the lack of preparation. Perhaps the result of starting training camp later than other teams. In truth, the Bengals have less than two weeks to get the problems with their offensive line resolved with the inclusion of Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rudi Johnson and Chris Henry by kickoff weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. There's still plenty of time to fix things.

There's no reason why we should suddenly believe that preseason games means anything. Of the previous five preseasons, the Bengals have one winning record. In 2006, they finished the preseason undefeated, yet finished the season 8-8. In 2005, the Bengals finished the preseason 2-2, yet finished 11-5. In 2004 and 2003, the Bengals finished 8-8, yet in the preseason of those seasons they went 2-2 (2003) and 1-3 (2004).

I realize that the issue right now is primarily an assault against our hope. After the past two weeks, the Bengals have provided none. They've invited rants and opinion that the Bengals are back to their old-style of being lifeless, talent-less, coach-less and down right horrible. And in truth, that's exactly how they've looked.

No doubt I'm in the minority -- I'm not the type of person that wants to complain incessantly, or childishly attack other bloggers for having an opinion or point of view that doesn't agree with my own. All I'm trying to say to you is that we have one pre-season game to go, before a 16-game meaningful regular season. Bad losses happen to all teams, as well as hopeless efforts during the preseason that translates to absolutely nothing in the regular season.

Last night was a bad loss, but it's better that it happens during the third game of the preseason than at any point during the regular season. If September is a repeat of August, then we're absolutely in trouble. But we haven't hit September yet.

All I'm trying to say to you is that now is a good time to reset, for us as fans. And all that we've learned of this team right now is that they're not ready for the regular season. Thankfully, they still have a chance to fix things -- though you'd be right to be pessimistic that our coaching staff and the attitude of the players are capable of changing anything. And that's my biggest concern, not how they're losing in preseason games.

Moving on...

Paul Daugherty said that Palmer looked Klingler-ized in the first half.

Levi Jones after the game: "I'll tell you what makes me angry, seeing my quarterback get up off the ground. That's what will infuriate me at any point in time. Especially seeing blood. I'm highly pissed off about that."

He continues: "I'm highly upset right now. There's going to be hell to pay this week, without question."

The Bengals pass rush has been nearly nonexistent, enabling the opposing team's offense to average 7.3 yards per pass and five touchdown passes.

Bob Bratkowski on the lack of protection for Palmer: "I don't think you can put most of that on the offensive line. Our backs missed a bunch of protections. The quarterback(s) missed a bunch of hot throws. The tight end missed protection a couple of times. That's not on the offensive line. That goes on the backs, the quarterback, the tight ends."

Jerry Magee takes Mike Brown to task. " It must have occurred to you as it did to me after Mike Brown stunningly, and I think wrongly, returned Chris Henry to the good graces of the Cincinnati Bengals: his father would not have done that."

Poll

Which of the following represents your current view on the Bengals?

After further review: Documenting the offensive line

Kirkendall — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:55:58 -0000

At first, I thought last night's offensive problems was a total and complete failure on the offensive line to protect Carson Palmer. There's some truth to that, but not totally. After watching the game again Sunday morning, I realized that the sum of the failure to protect Palmer, was mental mistakes (like missed assignments) and flawed protection schemes (major problem here). It wasn't like the line was manhandled (some were, we'll get to that later). The Saints did a good job overloading with schemes and stunts, while Bob Bratkowski failed at adjusting the protection schemes to STOP exposing Palmer to massive hits. Several times when Palmer was hit, the Bengals sent five people into routes, leaving Palmer alone with the offensive line, who weren't able to prevent the Saints from passing rushing, mostly by over-loading blitzes and adding confusing stunts. I agree with the assessment that 100% of the blame can't be put on the offensive line.

The following is broken up; first pointing out the the times that Palmer was knocked down and the second showing just out awful of a time Eric Ghiaciuc had run blocking. I tried to keep it clean, but I couldn't get it to flow. There's a lot of data here that kind of requires your imagination (at least the ability to see what I'm describing) and ability to go back and forth through the first half. In other words, I didn't go from the start to finish in the first half, instead I'm all over the place.

