Post-game thoughts and observations

The Bengals are 1-0 in the preseason, having dispatched the Washington Redskins 19-3 in the opener Sunday night.

Anthony Wright has poise. He's also honest. He said he was anxious to get on the field and work with the Bengals offense. The Redskins threw some elaborate defensive sets at the Bengals, and they adjusted. Wright looked more comfortable with each series that went by. He is the best quarterback on the roster to lead the offense if Carson Palmer can't play.

These guys are fast. The speed the Bengals drafted in the past few years is evident. This team is increasingly fast each year. Ethan Kilmer had one special teams tackle and an assist. Johnathan Joseph adds more speed and aggressiveness.

OK, I know it's the preseason. But I have a lot of respect for defensive lineman Bryan Robinson, who looks honestly at the team. When he says the fits and discipline against the run were good, I believe him. If the Bengals can stop the run, with the way they grab interceptions bunches (three vs. the Redskins), the defense will close the gap with the team's high-scoring offense.

Keep an eye on Domata Peko. He had six tackles and half a sack.

Congratulations to fellow Miamian John Busing, a rookie free agent safety who had five tackles and a pass-defensed for the Bengals. Like small Miami linebacker JoJuan Armour before him, Busing faces an uphill battle to adjust to playing safety. Busing can hit. The question is covering NFL receivers.