Thoughts on Bengals Preseason Opener

I am fully aware that the Bengals are at a tipping point. They, along with teams like the Panthers, Saints, Ravens and Cardinals, are capable of going 11-5, but also capable of going 5-11. However, there were several positives to give me hope for the season. Here are my thoughts:

1) The first team offense looked very solid. Dalton was getting the ball out quick. Hill looked fresh and healthy for a change and Mixon looks like a star in the making. All of this was done against a very good Bucs defense.

2) Young studs on defense look the part. Lawson and Willis both look incredible. Vigil was all over the field and making plays. The front office did a great job reloading the defense and offense this draft. As always, health will play a major role.

3) The offensive line looked serviceable. With the firepower we have on offense that's all we need them to be.

4) The front office will have some very hard decisions to make. We have some old reliables that haven't been very reliable. In the past the team has shown a tendency to hold onto those guys instead of moving to youth. I think this year that needs to change. Cut Michael Johnson who is a shell of himself. Let Andre Smith be a backup in favor of Hopkins. 

5) If the reports are true, the Bengals made a horrible mistake turning down a 2nd-rounder for McCarron! Dalton will likely have his spot for at least the next three seasons. It's unlikely the team will keep three QBs and with how Driskell played, he won't clear waivers. Driskell looks like he could be the guy in the future, but he is raw. If he sat behind Dalton for a couple years and then took over if Dalton doesn't take the next step, then he could be a star. He has a cannon, he's big, he's elusive and seems to have good vision. I hope he doesn't end up a star for another team.

Overall they looked good. I am excited for the future of this team. Who Dey!