2015 Bengals Season Part 3

[The Operator]

Need a turnover here. It's way too easy to get into field goal range in the NFL.

[wheels]

I hate this. Too much time, only need a field goal. Not good.

[Stray]

His miss changed the momentum of the entire game. Would've been 17-0 at the half most likely.

Nah. Denver didn't luck their way into all these wins. They're a really good team at home. Their run was inevitable.

[Kingspoint]

McManus can make it from 60. That's the 42 of Cincy.

[Dom Heffner]

Oh well.

[The Operator]

Nah. Denver didn't luck their way into all these wins. They're a really good team at home. Their run was inevitable.Which is exactly why the miss is killing us.

[Kingspoint]

That's game. Good Night Irene.

[Dom Heffner]

I hate this. Too much time, only need a field goal. Not good.

Everyone in football can march down the field other than the Bengals.

[ScotlandRed]

Game.

[The Operator]

That's probably it. Lol

[Dom Heffner]

God d$&?n.

[Stray]

Which is exactly why the miss is killing us.

It was 45 yards. I mean, going 1-2 from 45 and 52 isn't terrible.

Defense getting gashed in the 2nd half is our problem.

[The Operator]

Welp, this would be a good time for a block.

[Stray]

miss it pls

[Dom Heffner]

Hahahahahaha hahaahh!

[Roy Tucker]

Wow.

[Stray]

wooooooooooooooo boys we're still in it

that hook LOL

[The Operator]

He missed it!!!!

Yes!!!!

[Kingspoint]

"Clutch" is real.

[Dom Heffner]

That was awful.

[Stray]

nuge woulda made it:laugh:

[WrongVerb]

McManus can make it from 60. That's the 42 of Cincy.

Or not.

[WMR]

Holy ish.

[Dom Heffner]

"Clutch" is real.

Nah.

[ScotlandRed]

4.28 UK time. Come on the f*****g bengals!!

[Kingspoint]

Who calls tails?

[Redhook]

"Clutch" is real.

You're gosh darn right it is. The only people who don't believe in it have never played a sport at a high level.

[Dom Heffner]

Defensive TD here. Osweiler can't be this good for five quarters.

[Stray]

just can't give up a TD. belichick got burned for this yesterday but going on D isn't always bad if you trust your D. You know you can win when you get the ball.

[Kingspoint]

It's so cold Ed Hochali is mumbling his words.

[Dom Heffner]

You're gosh darn right it is. The only people who don't believe in it have never played a sport at a high level.

If you're playing at a high level, you didn't get there by choking or clutch, you got there because you're good.

If McManus was a choker, he wouldn't be in the NFL.

[The Operator]

You're gosh darn right it is. The only people who don't believe in it have never played a sport at a high level.Yes but it's also not as mythical is some make it either.

I think it exists, but talent usually plays more of a factor than anything else.

[Kingspoint]

The only people who don't believe in it have never played a sport at a high level.

And, that's it right there.

[Kingspoint]

If you're playing at a high level, you didn't get there by choking or clutch, you got there because you're good.

If McManus was a choker, he wouldn't be in the NFL.But, it's being clutch that's going to separate you from your equally talented peers.

[Dom Heffner]

And, that's it right there.

Really? McManus has never had big kicks before?

Dude- he wouldn't be on an NFL roster if he was a choker...

[The Operator]

They gave him aaallll damn day to throw on 3rd down. Ugh.

[Kingspoint]

Really? McManus has never had big kicks before?

Dude- he wouldn't be on an NFL roster if he was a choker...Everyone gets to discover what level they choke at.

[Dom Heffner]

But, it's being clutch that's going to separate you from your equally talented peers.

This guy has been kicking all his life, he wouldn't be on a team if he chokes.

He'll make the next one, trust me.

He hadn't missed all year, which means he was due.

[The Operator]

Great job Burfict.

[Hoosier Red]

Damnit Vontaze

[Stray]

That wasn't a personal foul on Burfict. He was trying to wrestle the ball away. That was barely late.

[Kingspoint]

Burfict didn't do anything. He was in bounds when he was trying to strip the ball.

[Dom Heffner]

Marvin has had two years to get control of Burfict. That's on him. Guy's a freak.

[Stray]

Dre Kirkpatrick leads the league in asking for offensive PI penalties.

- - - Updated - - -


Marvin has had two years to get control of Burfict. That's on him. Guy's a freak.

He didn't deserve that penalty.

[The Operator]

Defense looks incredibly tired.

[ScotlandRed]

Burfict lost the game.

[Kingspoint]

This guy has been kicking all his life, he wouldn't be on a team if he chokes.

He'll make the next one, trust me.

He hadn't missed all year, which means he was due.I cut him earlier this year because he was choking. It's not tge first time.

There's no pressure when you're better than your opponent. The stakes are higher here than McManus has ever felt before. That kick was tge highest pressure kick he ever attempted in his life.

[The Operator]

It's gonna take a miracle to keep them from scoring a touchdown. The defense is just done.

[Stray]

Just hold them to a FG then go win it.

[Kingspoint]

Tired or not, this is where the Bengals' Defense gets tough.

[Stray]

Reggie Freaking Nelson. Clean perfect hit.

[Stray]

There we go. McCarron will have his chance.

[The Operator]

Well, let's hope The Bengals have a TD left in them.

[WrongVerb]

But, it's being clutch that's going to separate you from your equally talented peers.

Nope. That's where the 90% mental game comes in. It's just the other half that's physical.

[Roy Tucker]

Okey dokey. Let's go, boys.

[Stray]

Brandon Tate always has one of those redeems himself in him.

[The Operator]

A decent return by Tate for once.

[Dom Heffner]

I cut him earlier this year because he was choking. It's not tge first time.

There's no pressure when you're better than your opponent. The stakes are higher here than McManus has ever felt before. That kick was tge highest pressure kick he ever attempted in his life.

Psychology!

Well he made that one...must not have been clutch so it was no problem lol

[Kingspoint]

Nope. That's where the 90% mental game comes in. It's just the other half that's physical.

There's a human Spirit factor that's neither mental or physical. It's why I watch sports. It's why completely out-talented College and High-School teams can win. It's why the '60 & '80 Hockey teams beat the Russians and won Gold, respectively.

[Stray]

How can they review if it was blew dead and no recovery?

[The Operator]

How can they review if it was blew dead and no recovery?This will be such a Bengal way to lose a game.

[Kingspoint]

Psychology!

Well he made that one...must not have been clutch so it was no problem lol

There's no pressure on extra points. The difficulty level disappeared and removed any clutch or choke opportunity.

[Stray]

The whistle blew while the ball was in the air. I mean I guess, but no Bengal coulda thought to go after that recovery with the play dead.

[Roy Tucker]

Really close.

[The Operator]

Call stands. Thank god.

[Kingspoint]

That's choke.

[The Operator]

LOL what a way to lose a game. lol lol lol

[WrongVerb]

This will be such a Bengal way to lose a game.

Nope. THAT'S a Bengals way to lose a game.

[Roy Tucker]

Whoops.

[WrongVerb]

Bengals win next week and Broncos (at San Diego) lose and KC (at Oakland) loses next week gives Bengals a 1st round bye. Possible, but not probable.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, well. Still need to win playoff games.

[WMR]

How so very Bengals-esque. :lol:

[Redhook]

The Bengals continue to amaze me with their unique ways to lose. They should be called the Cincinnati Charlie Browns.

[Stray]

We learned that AJ McCarron is alright.
But we absolutely need Andy Dalton to get healthy for the playoffs.

Impressed with the performance tonight tbh. Tough game with a backup and we fought.

McCarron probably isn't the next Tom Brady which sucks, but we have a top 5 QB close to getting back on the field.

[Reds Freak]

Setting up nicely for a No. 3 Bengals vs. No. 6 Steelers first round playoff game...

[The Operator]

This is about as annoying as losing to Denver in 2006 when Brad St. Louis blew a snap on an extra point to miss the playoffs.

No, it's not as crushing but the annoyance factor is just bad. Stupid freaking way to lose a game.

[ScotlandRed]

We have lost to the most average QB in the NFL. I hope (somehow, don't know how, we get the Broncos in the playoffs because with Eifert because they are so god damn average) 5am in UK over and out!!

[Stray]

The presnap stuff is where Dalton's absence was most noticeable. I thought AJ did great with what he was able to do once the plays unfolded.

But Dalton gets us out of disastrous plays and into winning plays by reading what's going to happen, and he does it without running to the end of the playclock.

[Dom Heffner]

There's no pressure on extra points. The difficulty level disappeared and removed any clutch or choke opportunity.

McManus is 12th in the league in FG percentage...he hadn't missed over 40 yards all year.

The kickers lower than him must not be clutch either lol..,

You can't make an argument that it exists...this guy has kicked all his life, the sample size is huge...he wouldn't be in the NFL if he got psyched out easily.

[UKFlounder]

That is the Bungles team we know so well. Same as previous years, especially in prime time.

So will it be the Jets or .Steelers who beat them in the playoffs?

[RiverRat13]

A typical Marvin big game ending. I'm nowhere a Debby downer when it comes to the Bengals, but the losing in primetime and seemingly finding new ways to do it gets old.

[Stray]

Setting up nicely for a No. 3 Bengals vs. No. 6 Steelers first round playoff game...

Doubt the Jets lose to Tyrod and the Bills. NY has a much better team.

[Dom Heffner]

This is about as annoying as losing to Denver in 2006 when Brad St. Louis blew a snap on an extra point to miss the playoffs.

No, it's not as crushing but the annoyance factor is just bad. Stupid freaking way to win a game.

It's what they've done for 45 years.

[ScotlandRed]

The presnap stuff is where Dalton's absence was most noticeable. I thought AJ did great with what he was able to do once the plays unfolded.

But Dalton gets us out of disastrous plays and into winning plays by reading what's going to happen, and he does it without running to the end of the playclock.


Agreed, but thought AJ did enough to win us the game. On 3rd down he was superb.

