Bengals by 1
I love the Bengals in this game. However, this more of an against Marty Shottenheimer bet than anything else. Shottenheimer's Redskins were ill-prepared last season (1-4 in pre-season and they got their asses kicked 30-3 in the road opener). Now, Shottenheimer will try to institute his system on yet another team (#4). It's very likely that Drew Brees will be the starter for San Diego in this game. I'm a huge fan of Brees, but getting a road start under Shottenheimer's system (and new offensive coordinator) is going to be a huge liability. Already, I can see conservative play calling and the Bengals keying in on RB Tomlinson now in his second year. Meanwhile, Bengals started out 2-0 last season and come into 2002 with a strong offensive line, RB Corey Dillon healthy, and Warrick at WR. Main question remains at QB. Chargers dominated both lines of scrimmage in the game played between these two teams last season (that game is still fresh on my mind). But it's funny how some teams remember the past and get revenge in the next game. Assuming Chargers struggle in pre-season (common for Shottenheimer-coached teams) this line could move to Cincinnati by 2, but I doubt if the line will hit 3 unless Tomlinson goes out in pre-season with an injury. No play, although I am leaning strongly to the Bengals at this time.
I love the Bengals in this game. However, this more of an against Marty Shottenheimer bet than anything else. Shottenheimer's Redskins were ill-prepared last season (1-4 in pre-season and they got their asses kicked 30-3 in the road opener). Now, Shottenheimer will try to institute his system on yet another team (#4). It's very likely that Drew Brees will be the starter for San Diego in this game. I'm a huge fan of Brees, but getting a road start under Shottenheimer's system (and new offensive coordinator) is going to be a huge liability. Already, I can see conservative play calling and the Bengals keying in on RB Tomlinson now in his second year. Meanwhile, Bengals started out 2-0 last season and come into 2002 with a strong offensive line, RB Corey Dillon healthy, and Warrick at WR. Main question remains at QB. Chargers dominated both lines of scrimmage in the game played between these two teams last season (that game is still fresh on my mind). But it's funny how some teams remember the past and get revenge in the next game. Assuming Chargers struggle in pre-season (common for Shottenheimer-coached teams) this line could move to Cincinnati by 2, but I doubt if the line will hit 3 unless Tomlinson goes out in pre-season with an injury. No play, although I am leaning strongly to the Bengals at this time.