Despite losing to the New Orleans Saints in their NFL preseason opener 17-7, the Cincinnati Bengals had a lot to be happy about. Most significantly, they were elated over the return of QB Carson Palmer after hed missed most of the last NFL season with an elbow injury. Palmers play"133 yards on 7 of 11 passing"gave them even more to be happy about despite being on the wrong end of the final score.
New Orleans had their share of offensive highlights, with QB Drew Brees hooking up with tight end Jeremy Shockey for three completions including Shockeys first touchdown reception in a Saints uniform. Brees backup, Mark Brunell, also played well and tossed a 64 yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham.
Saints fans were well aware that their QB would produce after hanging over 5,000 yards on the board last year, but Palmers return brought a sigh of relief from Bengal backers. Palmer missed 12 games last season because of a partially torn ligament and tendon in his passing elbow. His passing highlight was a 55 yard play to Chad Ochocinco.
After Shockeys TD staked the Saints to a 7-0 lead, the Bengals tied the game before halftime when Palmers backup J.T. O'Sullivan hit Chris Henry on a 14 yard touchdown pass.
The Bengals will continue their NFL preseason this Thursday as they travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts for a game against the New England Patriots. The Saints will also play away from home, heading over to Houston for a game against the Texans on Saturday. Both teams begin NFL regular season play on Sunday, September 13th. The Bengals will host the Denver Broncos, while the Saints welcome the Detroit Lions to The Big Easy.
New Orleans had their share of offensive highlights, with QB Drew Brees hooking up with tight end Jeremy Shockey for three completions including Shockeys first touchdown reception in a Saints uniform. Brees backup, Mark Brunell, also played well and tossed a 64 yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham.
Saints fans were well aware that their QB would produce after hanging over 5,000 yards on the board last year, but Palmers return brought a sigh of relief from Bengal backers. Palmer missed 12 games last season because of a partially torn ligament and tendon in his passing elbow. His passing highlight was a 55 yard play to Chad Ochocinco.
After Shockeys TD staked the Saints to a 7-0 lead, the Bengals tied the game before halftime when Palmers backup J.T. O'Sullivan hit Chris Henry on a 14 yard touchdown pass.
The Bengals will continue their NFL preseason this Thursday as they travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts for a game against the New England Patriots. The Saints will also play away from home, heading over to Houston for a game against the Texans on Saturday. Both teams begin NFL regular season play on Sunday, September 13th. The Bengals will host the Denver Broncos, while the Saints welcome the Detroit Lions to The Big Easy.
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a consulting handicapper for Sports-1 and an authority on thoroughbred horse racing and internet sports betting . He's a published expert on handicapping theory, as well as financial investment strategy. He contributes to a number of websites providing insight on how to bet on NFL football, mixed martial arts and boxing.