[Stray]

You guys are really upset that AJ McCarron took us to Denver and barely lost in OT? With Dalton we win this game by 10.

And they're the 2 seed in the AFC.

[Dom Heffner]

Doubt the Jets lose to Tyrod and the Bills. NY has a much better team.

One good thing about losing is it takes away another path for the Steelers.

The only way they get in is a Jets loss if Pittsburgh wins.

[Stray]

One good thing about losing is it takes away another path for the Steelers.

The only way they get in is a Jets loss if Pittsburgh wins.

The only team we should be worrying about is the Patriots.

We just played the probable 2 seed down to the wire with our backup QB on the road.

We definitely need Dalton back, but outside of the Patriots we can beat anyone in our conference with McCarron.

[UKFlounder]

Maybe next year...


Oh, well. Still need to win playoff games.

[The Operator]

You guys are really upset that AJ McCarron took us to Denver and barely lost in OT? With Dalton we win this game by 10.

And they're the 2 seed in the AFC.Denver was also playing their backup.


Eventually you HAVE TO win a big game on the road. Unless you're planning on being the #1 seed you can't win the Super Bowl without doing it. I'm sick of The Bengals constantly coming up short in games like these. They are such a freaking tease.

[Dom Heffner]

You guys are really upset that AJ McCarron took us to Denver and barely lost in OT? With Dalton we win this game by 10.

And they're the 2 seed in the AFC.

Yeah. I'm upset. Close games where you lose count the same. They could have won...been a 2 seed.

Now we play another week...this was a big blow.

- - - Updated - - -


A typical Marvin big game ending. I'm nowhere a Debby downer when it comes to the Bengals, but the losing in primetime and seemingly finding new ways to do it gets old.

They've been to the playoffs 5 years in a row!

[Redsfaithful]

I think AJ is good enough to win a playoff game. We'll see though.

That was a disappointing game - I understand being careful with the young QB and trying to avoid turnovers, but you can turtle up too much and I think they did in the second half. But you have to give Denver credit too.

You dominate the first half like that, you should win. Hate that Nugent miss.

[Stray]

Denver was also playing their backup.


Eventually you HAVE TO win a big game on the road. Unless you're planning on being the #1 seed you can't win the Super Bowl without doing it. I'm sick of The Bengals constantly coming up short in games like these. They are such a freaking tease.

Thing with Denver is, their backup is better than their starter. If we get to face Peyton in the playoffs I'd love it.

We on the other hand, are much better on offense with Eifert and Dalton.

If Denver is the #2 seed and Dalton can get back for the playoffs I love how the AFC lines up.

[RiverRat13]

Denver was also playing their backup.

.

I'd rather they had Manning out there. He was a disaster this year.

[Stray]

Yeah. I'm upset. Close games where you lose count the same. They could have won...been a 2 seed.

Now we play another week...this was a big blow.

- - - Updated - - -



They've been to the playoffs 5 years in a row!

Well yeah it'd have been great to win, but we learned so much from the game.

McCarron isn't gonna replace Dalton this year.
Our line can hold serve against their defense.
We could have easily won without 2 of our top 4 offensive players.

If we run into em again we'll be healthier. If we gotta play the first weekend so be it. If we can't beat the Jets/Chiefs/Steelers then it doesn't really matter, since to win it all we'd have to beat much worse.

- - - Updated - - -


I'd rather they had Manning out there. He was a disaster this year.

I haven't checked recently, but I think he still leads the league in interceptions? And he hasn't played in like a couple months.

[Reds Freak]

Denver was also playing their backup.


Eventually you HAVE TO win a big game on the road. Unless you're planning on being the #1 seed you can't win the Super Bowl without doing it. I'm sick of The Bengals constantly coming up short in games like these. They are such a freaking tease.

I don't know, I mean they have in recent years. The win or go home game at Pittsburgh a few years ago for example.

[Dom Heffner]

Well yeah it'd have been great to win, but we learned so much from the game.

McCarron isn't gonna replace Dalton this year.
Our line can hold serve against their defense.
We could have easily won without 2 of our top 4 offensive players.

If we run into em again we'll be healthier. If we gotta play the first weekend so be it. If we can't beat the Jets/Chiefs/Steelers then it doesn't really matter, since to win it all we'd have to beat much worse.

- - - Updated - - -



I haven't checked recently, but I think he still leads the league in interceptions? And he hasn't played in like a couple months.

I'm never really thankful we lost.

We lose and it's a pep rally lol..,

Look at how well we did against the Cardinals! We lost! Lol

I admire your enthusiasm...I do. Nicely done.

Hopefully we get Dalton back and your outlook comes to fruition.

[Stray]

Not about celebrating a loss, just about being realistic. The McCarron is the next Brady story line is fun and all, but we all knew that was highly unlikely.

But with our backup QB and without the 2nd best TE in football we took them down to the wire in their house.

We are going to get healthier and much better, they're going to have to make a decision.

New England is scary, but everyone else not so much.

[UKFlounder]

Nm

[Dom Heffner]

Not about celebrating a loss, just about being realistic. The McCarron is the next Brady story line is fun and all, but we all knew that was highly unlikely.

But with our backup QB and without the 2nd best TE in football we took them down to the wire in their house.

We are going to get healthier and much better, they're going to have to make a decision.

New England is scary, but everyone else not so much.

For a change, I'd like the narrative to be we won. Period.

There's always some reason we don't...it's really really old.

Due to the injuries, I'm not looking at any sort of litmus test...this was about getting the #2 seed. Huge. Huge.

They didn't get it done.

[Stray]

For a change, I'd like the narrative to be we won. Period.

There's always some reason we don't...it's really really old.

We're AFC North Champs and 11-4?

We just played to see who was the 2nd best team in the AFC without Dalton and Eifert, on the road, and almost won.

If Dalton gets healthy I love how the weakened AFC lines up. If not, not so much.

There's no moral victories here, but how can you not like our chances if we get healthy?

[Dom Heffner]

Because Dalton will not have played in a game for 6 weeks...

[UKFlounder]

From 8-0 to 11-4 is not a good trend. The playoffs get closer, they have a few prime-time games, and they start losing. It's not unexpected, but is disappointing.

Maybe they can stay healthy against Baltimore and the be at least a bit more competitive in the playoff game.

[Stray]

Because Dalton will not have played in a game for 6 weeks...

Kinda thought about that, but I almost feel like if he's rushed back and rusty that we'd go back to McCarron.

Too early to tell tho, and we can still get the 2 seed with a win vs Baltimore and Phil Rivers sending the San Diego Chargers out in style.

[Redsfaithful]

Really want the Jets. The Chiefs are so hot, let someone else deal with them. Then they'd probably go back to Denver in the division round, hopefully with Dalton and Eifert this time.

Jets - Denver is a not impossible path to the AFC Championship game. Not saying I'd wager on it, just saying this team could do it.

[RedTeamGo!]

I build the Steelers into something they are not but the Patriots purposefully gave up home field advantage throughout the playoffs to avoid the Steelers.

Right. It's me.

Jet fuel can't melt steel beams, man

[dabvu2498]

McCarron with wrist wrapped in post game. Injured it on last play. Not sure how bad.

Ugh.

[Assembly Hall]

McCarron with wrist wrapped in post game. Injured it on last play. Not sure how bad.

Ugh.

Maybe he should call Peyton to find out what to do!!!!! My guess is Manning tells him to rub a little dirt on it.

[Hoosier Red]

Maybe he should call Peyton to find out what to do!!!!! My guess is Manning tells him to rub a little dirt on it.

Yeah. Dirt. If that's what the kids are calling it these days....

[GAC]

The Chiefs are so hot, let someone else deal with them.

Did you happen to watch their game against my hapless Browns this past weekend? The Browns manhandled them in the second half (held them scoreless). KC couldn't do squat but hold on. And if you look at the overall numbers (stats), Cleveland beat'em pretty good there. It was simply very bad, and asinine, coaching decisions in the last few minutes of the game that kept the Browns from winning. But Hey! We're the Browns! ;)

No, while anything is possible, I'm not worried one bit about KC in the post-season. And the Bengals manhandled them pretty good earlier in the season

But here's one thing, and maybe some are forgetting this (I don't know) ..... this weekend the Bengals host the Ravens. The Bengals needed an AJ TD with about two minutes left to comeback and win that earlier game 28-24. And the Ravens just beat the Steelers, and are taking great joy in possibly squashing their play-off hopes...... http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/24815/ravens-take-great-pleasure-in-denting-steelers-playoff-hopes

Does anyone think they're not going to be pumped going into Cincy this weekend?

Right now, Cincy is the #3 seed. I really don't see ether Denver or New England having problems next weekend vs the Chargers and Dolphins. The Chargers could give Denver the better fight .....but the Patriots simply destroyed Miami in the first meeting.

So if that occurs, and the Jets and KC both win, then the Jets will hold onto the #6 seed, and KC the #5 seed correct? And Cincy will then host the Jets in the WC game correct? That I really don't like seeing.

If the Jets win, and KC loses to the Raiders, then won't the Jets have the #5 seed, and KC the #6 seed, meaning the Bengals will host KC? Just my opinion, but I'd rather see the Bengals hosting KC then the Jets.

But first things first...... they have to beat the Ravens this weekend. They can't go into the play-offs with two back-to-back "emotional" losses to end the season. Not good.

GO BENGALS!

[Dom Heffner]

This idea that if Dalton comes back we'll waltz through Denver...I think that's wishful thinking.

[bucksfan2]

One thing that often gets lost in the McCarron talk, is the limited number of games he has played in. McCarron missed his entire rookie season due to an injury, although I am skeptical that it wasn't some kind of reality show! He now has started 2 games, pretty much played in 3. He has played well at times, hasn't made the mistake, but has played pretty blah for most of the games. When you look at backup QB's who have taken the reins and led the team far in a given season, they did it over the course of a season. Brady took over in the 2nd game of the year. Even Brock Osweiller has had more seasoning that McCarron has. I think you will see AJ improve every game, but we expect him to step in and be flawless from the get go, and that doesn't happen in the NFL. He played well, but I can point to two plays that cost the Bengals dearly. He took a sack late in the 4th on 2nd down that killed a Bengals drive. He had time in the pocket and that ball needed to be thrown away. Also the late fumble of the snap was a lack of focus mistake, something that happens to everyone, but is a disappointing end.

