Bengals-Patriots: Ochocinco Does Mucho as Cincinnati Wins, 7-6

The Cincinnati Bengals earned their first victory of the preseason by beating the New England Patriots last night, 7-6.

Just as last week's loss to New Orleans really didn't mean anything, this victory holds no significance as to how the AFC North standings will look come December.  However, there were some encouraging performances that are worth noting.

The Bengals' defense was very impressive. They put pressure on Tom Brady with an aggressive attack. Robert Geathers registered a sack of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Again, the preseason means nothing as far as win totals go, but this defense has me really excited. Coordinator Mike Zimmer has these guys flying around and swarming to the ball. A good defense can allow the offense to relax and not feel it has to score 30 points every game.

Carson Palmer did not start last night, having twisted his ankle last week. I saw him standing on the sidelines, so it must not have been that bad. Marvin Lewis knows that the fate of this team is directly related to that of his franchise quarterback. 

J.T. O'Sullivan got the bulk of the playing time at quarterback. He and Chris Henry connected on a 24-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.

Chad Ochocinco had three receptions for 69 yards.  He is playing like the Chad of old, having fun and making plays.

Ochocinco made the play of the game last night, even though it had nothing to do with his ability to catch passes.

After Henry's touchdown catch, my kids and I were celebrating the score. When I focused back on the television, I noticed them showing Ochocinco jogging off the field after the extra point. I didn't understand why he was in the shot since Henry caught the touchdown pass.

Then, I saw the replay.

Ochocinco kicked the extra point. Apparently, Shayne Graham was bothered by a sore groin during pregame warmups. Deciding not to risk injury to his starting kicker, Lewis allowed Ochocinco to attempt the extra point. 

Disaster waiting to happen? Mockery of the game? Hardly.

Ochocinco blasted a strong kick and split the uprights. He had an ear-to-ear grin on his face as he approached the sidelines.

The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson also handled kickoff duties to start the second half. Surely, this experiment would not end well.

Wrong again.

He booted the ball to the New England nine yard line.

Ochocinco calls himself the most interesting footballer in the world. It's hard to argue after a performance like last night's.