Bengals Preseason Wrap up

For most teams the preseason record can be thrown out. The team that they scrimmaged tonight, the Colts, are noted for not faring well in the preseason. But unfortunately for the Bengals more than any other team the preseason is a fair gauge of how they will do in the regular season.

Preseason is time when questions are answered. It’s a time for veterans to get the dust off. But for the Bengals preseason is raising more questions. Who will be healthy on opening day has got to be the biggest question. Chad Johnson’s shoulder – how bad is it really? Is he one body slam to the turf away from ending the season? Will Rudi Johnson’s hammy be healed enough to play anytime soon? Housmanzadah also has been absent from the field. A lot of the key skill position players are nursing wounds.

Carson just hasn’t hadn’t shown us very much in the preseason. The offense has been flat for the most part. Perry has shown some signs of coming around. But I don’t know that he will be carrying for 1200+ yards in a season. He just hasn’t show the durability and I don’t know that he is a runner that you pound in between the tackles with. Tonight the back up quarterback Fitzpatrick showed that he could be a worthy backup and Glen Holt snagged some passes – making his case to be that third receiver.

The defense has played passably. I would say it shows signs of being at least an average defense. Not going to be a shut down defense, but one that can make a play and keep the other team out of the end zone every once in awhile. Defensive line applied good pressure got some sacks, but I don’t think that the Colts played very many starters.

Turmoil seems to follow the Bengals. Can’t we just play football??? First Chad Johnson in the offseason. And the signing of Chris Henry after stating that character counts – we don’t need players like that on our team. What a hypocritical 180. What is that going to do to the discipline on the team? Then the rumor about trading Rudi Johnson for a receiver. I can’t believe that other NFL teams would want him for any receiver of value – lackluster season last year + injured this year. So I discount that as a rumor. But all this churning and turmoil – it just can’t help the psyche of a team. What is their mindset going into the season – Are they focused warriors ready to battle on Sunday, or are their minds swimming with all of these distractions?

So in summary I think you can see where this is going. Too many negatives and not many positives. Prediction for the season is for sub-.500 year. I hope everyone heals, Rudi finds his groove again, and Palmer gets the eye of the Tiger. But you have to step away and face the facts – the team hasn’t improved enough from last season and may even have backslid. Paper bags anyone?

Dixie Hall of Fame Inductee's

At the opening game, Dixie honored the 1967 football team which was coached by Adam Griffith.
The team set a number of records, many of which hold to this day. Below is a copy of the handout from Dixie schools.

DIXIE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

2008-2009 INDUCTIONS

ADAM DAVID GRIFFITH

“GRIFF”

Head Football Coach Dixie Greyhounds 1966-1971

Leader. Coach, Mentor, Teacher

Record: 29 Wins, 6 Losses, 2 Ties

Career Winning Percentage of 81% An Inspiration to all who played for him.

Remembered for saying:

“Son you are going to have to rise to the occasion”

1967 VARSITY FOOTBALL

RECORD: 8-1

Dixie 22 Brookville 0 Dixie 26 Valley View 6

Dixie 46 New Miami 6 Dixie 22 TVS 12

Dixie 40 Springboro 0 Dixie 51 Shawnee 0

Dixie 86 Bellbroook 0 Dixie 0 Jefferson 27

Dixie 48 Carlisle 6

SCHOOL RECORDS:

Most Points in a Game — 86

Most Points in a Season — 341

Most Yards Rushing Game — 650

Most Total Yards Game — 700

Most Rushing Yards Season — 3,319

Most Total Yards in a Season — 3,723

Most Touchdowns in a Game — 11

Most Touchdowns in as Season —48

Most Interceptions Season — 15

Most Fumble Recoveries in a Season -15

Most Blocked Punts in a Game —2

Commentary by TVS Coach Shondelmyer on the Dixie game:

“We were concerned with the weather. The team is thin this year with 27 players and we knew that fatigue would be a factor. We had problems with cramping. And you could tell first half early on our kids played and we were right in the game. We had a 7-0 lead and the potential to go up 14 -0. We couldn’t connect on a pass and it really snowballed after that. The next thing we know we are down 14-7 going into the half. At one point in time we only had one starter in the offensive backfield and that was Miles McCollum.”

“Fatigue really began to set in with kids going both ways and playing special teams. Dixie did a nice job and came away with the victory. We talked to kids after the game about the amount of effort it takes to be a small team and to go hard at practice and be successful on Friday nights. I think the kids are looking forward to going out and trying to redeem themselves this week.”

Next Coach was asked to speak about players performances, “Miles McCollum has done a good job so far, he has done well with the option. We need to work on passing, now he does have a strong arm. We just need more faith and trust in our offensive line. So far I have been happy with him, we just need to protect the ball and not turn it over. We have a good supporting cast with running backs Steve Balthis, Skylar Reckers, and fullbacks Tyler Leach, Grant Kreitzer in the backfield.”

“Early on I thought the defense did OK. I thought we got pressure on the quarterback and took away their spread option. And in the second half we just weren’t as fresh as we would have liked. We just have to do a better job in the second half. We threw the first punch, but we just didn’t counter very well. Once we do take a shot, we have to respond to it. Colin VanKirk was the leading tackler.“