Oh and if Kevin Huber could have downed any of his punts inside the 10 instead of having them bounce into the endzone, we may be talking about a Bengals victory. There aren't many times I agree with Dom, but a few years ago when Nugent was hurt he should have been left go then, and the Bengals should have gone with the K they had, Brown I think. Nugent has an average leg, has some accuracy problems, and has a tendency to miss some big FG's. Not only does the miss prevent the Bengals from going up 17-0, but it also gave the Bronco's 20 yards in field position.

[Sea Ray]

Did you happen to watch their game against my hapless Browns this past weekend? The Browns manhandled them in the second half (held them scoreless). KC couldn't do squat but hold on. And if you look at the overall numbers (stats), Cleveland beat'em pretty good there. It was simply very bad, and asinine, coaching decisions in the last few minutes of the game that kept the Browns from winning. But Hey! We're the Browns! ;)

No, while anything is possible, I'm not worried one bit about KC in the post-season. And the Bengals manhandled them pretty good earlier in the season

But here's one thing, and maybe some are forgetting this (I don't know) ..... this weekend the Bengals host the Ravens. The Bengals needed an AJ TD with about two minutes left to comeback and win that earlier game 28-24. And the Ravens just beat the Steelers, and are taking great joy in possibly squashing their play-off hopes...... http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/24815/ravens-take-great-pleasure-in-denting-steelers-playoff-hopes

Does anyone think they're not going to be pumped going into Cincy this weekend?

Right now, Cincy is the #3 seed. I really don't see ether Denver or New England having problems next weekend vs the Chargers and Dolphins. The Chargers could give Denver the better fight .....but the Patriots simply destroyed Miami in the first meeting.

So if that occurs, and the Jets and KC both win, then the Jets will hold onto the #6 seed, and KC the #5 seed correct? And Cincy will then host the Jets in the WC game correct? That I really don't like seeing.

If the Jets win, and KC loses to the Raiders, then won't the Jets have the #5 seed, and KC the #6 seed, meaning the Bengals will host KC? Just my opinion, but I'd rather see the Bengals hosting KC then the Jets.

But first things first...... they have to beat the Ravens this weekend. They can't go into the play-offs with two back-to-back "emotional" losses to end the season. Not good.

GO BENGALS!

There's no comparing this game with the earlier Ravens game. There will be no Dalton, Eifert, Flacco, or Steve Smith.

[Sea Ray]

One thing that often gets lost in the McCarron talk, is the limited number of games he has played in. McCarron missed his entire rookie season due to an injury, although I am skeptical that it wasn't some kind of reality show! He now has started 2 games, pretty much played in 3. He has played well at times, hasn't made the mistake, but has played pretty blah for most of the games. When you look at backup QB's who have taken the reins and led the team far in a given season, they did it over the course of a season. Brady took over in the 2nd game of the year. Even Brock Osweiller has had more seasoning that McCarron has. I think you will see AJ improve every game, but we expect him to step in and be flawless from the get go, and that doesn't happen in the NFL. He played well, but I can point to two plays that cost the Bengals dearly. He took a sack late in the 4th on 2nd down that killed a Bengals drive. He had time in the pocket and that ball needed to be thrown away. Also the late fumble of the snap was a lack of focus mistake, something that happens to everyone, but is a disappointing end.

Oh and if Kevin Huber could have downed any of his punts inside the 10 instead of having them bounce into the endzone, we may be talking about a Bengals victory. There aren't many times I agree with Dom, but a few years ago when Nugent was hurt he should have been left go then, and the Bengals should have gone with the K they had, Brown I think. Nugent has an average leg, has some accuracy problems, and has a tendency to miss some big FG's. Not only does the miss prevent the Bengals from going up 17-0, but it also gave the Bronco's 20 yards in field position.

I think we can do better than Nugent but he didn't lose the game. He blew a 45 yarder just like the Broncos did. That was a wash

[traderumor]

That was a good football game between two pretty good teams. What I took away from that game is that when those two teams play, its a pick 'em. Funny thing to me, though, is that we didn't seem to have any plays in the vast Hue playbook that worked against a zone pass protection. Phillips made that adjustment, and we were done moving the ball.

As for all the Bengals history lesson that we have to hear with every loss, near loss, good win, or ugly win, :deadhorse:

[RiverRat13]

but a few years ago when Nugent was hurt he should have been left go then, and the Bengals should have gone with the K they had, Brown I think.

Josh Brown who kicks for the Giants. Since the Bengals kept Nugent over him, Brown has gone 74-81 (91.4%) while Nugent has gone 66-82 (80.5%).

[Assembly Hall]

I think we can do better than Nugent but he didn't lose the game. He blew a 45 yarder just like the Broncos did. That was a wash

Perhaps, but IMO the Nugent miss was at a critical point in the game. He hits it and the Bengals go up 17-0 heading into the half.

[WrongVerb]

That was a good football game between two pretty good teams. What I took away from that game is that when those two teams play, its a pick 'em. Funny thing to me, though, is that we didn't seem to have any plays in the vast Hue playbook that worked against a zone pass protection. Phillips made that adjustment, and we were done moving the ball.

As for all the Bengals history lesson that we have to hear with every loss, near loss, good win, or ugly win, :deadhorse:

That's something I picked up on as well. As soon as the announcers said the defense was in man, I knew AJ was going to at least get a throw into the vicinity of his receivers. He was utterly confused at reading the zone defense though. As someone pointed out earlier, that's where having Dalton really could have helped. On the bright side, McCarron does have a solid arm. I was hoping for something brilliant, but in the end he'll be a good backup for a long time. He's Frank Reich.

[Sea Ray]

Perhaps, but IMO the Nugent miss was at a critical point in the game. He hits it and the Bengals go up 17-0 heading into the half.

I agree it saps our momentum. My point is that we can't expect error free football for 60 mins. We had plenty of time to recover. Denver recovered from their miscues and they came late

[Assembly Hall]

I agree it saps our momentum. My point is that we can't expect error free football for 60 mins. We had plenty of time to recover. Denver recovered from their miscues and they came late

Bingo.....but I am big into looking at the game within the game. So many times a play here or a play there are game changers. Nugent's missed FG was a game changer. But you are spot on.

[Sea Ray]

Bingo.....but I am big into looking at the game within the game. So many times a play here or a play there are game changers. Nugent's missed FG was a game changer. But you are spot on.

It was a game changer and NFL games are full of them. Our team didn't do enough to overcome them

[Assembly Hall]

It was a game changer and NFL games are full of them. Our team didn't do enough to overcome them

They will recover. The Bengals are sitting just fine. One thing you can take away from the game last night is that Cincy was right there to the end.

[RedEye]

They will recover. The Bengals are sitting just fine. One thing you can take away from the game last night is that Cincy was right there to the end.

Sure. But I have no idea how they are going to win a first round playoff game without Dalton... maybe without AJ. What a bummer of a second half of the season.

[Assembly Hall]

Sure. But I have no idea how they are going to win a first round playoff game without Dalton... maybe without AJ. What a bummer of a second half of the season.

Just hang in there man. It will sort itself out.

[Redhook]

Josh Brown who kicks for the Giants. Since the Bengals kept Nugent over him, Brown has gone 74-81 (91.4%) while Nugent has gone 66-82 (80.5%).

Stats back up the eyeball test in this case too. Watching Brown that year, it was crystal clear that he was a better kicker than Nugent. More accurate with more horse power in his leg. Pretty big error in judgment choosing Nugent over Brown. I was very surprised by their decision, especially with Nugent coming back from an injury.

[Dom Heffner]

They will recover. The Bengals are sitting just fine. One thing you can take away from the game last night is that Cincy was right there to the end.

I don't see how they are sitting just fine. Without the bye, is Dalton even going to be back?

Can they beat the Jets with McCarron? Then on to Denver?

This season looks over to me.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't see how they are sitting just fine. Without the bye, is Dalton even going to be back?

Can they beat the Jets with McCarron? Then on to Denver?

This season looks over to me.

Pittsburgh losing this weekend was huge. I do think they can beat the Jets with AJ. If you have to be the #3 seed, getting the Jets then back to Denver potentially with Dalton is probably the best way it could go. Obviously it would have been better to win and get the bye, but this seems better to me than having to host Pittsburgh or KC.

[Joseph]

This is why I had to quit them. A chance at home field and the #1 seed. Instead it gets Bengaled into a #3 seed and no bye.

[Bob Sheed]

If McCarron is out, the Bengals season is over.

If Dalton comes back, the season is over.

So yeah, pretty slim window of opportunity there.

It has been nice to see a QB that handles pressure. 11 years of the Palmer/Dalton "choke under pressure" combo has been disheartening to say the least. It will be a shame if McCarron wins the 1st playoff game and then Dalton comes back to blow it again. But that's what the writing on the wall looks like, and that's best case scenario.

[Hoosier Red]

I don't see how they are sitting just fine. Without the bye, is Dalton even going to be back?

Can they beat the Jets with McCarron? Then on to Denver?

This season looks over to me.

While you ask good questions, it's fair to point out that the season looked over to you roughly 20 times so far.... :)

- - - Updated - - -


Pittsburgh losing this weekend was huge. I do think they can beat the Jets with AJ. If you have to be the #3 seed, getting the Jets then back to Denver potentially with Dalton is probably the best way it could go. Obviously it would have been better to win and get the bye, but this seems better to me than having to host Pittsburgh or KC.

I agree with this. AJ wrist sprained, no fracture. Hopefully he can play this week.

