2013 Bengals Discussion (Part 2)

[Stray]

Officials are sloppy on short rest too

[George Foster]

That's at least 3 drops tonight and a 50 yard TD called back.

and a pick six inside the red zone....we still might pull this out:thumbup:

[New York Red]

What does Sanu dropping a ball have to do with Gio not in the game?
Miami defense gassed, potential game-winning drive, Gio dominating the second half, etc. You'd think Gio would be in the game.

Edit: Neverrmind, Gio is hurt. Ugh

[George Foster]

Gio hurt....holding his chest..

[George Foster]

I like our chances in OT if it comes to that

[RiverRat13]

This 10-day rest can't come soon enough.

[Reds Freak]

It's just not possible to stay healthy in the NFL.

[George Foster]

need 25 yards for a 47 yard field goal

[New York Red]

Two first downs please.

[wolfboy]

It's just not possible to stay healthy in the NFL.

Long snapper. :D

[Stray]

Just no turnovers. Pin em deep with not much time or win it.

[Reds Freak]

Long snapper. :D

IIRC, even he was shaken up for a play last week vs. the Jets!

[New York Red]

This 10-day rest can't come soon enough.
After tonight, the Bengals have just two games in 30 days.

[George Foster]

wow...crazy pass attempt there

[George Foster]

we got this..:thumbup:

[RiverRat13]

Big throw there.

Now you tell your guys to not worry about going out of bounds. Keep the clock running.

[George Foster]

52 yard attempt now

[Reds Freak]

Look who's got 300 yards again :)

[RiverRat13]

On this turf I don't want Nuge attempting anything over 45 yards. Need to get this first down.

[Reds Freak]

On this turf I don't want Nuge attempting anything over 45 yards. Need to get this first down.

Agreed. Going a little conservative here.

[George Foster]

what was that? horrible call

[Gizmo]

dumb play call there. gotta get 1st down, or at least run more clock off.

[RiverRat13]

Why? Just not a good play there.

[New York Red]

Ugh ... not thrilled with that play call or pass.

[Gizmo]

Nuuuuuuuuggggge

[George Foster]

huge!!!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

[wolfboy]

Ugh ... not thrilled with that play call or pass.

Amen.

[New York Red]

Thrilled with that kick though! Come on, D! Bring the pass rush!

[Stray]

Yeah I don't understand that call. Thought for sure we'd throw a screen to make them use their to.

Huge kick tho. Cmon d!

[George Foster]

Thrilled with that kick though! Come on, D! Bring the pass rush!

here comes the Marvin Lewis special....prevent defense

[Yachtzee]

Come on, D.

[Yachtzee]

Michael Johnson!

[George Foster]

end it here...no prevent....rush the passer

[George Foster]

here we go...

[George Foster]

seriously....not moved the ball that much all night and you let them march it down the field

[New York Red]

here comes the Marvin Lewis special....prevent defense
Every time. Now we have to hope for a missed kick!

[George Foster]

Every time. Now we have to hope for a missed kick!

did I call it or did I call it....like the sun coming up in the east....

[wolfboy]

Every time. Now we have to hope for a missed kick!

There goes that.

[RiverRat13]

That 3rd down play call came back to bite them. Get that first down and Nuge's FG would have been the last play.

Oh, well. Win this in OT.

[RiverRat13]

Did anyone else think Hartline did not get his second foot down? I thought it was close enough to review at least.

[Gizmo]

Did anyone else think Hartline did not get his second foot down? I thought it was close enough to review at least.

yep, I was waiting for the call down from the booth on it for sure.

[George Foster]

Did anyone else think Hartline did not get his second foot down? I thought it was close enough to review at least.

I thought anything inside the 2 min, gets reviewed upstairs anyway.

[toledodan]

i hate prevent defense

[RiverRat13]

I thought anything inside the 2 min, gets reviewed upstairs anyway.

It does. I can't believe the official in the booth did not call for a review.

[George Foster]

That 3rd down play call came back to bite them. Get that first down and Nuge's FG would have been the last play.

Oh, well. Win this in OT.

I wonder if it was the call or a hot read by Dalton? bad decision either way...it could cost them the game.

[toledodan]

Did anyone else think Hartline did not get his second foot down? I thought it was close enough to review at least.

yep:thumbdown:

[Stray]

i hate prevent defense

Same here, but we weren't playing prevent defense.

[George Foster]

i hate prevent defense

especially when your defense is well rested and they have not passed the ball effectively all night. Marvin Lewis special...

[New York Red]

did I call it or did I call it....like the sun coming up in the east....
You did, but we all know it. Seen it for too many years now.

[George Foster]

Same here, but we weren't playing prevent defense.

rushing 4, safetys, and cornerbacks playing 10 yards off the recievers...that was prevent defense

[Reds Freak]

You did, but we all know it. Seen it for too many years now.

Well they have thwarted game-winning drives by guys named Brady and Rodgers this year.

[Stray]

rushing 4, safetys, and cornerbacks playing 10 yards off the recievers...that was prevent defense

That's our usual defense, and we blitzed on several plays. The throw to hartline beat really good cover 2.

[George Foster]

Pacman is quitely having a very good year...nice to see it.

[Reds Freak]

Wow. They've run the ball down the Bengals throat all game and on 3rd and 1 in OT they throw it?

[George Foster]

field goal wins it.

[Stray]

Get well soon whit

[RiverRat13]

Can we stop wasting first down by giving it to BJGE?

[New York Red]

Well they have thwarted game-winning drives by guys named Brady and Rodgers this year.
We won both of those games in non-conventional fashion. This one will take the more traditional route.

[George Foster]

that was a bad read too. A J had single coverage..

[George Foster]

just throw it up to AJ and lets go home..

[RiverRat13]

This isn't close enough, Marvin. Let Jay call it normal, here.

[Gizmo]

1st down play action would be a nice change of pace.

[New York Red]

Ugh

[Gizmo]

f'in Sanu with the dropsies.

