As the preseason draws closer I thought I'd give some recent observations.

Last week I went down to Georgetown twice, first with Kicks for Kids, the organization that Doug Pelfrey founded. We took about 35 kids who got an up close and personal look.  “Man those guys are big” was a common refrain. The kids got to meet Shayne Graham who is also a member of Kicks for Kids, and some of the other players. They were in awe.

On Friday, the Hauser group, the company I work for had our 12th trip to Georgetown. We usually have anywhere from 250 to as many as 500 in attendance.  Many autographs were had and many smiling faces went home.

After two trips I thought I would give some feedback as to what I saw and heard.
First off, I am very impressed with the defense. Sure, it is early and the offense is running their basic formations. However, it was more of the aggressiveness and speed that caught my eye. If this D can play fast and aggressive they can compete.

I also noticed that there is no room for mistakes with Mike Zimmer leading the D.  As you know, in the NFL if you are playing fast, aggressively and in the right place, good things will happen on the field. If you are making mistakes, you will be a lot closer to the Gatorade than the field; accountability.  The teaching that is going on is exceptional.  You might think these guys know what they are doing, but it certainly hasn't worked out the last few years. Build confidence and a belief level.

The O should be fine, the line is healthy and the run game should be better. The passing game should be excellent as long as Chad and TJ stay healthy. Finding the 3rd wideout is critical and the young receivers should be good, just not ready for prime time yet. Ben Utecht should do wonders for the middle of the field. 

Let's see, offense runs the ball well, they stay on the field, take time off the clock, and score touchdowns.  The defense plays fast and aggressive and creates turnovers and isn't on the field nearly as much because the offense is holding on to the ball. Sounds like a sure fire way to win a bunch of games.

Monday in Green Bay could be interesting. Do you think any of the national announcers will talk about the Bengals or will it all be Favre and Rodgers ad nauseam? It will be fun to see the team line up against someone other than themselves. How do the Bengals compete when everyone is playing their basic stuff? The last few years it hasn't been good, let's hope that changes.