[Dom Heffner]

While you ask good questions, it's fair to point out that the season looked over to you roughly 20 times so far.... :)

- - - Updated - - -



I agree with this. AJ wrist sprained, no fracture. Hopefully he can play this week.

I said the season was over? Really?

[BuckeyeRed27]

I said the season was over? Really?

In post #375, yes you said that.

[Dom Heffner]

In post #375, yes you said that.

Right, he's talking about that post, I believe. He's saying that why believe #375 when I've said 20 times before that. Which I don't believe I did. I questioned them, sure.

I guess I could say to you guys that you said everything was going to be fine 20 times...

You can try to FCB me all you want, the criticism is pretty well deserved.

[Sea Ray]

I said the season was over? Really?

Yeah. You said this less than an hour ago.




This season looks over to me.

Really

[Dom Heffner]

This is why I had to quit them. A chance at home field and the #1 seed. Instead it gets Bengaled into a #3 seed and no bye.

Are you a fan or not?

:)

[Hoosier Red]

Right, he's talking about that post, I believe. He's saying that why believe #375 when I've said 20 times before that. Which I don't believe I did. I questioned them, sure.

I guess I could say to you guys that you said everything was going to be fine 20 times...

You can try to FCB me all you want, the criticism is pretty well deserved.

Relax Francis. There's a reason i put a smiley face on the end of the statement.

[Dom Heffner]

Yeah. You said this less than an hour ago.



Really

Right.

In #375 I said the season was over.

Hoosier said "You've said that 20 times before."

When I said "I said the season was over?" I meant did I say that 20 times before?

[Dom Heffner]

Relax Francis. There's a reason i put a smiley face on the end of the statement.

Good point. I just don't remember saying the season was over 20 times.

[Sea Ray]

Right.

In #375 I said the season was over.

Hoosier said "You've said that 20 times before."

When I said "I said the season was over?" I meant did I say that 20 times before?

If you want to put a new qualifier on it such as 20x then I'd say that you weren't as direct as you were at 1:30pm but yes, you've posted at least 20 comments that infer that the season's over

[KoryMac5]

Bottom line the team has a first round exit written all over it if they don't win this week at home against a tough Baltimore team. We can't keep on backing are way into the playoffs, we need to get some momentum going in.

[Dom Heffner]

If you want to put a new qualifier on it such as 20x then I'd say that you weren't as direct as you were at 1:30pm but yes, you've posted at least 20 comments that infer that the season's over

There really isn't a new qualifier. It's pretty obvious I was referring to the "20 times" comment, good Lord, he quoted me in his post.

[Sea Ray]

There really isn't a new qualifier. It's pretty obvious I was referring to the "20 times" comment, good Lord, he quoted me in his post.

It wasn't obvious at all. BuckeyeRed responded the same way I did.

[Sea Ray]

So far so good on McCarron's wrist. Day to day.

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/No-major-damage-for-day-to-day-McCarron/2f691d90-5ce6-4399-bc98-546984a0cadd

Of course with the short week, he needs to practice tomorrow.

[Hoosier Red]

Right.

In #375 I said the season was over.

Hoosier said "You've said that 20 times before."

When I said "I said the season was over?" I meant did I say that 20 times before?

Also in full disclosure. I misquoted my movie reference.

In Stripes, the officer says, "Lighten up Francis" not "Relax Francis."

[Oxilon]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?

[Sea Ray]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?

We'll come up with some excuse...

It'd be nice if Marvin stepped aside regardless though

[The Operator]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?Of course. Mike Brown has given Bengals fans such a case of battered spouse syndrome.

The 90's were so awful that we're all just content to be relevant and who cares if they never, ever evveeerrrr take that next step? I mean at least we're not the worst team in football anymore.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?

It depends on who they play and how the game goes. If they get blown out by anyone, then no I don't think you can brush it aside. They showed last night they can play with the best teams in the league with their current situation. I don't think any loss to the Jets can be brushed aside. A close loss to any other competitor than I think you'd have to accept it for what it is.

[Redsfaithful]

Hue Jackson would be a good head coach, but I would take Marvin Lewis over the vast majority of NFL coaches.

It's like the Andy Dalton discussion - most NFL QBs are actually pretty bad, and so are most NFL head coaches. I would love to think the Bengals could upgrade, but odds are pretty good they'd end up with someone worse.

[traderumor]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?They followed up a 1st round playoff loss with another division championship. What were they supposed to do that they are not? What is getting brushed aside? They continue to be a playoff team, are deep, draft well, play well, are well prepared, are in shape, are one of the harder hitting teams in the NFL. You imply that there is some "take it to another level" move or moves that could be done, but are being withheld? I really do not get what they are supposed to do about playoff losses. "Get better?" What does that mean? It matters, but there are problems, and then there are what you can do about problems. Honestly, all the consternation about winning a playoff game, while it is important, becomes little more than "if it ain't broke, let's fix it 'til it is."

[Redsfaithful]

I don't think it's going to matter, I honestly think they will beat the Jets or Chiefs with AJ. So long as there aren't more injuries this week, and I'm assuming they get Iloka and Eifert back by then.

[KoryMac5]

Bold prediction, Marvin gets fired or moved to the FO if they lose in the first round again.

[traderumor]

Bold prediction, Marvin gets fired or moved to the FO if they lose in the first round again.

And that would fit perfectly with "if it ain't broke lets fix it til it is."

[Bob Sheed]

So, not to be a debbie downer, but if the Bengals lose another first round playoff game, will it just be brushed aside because we had an injured QB? Similar to how last year was brushed aside because we had many injuries than too?

Worse.

McCarron will win the first playoff game.

Then, Dalton will be healthy enough to return. And he will lose the next playoff game with his usual choking ways. But it will be blamed on "being rusty." So there will be no QB competition and Andy will continue to be "the guy."

Good news is, we should be able to pick up a 1st rounder for McCarron. Bad news is, we'll be trading away a QB who seems to possess many of the intangibles that Dalton lacks.

The best thing that could happen to the Bengals would be if Dalton is out for the rest of the season and McCarron continues to improve each week en route to the Super Bowl. But he'll never get the chance.

Final Prediction:
Divisional Playoff
Dalton 31-44 260 yards 1 TD 3 INT 1 fumble sacked 4 times.
"Because he was rusty." - Choke Excuse version 2015

[wolfboy]

Just want to put a little perspective on the doom and gloom in this thread. I just got back from the game. Denver fans were very impressed with our team. They absolutely stunned the crowd in the first half. Denver made adjustments and pulled out a close game. Denver fans do not want to see us again in the playoffs, even at their place. I think the overwhelming consensus from their fans (and I talked to a lot of them) is that we would have bludgeoned them if Dalton had been in at QB.

[GAC]

There's no comparing this game with the earlier Ravens game. There will be no Dalton, Eifert, Flacco, or Steve Smith.

That's true.... but the "current" Ravens just beat a good Steeler team who just recently beat the Bengals.The Bengals have already secured the division and are in the post-season (that's not in question). But they just had a gut-wrenching OT lost to Denver. From an emotional/psychological aspect, they need to beat the Ravens this weekend. They (any team) does not want to enter the post-season by ending the season with back-to-back losses. That's all I'm saying.

[GAC]

We'll come up with some excuse...

It'd be nice if Marvin stepped aside regardless though

So let me get this straight.... IF the Bengals lose their 1st round game without their marquee starting QB, a HUGE reason for their success this season... Marvin should step aside or be fired?

I can understand Bengal fan's frustration with the Bengal's (Marvin's) record in the post-season; but don't let that frustration drive one to the point they want a good coach fired. Yeah, I think Marvin is a darn good coach. Looking at what they had prior, and during his tenure, he has turned this team/organization around.

"Yeah, but he can't get us to the next level!"

And is that all his fault? Sure, I'm sure some of the blame/responsibility can (and usually is) placed at the feet of the head coach. But far, far more of it, IMO, is on those guys on the field. In the Bengal's 4 losses can anyone show where that was due to Marvin Lewis' "incompetence" or bad coaching? A missed FG here, a botched snap (fumble) there, very key injuries. C'mon.

Take a look around the NFL and all the head coaches who are on the "hot seat" and could lose their jobs (and justifiably). Marvin Lewis ain't one of them IMO.

In that last four seasons (2012-12015), he has led them to the post-season (two division champs, two WC). And the AFC North is one of toughest divisions in the NFL. If the Bengals win this weekend, that will be their 12th win. When was the last time this team went 12-4? ANSWER: 1988. Even if they lose 11-5 is pretty darn good.

And some want this guy fired?

Again.... understand your frustration; but be careful what you root for. You could end up much worse.

Marvin Lewis ain't going anwhere, and shouldn't IMO.

Good article....

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/32for32x151230/every-head-coach-job-security-nfl


The Bengals' head man might have had a slightly warmer seat (emphasis on "slightly") after last year's wild-card round loss, but regardless what happens to his team in the playoffs this year, he isn't going anywhere. Team president Mike Brown very much values what Lewis has provided the organization in his 13 seasons: seven playoff teams, including five straight. In the event that Brown actually was considering letting the coach go, he should remember that the team started the season 8-0 with its full complement of weapons -- and that all four of the Bengals' losses have come against playoff teams.

[wolfboy]

I'm with you GAC - despite a significant injury, we have but four losses with our average loss being by 5.75 points. Lewis has some glaring flaws but I don't understand how people can't see his value after 5 straight playoff appearances in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.

[KoryMac5]

Mike Brown has been pretty patient and loyal to head coaches, I doubt he would fire Marvin as the two have a very unique relationship, Marvin tolerates Mike very well. I ultimately think it will be up to Marvin on when he goes as the Bengal job is one of the best in the NFL with the talent on this roster. However every owner has a breaking point could another first round exit be Mike Brown's breaking point with Lewis.

[WrongVerb]

Lewis has made some rumblings about wanting to win the SB and ride off into the sunset. It would surprise me greatly if Brown fired him after the season, regardless of the outcome. But it wouldn't surprise me all that much if Lewis either retired or resigned as HC and took a position in the Bengals front office (I suggest director of player personnel, as he seems to be an exceptional judge of talent) with Jackson taking over as HC.

