Presenting the first edition of Cincy Sports Journal’s weekly review. This weekly review will look beyond one noteworthy story impacting Cincinnati sports. Starting with the Cincinnati Reds and two noteworthy football games.

Cincinnati Reds: “the punisher” calling

First, September provides an opportunity for Reds minor leaguers stars to get major league experience. Aristides Aquino was one player to do so last year. He didn’t leave a big impression with the Reds last September. Having just one plate appearance that ended with a strikeout. This September, Aquino is emerging from a history-making month.

Aquino returned to the Reds lineup on August 1st. Starting a month where he would hit 14 home runs. Those 14 homers are the most by a rookie in one month in Major League Baseball history. That helped Aquino earn two significant acolades in August. National League Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month.

The last NL rookie to earn both in one month was Yasiel Puig in 2013. Back when Puig was a rookie sensation with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ironically, Aquino’s promotion came after Puig was traded by Cincinnati to the Cleveland Indians. From a Reds perspective, it would be awesome to see another Red called up from the minors have the kind of month Aquino just had. That would provide quite a confidence boost for the Reds going into 2020.

Cincinnati Bengals: A Sunday Seattle season opener

The Bengals will kickoff their season Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. A team that often manages to be a contender after Thanksgiving. One thing Bengals fans will be watching for is defensive and offensive effectiveness. Cincinnati had the worst defense in the National Football League last season. The preseason didn’t leave an impression that their defense is in noticeably better shape.

On offense, the Bengals often struggled to find the end zone last season. Along with struggling to even get into field goal range at times. Cincinnati’s offense would have a strong quarter or two and then effectively disappear. Many hope new Bengals head coach Zac Taylor will help change this trend. Given his previous experience and his expertise as an offensive coordinator.

Cincinnati’s offense will be challenged without the on-field presence of A.J. Green. He missed the entire preseason with an ankle injury. Recently re-signed fellow wide receiver Tyler Boyd will need to step up in Green’s absence. Along with other playmakers like Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Tyler Eifert. There’s also pressure on Andy Dalton to have a better season. After some Bengals fans felt the team should’ve moved on from Dalton. Through drafting a new franchise quarterback as a way to really start fresh.

Sunday’s game in Seattle will kickoff at 4:05 PM Eastern time on CBS.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Luke Fickell returns to the old stomping grounds

After beating UCLA at home to start the season on August 29th. The Cincinnati Bearcats travel to Columbus to face another power five conference school. The defending Big Ten champion No.5 Ohio State Buckeyes. This will be the 15th meeting between these two programs. The last time Cincinnati beat the Buckeyes was back in 1897.

Saturday’s game will feature a reunion for Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell. He left Ohio State to become the Bearcats head coach in 2016. Fickell spent 16 years as an assistant for the Buckeyes. He also played for the Buckeyes in the 1990’s. Plus, he stepped in as their head coach in 2011. It would be unsurprising if the Bearcats make this game more competitive than some expect it to be. Certainly if they can keep up the pace with or slow down a strong Buckeyes offense.

Saturday’s game will kickoff at Noon Eastern time on ABC.