Could the upcomming week 2 preseason game vs. the JETS be the biggest preseason game in franchise history?

The Bengals debut of their new west coast offense lead by the young Andy Dalton was less than spectacular. The Lions D-Line got consistent pressure up the gut shedding more light on the weakness of this offensive attack . The Bengals did run the ball affectively with Benson gaining 37 yards on 6 carries. This was the only bright spot outside of AJ Green's play while on the field. Dalton seemed to settle down oddly enough after Sue tried to behead our ginger warrior. Showing great accuracy as a passer and solid poise overall.

The interior of the O-line is scary and leaks more than my 1 year old daughters diaper. The blame falls on the guards by most of the fans but Cook somehow seems to get a pass. People need to remember he is the play caller and anchor of this unit. Livings is the scapegoat but looks down right cut worthy and the mayor Bobbie is getting bashed for his pass protection. I am happy with Andre and Andrew holding down the edges. Either way I think the Bengals do need to open the competition up full force for the interior starters on this O-Line.

The defense got scorched and gave up 34 when all was said and done the the Lions. Rey's debut in the middle was solid and he looks allot stronger. I see a surge in forced fumbles for Rey this season. Atkins was another player who flashed some skills that was a positive. The secondary was ineffective and the pass rush was a joke. Both can be blamed for each others woes but lets face it both need work. Zimmer has his hands full and better hope some of these young guys are ready to be leaders.

With that being said most of the fans are acting like we are close to being the joke of the entire NFL again. I know it is only preseason and I hope the pressure is not looming as large as it seems but this week two match up with the JETS is big. I don't care who you are it should anger you as a man to give up 34 and only answer by scoring 3. That score indicates to me a major lack of effort and a unwillingness to win the one on one battles. This team needs to come out and play a tight football game from start to finish. I think the pressure is all ready on this very young team. Lets see how they react and I hope the answer the bell. The JETS will bring their A game and the O-Line as well as Dalton will be tested. Does ticket sales and overall fan support hinge on this one game? Will the fans give up and break out the paper bags again? I hope not but I think a solid performance and a win will go a long way.

I will say this to my fellow Bengals fans please be patient. Dalton will make mistakes but you have to support the young man. Do not boo him off the field if he struggles. He is a rookie but do not underestimate the effect the fan base has on a young player. I know the team is bigger than one man but to be a confident young leader you need support. This team needs Andy Dalton to be that guy if they want to compete this season.