Guenther might be getting some play for a HC spot as well, as I've seen his name loosely tied to the Eagles job.

[Sea Ray]

So let me get this straight.... IF the Bengals lose their 1st round game without their marquee starting QB, a HUGE reason for their success this season... Marvin should step aside or be fired?

I can understand Bengal fan's frustration with the Bengal's (Marvin's) record in the post-season; but don't let that frustration drive one to the point they want a good coach fired. Yeah, I think Marvin is a darn good coach. Looking at what they had prior, and during his tenure, he has turned this team/organization around.

"Yeah, but he can't get us to the next level!"

And is that all his fault? Sure, I'm sure some of the blame/responsibility can (and usually is) placed at the feet of the head coach. But far, far more of it, IMO, is on those guys on the field. In the Bengal's 4 losses can anyone show where that was due to Marvin Lewis' "incompetence" or bad coaching? A missed FG here, a botched snap (fumble) there, very key injuries. C'mon.

Take a look around the NFL and all the head coaches who are on the "hot seat" and could lose their jobs (and justifiably). Marvin Lewis ain't one of them IMO.

In that last four seasons (2012-12015), he has led them to the post-season (two division champs, two WC). And the AFC North is one of toughest divisions in the NFL. If the Bengals win this weekend, that will be their 12th win. When was the last time this team went 12-4? ANSWER: 1988. Even if they lose 11-5 is pretty darn good.

And some want this guy fired?

Again.... understand your frustration; but be careful what you root for. You could end up much worse.

Marvin Lewis ain't going anwhere, and shouldn't IMO.

Good article....

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/32for32x151230/every-head-coach-job-security-nfl

In fairness, I've wanted Hue instead of Marvin for awhile now. Marvin's been there long enough. Regardless of what we do from her on, I'd like to see Hue take over next yr

[traderumor]

Hue is the backup QB. Then you find out hes just a backup qb when you give him ths job.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm with you GAC - despite a significant injury, we have but four losses with our average loss being by 5.75 points. Lewis has some glaring flaws but I don't understand how people can't see his value after 5 straight playoff appearances in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.

Absolutely, how many teams out there can say that?

[GAC]

Mike Brown has been pretty patient and loyal to head coaches, I doubt he would fire Marvin as the two have a very unique relationship, Marvin tolerates Mike very well. I ultimately think it will be up to Marvin on when he goes as the Bengal job is one of the best in the NFL with the talent on this roster. However every owner has a breaking point could another first round exit be Mike Brown's breaking point with Lewis.

Mike Brown has been the owner, in charge of operations, for approximately 25 years. And when I look at the list of head coaches he has hired during his tenure.... he needs to be more patient with Marvin (LOL). No, Marvin hasn't won a post-season game.... but he's given Mike Brown far more opportunities then the others MB has hired combined -which is ZERO! (LOL) .... and restored more then just respectability to this organization.

You guys have had ONE head coach since 2003. My Browns are on their SEVENTH (and maybe 8th) in that same time frame LOL

And we won't run down the list of starting QBs we have had in that time either. ;)

Take the advice of the Hues Corporation......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dndAXxqJbc0

[GAC]

and.... GO BENGALS!

[Hoosier Red]

I'm pretty much 100% on board with Redsfaithful.

While there certainly are better coaches then Marvin, the coaching continuity imo has played a role in the success this team's had.

So if Marvin is kicked upstairs, what are the odds that the new coach is a) a noticeable improvement over Marvin and b) enough of an improvement to overcome whatever is gained from the current continuity?

I recognize the continuity issue would be mitigated somewhat by Hue taking over.

[WrongVerb]

I'm pretty much 100% on board with Redsfaithful.

While there certainly are better coaches then Marvin, the coaching continuity imo has played a role in the success this team's had.

So if Marvin is kicked upstairs, what are the odds that the new coach is a) a noticeable improvement over Marvin and b) enough of an improvement to overcome whatever is gained from the current continuity?

I recognize the continuity issue would be mitigated somewhat by Hue taking over.

Yeah, I think that almost has to be the succession of events (Hue taking over) for it to work out as well as it can for the Bengals.

[Sea Ray]

This is nothing new. Years ago Bengal fans wanted Marvin gone and Mike Zimmer promoted. I think we'd be in fine shape today if that'd happened

[WrongVerb]

This is nothing new. Years ago Bengal fans wanted Marvin gone and Mike Zimmer promoted. I think we'd be in fine shape today if that'd happened

I was among those as well. Dom does have a point that Hue doesn't match up well in the chess game against other top coaches, and this team does win a LOT because of its overall roster talent.

[Hoosier Red]

This is nothing new. Years ago Bengal fans wanted Marvin gone and Mike Zimmer promoted. I think we'd be in fine shape today if that'd happened

True. And I think the world of Zimmer. But I think the Bengals are in "fine shape today."

Would they be in even better shape with Zimmer? Maybe. I'd listen to that argument.

But that wouldn't really speak to whether they'd truly be better off with Hue than Marvin.

Just like Dalton, the, the list of potential hires who would be worse than Marvin is far longer than the list of guys who would represent a true improvement.
So in order to be convinced Hue would truly be an upgrade, I'd need some thoughts on what he'd specifically improve in relation to Marvin...

Would the players play harder for him? Would he be better at tactical decisions? Better at clock management? Better preparation?

[Bob Sheed]

I think the overwhelming consensus from their fans (and I talked to a lot of them) is that we would have bludgeoned them if Dalton had been in at QB.

Maybe if it was a 1pm game in November.

If Dalton was in there, he would have struggled and the blame would have been "because Eifert was hurt."

I do think that Dalton would have been able to better adjust to the zone defense of the 2nd half. But I don't think he makes the pinpoint throws in the 1st half to beat man to man that McCarron made, so Denver may have never needed to adjust to zone in the 2nd half.

Doesn't matter though. The doom and gloom is because Dalton looks to be back just in time to lay another playoff egg.

[wolfboy]

Maybe if it was a 1pm game in November.

If Dalton was in there, he would have struggled and the blame would have been "because Eifert was hurt."

I do think that Dalton would have been able to better adjust to the zone defense of the 2nd half. But I don't think he makes the pinpoint throws in the 1st half to beat man to man that McCarron made, so Denver may have never needed to adjust to zone in the 2nd half.

Doesn't matter though. The doom and gloom is because Dalton looks to be back just in time to lay another playoff egg.

It took Peyton Manning a hell of a long time to win a Super Bowl when just about everyone thought he'd have a collection of rings sooner versus later. I guess I just look at it differently.

[wolfboy]

Lewis has made some rumblings about wanting to win the SB and ride off into the sunset. It would surprise me greatly if Brown fired him after the season, regardless of the outcome. But it wouldn't surprise me all that much if Lewis either retired or resigned as HC and took a position in the Bengals front office (I suggest director of player personnel, as he seems to be an exceptional judge of talent) with Jackson taking over as HC.

Guenther might be getting some play for a HC spot as well, as I've seen his name loosely tied to the Eagles job.

Duke Tobin is Director of Player Personnel and, IMHO, he is the exception judge of talent. I'm fine with Marvin having some role in the front office but under no circumstances should that come at the expense of Duke.

[Oxilon]

It took Peyton Manning a hell of a long time to win a Super Bowl when just about everyone thought he'd have a collection of rings sooner versus later. I guess I just look at it differently.

Perhaps I'm not understanding your point, but why are you comparing Super Bowl rings to playoff victories and Peyton Manning to Andy Dalton?

[Oxilon]

They followed up a 1st round playoff loss with another division championship. What were they supposed to do that they are not? What is getting brushed aside? They continue to be a playoff team, are deep, draft well, play well, are well prepared, are in shape, are one of the harder hitting teams in the NFL. You imply that there is some "take it to another level" move or moves that could be done, but are being withheld? I really do not get what they are supposed to do about playoff losses. "Get better?" What does that mean? It matters, but there are problems, and then there are what you can do about problems. Honestly, all the consternation about winning a playoff game, while it is important, becomes little more than "if it ain't broke, let's fix it 'til it is."

Well obviously there are "take it to another level" moves that could be done, or else we wouldn't still be searching for our first post-season victory in 25 years, never the less a championship. Every other NFL team has earned a playoff victory since the Bengals last had one. And winning a playoff game is more than important -- it's the necessary stepping stone to achieve the only thing that matters -- championships. At this point, I don't see how anybody can believe Marvin can bring us a Lombardi trophy (only thing that matters) so that's why I think change is necessary. Could we get worse with the new coach? Absolutely. But how else can we win a Lombardi?

[wolfboy]

Perhaps I'm not understanding your point, but why are you comparing Super Bowl rings to playoff victories and Peyton Manning to Andy Dalton?

Not a very complex point: that success in the playoffs is not a given, even for the most talented of players.

[traderumor]

Well obviously there are "take it to another level" moves that could be done, or else we wouldn't still be searching for our first post-season victory in 25 years, never the less a championship. Every other NFL team has earned a playoff victory since the Bengals last had one. And winning a playoff game is more than important -- it's the necessary stepping stone to achieve the only thing that matters -- championships. At this point, I don't see how anybody can believe Marvin can bring us a Lombardi trophy (only thing that matters) so that's why I think change is necessary. Could we get worse with the new coach? Absolutely. But how else can we win a Lombardi?So obviously that you did not give any examples? Fire the coach? Is that the magic bullet? But then, that is based on "every other NFL team has earned a playoff victory since the Bengals last had one." So you're going to fire the most successful coach in franchise history because, say the Browns and Bills won a playoff game in 1995? Great basis for a decision.

[WrongVerb]

Duke Tobin is Director of Player Personnel and, IMHO, he is the exception judge of talent. I'm fine with Marvin having some role in the front office but under no circumstances should that come at the expense of Duke.

Ah, yes, agreed. I was not thinking replacement so much as two great minds together.

