The Bengals will be tracking a storm expected to roll through downtown around 7:30 p.m. ET after the 7 p.m. kickoff. There’s a chance for a lightning delay and also a chance for a storm to cause issues on the back end of the projected game finish as well. All eyes on the radar.
As for on the field, here are three things I’ll be watching tonight.
1) No shenanigans, Joe. Last year during a preseason game in Washington, Burrow was scrambling backwards, evading linemen and taking a big sack 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. It prompted Joe Buck to exclaim, “Go down, Joe, it’s August.” Burrow needs to learn from that experience as he plays tonight. No crazy scrambles, no taking hits, just clean drops, get the ball out, then get out of the game.
2) Backup offensive line? The Bengals like what they have returning all five starters up front, but there are questions behind them. How well does the protection hold up for Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford? Will anybody show well at offensive tackle behind the starters? Can rookie Brian Parker II look the part as he transitions inside? Cincinnati could use a positive night from that group.
3) No missed tackles from the starters. However long the first team plays, they need to look the part. That group was overwhelmed in preseason games last year, with missed tackles the primary culprit. That followed them deep into the regular season. Can a new group start with a new image? That image involves disrupting the passer and not missing tackles. I’m looking at you, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