HIT ON PALMER #1
On third and seven at the Cincinnati 47-yard line with 3:00 left in the first quarter, Palmer lined up in shotgun. The Saints brought five, sending their right defensive end into zone coverage. Perry picked up the blitzing safety off the right edge while Stacy Andrews locked up with the defensive end. Bobbie Williams and Eric Ghiaciuc worked on one defensive tackle while Whitworth and Levi Jones worked on the other. The blitzing linebacker sprinted through a gap between Ghiaciuc and Whitworth. Sadly, neither player made a move on the linebacker and Palmer was blown up as a result. In truth, Ghiaciuc was locked up with his tackle (Bobbie Williams was behind Ghiaciuc watching) while Andrew Whitworth had his hand on Jones' back watching the tackle totally ignoring the blitzing linebacker.

ANALYSIS: I put this one on the offensive line. This wasn't a defeat physically, as much as it was a missed assignment, mental error type of thing. Ghiaciuc should have called something to prepare for the blitz and Whitworth should have kept his eyes up field. Blitzes happen, and in a lot of cases, they are hidden before the snap. Not only did the Bengals fail to see the blitz before the snap, but the line failed to react when he came.

HIT ON PALMER #2 (and near hit)
On first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 34-yard line with 12:00 left in the second quarter, Palmer and the offense lined up off-set I-formation, strong side right (Reggie Kelly at tight end off the right tackle) with Daniel Coats at fullback and Chris Perry at running back. At the snap, Coats ran a pattern into flats to the right. Perry ran to Palmer's right, which was a horrible effort at play-action, helping the offensive line block two guys up the middle -- likely a reaction to the earlier hit with a blitzing linebacker up the middle. The right outside linebacker blitzed, picked up by Levi Jones while the defensive end stunted to his left, picked up by Andrew Whitworth. Essentially, no one was left to block Kevin Kaesviharn, blitzing off the edge. You can blame Palmer on this one, not seeing the blitz coming and adjusting so there's a hat on Kaesviharn. The hit was just a good defensive call, blitzing where no Bengals were left to block him. Palmer didn't see it coming before the snap and the play was dead before ever starting.

ANALYSIS: You can easily credit the Saints, as you could blame Palmer for not recognizing the blitz. I'm not blaming the line on this one. The Saints overloaded the right side, and the offensive line put a hat on someone -- of which, no one came close to Palmer. If you want to blame Palmer, you can, for not recognizing the blitz and calling a hot read. At the same time, it's awfully difficult to recognize a blitz by a safety unless they are on the line of scrimmage, which Kaesviharn was not. Therefore, it's probably best to conclude that the Saints called the perfect defensive play on the sack that lost six yards.

On the next play, Palmer, with plenty of protection, hit Perry on a quick pass up the middle. On third-and-ten, Palmer lined up in shotgun with Utecht on his left and Perry on his right. The Saints brought six, two blitzing linebackers with the front four. Andrews and Jones pushed their defensive ends out and Palmer was cleared once he stepped up in the pocket. Whitworth picked up one of blitzing linebackers. The play only called for all five offensive linemen to protect Palmer -- everyone else went into routes. The last blitzing linebacker found a gap between Ghiaciuc and Williams, sprinting through the lane and almost hitting Palmer. Luckily, the linebacker just missed. Bengals punt.

ANALYSIS: Even though Palmer wasn't knocked down, the blitzing linebacker still penetrated to Palmer forcing the incomplete.

PALMER BECOMES MORE AWARE OF RUSHERS INSTEAD OF RECEIVERS
On third-and-ten at the Cincinnati 12-yard line with 7:00 left in the first half, Palmer in shotgun had over four seconds to make a pass. On that fourth second, Charles Grant hit Palmer's peripheral vision and forced an odd throw (Palmer did some scissor-like thing with his legs) to Perry over the middle, picking up five yards. Bengals punt. At this point, you get the impression that Palmer is more aware of the pass rushers than his receiver's routes.

