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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > August > 28 > Entry
Bengals fall short to Rams
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals’ much anticipated preseason home game against St. Louis was somewhat of a letdown for the 52,312 fans in attendance. Fans were hoping to see the improved Bengals squad featured on the HBO Series ‘Hard Knocks’ and saw anything but. The team was victimized by turnovers, penalties, sacks, rookie mistakes and missed opportunities resulting in a 24-21 loss to the Rams.
The live game was blacked out on TV locally, but did air at a later time. If you stayed up late watching the replay of the team’s lackluster performance, you’re probably kicking yourself right about now.
The Bengals got off to a quick start when rookie receiver Quan Cosby returned a punt 49 yards for a touchdown after a three-and-out by St. Louis on the opening drive. It was an uphill battle from that point with St. Louis scoring touchdowns on their next two possessions. The Bengals fought their way back into the game, but never overcame the early deficit.
In the locker room after the game, veteran linebacker Dhani Jones talked about what went wrong out on the field during the loss.
“I think it was timing, securing the football and making the necessary plays when the ball was in our hands,” Jones said. “Special teams did a great job in terms of getting us great field position. We have to end up on the better side of the give and the take.
“On defense, we have some guys playing different positions and it’s about understanding where each person is going to be. It’s a process and something that is going to take time. Sometimes a guy will come in as a rookie or free agent and he won’t really understand until the middle of the season, but we have to get on the same page… We have to gain as much knowledge about one another as we possibly can. It’s about hunkering down and learning your assignments and making plays.”
Henry continues to shine
When it came time to make a play, it was wide receiver Chris Henry who answered the call. He torched cornerback Bradley Fletcher on a 54-yard touchdown reception. The touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Palmer to Henry came in the fourth quarter to bring the team within three.
Henry played the game with a heavy heart. The receiver’s uncle passed away earlier in the day. Henry paid tribute to his uncle by taking a knee and saying a prayer in the back of the endzone after scoring the touchdown. Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski was seen in the locker room consoling his young receiver.
Henry has caught a touchdown pass in all three of the Bengals’ preseason games. He finished Thursday night’s contest with two receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Note: Safety Chinedum Ndukwe injured his shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game after being listed as questionable.
Read more about the game later today…
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