Broncos 12, Bengals 7: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Still in a state of disbelief after yesterday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, I am going to attempt to compile a list of positives and negatives regarding the Cincinnati Bengals’ opening game. So, here it is: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good

I was very impressed with the Bengals’ defense. The attitude and intensity that Mike Zimmer has them playing with is something we haven’t seen in Cincinnati for some time. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga are the type of players that opposing offenses fear.

It was nice to see Carson Palmer on the field. When given the opportunity to throw the ball downfield, he did so with authority. Palmer is so effective when he throws the ball past the first-down marker.

The scoring drive at the end of the game was magnificent. He ended up with two interceptions, but one was a tipped ball and the other was the Hail Mary at the end of the game.

Many people, including myself, have been talking about a rejuvenated Chad Ochocinco. We saw it yesterday with some nice grabs and yardage after the catch.

The Bad

With apologies to Bengals fans who have already heard this broken record, I will say again that offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is horrible.

Why does he continue to handcuff his quarterback?

Trying to be a running team and having Palmer throw the ball from sideline to sideline is an absolute joke. Chris Henry was thrown to twice.

The Bengals rushed for 86 yards. Palmer was sacked three times. The offensive line must improve. A lot.

Laveranues Coles was brought in to replace the sure-handed T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Coles was the opposite of what fans often got from Houshmandzadeh, dropping two passes and managing just one catch for 11 yards.

The Ugly

The Bengals were ready to take the lead, when long snapper Brad St. Louis snapped the ball past the holder and eliminated Shayne Graham’s field goal opportunity.

Brandon Stokley’s touchdown at the end of the game was a fluke, but where was Roy Williams? Why wasn’t he at the Cincinnati 40-yard line making sure nobody got by him?

I am sure there is some explanation to this picture from the Cincinnati Enquirer. Why are the Bengals’ cheerleaders cheering as Stokley runs for a touchdown?

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