PALMER HIT #3
The Bengals fourth possession start at the Bengals 23-yard line with 4:29 left in the first half. Palmer drops back, while Reggie Kelly and Chris Perry (in I-formation) run off Palmer's left side into routes. This was the death of this play resulting in another hit on Palmer (and sack). Though that's questionable if it was a sack because Palmer's knee never hits the ground (OK, it was totally a blown call by the refs, but it's pre-season and the refs are likely trying to protect the players). Still, Palmer was rushed, nearly brought down and forced to run -- and Palmer can't run.

The Saints rushed their front four and the Bengals offensive line couldn't keep them from getting to Palmer. Levi Jones had his guy, pushing him deep into the backfield -- as most good tackles do to an end that wants to sprint around them. The problem appeared when the two Saints defensive tackles stunted. The left defensive tackle, in the gap between Bobbie Williams and Eric Ghiaciuc, ran to his right to Ghiaciuc's left shoulder while the other waited momentarily, then looping around. Whitworth chased his defensive tackle, whereas he probably should have let the tackle go, picking up the one that hit Ghiaciuc's left shoulder -- and Ghiaciuc picks up the man that looped around.

In truth, this sack was just a miserable failure with the communication and cooperation of the offensive line working together.

ANALYSIS: On this play, I came to realize that the Bengals offensive line (mostly the guards and center), are having a hell of a time picking up stunts and blitzes. Man on man, the line is just fine. But they are easily getting confused, failing to communicate with each other.

On the next play, Utecht picks up ten yards on a quick pass to Palmer. The Saints blitzed the linebacker off the left tackle and no one picked him. This was poor design by the Bengals offense with Jones picking up the defensive end and Chris Perry running a route in the right flats. Unless Eric Ghiaciuc picks up the defensive tackle and Andrew Whitworth drops back behind Jones to pick up the linebacker (which only happens in video games), this play was doomed. And that's by design. Palmer saw the blitz coming and let the pass go on his third step.

Analysis: Bad design.

On third-and-eight, Palmer in shotgun with Utecht and Watson flanking him, threw a beautiful pass to Antonio Chatman fading on the right for a 19-yard gain. Palmer had plenty of time.

PALMER HIT #4
After a minimal Perry rush up the middle, Palmer threw a pass that wasn't picked off after Jerome Simpson molested the defensive back. It was a good play by Simpson to become the defender, preventing the turnover with just over two minutes left in the first half.

Palmer was hit on the play. Under center, with Perry the lone back in the backfield, Palmer fakes the handoff and throws deep to his left. The blitzing linebacker came from the Palmer's right side, where Reggie Kelly lined up and left for a pass route. Perry ran to Palmer's right, also running a route.

The Saints' left defensive end and left defensive tackle ran a stunt. The defensive end ran around the defensive tackle, picked up by Williams. The defensive tackle ran straight for Willie Anderson to free up the blitzing linebacker of the edge. The stunt worked primarily because the tackle occupied Anderson. With only five blockers, two occupied after a stunt where the blitzing linebacker attacked, Palmer was forced to throw a rainbow pass that was nearly picked off. The offensive pass interference on Simpson forced the Bengals into a second-and-17, which the Bengals couldn't pick up and were forced to punt.

SUGGESTION: The Bengals need to keep more men blockers in for Palmer.

PALMER HIT #5 AND BLOODY NOSE
Bengals get the ball back after a three-and-out by the Saints offense, with 1:06 left in the half at the Cincinnati 36-yard line. After a quick pass to Utecht, Palmer spikes the ball to stop the clock.