[RiverRat13]

1st down play action would be a nice change of pace.

You mean instead of perpetually having 2nd and 8?

[George Foster]

Sanu screwed up that drive

[New York Red]

LOL ... game over

[Yachtzee]

Thanks, Newman.

[George Foster]

15 more yards and they are in field goal range....

[George Foster]

huge:thumbup:

[Stray]

Phew

[Gizmo]

Drive for a damn score now. This is starting to tick me off.

[George Foster]

62 yards for a field goal attempt:D

[RiverRat13]

A tie wouldn't be the worst thing in the world when the Bengals are up 2.5 games already.

[Reds Freak]

Will this end in a tie?

[Gizmo]

well, gotta move the ball some here.

[George Foster]

Will this end in a tie?

no....:eek::eek:

[The Operator]

What a crappy way to lose a game. Unbelievable.

[Gizmo]

he was out of the endzone.

[Stray]

Fitting end to a bad game. They abused our line all game.

[George Foster]

Dalton did not have a good game.

[RiverRat13]

It wasn't a safety but they won't overturn it.

[George Foster]

you can't take a 4 step drop there...it's a quick pass for 10 yards.

[wolfboy]

no....:eek::eek:

How is there any excuse for him holding the ball that long?

[RiverRat13]

Zeitler has been bad the last few weeks.

[reds1869]

Unreal.

[George Foster]

The bengals offensive was the best scorers for the Dolphins tonight.

[Reds Freak]

Bigger loss tonight is Geno. Any word on him?

[Stray]

Our line had been so good lately. Expected it to be a tough game but surprised we couldn't block them.

[George Foster]

How is there any excuse for him holding the ball that long?

or a 4 step drop from the 8 yard line...seriously?...It was not on the 1 yard line.

[Yachtzee]

The O line played poorly most of the game. It's fitting that they lose it on a sack for a safety.

[George Foster]

Fitting end to a bad game. They abused our line all game.

can I have the last 4 hours of my life back?

[Reds Fanatic]

Bigger loss tonight is Geno. Any word on him?

He was on crutches with his knee iced. Probably won't know how bad it is until tomorrow

[Yachtzee]

Well, hopefully they get some rest and come out better for the next game.

[Stray]

Hey guys at least the nfl wants to add more Thursday night games. Because that makes sense.

[Reds Freak]

He was on crutches with his knee iced. Probably won't know how bad it is until tomorrow

I should say Geno and Gio. Moral of the story: not gonna win too many games turning the ball over four times, on the road, on a short week.

[wolfboy]

or a 4 step drop from the 8 yard line...seriously?...It was not on the 1 yard line.

I heard a rumor this was a West Coast offense.

[Reds Freak]

@MikeSilver 2m
It gets worse: bengals source says early indications are that Geno Atkins tore his ACL. @nflnetwork @nfl @NFL_ATL

Great.

[toledodan]

the game never should have come down to that. there were some bad play calls on the offense not to mention tons of dropped passes.

[Stray]

Lotta plays that could have changed the outcome, but I still hate the third down deep ball to sanu. You need to make them use their timeout. Sanu played a terrible game too.

[Redsfaithful]

They may still make the playoffs, but think that's the season. Too many injuries to key players at this point.

I really thought before tonight this would be the team to finally make a playoff run. Cincinnati sports.

[Stray]

@MikeSilver 2m
It gets worse: bengals source says early indications are that Geno Atkins tore his ACL. @nflnetwork @nfl @NFL_ATL

Great.

That sucks. Can't replace him obv but I think our d line will still be a strength.

Hopefully he's good to go for next year.

[Caveat Emperor]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

[Reds Freak]

They may still make the playoffs, but think that's the season. Too many injuries to key players at this point.

I really thought before tonight this would be the team to finally make a playoff run. Cincinnati sports.

Quite a statement after week 9.

[wolfboy]

@MikeSilver 2m
It gets worse: bengals source says early indications are that Geno Atkins tore his ACL. @nflnetwork @nfl @NFL_ATL

Great.

Ouch

[Reds Freak]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

This discussion has turned into Votto vs. Phillips for me. I'm worn out with it.

BTW, he just threw his fourth straight 300-yard game.

[Stray]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

He didn't get much help from his receivers or his line. And we ran like 100 plays or close to it.

[wolfboy]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

His OC isn't helping him avoid bad decisions.

[George Foster]

Lotta plays that could have changed the outcome, but I still hate the third down deep ball to sanu. You need to make them use their timeout. Sanu played a terrible game too.

Nuge just kicked a 54 yarder with 10 to spare...and Marvin turned down a 56 yard attempt to win the game. this is what should be asked in the post game.

[Playadlc]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

The Bengals ran 93 plays.

[MWM]

Nevermind. someone was playing me.

[Caveat Emperor]

His OC isn't helping him avoid bad decisions.

Lots of strange play calls to be sure, but can't blame Gruden for throwing the out route to the inside shoulder two times and getting picked.

[Playadlc]

Dalton's fine. Bad game today but his play this year has been solid.

Just can't turn the ball over that many times and drop that many passes and expect to win.

This team is still a big favorite to win the division.

[RiverRat13]

This team is still a big favorite to win the division.

They are really banged up but they do get the three extra days for the Ravens game. If they win that, the division race is pretty much over.

[nmculbreth]

Tough to imagine this team making noise in the playoffs without Atkins.

[wolfboy]

Lots of strange play calls to be sure, but can't blame Gruden for throwing the out route to the inside shoulder two times and getting picked.

Can't argue there, but I stand by my statement as to the rest of the play calling. Gruden struggles with knowing what he has. Too often, he tries to make a vegetarian dish with a pound of ground beef.

[Stray]

Dalton isn't very good when he's under pressure, tho that's the formula for just about every QB.

The hold that took away the TD followed by a pick.
The helmet to helmet that wasn't called on the tipped pick.
The odd play calling at the end of the game.
The defense being asleep in the first half.
The offensive line getting destroyed all game.
Several drops.
Several bad throws.

