Getting to Know the Detroit Lions 2011 Opponents: Cincinnati Bengals
By Zac Snyder
With the NFL draft behind us and a lockout raging on, the opportunities to talk about real football are becoming fewer and fewer. That being the case, I have sought out bloggers that cover teams that the Lions will play in the 2011 season to get a glimpse into what is going on with those teams.
Granted, this exercise presumes that no games will be lost due to the lockout. That might be a big step of faith, especially in regards to the preseason games, but I have a hard time operating under any other assumption. I know what happens when one assumes, let’s hope the labor situation doesn’t prove the old saying true. These Q&As aren’t meant to be any sort of game preview, it is obviously way too early for that. The subject teams may end up looking much different when the Lions play them compared to how they look now, but I anticipate this being a good introduction to each teams’ hopes, fears, needs, expectations, etc.
The Lions are slated to begin preseason games against the Cincinnati Bengals. I was able to send some questions to Cody Byers, the editor at Stripe Hype, and he was kind enough to provide responses. Here we go…
Zac Snyder: I have to start with the quarterback situation. What is the deal with Carson Palmer and how do the majority of Bengals fans feel about the team’s current QB situation?
Cody Byers: The Future is Dalton. Palmer isn’t coming back and most fans don’t want him back now. I was on board with the reality that Carson was damaged goods and we needed to groom the next in line anyways. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a Vet Backup be signed to back up Dalton, or to start if he isn’t ready.
ZS: The Lions and Bengals will meet in the first preseason game (pending a labor resolution, obviously), what are you most looking forward to in that game?
CB: I guess in this game I’m looking forward to see the new franchise QB Dalton, and how the hook up between him and A.J. Green looks.
ZS: What, if anything, are you hoping the Bengals will do to change the current look of their team between now and their game with the Lions.
CB: I just hope we can keep everyone healthy during training camp and Andre Smith shows up to camp healthy for once.
ZS: What are expectations like for the Bengals entering next season?
CB: I have little expectations in this coming up season. I’d say my bigger concern is that the young talent is better at the end of the year then week 1.
ZS: Give us one position battle to watch or the name of someone that will have something to prove.
CB: I’d say it’s a tie for 2 positions being very interesting for position battles. To see who is the #2 WR to A.J. Green and also how the LB corps fills out. Rey may go to the middle but it’s intriguing to see who plays at the Sam spot.
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