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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > August > 09 > Entry
Bengals practice notes
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — I was back in Georgetown, Ky. over the weekend for the Bengals Friday evening Intrasquad Scrimmage and Saturday’s Mock Game. The two events were considered tune-ups in preparation for the team’s first preseason game Friday, August 14, against the New Orleans Saints. The Bengals performed in the smoldering heat of Georgetown with temperatures reaching in the 90s. Bengal fans helped stay cool with hand fans courtesy of the Dayton Daily News.
Here are some observations from the weekend training camp:
O’Henry
Wide receiver Chris Henry has dropped his fare share of passes during practice, but come game time he’s money in the bank. Henry made a nice one-hand grab in the back right corner of the end zone in the Mock Game, but was unable to keep both feet in bounds.
Henry’s number was called again on a later drive in the red zone on the same play. This time the pass was thrown to the left back corner of the end zone. Henry snagged the pass and appeared to tap both feet inbounds for the touchdown, but the referee didn’t see it that way and signaled out of bounds. Where’s instant reply when you need it?
This play was a staple for the Bengals offense allowing Henry to use his athleticism and leaping ability to go up and over defenders in the endzone.
Listen up all you Fantasy Football knuckleheads. If you’re looking for a touchdown stealer late in the draft Chris Henry may be your guy. He will see a lot of action in the red zone as the team has demonstrated in camp.
Draft day steal
Rookie defensive end Michael Johnson lit it up during the Intrasquad Scrimmage recording back-to-back sacks. He also fared well in run support shedding his blocks quickly to get in on the tackle. Johnson dinged his shoulder during the Friday night scrimmage and took the field a day later. However, he wasn’t as effective rushing the passer in the Saturday’s Mock Game for obvious reasons, but did have a pass defense when he batted down a pass at the line from his outside linebacker position. The Bengals plan to use Johnson in a number of ways on defense and not just as a pass rusher. Johnson is a very intelligent player and knows all the coverages.
Mixed reviews
Quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan completed five out of 14 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Mock Game. He hooked up with wide receiver Jerome Simpson on a 63-yard bomb for the score. Prior to that O’Sullivan overshot Simpson, who was streaking down the middle of the field open. The receiver made a diving attempt to make the catch but couldn’t come up with the play. The quarterback also overthrew a wide open tight end Matt Sherry on an out route.
I will say this about O’Sullivan: He uses his feet extremely well and does a nice job eluding the rush. O’Sullivan scored a nine-yard touchdown off a play-action fake in the intrasquad scrimmage.
Kids Say the Darndest Things
After practice was over Friday morning a little boy, cute as a button, stood with everyone else waiting to get the autograph of his favorite Bengals player, running back Cedric Benson. The crowd began chanting Cedric, Cedric, Cedric, as he made his way over to them. Benson started signing autographs and when he got to the little boy, the little boy said, “I don’t know about you, Mr. Cedric, but Benson is the best running back I have ever seen.” Too cute! Benson could do nothing but laugh, as did everyone else.
Keep checking Big C’s NFL Blitz for updates on the Bengals training camp throughout the week.
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Comments
By Esther
August 9, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this
How cute is that? I’m sure that ended up in Benson’s diary that night! :)
By Drew
August 10, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Hey Big C, When are they going to sign Andre Smith? What is up with Jason Shirley moving from DT to guard?
By nyc
August 10, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
why do the bungals continue to have training camps???….they are the only franchise in the league..that train to lose…incredible waste of time and money..
By Ryan D
August 11, 2009 4:42 AM | Link to this
I’d laugh too if I heard someone say that Cedric Benson was the best running back they had ever seen. Seriously though…WHO-DEY!!!
By islebfrank
August 11, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
By nyc August 10, 2009 1:03 PM “why do the bungals continue to have training camps???….they are the only franchise in the league..that train to lose…incredible waste of time and money..” And if there’s one thing you’re a proven expert on, it is wasting time.