Tonight the New England Patriots take on the Cincinnati Bengals as both teams play the second game of the preseason. It was announced a couple of days ago that Carson Palmer would not play in this game since he suffered a high ankle practice at camp. This with the news that Tom Brady will play extended minutes again has got the odds makers attention. The line has risen 3-4 points in some places and the Patriots hover around a 7-8 point favorite attracting early action on the Patriots.
Without Carson Palmer off the field, JT O? Sullivan will get most of the playing time, but that is not a bad thing. He looked pretty good against New Orleans going 9 for 11 from the field. O?Sullivan works well with a short slating passing game and that will open up deep routes and allow the Patriot secondary to be exposed at times to Chris Henry on post or fly patterns. The Bengals will work the running game with Cedric Benson and give the offensive line a solid test. Before you think the Patriot defense will be up to the task, keep in mind that they allowed over 400 yards in the first game to the Eagles. This may keep the back door open in this game and the points will come in handy down the stretch.
The Bengals defense is not too shabby. They have talented corners and a stout defensive line. I don?t look for them to shut out the Pats but I think they will keep it close enough in the first half to make a difference in the second half.
Quick name Tom Brady?s backup! If you don?t know you shouldn?t be betting on him or the Patriots giving right around a touchdown in this game. The Bengals third string quarterback is Jordan Palmer and the difference is that the Bengals knew Palmer would not play so they have worked the offense to focus on these quarterbacks. I would not be surprised if the Bengals even sneak out the win!
Bengals +6.5
~Matt
Without Carson Palmer off the field, JT O? Sullivan will get most of the playing time, but that is not a bad thing. He looked pretty good against New Orleans going 9 for 11 from the field. O?Sullivan works well with a short slating passing game and that will open up deep routes and allow the Patriot secondary to be exposed at times to Chris Henry on post or fly patterns. The Bengals will work the running game with Cedric Benson and give the offensive line a solid test. Before you think the Patriot defense will be up to the task, keep in mind that they allowed over 400 yards in the first game to the Eagles. This may keep the back door open in this game and the points will come in handy down the stretch.
The Bengals defense is not too shabby. They have talented corners and a stout defensive line. I don?t look for them to shut out the Pats but I think they will keep it close enough in the first half to make a difference in the second half.
Quick name Tom Brady?s backup! If you don?t know you shouldn?t be betting on him or the Patriots giving right around a touchdown in this game. The Bengals third string quarterback is Jordan Palmer and the difference is that the Bengals knew Palmer would not play so they have worked the offense to focus on these quarterbacks. I would not be surprised if the Bengals even sneak out the win!
Bengals +6.5
~Matt