On second-and-ten at the Cincinnati 48-yard line, Palmer lined up in shotgun, with two wide receivers on the left, another on the right, and no tight ends. Utecht lined up to Palmer's left and ran a route. Reggie Kelly, lined up to Palmer's right, stepped up in the pocket to help block. The linebacker and safety (Kaesviharn), targeted their blitz between Ghiaciuc and Anderson. Williams pushed the defensive tackle to Ghiaciuc, who was a non-factor. Williams turned to the blitzing linebacker, already picked up by Reggie Kelly. Willie Anderson took the defensive end out. This created a MASSIVE gap for which Kaesviharn to make his assault (and sack) on Palmer. The defensive end on Anderson made the hit on Palmer that forced the bleeding.

ANALYSIS: Kelly likely should have taken Kaesviharn (or the outside blitzer) while Williams, already free after handing off the tackle to Ghiaciuc, picked up the blitzing linebacker.

Levi Jones false started on the next play and flipped out at Eric Ghiaciuc (segue comes next). After a handoff and punt, the half was over.

GHIACIUC CANT BLOCK ON RUNS
On the first offensive possession, Antonio Chatman had the ball stripped with a soft tap from Indiana rookie Tracy Porter on an end-around. Glenn Holt dove on the ball after a horrible effort by Chatman to secure the ball. On the second play, the Bengals lined up double-TE and run behind Andrew Whitworth for a minimal two-yard gain. Kendrick Clancey (the guy Eric Ghiaciuc was blocking) spun around and made the first contact with Perry. After Stacy Andrews was flagged for a false start, Palmer overthrew Jerome Simpson and nearly had the ball intercepted by Mike McKenzie. The Bengals were force to punt. Note on the first possession that Palmer wasn't hit and the pass he three on third down, he had plenty of time because the Saints only brought the front four.

After the Saints took a 10-point lead, Perry rushed the ball behind Bobbie Williams with 5:57 left in the first quarter. Well, he tried to. Perry ran into Ghiaciuc, going backwards where Perry was forced to redirect to the left. Kendrick Clancey (the guy Ghiaciuc was blocking), shed off the block and made the tackle. On Perry's first two runs, Clancey was credited for both tackles. On second and seven, Palmer in off-set I (strong side right), called an audible (likely forcing the called run from left to right), and handed off to Perry running off-tackle to the right. Clancey made the tackle again, but it was Andrew Whitworth's guy this time. Whitworth was forced to take a large step to his right to cut off Clancey who was lined up in the gap to Whitworth's right. Clancey just shed to his right and filled the gap for the stop. You could blame Ghiaciuc (kind of the theme going on here) by not impeding Clancey's first step, one way or another. But that's simply a perception you can make for yourself.

On third down, Palmer completed a 16-yard pass to Ben Utecht for the first down. The Saints only brought their front four and never touched Palmer. On the next play, Palmer hit Perry running in the flats to the left; Palmer was untouched. On second down, Kendrick Clancey stood up Eric Ghiaciuc, threw him to the ground and stuffed Perry at the line of scrimmage.

The Bengals third possession started with 7:33 left in the second quarter with first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 12-yard line. Standard I-formation, Perry took the handoff and ran right-side of the center. When the play was over, Eric Ghiaciuc was laying on his back four yards down field.

QUICK HITS
On first-and-ten at the Cincinnati 14-yard line with 13:11 in the second quarter, Chatman lined up on the left, took two steps back, caught the quick pass and picked up nine yards. The Bengals called the same play, instead passing to Ben Utecht on the right for an 11-yard gain. This was about the closest thing the Bengals offense had for momentum in the first half.

FINALLY
All in all, that was one of the worst games I've ever seen during the Marvin Lewis era Bengals. Pre-season or not, that's just horrible. Exactly what are we supposed to get excited about with that offense? The defense played as well as they've been asked to. After giving up 10 points in the first two possessions, the Saints were shutout.

Still, the story of the game was Palmer's bloody nose, and the inability to get anything going. The second half wasn't much better, but we didn't much care anyway because the focus now is that the first team offense is playing so awful. You can claim injury to the starting wide receivers, if you want. And this team takes a huge hit when both go down.

Either way, if this is a dress rehersal of things to come, then this season will be long and painful.