That's a pretty good way to lose a game on the road.

[Yachtzee]

@MikeSilver 2m
It gets worse: bengals source says early indications are that Geno Atkins tore his ACL. @nflnetwork @nfl @NFL_ATL

Great.

The football gods hate the Bengals.

[Wonderful Monds]

Tough to imagine this team making noise in the playoffs without Atkins.

Yep. So much for all that Super Bowl stuff.

I want to scream, but I can't even muster it.

[RiverRat13]

Yep. So much for all that Super Bowl stuff.

I want to scream, but I can't even muster it.

Hopefully they can get the 3-seed and get to host whichever thoroughly mediocre team that ends up sixth. At least that way they'd have a great chance of getting the streak without a playoff win over with.

[Yachtzee]

Andy Dalton seems like a nice kid, but he's too inconsistent to be a long-term answer at QB for anyone. Too many games like tonight on his resume.

Also, unless your name is Brees, Brady or Manning, 53 passing attempts is about 10-15 too many.

I thing Brees, Brady, and Manning would have had bad games with the way the line played tonight. Not saying Dalton wasn't entirely blameless, but the O line was just bad. As much as it pains me to say it, about the only QB I can think of that wouldn't have had problems would be Ben Roethlisberger, with his uncanny ability to avoid pressure and extend the play. Then again, he might have thrown 3 ints because he's an idiot.

[Redsfaithful]

Quite a statement after week 9.

They just lost their best player since Anthony Munoz.

Honestly, it wouldn't shock me if they don't make the playoffs at all. Geno Atkins is a massive difference maker.

Losing Leon Hall and Atkins, along with Taylor Mays, Maualuga out for a few games, Still out for a few games.

Their defense just went from top 5 to more of a 15th-20th unit I imagine.

You can read my posts in this thread, I don't overreact typically. A team can only overcome so much.

[Stray]

Geno is great but I think some of you are overreacting. We still have a ton of talent on that line's rotation.

[RiverRat13]

Geno is great but I think some of you are overreacting. We still have a ton of talent on that line's rotation.

I agree. I think no Geno means no legit run in the playoffs, but they'll still get there. They will beat the Vikings, Browns and Ravens at home and then will most likely need to find just one more win out of Indy at home and the road games against the Ravens, Steelers and Chargers.

[joshua]

This city is cursed.

[Todd Gack]

FWIW, with one half of the season in the books, Andy Dalton:

183-of-279 (66.0%)
2,249 yards
16 touchdowns
7 interceptions
99.0 rating

Congrats to Andy Dalton.

[Redsfansince72]

I hope our wonderful tight-end is happy. How many times has Grisham made penalty's that cost the team this year and last year?? He doenst make that penalty, Our best player on defense doesnt get hurt the next series.

[Todd Gack]

Dalton's fine. Bad game today but his play this year has been solid.

Just can't turn the ball over that many times and drop that many passes and expect to win.

This team is still a big favorite to win the division.

Granted, he's played one more game than most, but he's 4th in the NFL in INT's. I suppose if you want a guy like that at QB, you could've just kept Carson Palmer.

And who cares about winning the division? Do you proudly wear your 2006 AFC North Division Championship t-shirt?

[wolfboy]

I hope our wonderful tight-end is happy. How many times has Grisham made penalty's that cost the team this year and last year?? He doenst make that penalty, Our best player on defense doesnt get hurt the next series.

Only problem is there was no penalty there. Just a bad call.

[wolfboy]

Granted, he's played one more game than most, but he's 4th in the NFL in INT's. I suppose if you want a guy like that at QB, you could've just kept Carson Palmer.

And who cares about winning the division? Do you proudly wear your 2006 AFC North Division Championship t-shirt?

Carson Palmer has exactly one more touchdown than interception since he left the Bengals. Great comparison though.

And not to speak for him, but yes, I wear my division champs t-shirt with pride. Any true Bengals fan that remembers the days when Scott Mitchell was the quarterback would appreciate just how bad it could be.

[bucksfan2]

I actually thought Andy played a decent game. Two of his INT's weren't on him. The second one was a bad throw that never should have happened but for another killer Gresham penalty. Then the perfect throw that Sanu dropped over the middle isn't on Dalton. Drops by Green, Gresham and multiple by Sanu really hurt this offense. Heck Green doesn't drop the early ball in the 1st quarter and the game may progress differently. Also the loss of Bernard for the last handful of drives really hurt. Guy was making plays left and right, with BJGE in there they wen't as dynamic.

The loss of Adkins is going to hurt, but it is being overstated by many on here. The Bengals went from having great DT's to having above average DT's. Peko and one of the younger guys is really going to have to step up.

Thursday night football is awful. The Bengals were sluggish in the 1st half but then really turned it on in the second. That second half showed an offense that was clicking.

[wolfboy]

I actually thought Andy played a decent game. Two of his INT's weren't on him. The second one was a bad throw that never should have happened but for another killer Gresham penalty. Then the perfect throw that Sanu dropped over the middle isn't on Dalton. Drops by Green, Gresham and multiple by Sanu really hurt this offense. Heck Green doesn't drop the early ball in the 1st quarter and the game may progress differently. Also the loss of Bernard for the last handful of drives really hurt. Guy was making plays left and right, with BJGE in there they wen't as dynamic.

The loss of Adkins is going to hurt, but it is being overstated by many on here. The Bengals went from having great DT's to having above average DT's. Peko and one of the younger guys is really going to have to step up.

Thursday night football is awful. The Bengals were sluggish in the 1st half but then really turned it on in the second. That second half showed an offense that was clicking.

I think two of the three INT were squarely on Dalton's shoulders. Both were thrown behind the receiver, which gave the DB the opportunity to get inside. Both were also thrown when he was jumpy because of pressure. He really needs to take a deep breath and slow down. Dalton just has bad pocket presence. He rarely steps up into the pocket when he should; he drops back further when he shouldn't; and, he's way too quick to run out of the pocket and make a bad throw on the run. Honestly, I think that's the biggest place he could improve his game. The INT in the end zone was another side arm special.

