CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -
The Bengals release their tentative pre-season schedule for the 2011 season. The NFL, in the midst of a lockout, released its preseason schedule Tuesday with dates and kickoff times still pending.
The first dates to circle on the calendar are Aug. 11th-15th, the first major weekend of football that has the Bengals opening in Detroit. The big question is will there be professional players on the field, replacement players, or no players at all. They go to The New Meadowlands the next week to play the Jets before coming back to host the Panthers and then the Colts on either Sept. 1st or 2nd.
The last time the Bengals played the Jets in the preseason was in the old Meadowlands and they came in with overall No. 1 pick Carson Palmer in 2003, Lewis' first game as head coach. For the eighth straight year the Bengals close the preseason with the Colts and have played them every preseason but one since 1992.
While the Bengals play the Lions for the 36th time in the preseason, they play the Panthers for the first time. Carolina has been to Cincinnati just once, the Bengals 21-17 win in 2006, and has only played the Bengals four times, fewest of all Cincinnati opponents.
The Panthers could be an interesting game for the Bengals as both teams are rumored to hold interest in drafting Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winning QB from Auburn. Reports say Newton spent time in Cincinnati this week, and Head Coach Marvin Lewis has praised his ability. Carolina also has interest in Newton and holds the top pick in the draft.
BENGALS 2011 PRESEASON SCHEDULE with Date Opponent Time Location
- Aug. 11-15* Detroit TBA Ford Field
- Aug. 18-22* at N.Y. Jets TBA New Meadowlands Stadium
- Aug. 25-29* CAROLINA TBA Paul Brown Stadium
- Sept. 1 or 2 INDIANAPOLIS TBA Paul Brown Stadium
*Exact dates and times to be announced at a later date.
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