Bengals Roll In Atlanta

First preseason game of the season, first win for the Bengals. Nothing to get over excited about unless the third string is playing

Aug 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (8) rolls out with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

other third strings but a win is always nice. Cincinnati rolled over Atlanta 34-10 in the Georgia Dome.

Andy Dalton only attempted 7 passes in the game. Going 3/7 for 37 yards. Certainly nothing to brag about but what do you expect from a first series of the season? The starting offense for the Bengals still needs time to gel, with AJ Green out and Andrew Hawkins that hampered the Dalton led offense a little .

Giovanni Bernard the Bengals second round pick out of UNC was given the most carries Thursday night. 10 carries for 28 yards and a 2.8 yard average. Bernard is expected to to back up BenJarvis Green-Ellis this season, expect his work load to be heavy over the preseason.

The race for the back up quarterback position heated up last night. Josh Johnson was impressive both in the air and on the ground. Passing for 100 yard and rushing for 64 yards on four attempts. John Skelton on the other hand does not have the ground game of Johnson but his accuracy and arm have made this a tight race. Skelton went 4/5 for 72 yards and one touchdown.

Johnson still appears to be the favorite for the backup position but it could be close over the next three games.

James Harrison made his first appearance as a Bengal Thursday night. Harrison didn’t play much only recording one solo tackle but he was able to disrupt a few plays that had analyst ranting and raving about how Harrison still has it.

Cincinnati returns home next Saturday August 17th to face the Tennessee Titans at Paul Brown Stadium.