2015 Bengals Season Part 3

[Big Red Smokey]

So that Houston loss is killer, in that New England clinches the 1 seed with a win because of the common opponent record.

Texans:
Patriots 1-0, Bengals 0-1
Steelers:
Patriots 1-0, Bengals 1-1
Broncos:
Patriots 0-1, Bengals 1-0*
Bills:
Patriots 2-0, Bengals 1-0

Record:
Patriots 4-1
Bengals 3-2 (If they beat Denver)

[WrongVerb]

Here's a nice playoff scenario generator (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario?algorithm=WinningPct) to play around with.

[Assembly Hall]

Let me ask you guys this. Would you rather play the AFC championship at NE or at home vs. the Steelers?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Let me ask you guys this. Would you rather play the AFC championship at NE or at home vs. the Steelers?

Home vs. the Steelers. I don't want to play the Pats at all.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Eifert has been ruled out for the Broncos game. Hope he can make it back this season.

[WrongVerb]

Eifert has been ruled out for the Broncos game. Hope he can make it back this season.

I'm glad their putting his long term mental health ahead of any football game.

The Bengals drafted 2 TEs in the most recent draft. Kroft is playing very well and he'll hold down the fort with Hewitt. Uzomah, though, is said to possibly be the best of the bunch, just very raw.

- - - Updated - - -

I asked this in the previous thread just before it was closed:

Most important regular season game in the Lewis/Dalton era for the Bengals?

[bucksfan2]

I'm glad their putting his long term mental health ahead of any football game.

The Bengals drafted 2 TEs in the most recent draft. Kroft is playing very well and he'll hold down the fort with Hewitt. Uzomah, though, is said to possibly be the best of the bunch, just very raw.

- - - Updated - - -

I asked this in the previous thread just before it was closed:

Most important regular season game in the Lewis/Dalton era for the Bengals?

A few years ago the Bengals went into Pittsburgh and played a win or go home game. That IMO was more important than this game.

[wolfboy]

A few years ago the Bengals went into Pittsburgh and played a win or go home game. That IMO was more important than this game.

Given the list of free agents to be, this might be the team's best shot at winning it all, even with the Dalton injury. I think it's as big as they get.

[WrongVerb]

Given the list of free agents to be, this might be the team's best shot at winning it all, even with the Dalton injury. I think it's as big as they get.

Yes, that Pittsburgh game was big, but I'm with you here.

Best case scenario is that AJ comes out and takes the Broncos apart. The Steelers had a field day picking on Harris and Roby. Sanu and Jones can take care of that. Green will be battling Talib all day, and I am betting that AJ is under strict instructions not to throw the ball that way unless Green is obviously open. Getting healthy on offense (minus Dennard :( ) is going to be a boon, obviously. We'll see how it all falls into place.

[bucksfan2]

Given the list of free agents to be, this might be the team's best shot at winning it all, even with the Dalton injury. I think it's as big as they get.

I think that is overplayed a little bit. I also think that the Bengals have done a good job of creating depth within their team. The trouble spots IMO are WR where both Jones and Sanu are free agents, and the secondary where key contributors are UFA's. I do think the Bengals will bring Jones back as well as one safety. But the core of the team, is signed and ok going forward.

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals generally sign their own, they will lose some guys this offseason, but it's not going to be a mass exodus.

Paul Dehner is saying Eifert is still in the protocol but hasn't officially been ruled out. I don't think he's going to play, but just saying it's not official yet according to him.

This game is huge, but I'd rather be conservative with injuries and have everyone back in the playoffs, in the end.

[wolfboy]

I think that is overplayed a little bit. I also think that the Bengals have done a good job of creating depth within their team. The trouble spots IMO are WR where both Jones and Sanu are free agents, and the secondary where key contributors are UFA's. I do think the Bengals will bring Jones back as well as one safety. But the core of the team, is signed and ok going forward.

I dunno. Can't think of a clearly bigger regular season game in the Lewis era.

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but good chance Geno's field time is limited Monday night as well: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/cincinnati-bengals-geno-atkins-sickle-cell-trait-denver-122215

IIRC, last time they were in Denver he played 20 some snaps.

[bucksfan2]

I dunno. Can't think of a clearly bigger regular season game in the Lewis era.

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but good chance Geno's field time is limited Monday night as well: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/cincinnati-bengals-geno-atkins-sickle-cell-trait-denver-122215

IIRC, last time they were in Denver he played 20 some snaps.

They are in the playoffs, even if they lost they still have a chance at the #2 seed. I don't see how this is a bigger game than the one played in Pittsburgh a few year ago.

