Aug

12

Let the Games Begin

Posted by Greg Stephens

August 12, 2008 |

On the national stage of Monday Night Football, the Cincinnati Bengals opened up the preseason by defeating the Favre-less Green Bay Packers 20-17 at vaunted Lambeau Field.

While the eyes of a nation were on newly coronated starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the eyes of Cincinnati Bengals fans were looking for signs of hope that 2008 would be a return to glory for the boys in stripes, counterbalancing the disappointing seasons that were 2006 and 2007.

While very little can be told by one preseason game, several positive aspects shine for Bengals fans.  For starters, Chris Perry looked very good against Green Bay’s first and second defenses, recording over forty yards and making an impressive charge into the end zone for a touchdown.  What Bengals fans may celebrate more than the performance and the numbers representing his play, however, may be the fact that Chris Perry logged a significant amount of playing time and did not get injured.  He didn’t aggravate any old injuries and, if the remaining three games of the preseason go as smooth, looks to be ready to finally play football–a development Bengals Nation eagerly anticipates.

Newly acquired tight end Ben Utecht also looked very good in his Bengals preseason debut.  Utecht provided the Bengals with another short route receiving option and also contributed by catching Carson Palmer’s first touchdown pass of 2008.  His hands are very good, and he adds a dimension to the Bengals pass offense that has sorely lacked for years.  Combined with a rejuvenated Chris Perry, the Bengals playbook should expand greatly from 2007 due to the increase in legitimate receivers.

The defense, while spotty on certain pass coverages and missing some key tackles, showed a form reminiscent of 2005 by turning up two key interceptions, two sacks on Aaron Rodgers and a fumble recovery that killed the Packers last chance to tie or win the game.

There are still many unknowns for the 2008 Cincinnati Bengals.  How will Rudi Johnson perform upon his return?  Who will prove to be the Bengals’ third receiver?  Will three linebackers emerge as the clear starters to anchor the defensive line?  Hopefully, as the preseason progresses, these questions will answer themselves to the good for Bengals fans.  For now, the team has to take all of the positives and build on those.


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Barbara Flick on August 20, 2008 3:46 pm

    Gold Star Chili Teams Up with the Bengals
    Season opens with Bengals Tailgater Mugs, Stormtrooper and a chance to win tickets to a home game

    CINCINNATI, OH — [August 19, 2008] — Gold Star Chili, the official chili of the Cincinnati Bengals, will be kicking off the 2008 football season with new offerings for fans of the Jungle.

    Starting August 25, Bengals Tailgater Mugs, featuring two versions of the team’s distinctive snarling tiger logo, are available at all Gold Star Chili locations while supplies last. With the purchase of a combo meal, a Bengals Tailgater Mug will cost $1.49; without a purchase, $2.99. The 32 oz. mug fits in a cup holder and features a handle, travel lid and reusable accordion straw.

    In addition, with every purchase of a Bengals Tailgater Mug, customers receive an entry form for a drawing to win two tickets to the Bengals home game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 30.

    To top off the Gold Star Chili Bengals celebration—starting next month, fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the ultimate Bengals fan “The Stormtrooper” in Gold Star Chili’s fall advertising campaign.

    Gold Star Chili has been the official chili of the Bengals since 2000.

    ABOUT GOLD STAR CHILI
    Gold Star Chili, the official chili of the Cincinnati Bengals, was established in 1965 by the four Daoud brothers. The first Gold Star Chili was located in Mt. Washington, and it was here that the brothers settled on the recipe that has become one of Cincinnati’s classic tastes. To this day, the spice blend is a closely guarded secret. Gold Star now has more than 100 restaurants located throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and operates concessions at Paul Brown Stadium, Children’s Hospital, and the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. To join the Gold Star Chili eClub or for more information, please visit http://www.goldstarchili.com.

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