[bucksfan2]

I think two of the three INT were squarely on Dalton's shoulders. Both were thrown behind the receiver, which gave the DB the opportunity to get inside. Both were also thrown when he was jumpy because of pressure. He really needs to take a deep breath and slow down. Dalton just has bad pocket presence. He rarely steps up into the pocket when he should; he drops back further when he shouldn't; and, he's way too quick to run out of the pocket and make a bad throw on the run. Honestly, I think that's the biggest place he could improve his game. The INT in the end zone was another side arm special.

One of the INT never happens if Gresham doesn't take a TD off the board. Kind of like when Nugent made a FG, Gresham took it off the board with a hold, and then he missed the next kick.

[Todd Gack]

Carson Palmer has exactly one more touchdown than interception since he left the Bengals. Great comparison though.

And not to speak for him, but yes, I wear my division champs t-shirt with pride. Any true Bengals fan that remembers the days when Scott Mitchell was the quarterback would appreciate just how bad it could be.

I was a Bengals fan back in those days. I remember how awful that organization and team was, but then I grew up and realized Mike Brown is an incompetent GM who stands for everything everyone should be going against.

And I don't know about you, I'd be surprised if you don't get laughed at by Steelers fans for wearing it.



I think two of the three INT were squarely on Dalton's shoulders. Both were thrown behind the receiver, which gave the DB the opportunity to get inside. Both were also thrown when he was jumpy because of pressure. He really needs to take a deep breath and slow down. Dalton just has bad pocket presence. He rarely steps up into the pocket when he should; he drops back further when he shouldn't; and, he's way too quick to run out of the pocket and make a bad throw on the run. Honestly, I think that's the biggest place he could improve his game. The INT in the end zone was another side arm special.

I'd love to go back into this thread and see how many of the INT's "weren't Andy's fault." That way, we can just strike them from the stat sheet and pretend to not count the passes that should've been intercepted.

[WVRed]

I kinda wonder what it would take to get Gresham demoted? His penalties have hurt the Bengals all season and especially last night on two drives. Just wondering why we haven't seen as much of Eifert with the way Gresham is playing?

[BuckeyeRed27]

It always sucks when you lose the game and the other team didn't beat you. I partially blame these stupid Thursday night games. Everyone has looked like this and the NFL needs to do something about the scheduling to make these games better. When you are -4 in the turnover department and still really should have won the game, you can't be too mad.

Of all the plays the one that really got me was the last offensive play when Dalton threw an incomplete lob to Sanu on 3rd down. If all we needed we 2 or 3 years to give Nugent a chance than why not just run up the middle there pick up a few yards and give our kicker a chance? I thought they tried that play because they were going to kick the 57 yarder anyways, but then they punt and try to play field position.

[Yachtzee]

I think two of the three INT were squarely on Dalton's shoulders. Both were thrown behind the receiver, which gave the DB the opportunity to get inside. Both were also thrown when he was jumpy because of pressure. He really needs to take a deep breath and slow down. Dalton just has bad pocket presence. He rarely steps up into the pocket when he should; he drops back further when he shouldn't; and, he's way too quick to run out of the pocket and make a bad throw on the run. Honestly, I think that's the biggest place he could improve his game. The INT in the end zone was another side arm special.

Problem is that Miami was getting push at the front of the pocket, so stepping up wouldn't have helped. Last night's game, at least for the first half, reminded me of the Browns game, where it seemed like at least 1 offensive lineman was getting beat every play. Miami was clearly focusing on the pass and not respecting the run while BJGE was in and linemen couldn't maintain their blocks.. When Bernard started getting carries, Miami suddenly had to watch for the run and it opened things up.

It sucks that Atkins is out, but I think the bigger problem on D was missing Maualuga against the run. Vincent Rey definitely had issues being in the right position to stop the run and it made it difficult to keep points off the board.

I think they could still make the playoffs if they get Maualuga and Whitworth back soon. I'd also like to see them work Bernard and Eifert into the primary RB and TE roles and deemphasize BJGE and Gresham.

[Todd Gack]

It always sucks when you lose the game and the other team didn't beat you. I partially blame these stupid Thursday night games. Everyone has looked like this and the NFL needs to do something about the scheduling to make these games better. When you are -4 in the turnover department and still really should have won the game, you can't be too mad.

Of all the plays the one that really got me was the last offensive play when Dalton threw an incomplete lob to Sanu on 3rd down. If all we needed we 2 or 3 years to give Nugent a chance than why not just run up the middle there pick up a few yards and give our kicker a chance? I thought they tried that play because they were going to kick the 57 yarder anyways, but then they punt and try to play field position.

I don't get the Thursday excuse. It seems like most, it not ALL of the favorites have won on Thursday nights.

[traderumor]

I don't get the Thursday excuse. It seems like most, it not ALL of the favorites have won on Thursday nights.Even though you appear to be trolling Bengals fans, I'll bite. I'm not sure "the favorites won" is the correct measuring stick. The fact that football is so physically and strategically demanding that teams are given a week to prepare from game to game ought to be a hint that asking teams to play two games within four days is patently unfair to both teams, regardless of the outcome of the game, is begging for a sloppy game, and puts players at greater risk of injury as they were not given adequate time to recover from game action. Other than those minor problems, yea, people are just making excuses.

[wolfboy]

Problem is that Miami was getting push at the front of the pocket, so stepping up wouldn't have helped. Last night's game, at least for the first half, reminded me of the Browns game, where it seemed like at least 1 offensive lineman was getting beat every play. Miami was clearly focusing on the pass and not respecting the run while BJGE was in and linemen couldn't maintain their blocks.. When Bernard started getting carries, Miami suddenly had to watch for the run and it opened things up.

It sucks that Atkins is out, but I think the bigger problem on D was missing Maualuga against the run. Vincent Rey definitely had issues being in the right position to stop the run and it made it difficult to keep points off the board.

