CARSON PALMER RETURNS IN BENGALS LOSS TO SAINTS

Despite losing to the New Orleans Saints in their NFL preseason opener 17-7, the Cincinnati Bengals had a lot to be happy about.  Most significantly, they were elated over the return of QB Carson Palmer after he’d missed most of the last NFL season with an elbow injury.  Palmer’s play—133 yards on 7 of 11 passing—gave them even more to be happy about despite being on the wrong end of the final score.

The Saints rewarded their financial backers with a pointspread cover, with the ten point margin of victory easily bettering the -3 point spread.  The 24 combined points went well UNDER the posted total of 37’.  Though the game was tied 7-7 at halftime, the Saints used a 10 point second half to earn the victory and cover.

New Orleans had their share of offensive highlights, with QB Drew Brees hooking up with tight end Jeremy Shockey for three completions including Shockey’s first touchdown reception in a Saints uniform.  Brees’ backup, Mark Brunell, also played well and tossed a 64 yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham.

Saints fans were well aware that their QB would produce after hanging over 5,000 yards on the board last year, but Palmer’s return brought a sigh of relief from Bengal backers.  Palmer missed 12 games last season because of a partially torn ligament and tendon in his passing elbow. His passing highlight was a 55 yard play to Chad Ochocinco.
 
After Shockey’s TD staked the Saints to a 7-0 lead, the Bengals tied the game before halftime when Palmer’s backup J.T. O'Sullivan hit Chris Henry on a 14 yard touchdown pass.  O’Sullivan also produced solid numbers, completing 9 of 11 passes for 100 yards.
 
The Bengals will continue their NFL preseason this Thursday as they travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts for a game against the New England Patriots.  The Saints will also play away from home, heading over to Houston for a game against the Texans on Saturday.  Both teams will kick off the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 13th.  The Bengals will host the Denver Broncos, while the Saints welcome the Detroit Lions to ‘The Big Easy’.