BENGALS BEAT BRONCOS TO SPOIL TEBOW’S NFL DEBUT

The Cincinnati Bengals spotted the Denver Broncos a 14-0 lead before roaring back in the second half to win the NFL preseason contest by a final score of 33-24.  Denver QB Kyle Orton looked very sharp in the first quarter, but most of the attention was focused on former Florida standout Tim Tebow who made his pro football debut.  Tebow looked decent in limited action and scored a touchdown on the final play of the game to narrow Cincinnati’s margin of victory.

NFL football betting enthusiasts who backed the home team cashed tickets as Cincinnati easily covered the spread as -3’ point home favorites.  The Bengals were playing their second preseason game, having lost to Dallas in the Hall of Fame game and evened their 2010 ATS record at 1-1.  The 57 points went sailing OVER the posted total of 33—in fact the result was no longer in doubt by the midway point of the third quarter.  The Bengals went UNDER in the Hall of Fame game as their first team offense looked pitiful in limited action.

Denver showed impressive competitive spirit despite being riddled with injuries up and down the lineup.  The Broncos played without their  top three running backs in Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back) and newly acquired LenDale White.  The defense may be in even worse shape. The biggest loss is Elvis Dumervil, the NFL sacks leader from last season, who is likely out for the season with a torn chest muscle.  His primary backup, Jarvis Moss, will miss several weeks with a broken hand.   Since the start of training camp 13 players have missed time at camp so far due to injury and two players—wide receiver Kenny McKinley and safety Josh Barrett—have suffered season-ending injuries.  

Despite the loss, Denver’s players were upbeat in postgame interviews due to the impressive performance of the first team offense who quickly gave the Broncos a 14-0 lead.  
Starting QB Kyle Orton said that the team is putting an emphasis on starting strong:

"We wanted to start strong. This is big for us."

Carson Palmer wasn’t quite as upbeat, but appreciates that fact that the Bengals’ offense is making progress:

"It wasn't perfect, but it was better than last week and that's what we're looking to do -- improve every week.”

The Bengals return to action on Friday night as they host the Philadelphia Eagles.  Denver plays at home on Saturday night as the Detroit Lions come to town.  Cincinnati will open the NFL regular season on the road as they face the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 12.  The Bengals are a +4’ point road dog with the total set at 43.  Denver will play at Jacksonville later that day, with the Broncos a +2’ point road underdog with the total set at 39’.