I think they could still make the playoffs if they get Maualuga and Whitworth back soon. I'd also like to see them work Bernard and Eifert into the primary RB and TE roles and deemphasize BJGE and Gresham.

Not for the entire game. I can think of quite a few times where the pressure didn't come from up the middle. And I'm not just talking about this game.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Even though you appear to be trolling Bengals fans, I'll bite. I'm not sure "the favorites won" is the correct measuring stick. The fact that football is so physically and strategically demanding that teams are given a week to prepare from game to game ought to be a hint that asking teams to play two games within four days is patently unfair to both teams, regardless of the outcome of the game, is begging for a sloppy game, and puts players at greater risk of injury as they were not given adequate time to recover from game action. Other than those minor problems, yea, people are just making excuses.

Exactly. I don't care who won, these games have all been below the quality product that most fans expect from an NFL game.

[GAC]

I'm a Brown's fan - we pretty much know what to expect every week with very little surprises. We're pretty consistent. :D

But as a loyal Ohioan (been a card-carrying member for 57 years) I also watch and root for the Bengals. And what blows me away with this team, and not just this year, is that from week to week you don't know what you're going to get. You think you know, but you really don't.

My Browns, right now, are losers. The Bengals, who I think have a good team, yet seem to find a new way to lose (at times). Thursday night was a perfect example. This team befuddles me. They had quality (solid) wins against teams like GB and NE (should've beaten the Bears IMO), but then turn around and lose to Cleveland. They beat Buffalo and Detroit, but almost let those games slip away. And while I can't put my finger on it, there is, weekly, an air of uncertainty with this team, which has some darn good talent.

My brother, a die-hard Bengals fan - like Red fans putting it all on Dusty - totally blames Marvin Lewis. He hates him. Every Sunday when we get together to watch the games he's pacing around the living room and going off on him (LOL).

I look at the 7 games remaining for the Bengals and I see two (maybe three) sure wins (Browns, Vikings, and maybe Pitt). Yeah, some of those other games, IMO, they SHOULD win, but again, I just don't know because of that uncertainty factor.

My brother, the anti-Lewis, says "We'll go 10-6, win the division, and lose in the first round, and probably to the the wild card team."

But again, as a Brown's fan, I'd still rather be in the Bengal's position then what I am observing from my team up north.

All I know is that I play in a weekly NFL pool at work where we pick the winners-losers of every game and throw in $10. And the Browns and Bengals have pretty consistently screwed me (LOL). When I pick them to win, they lose. And when I pick them to lose (mainly the Browns), they win. This is why I stay out of casinos.

I would not be surprised one bit to see Cleveland beat the Ravens this Sunday in Cleveland. And that's because I picked Baltimore. ;)

[Sea Ray]

I'm a Brown's fan - we pretty much know what to expect every week with very little surprises. We're pretty consistent. :D

But as a loyal Ohioan (been a card-carrying member for 57 years) I also watch and root for the Bengals. And what blows me away with this team, and not just this year, is that from week to week you don't know what you're going to get. You think you know, but you really don't.

My Browns, right now, are losers. The Bengals, who I think have a good team, yet seem to find a new way to lose (at times). Thursday night was a perfect example. This team befuddles me. They had quality (solid) wins against teams like GB and NE (should've beaten the Bears IMO), but then turn around and lose to Cleveland. They beat Buffalo and Detroit, but almost let those games slip away. And while I can't put my finger on it, there is, weekly, an air of uncertainty with this team, which has some darn good talent.

My brother, a die-hard Bengals fan - like Red fans putting it all on Dusty - totally blames Marvin Lewis. He hates him. Every Sunday when we get together to watch the games he's pacing around the living room and going off on him (LOL).

I look at the 7 games remaining for the Bengals and I see two (maybe three) sure wins (Browns, Vikings, and maybe Pitt). Yeah, some of those other games, IMO, they SHOULD win, but again, I just don't know because of that uncertainty factor.

My brother, the anti-Lewis, says "We'll go 10-6, win the division, and lose in the first round, and probably to the the wild card team."

But again, as a Brown's fan, I'd still rather be in the Bengal's position then what I am observing from my team up north.

All I know is that I play in a weekly NFL pool at work where we pick the winners-losers of every game and throw in $10. And the Browns and Bengals have pretty consistently screwed me (LOL). When I pick them to win, they lose. And when I pick them to lose (mainly the Browns), they win. This is why I stay out of casinos.

I would not be surprised one bit to see Cleveland beat the Ravens this Sunday in Cleveland. And that's because I picked Baltimore. ;)

We get frustrated as Bengal fans but it's really life in the NFL. Look at the "good" teams. NE lost to the NY Jets and has had many narrow games that could have gone either way. Seattle looked horrible on Monday Night against an inept St Louis team. Sure, the Peyton-led Broncos are an exception but the Bengals have almost no gimmes on ther schedule (maybe Minny is a gimme) There's no Jacksonville, NY Giants and Tampa Bay on there. Just about every Bengal fan I heard from was worried about Miami and felt they very well could lose it. In fact the Bengals beat writer picked them to lose in a close game. In this day and age of 53 man rosters, injuries, salary caps and worst drafts first, this is what you get in the NFL

[Dom Heffner]

I'm a Brown's fan - we pretty much know what to expect every week with very little surprises. We're pretty consistent. :D

But as a loyal Ohioan (been a card-carrying member for 57 years) I also watch and root for the Bengals. And what blows me away with this team, and not just this year, is that from week to week you don't know what you're going to get. You think you know, but you really don't.

My Browns, right now, are losers. The Bengals, who I think have a good team, yet seem to find a new way to lose (at times). Thursday night was a perfect example. This team befuddles me. They had quality (solid) wins against teams like GB and NE (should've beaten the Bears IMO), but then turn around and lose to Cleveland. They beat Buffalo and Detroit, but almost let those games slip away. And while I can't put my finger on it, there is, weekly, an air of uncertainty with this team, which has some darn good talent.