[WrongVerb]

Bengals need the Broncos to lose, and either the Bengals win or KC wins (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25431398/playoff-picture-final-week-tiebreaker-notes?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link):

Speaking of the Bengals, they hurt their seeding chances mightily with the loss at Denver but have already claimed the AFC North title and can grab a No. 2seed with a win and Denver loss. Even if the Bengals lose, they would be the No. 2 seed with a Denver loss and a Kansas City win as that would make the Chiefs the AFC West champs and the Bengals beat the Chiefs head-to-head back on Week 4.

[Oxilon]

Not a very complex point: that success in the playoffs is not a given, even for the most talented of players.

Well I agree. But Manning has seen playoff success, even in after starting his playoff career 0-3 before winning his first game. And you can make a strong case Manning was carrying average teams to the playoffs in the first place.

[WVRed]

Bengals need the Broncos to lose, and either the Bengals win or KC wins (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25431398/playoff-picture-final-week-tiebreaker-notes?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link):

Speaking of the Bengals, they hurt their seeding chances mightily with the loss at Denver but have already claimed the AFC North title and can grab a No. 2seed with a win and Denver loss. Even if the Bengals lose, they would be the No. 2 seed with a Denver loss and a Kansas City win as that would make the Chiefs the AFC West champs and the Bengals beat the Chiefs head-to-head back on Week 4.

Apples and Asparagus.

KC is a completely different team from Week 4. Give me the Jets.

[Oxilon]

So obviously that you did not give any examples? Fire the coach? Is that the magic bullet? But then, that is based on "every other NFL team has earned a playoff victory since the Bengals last had one." So you're going to fire the most successful coach in franchise history because, say the Browns and Bills won a playoff game in 1995? Great basis for a decision.

I thought it was clear I was implying getting rid of Marvin since I cited his name but never the less, replacing Marvin would be a move that needs to be made if the Bengals get bounced early again. And being the most successful coach in franchise history is a relative term -- considering how porous the Bengals' history is and how long he's been here, I wouldn't say that's saying much. And the only basis I need to support that decision is his abysmal playoff record, which ironically is just as good as Bengals' great Dave Shula.

[Hoosier Red]

Perhaps I'm not understanding your point, but why are you comparing Super Bowl rings to playoff victories and Peyton Manning to Andy Dalton?

Peyton went quite a while before he shook the "Can't win a playoff game" silliness as well.

Including enduring this nonsense from his liquored up idiot kicker explaining why Peyton's Colts had yet to win a playoff game...


"All week before the Jets game I'm like, '(No.) 18, we're going to handle it, me and you we're going to win this game.' And he's like, 'Yeah, yeah, OK.' "And I'm like, 'Peyton, show some enthusiasm, you're the quarterback and we need to win this game.' I just don't see it from him."


Noticeably absent from Vanderjagt's idiocy was taking blame for his Shank you very much kick at the end of regulation when the Colts lost to the Dolphins in the WC round 2 years prior.

[Oxilon]

Peyton went quite a while before he shook the "Can't win a playoff game" silliness as well.

Including enduring this nonsense from his liquored up idiot kicker explaining why Peyton's Colts had yet to win a playoff game...

Peyton went 0-3 before winning his first. As it stands now, Dalton is 0-4. Plus you can make the case Dalton has had a better cast around him then Manning did. Regardless, I believe the issue stands with Marvin. Modern day Marty Schottenheimer, although that's a little unfair to Marty, since as bad as his career playoff record is, it's still better then Marvin Lewis'.

[Bob Sheed]

It took Peyton Manning a hell of a long time to win a Super Bowl when just about everyone thought he'd have a collection of rings sooner versus later. I guess I just look at it differently.

With Peyton Manning, the knock on him was that he couldn't win the Super Bowl. One game.

With Andy Dalton, pretty much every game under the lights, it's choke city.

This year, Dalton has the supporting cast that would make Trent Dilfer a pro bowler. Or, cough, that would make a rookie QB look like a seasoned vet. But when he chokes again this year, the excuse will be that "he was rusty."

The only solution that I see is to treat Dalton like two different QBs depending on the game. If it is clutch time, relegate Andy to game manager role. Any other time, sure, turn him loose. But those big games...when he wants to go all Gus Frerotte... gotta dial him in, big time. Otherwise he will lose the game single-handedly, time and time again.

[Kingspoint]

No Defense has been better than the Chiefs in the second half, and they've been missing their best LB the last three weeks.

[traderumor]

I thought it was clear I was implying getting rid of Marvin since I cited his name but never the less, replacing Marvin would be a move that needs to be made if the Bengals get bounced early again. And being the most successful coach in franchise history is a relative term -- considering how porous the Bengals' history is and how long he's been here, I wouldn't say that's saying much. And the only basis I need to support that decision is his abysmal playoff record, which ironically is just as good as Bengals' great Dave Shula.
David Shula has a better playoff record at 0-0. Your reason for changing coaches is pretty weak. You gotta bring more to the table than years between playoff wins.

[Oxilon]

David Shula has a better playoff record at 0-0. Your reason for changing coaches is pretty weak. You gotta bring more to the table than years between playoff wins.

Pretty weak? You even acknowledged it yourself, being that "the most successful coach in franchise history [Marvin Lewis]" has the same playoff winning percentage as arguably the worst coach in franchise history - 0%. The only difference being Shula amassed his zero playoff wins in 5 seasons and Marvin is going on 13.

[traderumor]

Pretty weak? You even acknowledged it yourself, being that "the most successful coach in franchise history [Marvin Lewis]" has the same playoff winning percentage as arguably the worst coach in franchise history - 0%. The only difference being Shula amassed his zero playoff wins in 5 seasons and Marvin is going on 13.
Yea, that's the point. You really got me there. What a slick way of turning my own words on me. I have been schooled. You owned me.

[Oxilon]

Yea, that's the point. You really got me there. What a slick way of turning my own words on me. I have been schooled. You owned me.

Turning your own words? I simply used your view of Marvin Lewis verbatim, and compared him to the worst coach in franchise history. Don't get snarky because the numbers speak for themselves.

[dabvu2498]

With Peyton Manning, the knock on him was that he couldn't win the Super Bowl. One game.

Absolutely incorrect. Before 2006, Manning was 3-6 in the playoffs and had never been to a Super Bowl.

And it's obvious you're all-in on the McCarron train, but where was the "rookie turned seasoned pro" in the 2nd half of Monday night's game? He was looking like a rookie.

[traderumor]

Turning your own words? I simply used your view of Marvin Lewis verbatim, and compared him to the worst coach in franchise history. Don't get snarky because the numbers speak for themselves.No, you really didn't. The absurdity of Shula vs. Lewis deserves nothing but sarcasm, which was why I pointed out that he was 0-0 in playoff games. That is not the "same record." In fact, this discussion is absurd and I'm moving on.

[Assembly Hall]

Well I agree. But Manning has seen playoff success, even in after starting his playoff career 0-3 before winning his first game. And you can make a strong case Manning was carrying average teams to the playoffs in the first place.

OMG, really? Manning was carrying average teams? I need to stick to the Colts board.

[Brutus]

Those Colts teams were average? Some of the players that Manning played alongside in his career: Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Chad Bratzke, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Mike Doss and others. Those teams were definitely not average. I think it could be argued in the earlier years, some of those Colts' defenses were average, or even mediocre, but he was always surrounded by talent...especially offensively. Manning was awesome, but he was never having to carry average teams IMHO.

[Sea Ray]

Duke Tobin is Director of Player Personnel and, IMHO, he is the exception judge of talent. I'm fine with Marvin having some role in the front office but under no circumstances should that come at the expense of Duke.

Bengal fans always talk of "moving so and so" into the front office but it never happens that way under MB. I'd be 100% shocked if Marvin is moved there. He'll either retire or stay.

[Sea Ray]

David Shula has a better playoff record at 0-0. Your reason for changing coaches is pretty weak. You gotta bring more to the table than years between playoff wins.

I think o and anything above zero is a better record than 0-0 when it comes to playoff games

[Assembly Hall]

Those Colts teams were average? Some of the players that Manning played alongside in his career: Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Chad Bratzke, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Mike Doss and others. Those teams were definitely not average. I think it could be argued in the earlier years, some of those Colts' defenses were average, or even mediocre, but he was always surrounded by talent...especially offensively. Manning was awesome, but he was never having to carry average teams IMHO.

You left out Jeff Saturday!!!!!!!!! LOL.....of course I suppose he was average too!!! LOL

[Bob Sheed]

It looks like the Bengals will have Eifert this Sunday.

Not having Eifert was Dalton's choke excuse for last season. McCarron has yet to have Eifert.

If I were Hue Jackson, I would rest Green and go primarily Double TE sets with Eifert and Kroft. That should be enough to beat the Ravens. They still won't get a bye though. No way the Chargers roll over Denver, in Denver, with that much on the line.

So the 12-4 Bengals will host someone for the Wild Card, and McCarron will be the QB. They'll win too, barring major injury, and McCarron will continue to improve.

Then Rusty Andy will be back just in time to choke the Divisional Playoff and we will have "Andy's Excuse 2015" to hang our hats on for next season. And there will be no QB controversy. Because, you know, "he was rusty coming back from injury!"

This stuff is as predictable as watching a thunderstorm slowly roll in.

[Sea Ray]

I'd like to see them rest the fragile Eifert till playoff time. Let's hope I don't look like a prophet next week when they don't take my advice and we're discussing the consequences

[Sea Ray]

They've changed Jake Fisher's number so he no longer has to report as an eligible guy. That's a good move

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Thursday-update-new-number-for-Fisher-reflects-new-role-Eifert-Iloka-McCarron-on-the-field/24d64b16-b707-4195-89e0-86ab105a6c57

[Dom Heffner]

It looks like the Bengals will have Eifert this Sunday.

Not having Eifert was Dalton's choke excuse for last season. McCarron has yet to have Eifert.

