What’s New Kitty Cats?
Finally…a preseason game with a little drama! There are just soooo many storylines to watch out for this weekend when the Saints face off with the Bengals in Cincinnati. Will Mike McKenzie’s triumphant return rescue the Saints’ struggling secondary? Will the first look at Jeremy Shockey solidify the notion that this is the best Saints offense…ever? And will the Bengals’ Chris Henry make it through the first half without getting arrested? Oh the excitement!

Kitty Litter
Bengals owner Mike Brown let the cat out of the bag that Henry would be resigned, despite some embarrassing legal problems. And let me be the first to say I am D-I-S-A-P-P-O-I-N-T-E-D! The nerve, the very audacity of those Kitty Kats! How dare they resign the “one man crime wave”…seriously what’s really good?! Marvin “Fitted Shirt” Lewis assured us that Henry’s days were over but the suits apparently thought otherwise. Hmmm…do I smell a hold-out, coach style?!
Well, I guess if the league doesn’t care about its image crisis, then why should we? Hell, Chicago is probably negotiating with the Feds as I type…Mike Vick in ‘09!

Feisty Felines
I like Carson Palmer, I really do. He’s a stellar QB with two extremely dangerous offensive weapons. In my opinion, Chad Johnson and TJ Hous-whatever make up one of the most explosive WR tandems in the league. (Dare I say it…they may be better than my Boldin and Fitzgerald. GASP!) However, Carson lacks a solid RB corps. Cincy’s starting RB looks to be Chris Perry, as Marvy Marv appears out of patience with the oft-injured vet Rudi Johnson. I for one think Marv’s decisions is a bit, how do I say this PC… TOTALLY FREAKING WRONG!
Although, Rudi Johnson’s recent performances have taken a hit, he is still a proven talent. You can’t beat a man down when he’s already down. For the love of beignets Marvy Marv, give the man a break! (Don’t make me start a Rudi chant…Notre Dame style!)
The good news is that neither of the Bengals’ wide receiving stars is expected to take the field this weekend. The bad news, neither of the Bengals’ wide receiving stars is expected to take the field this weekend. How will we know if our defense is tightening up if we don’t put them up against the best of the best?

The Cat’s Meow
Need I sing the praises of Drew “Easy Breezy”? Oh what the heck…I’m feeling saucy! Reggie-boo has shown up, Shown Up, SHOWN UP!!!” Last weekend, Reggie’s leap action over a would be Texans’ defender and into the end zone combined with Deuce’s solid performance (baby, he’s still got it) proved too much for my soul. And for the first time this weekend, we’ll get to see what the new guy…the “Shock Jock” himself, Jeremy Shockey, is bringing to the table. If the planets align, this offense could leave the Bengals’ defense as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs!

The Claws Come Out
Speaking of defenses…let’s just say that last weekend was a bit difficult. Let’s hope lessons learned from the Texans game will prevent another Jason David cat-astrophe. Meanwhile, rookie CB Tracy Porter proved that he is still very MUCH in the developing stages, which means it could be all up to the Chicks’ main man Mike who’s headed back to the field for the first time this preseason. Also getting into the rotation, despite a bruised triceps muscle, is cornerback Randall Gay. And Saturday’s game will mark the debut of newly signed veteran Safety Lance Schulters.
Finally, let’s turn to the positive! Vilma showed early signs of greatness; we’ve got a ball hawk on our hands people! Additionally, young Ellis just might be the TRUTH…one day. He’s still developing but he did alright against the Texans. Defensively there is still hope! So let’s focus on the positive… geez!!

Desert Chick’s Prediction
Bengals 17; Saints 28