My brother, a die-hard Bengals fan - like Red fans putting it all on Dusty - totally blames Marvin Lewis. He hates him. Every Sunday when we get together to watch the games he's pacing around the living room and going off on him (LOL).

I look at the 7 games remaining for the Bengals and I see two (maybe three) sure wins (Browns, Vikings, and maybe Pitt). Yeah, some of those other games, IMO, they SHOULD win, but again, I just don't know because of that uncertainty factor.

My brother, the anti-Lewis, says "We'll go 10-6, win the division, and lose in the first round, and probably to the the wild card team."

But again, as a Brown's fan, I'd still rather be in the Bengal's position then what I am observing from my team up north.

All I know is that I play in a weekly NFL pool at work where we pick the winners-losers of every game and throw in $10. And the Browns and Bengals have pretty consistently screwed me (LOL). When I pick them to win, they lose. And when I pick them to lose (mainly the Browns), they win. This is why I stay out of casinos.

I would not be surprised one bit to see Cleveland beat the Ravens this Sunday in Cleveland. And that's because I picked Baltimore. ;)

The Browns are a better than average QB away from being a force. i'm a Bengals fan that has always liked the Browns to one degree or another...this squad was fun when Hoyer played.

[Todd Gack]

Even though you appear to be trolling Bengals fans, I'll bite. I'm not sure "the favorites won" is the correct measuring stick. The fact that football is so physically and strategically demanding that teams are given a week to prepare from game to game ought to be a hint that asking teams to play two games within four days is patently unfair to both teams, regardless of the outcome of the game, is begging for a sloppy game, and puts players at greater risk of injury as they were not given adequate time to recover from game action. Other than those minor problems, yea, people are just making excuses.

1) So what are Leon Hall and Rey Maualuga's excuses for their injuries? Are you really blaming Geno's injury on only 4 days rest? REALLY?

2) You do realize the Bengals essentially played 3 quarters on Sunday, right?

3) Most of the people in this thread were talking about playoff byes after the Jets game last week.

[kaldaniels]

The Browns are a better than average QB away from being a force. i'm a Bengals fan that has always liked the Browns to one degree or another...this squad was fun when Hoyer played.

Browns fan here. I think the same but the task is easier said than done.

That said, I've seen fans of both teams penciling the Bengals in for a victory over the Browns in a few weeks. Not so fast my friends.....

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals can bury the Ravens this week. Really, this week may be more important for seeding than the division race. I really want the Bengals to stay out of the #4 seed. The Texans could have helped last night by not blowing that lead to Indy, but the Bengals get the Colts in Cincy so they still control their own destiny in that regard.

[Stray]

The Bengals can bury the Ravens this week. Really, this week may be more important for seeding than the division race. I really want the Bengals to stay out of the #4 seed. The Texans could have helped last night by not blowing that lead to Indy, but the Bengals get the Colts in Cincy so they still control their own destiny in that regard.

I'm just glad the Texans won't be a possible playoff matchup this year.

[Redsfaithful]

3 seed might get to play the Jets at home, which would seem to be a decent matchup for the Bengals. But it's obviously tough to project this far out.

[traderumor]

1) So what are Leon Hall and Rey Maualuga's excuses for their injuries? Are you really blaming Geno's injury on only 4 days rest? REALLY?

2) You do realize the Bengals essentially played 3 quarters on Sunday, right?

3) Most of the people in this thread were talking about playoff byes after the Jets game last week.Little pig, little pig let me come in.

1) So, in a game as physical as football, that is trying to do everything they can to make the game safer, asks guys to have their bodies ready for a physical, game contact, contest only four days after their last game. It is not difficult to see how that increases the likelihood of injuries due to league mandated fatigue. I neither stated nor implied that Atkins getting his knee rolled up on was a result of the short week. REALLY!!!

2) Yes, the league knew that the Bengals would blow out the Jets and be able to take out their key guys early. REALLY????

3) I loved the Billy Goat Gruff story growing up.

[Redsfaithful]

Thursday night games aren't enjoyable to me as a fan. It's my least favorite Bengals week every year.

[New York Red]

The Bengals are 6-1 against the best teams they've played, and 0-2 against the worst teams they've played. Now they play a bad Ravens team that's averaged barely 12 points over their last 4 games. I wish I was more confident about the outcome, but I honestly have no clue. At this point, this edition of the Bengals is 'Team Unpredictable'.

[Hoosier Red]

The Bengals are 6-1 against the best teams they've played, and 0-2 against the worst teams they've played. Now they play a bad Ravens team that's averaged barely 12 points over their last 4 games. I wish I was more confident about the outcome, but I honestly have no clue. At this point, this edition of the Bengals is 'Team Unpredictable'.

I dunno. I'm pretty sure the Steelers are worse than both the Browns and the Dolphins. But you're right this team has played down to its level of competition way too often.

[RiverRat13]

The Browns are a solid team as long as Brandon Weeden isn't playing.

Big couple of games coming up. By around 4:30 next week the Bengals could have a death grip on the AFC North or could find themselves in a real dogfight.

[sonny]

Crocker is on the Ravens payroll this week?

[toledodan]

I hope they can recover after the 4th down disaster that gave baltimore momentum.

[Gizmo]

This game could get real ugly real fast if the offense doesn't show up.

[Ohayou]

Butterfingers today.

[Stray]

Pretty much doing everything to lose lol. How many passes have gone off our hands?

Oh and I didn't have a problem going for it on 4th down...but hand it off to Green Ellis please.

[Stray]

Total meltdown in this first half.

[New York Red]

Do we blame this start on a long week and the game not being played on a Thursday?

[wolfboy]

Pretty much doing everything to lose lol. How many passes have gone off our hands?

Oh and I didn't have a problem going for it on 4th down...but hand it off to Green Ellis please.

Pathetic effort all around.

[Stray]

Do we blame this start on a long week and the game not being played on a Thursday?

Still a lotta game left, but we can go ahead and blame everyone for this.