If I were Hue Jackson, I would rest Green and go primarily Double TE sets with Eifert and Kroft. That should be enough to beat the Ravens. They still won't get a bye though. No way the Chargers roll over Denver, in Denver, with that much on the line.

So the 12-4 Bengals will host someone for the Wild Card, and McCarron will be the QB. They'll win too, barring major injury, and McCarron will continue to improve.

Then Rusty Andy will be back just in time to choke the Divisional Playoff and we will have "Andy's Excuse 2015" to hang our hats on for next season. And there will be no QB controversy. Because, you know, "he was rusty coming back from injury!"

This stuff is as predictable as watching a thunderstorm slowly roll in.

The Chargers could absolutely beat Denver.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'd like to see them rest the fragile Eifert till playoff time. Let's hope I don't look like a prophet next week when they don't take my advice and we're discussing the consequences

I don't think he should play the whole game, but would be nice to have him take 15-20 plays and get a few hits and catches in before the playoffs.

[wolfboy]

With Peyton Manning, the knock on him was that he couldn't win the Super Bowl. One game.

With Andy Dalton, pretty much every game under the lights, it's choke city.

This year, Dalton has the supporting cast that would make Trent Dilfer a pro bowler. Or, cough, that would make a rookie QB look like a seasoned vet. But when he chokes again this year, the excuse will be that "he was rusty."

The only solution that I see is to treat Dalton like two different QBs depending on the game. If it is clutch time, relegate Andy to game manager role. Any other time, sure, turn him loose. But those big games...when he wants to go all Gus Frerotte... gotta dial him in, big time. Otherwise he will lose the game single-handedly, time and time again.

The issue with Manning is not simply Super Bowl wins. In spite of all his talent, the guy has a bad reputation as a playoff quarterback and somewhat deservedly so. As someone else mentioned, he started with an 0-3 record in the playoffs. Want to know his QB rating in those games? 62.3, 82, and 31.2. Choke City you say? Make no mistake, he had some great performances over the years and eventually got that elusive Super Bowl ring. But he's had plenty of bad performances over 24 playoff games and has lost more than he's won. This from a guy you think of as one of the all-time greats.

Eli Manning, often thought of as Mr. Clutch himself in the playoffs is as Good Andy/Bad Andy as they come. While he was unquestionably clutch and dominant in his two Super Bowl runs, his three other playoff appearances resulted in three losses and QB ratings of 35, 85.6, and 40.7 (collectively, 2TD, 6INT).

Tom Brady has a sparkling record of 21-8 in the playoffs. But what people conveniently forget is that he was the quintessential game manager throughout his first few trips to the playoffs (and really his first few seasons). His QB rating is a much more respectable 89.0, but there are some godawful performances hidden in there. Same with Roethlisberger - he was initially used as a game manager. The terrible thing is - I'm dead convinced this was the year Dalton made that transition from game manager to field leader in the playoffs. With his injury, we may never know.

Just for reference, here's a list of all active QB playoff records: http://www.footballdb.com/stats/qb-records.html?type=post. Not too hard to get their game logs

You want to know what stands out to me? While you see some things you'd expect (Brady at the top of the list), a lot of it is illogical and arbitrary. I already mentioned Peyton Manning's rocky record. Mark Sanchez has a 4-2 record with a QB rating over 90. Would you prefer him over Dalton? What about Kaepernick? He's 4-2. Three of the best performing quarterbacks in the NFL this season (Newton, Palmer, Dalton) have a combined 1-8 record in the playoffs.

I'm not here to tell you that Dalton or Lewis have given us acceptable playoff performances. They've been abysmal and indefensible to date. But I'm willing to be a little more patient and I'm optimistic it will change. If Peyton Manning took a while to figure it out in the playoffs, why should I expect Andy Dalton to get there sooner? Marvin deserves plenty of heat for the playoffs, but he's also built the expectation that we'll get there every season. I've heard others reference the battered wife syndrome in regards to Bengals fans in that we're so used to mediocrity that we'll accept these poor performances while Mike Brown steals our money. But I think those folks have it all backwards. I see the battered-wife syndrome when people can't embrace consistent success. Bengals fans are always waiting for the other shoe to drop and seem to expect that we'll never make the playoffs again. Do you think Steelers fans or Patriots fans act that way? I expect not. Instead they brush themselves off, fully understanding that disappointment is part of fandom, and expect the team to reload and make a run at it all the following year. That's the mentality I want for the rest of my fan years. Under Marvin, and for the first time as a Bengals fan, it feels like that might be possible.

[Sea Ray]

I think the Bengals need to win a playoff game for the sake of the entire city's sports fans. It's not just the Bengals who have a post season mental block. I know I don't need to explain any further for folks of this site

[Assembly Hall]

I think the Bengals need to win a playoff game for the sake of the entire city's sports fans. It's not just the Bengals who have a post season mental block. I know I don't need to explain any further for folks of this site

This is the year!!!!!

[WrongVerb]

Only 13 teams since 1973 have had post-season appearance streaks of longer than 5 games. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_franchise_post-season_streaks#Longest_consecutive_playoff_appeara nce_streak)

- - - Updated - - -


This is the year!!!!!

Other than this team's recent history, is there any reason they shouldn't get at least one win this year?

- - - Updated - - -


The Chargers could absolutely beat Denver.

The Bengals don't even need to win on Sunday. The Broncos lose and the Chiefs win and the Bengals get the 2nd seed and a bye.

[traderumor]

The Chargers could absolutely beat Denver.I agree, really for the same reason that the Ravens could catch the Bengals--big Monday night showdown, hard-hitting show down, dinged up teams, playoffs clinched, and only playoff seeding to play for. Easy to come out flat for those types of games.

[Kingspoint]

They've changed Jake Fisher's number so he no longer has to report as an eligible guy. That's a good move

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Thursday-update-new-number-for-Fisher-reflects-new-role-Eifert-Iloka-McCarron-on-the-field/24d64b16-b707-4195-89e0-86ab105a6c57

Yes. Those miscues by the refs were getting old.

[Redsfaithful]

I think Denver will win, but Philip Rivers is always capable of surprising a team.

[Dom Heffner]

I agree, really for the same reason that the Ravens could catch the Bengals--big Monday night showdown, hard-hitting show down, dinged up teams, playoffs clinched, and only playoff seeding to play for. Easy to come out flat for those types of games.

Division games are different. The Ravens knocked off Pittsburgh. It's tough to surprise someone when you play them two times a year.

Heck- in high school football, LaSalle beats the best teams in the state to win a championship but lost twice in their division.

It's just different.

[Dom Heffner]

I think Denver will win, but Philip Rivers is always capable of surprising a team.

If I were betting, I'd pick Denver. But Rivers is way beyond MCCarron.

It would be the turn of fate this franchise has coming their way, that's for sure.

[Dom Heffner]

I think the Bengals need to win a playoff game for the sake of the entire city's sports fans. It's not just the Bengals who have a post season mental block. I know I don't need to explain any further for folks of this site

When you look at each individual season you can come up with reasons they didn't win.

This year is the best excuse- Dalton has been terrific and losing him is nobody's fault.

Still, it gets old, which is what you are alluding to.

[Dom Heffner]

The issue with Manning is not simply Super Bowl wins. In spite of all his talent, the guy has a bad reputation as a playoff quarterback and somewhat deservedly so. As someone else mentioned, he started with an 0-3 record in the playoffs. Want to know his QB rating in those games? 62.3, 82, and 31.2. Choke City you say? Make no mistake, he had some great performances over the years and eventually got that elusive Super Bowl ring. But he's had plenty of bad performances over 24 playoff games and has lost more than he's won. This from a guy you think of as one of the all-time greats.

Eli Manning, often thought of as Mr. Clutch himself in the playoffs is as Good Andy/Bad Andy as they come. While he was unquestionably clutch and dominant in his two Super Bowl runs, his three other playoff appearances resulted in three losses and QB ratings of 35, 85.6, and 40.7 (collectively, 2TD, 6INT).

Tom Brady has a sparkling record of 21-8 in the playoffs. But what people conveniently forget is that he was the quintessential game manager throughout his first few trips to the playoffs (and really his first few seasons). His QB rating is a much more respectable 89.0, but there are some godawful performances hidden in there. Same with Roethlisberger - he was initially used as a game manager. The terrible thing is - I'm dead convinced this was the year Dalton made that transition from game manager to field leader in the playoffs. With his injury, we may never know.

Just for reference, here's a list of all active QB playoff records: http://www.footballdb.com/stats/qb-records.html?type=post. Not too hard to get their game logs

You want to know what stands out to me? While you see some things you'd expect (Brady at the top of the list), a lot of it is illogical and arbitrary. I already mentioned Peyton Manning's rocky record. Mark Sanchez has a 4-2 record with a QB rating over 90. Would you prefer him over Dalton? What about Kaepernick? He's 4-2. Three of the best performing quarterbacks in the NFL this season (Newton, Palmer, Dalton) have a combined 1-8 record in the playoffs.

I'm not here to tell you that Dalton or Lewis have given us acceptable playoff performances. They've been abysmal and indefensible to date. But I'm willing to be a little more patient and I'm optimistic it will change. If Peyton Manning took a while to figure it out in the playoffs, why should I expect Andy Dalton to get there sooner? Marvin deserves plenty of heat for the playoffs, but he's also built the expectation that we'll get there every season. I've heard others reference the battered wife syndrome in regards to Bengals fans in that we're so used to mediocrity that we'll accept these poor performances while Mike Brown steals our money. But I think those folks have it all backwards. I see the battered-wife syndrome when people can't embrace consistent success. Bengals fans are always waiting for the other shoe to drop and seem to expect that we'll never make the playoffs again. Do you think Steelers fans or Patriots fans act that way? I expect not. Instead they brush themselves off, fully understanding that disappointment is part of fandom, and expect the team to reload and make a run at it all the following year. That's the mentality I want for the rest of my fan years. Under Marvin, and for the first time as a Bengals fan, it feels like that might be possible.

