What Lewis is going to need is a second, third our maybe fourth receiver in their multiple offensive scheme.

By BRYANT KIZER
Contributing Writer

A lot of hoopla has been about Tim Tebow and the over-hyped New York Jets, but this Saturday, Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals won the preseason season home opener 17-6.

The Bengals, one of the three AFC Central teams that made it to the playoffs last year, looked okay. In a scale 1 to 10, it might be a 4. The Bengals, who have all-pro’s and second-year players in Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green, are in search of a running back this season. Cedric Benson, their premier running back for four seasons, has signed with the Green Bay Packers. The Bengals hope that former New England Patriots featured back, BenJarvus Green-Ellis might be there guy. Green-Ellis a five-year player from Mississippi has gained over 1,700 yards and 29 touchdowns in his last two seasons at Foxboro. Bernard Scott, a four-year player, had career-highs in rushing yards (380) and touchdowns (3).

Another running back trying to get into the mix is Cedric Peerman. Last Saturday night, he might have moved up, scoring the only two touchdowns. Although, one was a fumble recovery in the end zone, he showed some life in his legs. The Bengals also drafted former Ohio State Buckeye Daniel Herron in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Dalton got his reps in. The former TCU signal caller was 4-of-9 for 54 yards. He got in and got out without injury. 

“Overall, I think you could say we did a good job. We felt like we got into a little bit of a groove on that second drive, but you’ve got to make the plays to finish it. Overall, for the whole game, I think you could see the talent we have,” said Dalton after the game.

Green did not make a catch in the game, but as long he is okay, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is real pleased. Green had an unbelievable rookie season last year. The former Georgia wide-out had over 1,000 receiving yards on 65 receptions which led all rookie receivers. He was the first rookie wide receiver voted to the Pro Bowl since Anquan Boldin in 2003.

What Lewis is going to need is a second, third our maybe fourth receiver in their multiple offensive scheme. Lewis is counting on fourth-year player Brandon Tate, second-year Andrew Hawkins from Toledo, first-year Armon Binns from Cincinnati, their third-round 2012 draft pick Mohamed Sanu, their fifth-round pick Marvin Jones and “Mr. Summersault” Jordan Shipley to help out.

Jones had the team-high in receiving yards with 48. Tate and Binns had two receptions for 24 yards.

Bengals back-up quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) was 5-of-10 for 86 yards.

Oh, yea, about Tebow, he was 4-of-8 for 27 yards and one interception.

The Bengals had 213 total offensive yards to the Jets 173. Jets won the rushing battle 116-86.

Bengals first-round draft pick cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (from Alabama) did not play.

The Bengals visit Arizona on Thursday to take on the Cardinals.