[wolfboy]

Dalton looks lost. Happy feet every play.

[toledodan]

That forth down play woke the ravens up. Thanks marvin.

[dougdirt]

Good news guys, looks like we all just saved 2 hours today. Time to get stuff done Bengals fans. Maybe you can sweep the kitchen floor, wipe down the counter tops, run the dishwasher, take out the trash and get a nap that you didn't have time for when you woke up at 8am this morning.

[Reds Freak]

That forth down play woke the ravens up. Thanks marvin.

Wait, really? Blaming Marvin because he went for it on a fourth and inches? The fourth down play caused a missed field goal, 100 yards worth in penalties and a handful of dropped passes?

Look, this was going to be a tough game. Bengals are facing a desperate team on the road that is not nearly as bad as its record indicates.

[Stray]

Dan Dierdorf is hard to listen to.

[wolfboy]

Wait, really? Blaming Marvin because he went for it on a fourth and inches? The fourth down play caused a missed field goal, 100 yards worth in penalties and a handful of dropped passes?

Look, this was going to be a tough game. Bengals are facing a desperate team on the road that is not nearly as bad as its record indicates.

Look, the Bengals are crapping the bed.

[Reds Freak]

Look, the Bengals are crapping the bed.

No question. But it's the NFL, it happens. The Colts are being pounded by the Rams right now at home. The Saints lost to the Jets last week, a team the Bengals pummeled.

[Reds Freak]

Look, the Bengals are crapping the bed.

And I appreciate the mocking, thanks.

[Stray]

Gonna need to get some momentum on this drive.

[New York Red]

... and a handful of dropped passes?
I'm not sure I've seen that many passes hit a Bengal receiver's hands today.

[Reds Freak]

I'm not sure I've seen that many passes hit a Bengal receiver's hands today.

I was taking others word for it. I'm following on Gamecast. Some others were talking about butterfingers and dropsies today.

[Stray]

The whole team is rattled. Dalton is the leader and should get everyone calmed down, but he looks rattled as well.

Hey the good news is we can't play worse in the 2nd half.

[New York Red]

LOL at Marvin Lewis' end of half clock management. It's as predictable as death and taxes.

[New York Red]

The Ravens with just 94 yards of offense, yet lead 17-0 at halftime.

[Stray]

The team is on the ropes, time winding down and we'd be getting the ball deep in our territory. Why are the announcers surprised that we want to get into halftime and regroup?

[wolfboy]

And I appreciate the mocking, thanks.

You're welcome. I feel it was a nice complement to your condescending tone.

[Wonderful Monds]

2 problems today:

1) This team is not the same without Geno Atkins

2) Andy Dalton is who we thought he was

[New York Red]

Andy Dalton's first half QB Rating - 26.5

[wolfboy]

2 problems today:

1) This team is not the same without Geno Atkins

2) Andy Dalton is who we thought he was

Aside from the Nelson pass interference call, I think the defense has played well.

[New York Red]

2 problems today:

1) This team is not the same without Geno Atkins.
The Ravens have 94 total yards.

[Stray]

Penalties, turnovers, bad qb play, drops, and bad decision making. All in one half of football.

We're lucky we're not losing 28-0. I expect us to play much better in the 2nd half.

[Wonderful Monds]

The Ravens have 94 total yards.

Honestly that has as much to do with getting good field position/penalties by the Bengals.

[Reds Freak]

You're welcome. I feel it was a nice complement to your condescending tone.

All I was trying to say was this is life on the road in the NFL against a desperate team that is better than their 3-5 record. I did not mean to come across as condescending.

[New York Red]

Honestly that has as much to do with getting good field position/penalties by the Bengals.
Dude, the Bengals defense has completely dominated the Ravens through 2½ quarters. Not sure how you can spin it any other way.

[The Operator]

And the offense gives back the ball and any momentum they may have had.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Jones had more possession of that ball when knee hit ground. Nice non-challenge, Marvin. Same old crap.

[Reds Freak]

Jones had more possession of that ball when knee hit ground. Nice non-challenge, Marvin. Same old crap.

Marvin is 5-5 on challenges this year.

[The Operator]

How on earth did Green come down with that? Wow.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Marvin is 5-5 on challenges this year.

Awesome. That pretty much sums up his record as a coach as well.

[Stray]

When all else fails, just punt it to Green :thumbup:

[Reds Freak]

Awesome. That pretty much sums up his record as a coach as well.

Sorry, I meant he is five-for-five. He's challenged five calls this year and won all of them.

[Wonderful Monds]

Dude, the Bengals defense has completely dominated the Ravens through 2½ quarters. Not sure how you can spin it any other way.

Completely dominated them to the tune of a 17 point deficit

[Gizmo]

ground can't cause fumble?

[RiverRat13]

Weak armed QB in this wind is not a recipe for success.

[The Operator]

I woke up a little late and missed some of the first half, but I haven't seen Dalton make one good throw today.

And now we get a 16-yard punt. Beautiful.

[New York Red]

Completely dominated them to the tune of a 17 point deficit
And it has nothing to do with the defense. The Ravens have 118 total yards through three quarters. The deficit is 100% the result of terrible offense, turnovers and penalties.

[Stray]

This is the 2nd game in a row that our offensive line has looked terrible.

[RiverRat13]

This defense deserves so much better than this.

[The Operator]

Newman just kept us alive with that INT.

Ravens get a TD there and it's all but over.

[New York Red]

This defense deserves so much better than this.
Yep.

[The Operator]

How the hell was that not pass interference?

Stupid play-calling either way but good grief.

[Stray]

3rd and 2 fade to Sanu in the end zone. High percentage play.

[The Operator]

Giovanni Bernard.

[Stray]

And we're zone reading with Dalton. Come on get a td guys.

Woohoo we're back in it.

[Stray]

I'm surprised we don't call more screens. TE, WR and RB screens seem to work well when we run them.

[The Operator]

I'm surprised we don't call more screens. TE, WR and RB screens seem to work well when we run them.Calling plays that work would be far too easy.

