Cincinnati Bengals should be happy with preseason opener
It is always a good sign when the positives outnumber the negatives in a game, be it preseason or not. There was plenty to like for the Bengals, and more importantly, there was a solid foundation the team can build on in the next few preseason games.
I would guess the coaching staff will continue to be cautious with their stars, and the Ossai injury will probably only lead to increased safety. The preseason for Cincinnati will continue to be about seeing what they have in the newer players and giving the roster a chance to determine who the best players are. But when the starters do see the field, it will be for a highly important series or two.
Cincinnati is not viewed as a team expected to compete, but this first game gave some hope that the Bengals might be able to achieve above expectations. There is still a lot of football left in the season, and the overall picture of who Cincinnati will be this year will become more clear with each passing week.
For the first game with fans in the stands in a long time, the Bengals can consider game one a success.