It's really tough to compare being a fan of the Bengals to two teams that have multiple rings.

If we had 4 Super Bowl rings, I'd be much more patient, believe me.

[George Foster]

Absolutely incorrect. Before 2006, Manning was 3-6 in the playoffs and had never been to a Super Bowl.

And it's obvious you're all-in on the McCarron train, but where was the "rookie turned seasoned pro" in the 2nd half of Monday night's game? He was looking like a rookie.
The 3rd quarter play calling was "rookie" IMO. They never gave A.J. a chance...WAY to conservative , like Pat Buchanan conservative. It was obvious that Denver had 8 in the box and the Bengals continued to try and run the ball up the gut. Putting McCarron in 3rd and long the entire 3rd and most of the 4th quarter lost the game. When they HAD to open it up late in the 4th down 3 points, McCarron marched them down the field to tie the game. If Greene had not stopped running on a middle of the field pass, McCarron would be the talk of the NFL this week. Greene not running out that play did not get enough media play this week IMO.

[Redsfaithful]

They get way, way too worried about turnovers. I agree with them to a point, they are killers, but Marvin has always sat on leads and gotten conservative. I think he views creating turnover possibilities as a good way to blow a game once you are up a couple of scores. Maybe it's his defensive coach mentality.

[wolfboy]

Fair point, Dom. But it has to start somewhere and this is as close to a start as I've seen as a Bengals fan.

[wolfboy]

The 3rd quarter play calling was "rookie" IMO. They never gave A.J. a chance...WAY to conservative , like Pat Buchanan conservative. It was obvious that Denver had 8 in the box and the Bengals continued to try and run the ball up the gut. Putting McCarron in 3rd and long the entire 3rd and most of the 4th quarter lost the game. When they HAD to open it up late in the 4th down 3 points, McCarron marched them down the field to tie the game. If Greene had not stopped running on a middle of the field pass, McCarron would be the talk of the NFL this week. Greene not running out that play did not get enough media play this week IMO.

I agree that the 3Q play calling was way too conservative but I don't recall Denver stacking the box. In fact, they did so regularly in the first half, leaving man coverage on Green and Jones and McCarron sliced them up. Once the gave the corners safety help, McCarron wasn't nearly as effective. The line didn't seem to get any push in the second half and I think fatigue was the problem. The altitude issue is a thing.

[Dom Heffner]

Fair point, Dom. But it has to start somewhere and this is as close to a start as I've seen as a Bengals fan.

Your points were very fair as well. I only picked the one I disagreed with.

[Dom Heffner]

The 3rd quarter play calling was "rookie" IMO. They never gave A.J. a chance...WAY to conservative , like Pat Buchanan conservative. It was obvious that Denver had 8 in the box and the Bengals continued to try and run the ball up the gut. Putting McCarron in 3rd and long the entire 3rd and most of the 4th quarter lost the game. When they HAD to open it up late in the 4th down 3 points, McCarron marched them down the field to tie the game. If Greene had not stopped running on a middle of the field pass, McCarron would be the talk of the NFL this week. Greene not running out that play did not get enough media play this week IMO.

I was just telling a fellow Cincy guy who lives in Tampa this. The play calling was terrible.

[Kingspoint]

You left out Jeff Saturday!!!!!!!!! LOL.....of course I suppose he was average too!!! LOL
Yeah...who needs an All-Pro Center?

Basically 80% of the teams that have ever won the Super Bowl.....which puts the Bengals' chances this year at slim to none. They still may go another year without a playoff win as weaknesses are exploited moreso in the playoffs than in the regular season. Bodine and Fitzpatrick are easily the Bengals' weakest links. McCarron does not fall into that category. The third weakest link is Marvin Lewis, but as a HC, it makes it a little tougher how another team can exploit that weakness. Marvin does it all by himself, regardless of Coaches or personnel from year to year. For the team to win a playoff game this year, they will have to overcome Bodine, Fitzpatrick and Marvin through exploiting their opponents' weaknesses by Jackson and Guenther (who both have to overcome Marvin's influence). It can happen. Our personnel has never been better, even without Dalton. With Dalton, we have a legitimate shot to finally advance a round in the playoffs for the first time in many peoples lifetimes of rememberance about the Bengals (about 32 years of age and younger).

[Kingspoint]

I was just telling a fellow Cincy guy who lives in Tampa this. The play calling was terrible.

Well, you know who traditionally dials up the conservative play-calling every time he feels a twinge in his sphinxter. You can set a clock to it's predictability.

[Dom Heffner]

Well, you know who traditionally dials up the conservative play-calling every time he feels a twinge in his sphinxter. You can set a clock to it's predictability.

If he's up two scores at the half, it's money in the bank. He tries to run out the clock.

Though- he will snap the ball with 5 seconds on the play clock...

Just pays no attention to detail.

[Big Red Smokey]

Hopefully Marvin and Hue let McCarron throw it 50 times like the Packers did for Matt Flynn back in the day.

See if someone bites and offers them something good for him in the offseason.

[Redsfaithful]

Hopefully Marvin and Hue let McCarron throw it 50 times like the Packers did for Matt Flynn back in the day.

See if someone bites and offers them something good for him in the offseason.

This is smart. Weirdly though, the Ravens have had the #1 pass defense in the NFL the past 7 weeks. I really don't know what to expect - Baltimore isn't as bad as their record.

[GAC]

I'm going down to my brother's .... a die-hard Bengal's fan for 40+ years, and a Lewis hater ....to watch the game. A couple other friends (Bengal fans) will be there too.

As a Brown's fan (and loyal Ohioan) I'm just there for moral support :p


[Thankfully there will be beer because my brother will be going off on Marvin right after the kick-off (LOL)]

[Assembly Hall]

Hopefully Marvin and Hue let McCarron throw it 50 times like the Packers did for Matt Flynn back in the day.

See if someone bites and offers them something good for him in the offseason.

Sounds good, as long as McCarron aint the next Favre!

[WrongVerb]

Sounds good, as long as McCarron aint the next Favre!

It's a lot more likely he's the next Flynn than the next Favre.

[Assembly Hall]

It's a lot more likely he's the next Flynn than the next Favre.

Ya just never know!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WrongVerb]

Ya just never know!!!!!!!!!!!!

Personally I'm in the camp that wants him to show really well this week and bring the Bengals at least a 2nd and 4th round picks in trade. If they can get better, awesome.

[RedTeamGo!]

Going to the Browns/Steelers game today. Can't wait to watch the best team in football, The Pittsburg Steelers.

:mooner:

[GAC]

Going to the Browns/Steelers game today. Can't wait to watch the best team in football, The Pittsburg Steelers.

:mooner:

I hope you're sitting in the Dawg Pound with your Steeler's jersey on.

Nice knowing you! :mooner:

[Assembly Hall]

Personally I'm in the camp that wants him to show really well this week and bring the Bengals at least a 2nd and 4th round picks in trade. If they can get better, awesome.

I hear ya. If he shows well, you bet there will be teams knocking at the door.

[Sea Ray]

If we decide to trade McCarron, the time to do it is after next yr. No sense in getting rid of him now

[Assembly Hall]

If we decide to trade McCarron, the time to do it is after next yr. No sense in getting rid of him now

It all depends on what people are willing to pony up for him. The timing may very well be right after this season, seeing as how the "experts" say this QB draft class is very week.

[Sea Ray]

It all depends on what people are willing to pony up for him. The timing may very well be right after this season, seeing as how the "experts" say this QB draft class is very week.

That is a good point. I see this draft class of QBs to be quite weak but I'm seeing next yr to be very very strong for QBs

[Assembly Hall]

That is a good point. I see this draft class of QBs to be quite weak but I'm seeing next yr to be very very strong for QBs

Yeah, from all the projections I am seeing it is a bad year for QB's and RB's....not to say there arent good ones out there. But if Cincy is willing to deal, pull the trigger and get some pieces to make the puzzle complete.

[RedTeamGo!]

I hope you're sitting in the Dawg Pound with your Steeler's jersey on.

Nice knowing you! :mooner:

I'm a panthers fan, I was being sarcastic because of how scared some posters are of the steelers.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think Goff has a shot to be decent. Cardale Jones has the physical tools.

[WrongVerb]

I think Goff has a shot to be decent. Cardale Jones has the physical tools.

This may be blaspheme but I think Jones ends up as a TE or WR or maybe even a DE rush specialist.

[Dom Heffner]

I'm a panthers fan, I was being sarcastic because of how scared some posters are of the steelers.

You better hope the Jets beat Buffalo if we get the 3 seed.

[Dom Heffner]

This is going well.

And the Jets look flat.

Right on track.

And I hope I am jinxing it saying it this early.

[Kingspoint]

Dre Kirkpatrick...you are the weakest link.

[KoryMac5]

Dre Kirkpatrick...you are the weakest link.

Denard getting hurt was a big loss as Kirkpatrick will get exposed in the playoffs.

[Dom Heffner]

Denard getting hurt was a big loss as Kirkpatrick will get exposed in the playoffs.

I would revise that to "playoff."

- - - Updated - - -

Jets down 13-0.

Ah, hide your wives, Ben is coming to town.

[KoryMac5]

O line has been getting manhandled since the 2nd half of the Denver game.

[The Operator]

The offense looks absolutely putrid today.

They should be embarrassed by these bonehead penalties.

[Stray]

Lets hope we get good news on Dalton tomorrow.

McCarron is totally confused presnap. Nothing happening on time.

[Redhook]

Looking sharp today. :rolleyes:

This is hard to watch.

[Dom Heffner]

The offense looks absolutely putrid today.

They should be embarrassed by these bonehead penalties.

I'm guessing the "Tom Brady" talk can stop now.

[Stray]

What exactly does Tony Siragusa bring to broadcasts?

[Redhook]

Dre Kirkpatrick...you are the weakest link.

Gotta love how he ran 20 yards after the play to taunt the QB after he drooped the easiest of interceptions. What a loser.