[sandgk]

Well - at half-time, which is double my official cut-off for relevancy in the 1st pre-season game, the following has transpired.

A - Portis down out of the game early. Hopefully, that is just a precautionary measure. Without Portis the 'Skins look significantly less dynamic with 1's vs 1's.
B - Ball hawking by the Bengal D early spoiling the 1st sharp looking Skins drive. Portis was hurt on the return.
C - Bengals looked pathetic on first drive and damned ineffectual despite the good field position after the INT.
D - Against all odds the Bengals have scored a TD, a safety, a field goal and an extra point before half-time, one more way to score and I'll have the Perfecta at Riverdowns.
E - In the 2nd quarter (officially garbage time in your 1st pre-season bout) the 'Skins net a field goal.

The absence of Palmer is clearly evident. He was interviewed to get feedback on his likely return date. Talks of wanting to feel confident of being able to take a couple of low hits.