[Stray]

Even when the Ravens make a stupid penalty Dierdorf turns it on the Bengals getting away with one. His announcing today has been brutal.

[Stray]

Terrible call

[Wonderful Monds]

Game over. Andy Dalton is awful. Straight up.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

QB heavy draft in April. Bengals need to take one early.

A waste of a good team with this guy behind center. They can only go so far.

[Playadlc]

Another game of complete ineptitude from Andy Dalton.

He is just killing the Bengals right now.

[New York Red]

Just when I think I'm firmly on the Andy Dalton bandwagon, he puts together back-to-back games like this. Wow.

[Stray]

Ugly offense in the AFC North this year.

[RiverRat13]

I would love for someone to explain away those last two plays by Dalton.

[Ohayou]

Seriously? We just milked the clock for no reason.

[Gizmo]

holy ****ing ****!!!!!

[New York Red]

:eek: :laugh:

[Stray]

holy wow

[Wonderful Monds]

Well, holy crap.

[Yachtzee]

Following the game through the mobile app. Did that just happen?

[Gizmo]

Following the game through the mobile app. Did that just happen?

I'm not sure, I may be dreaming.


Don't blow this in overtime....

[Stray]

I'd say we have no business winning this game, but if you look at what the Raven's offense has done I'm not sure they deserve it either. Still, it'll be stealing one if we can pull this off in OT.

[Playadlc]

I have no words right now. What a crazy crazy game.

[Ohayou]

The Wookiee!

[dabvu2498]

Just terrible play calling.

[Ohayou]

...probably should have punted it there...

[Gizmo]

why is he so against the field position game when we've stopped them all day?

[Reds Freak]

Two tough OT road losses in a row. Need to get back on track next week vs. Cleveland.

[toledodan]

are the cbs anouncers baltimore fans??

[toledodan]

marvin=dusty

[Stray]

That's two straight weeks of bad football from our offense. Need to get it together in a hurry.

[Gizmo]

Final score:
Bengals 17
Ravens 10
Marvin 10

[Stray]

marvin=dusty

?

[Reds Fanatic]

Dalton and Lewis were both awful today. As bad as Dalton was if Lewis punts on those two fourth downs good chance the Bengals would have won.

[KoryMac5]

The good news is the defense should hold up. The bad news is that teams know the book on Dalton. A strong pass rush kills this team.

[Stray]

We punted the ball in OT in that very same situation last week and lost the game. We went for it this week and lost the game.

I didn't mind going for it...the way our offense had struggled it'd be hard to imagine them getting a better opportunity in OT.

[Playadlc]

Dalton and Lewis were both awful today. As bad as Dalton was if Lewis punts on those two fourth downs good chance the Bengals would have won.

Both calls were correct, IMO.

Dalton, on the other hand, sucks.

[Stray]

The good news is the defense should hold up. The bad news is that teams know the book on Dalton. A strong pass rush kills this team.

A strong pass rush is the book on every QB in the league. We were better at blocking them when we went on our win streak.

But Dalton has been inaccurate even when he's had time the past couple of games as well.

[Reds Freak]

Both calls were correct, IMO.

Dalton, on the other hand, sucks.

I didn't mind the call to go for it, but the play call was atrocious. Need to throw the ball past the sticks on 4th and 2, can't throw a little swing pass to the short side of the field. Even if it's incomplete, Ravens get the ball at their own 32 instead of the 45.

[CTA513]

According to nfl.com Rey had 13 tackles, 3 sacks and a INT.

Not bad for his 2nd start at MLB

[reds1869]

?

Just my take on the same topic: Marvin is good enough to get a team to "good" but not to "great." He is an excellent leader of men but terrible at strategy and tactics. Very similar coaches in a lot of ways.

[CTA513]

We punted the ball in OT in that very same situation last week and lost the game. We went for it this week and lost the game.

I didn't mind going for it...the way our offense had struggled it'd be hard to imagine them getting a better opportunity in OT.

Not being able to pick up short yardage like they used to use why I really hate having 4 TEs on the roster especially when Charles doesn't even seem to play.

[KoryMac5]

It was the right move to go, bad play call for a swing pass. Even worse to lose yards on the play. 6-4 with Cleveland at home coming up.

[Joseph]

So are they an extremely talented team who has fallen on some bad luck? Or are they a team that's not as good as projected? Or are they the Reds, talented, but don't have a coach/manager who pushes the right buttons?

As a fan, I'm confused.

[KoryMac5]

Good team lots of talent but Dalton doesn't have what it takes to get them past the first round of the playoffs. 24-51 with 2 TD's and 3 Int's doesn't get it done in a game that had a playoff atmosphere. We are wasting AJ Green. Time to start looking for someone to push Dalton in the draft this yr.

[RiverRat13]

Maybe the last two weeks were just ol' Pythag getting his vengeance. The Bengals were 4-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less, now they are 4-3.

[bucksfan2]

I will come to Dalton's defense here a little. Don't get me wrong he hasn't played well in the last two games. Has thrown some terrible balls and had some terrible INT's. That said he NEEDS to have his WR's step up and make some plays. In the game today Jones lets a Ravens defender go through him (has the refs pick up a PI penality) and pick off the ball. Eifort drops one in the endzone. How many balls just went off the WR's hands, balls they couldn't pull in, balls that you would have had to make an above average play that they just didn't?

Dalton has been poor, but has kept his team in the past two games. Two games they very easily could have won. Games that went to OT each with a Nugent missed short FG.

Couple of more thoughts on the game:
The officials did not have a good game. One sided on the flags, Marvin noted that in the presser.
You should be able to review a personal foul if the player is in bounds. 15 yards are killer, especially when its a terrible call.
You can't challenge a turnover, it is the booth, it results in a penalty if you throw a flag when you aren't allow, remember Jim Schwartz?
Dan Dierdorf is beyond terrible. I can't believe CBS continues to run him out there. For some reason he just doesn't like the Bengals.