New look Bengals offense for Washington Redskins?

If Bengals fans are going to get a good look at John Ross and Giovani Bernard, Week 3 could be the last chance. This is the tune-up for regular season action.

After a dismal outing against the Chiefs, Week 3 could be just what the Bengals need. When the Redskins and Bengals tangle on Sunday (4:30 p.m., Fox), there could be a couple of new faces on the field. Giovani Bernard has yet to see action in any preseason game and John Ross (shoulder) has been recovering from surgery. Both speedsters could get a taste of real-time action against Jay Gruden’s gang.

The Week 2 version of the Bengals wasn’t what fans have been waiting to see. Honestly, each aspect of Cincy’s performance looked sketchy. The preseason is a time to get things tuned and ready for the real deal. But, what was on display was far from perfection. No, it won’t be perfect. Yet, there was cause for concern over the lack of execution against KC. If Marvin Lewis & Co. are going to make noise in the AFC North, things need to get better in a hurry. Their chance for early redemption comes Sunday afternoon.

Mr. 422 In The House 

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If everything goes right and he’s cleared for heavy contact Ross will be on the field. Since being drafted, the Bengals, er, the football universe has been waiting to see what the burner can do. To be honest, Ross brings a dynamic to the offense that will make it a bona fide threat. Cincinnati has always been a dangerous team with the ball. But, with the addition of Mr. Ross, things can only get better.

Dre Kirkpatrick will probably grace the defense with his presence. He’s geeked about the possibilities that Ross brings to the offensive side of the equation.

"“He’s pretty much the only thing that we’re missing, someone who can stretch the other side of the field,” Kirkpatrick commented, via Bengals.com. “because when you look at our guys they’re all kind of similar. When you look at him there’s a difference and the difference is his speed.”"

Week 3 is generally the time coaches like to get a better look at the starting lineup. Tossing Ross into the mix will be exciting but also a risk. But, seeing him run routes and take hits on a few plays could go a long way. Both fans and football pundits are ready to see what the Bengals have invested in.

The Waterbug Cometh?

Bernard has been another case study for Cincinnati. After looking incredible in OTAs and camp, Gio hasn’t been on the field. However, that’s a move most fans should understand. Letting him get his leverage and feel for making cuts is a priority. Truthfully, taking an early risk with Bernard isn’t worth seeing him in a meaningless game.

Lewis isn’t as excited as fans to see the players. His concerns are for the opener against the Ravens. But, doesn’t seeing them help with the overall aspect of how well they’re producing?

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"“Again, it doesn’t matter what it feels like to me,” Lewis said. “I can’t weigh in one way or the other. It would be nice for all 90, back when we had 90 guys, to play all the time. But obviously that isn’t going to happen. It’s important for guys to have an opportunity to play, but if they don’t, they don’t. After three or four plays, it isn’t going to matter anyway.”"

With the possibility of Lewis not playing the starters in Week 4, any last-minute looks will probably be done against the Redskins.