Redskins fans looking forward to a continuation of 2005's positive ending were treated instead to a devastating injury and sloppy play from reserves, and the team muddled to a 19-3 loss to the Bengals. All in all, this was a dismal start to the 2006 campaign. The starting offense was barely on the field long enough to get a feel for it, and Saunders looked like he used no motion, only a series of different formations. The starting defense appeared to be in mid-season form, but there will be some big questions about depth in the secondary. Quarterback play in general will come surging back as a huge concern if all three continue to turn in similar performances. Worst of all, an early injury has struck right at the heart of the team. Hopefully the news out of Ashburn about Portis' recovery will turn positive over the next month and we can file this game away as a bad memory by opening day.

The starting offense at first showed some spark and moved the ball down the field into Cinci territory. Portis pushed the pile forward for a 8 yard gain on the opening play, and the passing game produced a couple of first downs, including a leaping catch by Brandon Lloyd. But Brunnell ended that drive by throwing an inexplicable floater towards the sidelines that was picked off by Bengals' CB Keiwan Ratliff. Ratliff scampered down the sidelines and then ran into traffic near the Redskins 30. Portis burst from the pack and made a hard tackle, but then stayed on the ground in obvious pain. He left the game, undergoing a series of tests that revealed a partially dislocated shoulder.

The first-team defense stood out as the only bright spot, shredding the Bengals offense in the first quarter. After the INT return, the D pushed the Bengals out of field goal range. Cinci's starting offense netted -19 yards against Washington's starting defense.

Performance by the Redskins reserves was sloppy and lackluster. Collins first two possessions resulted in an INT and a safety, giving the Bengals their first 9 points. Defensive backups looked weak as well, appearing confused by Cincinatti's misdirection and trick plays. Collins and Campbell both showed glimpses of their talents, each having some success with strong-armed throws on deep in patterns. Collins did lead the Skins to their only score, a 2nd quarter field goal.