[Redhook]

I dunno. Can't think of a clearly bigger regular season game in the Lewis era.

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but good chance Geno's field time is limited Monday night as well: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/cincinnati-bengals-geno-atkins-sickle-cell-trait-denver-122215

IIRC, last time they were in Denver he played 20 some snaps.

I forgot about Atkins. That stinks.

The altitude is a huge advantage for the Broncos. I live in Denver now and it takes months to get used to the altitude. Simple tasks like walking up a flight of stairs will leave you out of breath. The Broncos should never lose at home with that advantage.

[Bob Sheed]

So Eifert out. Atkins limited.

They need Eifert and Green at full health to really be a threat on offense. Just one or the other hasn't been enough, for some reason. Not good.

They need to pressure Osweiler, otherwise he will carve the Bengals up. The Bengals get zero pressure without Atkins. Not good.

Plus the usual Denver home air advantage.

This one doesn't look good at all, but that's why they play em anyway...who knows? That's also why they should have won against the Texans...still can't believe they lost that one.

[traderumor]

I don't grieve the "should have wons" because then I have to concede the "should have losses"

[WrongVerb]

I don't grieve the "should have wons" because then I have to concede the "should have losses"

Yep. Down 17 in the 4th quarter facing the vaunted defense of Seattle, who, btw, won the previous Super Bowl. That's certainly a "shoulda lost" one.

[wolfboy]

They are in the playoffs, even if they lost they still have a chance at the #2 seed. I don't see how this is a bigger game than the one played in Pittsburgh a few year ago.

Not trying to convince you either way, but there's no question this us a huge game for seeding.

[Redsfaithful]

The Raiders held this team to 12 points just two weeks ago - I feel like the Bengals are going to need a similar effort here.

[Redhook]

The Raiders held this team to 12 points just two weeks ago - I feel like the Bengals are going to need a similar effort here.

I agree. I predict a 16-9 loss. I just don't see how they'll be able to move the ball much. AJ will have to throw a decent amount to win because they're running game is pretty weak. My biggest gripe about last week was how the Bengals had 8-9 in the box and tried to run. So predictable. I think if they spread it out more they'd at least have a chance for a 5-yard run.

I really hope they find a way to win. So few times in my lifetime have they won a game like this. If the defense plays lights out and the team is +2 in turnovers they could ruin my prediction.

[George Foster]

We will remember this Christmas as the Christmas before AJ McCarron lead our Bengals to a March toward the Super Bowl!!!!!

[RiverRat13]

The Ravens and Jets are getting my hopes up today. I'm sure they'll be dashed.

[dabvu2498]

Oh that offsides penalty!

[Stray]

Barring something crazy here, it appears we just won the AFC North.

[Redsfaithful]

Once again, the Steelers are a decent, but mediocre football team.

[dabvu2498]

We just moved into best case scenario territory.

[Stray]

And the Jets just won. I know a lot of people will be happy if Pittsburgh is out, but the Jets are a dangerous playoff matchup for anyone.

[Brutus]

Steelers and Patriots both lose. That's a good start to the week.

[Redsfaithful]

I called the Jets beating the Patriots in this thread, I believe. Would not surprise me at all if that was somewhat on purpose. Kicking off in OT after the Steelers loss was official ...

[Stray]

I called the Jets beating the Patriots in this thread, I believe. Would not surprise me at all if that was somewhat on purpose. Kicking off in OT after the Steelers loss was official ...

Yeah it was like the Pats knew it was a chance to keep the Steelers out. That was weird.

[Assembly Hall]

And the Jets just won. I know a lot of people will be happy if Pittsburgh is out, but the Jets are a dangerous playoff matchup for anyone.

Yeah, if that had a real QB they would be something else.

[membengal]

Once again, the Steelers are a decent, but mediocre football team.

Has dom been around to explain what happened to them today?

[Dom Heffner]

Has dom been around to explain what happened to them today?

They would beat the Bengals in a football game without Andy Dalton.

They may even have a 50-50 shot of beating them with Dalton because Marvin Lewis can't game plan.

He'd run the ball 30 times just because.

And throw a 20 yard pass on 3rd and 2.

[Dom Heffner]

I called the Jets beating the Patriots in this thread, I believe. Would not surprise me at all if that was somewhat on purpose. Kicking off in OT after the Steelers loss was official ...

Right, the Patriots are trying to avoid a mediocre football team lol...

[RedTeamGo!]

They would beat the Bengals in a football game without Andy Dalton.

They may even have a 50-50 shot of beating them with Dalton because Marvin Lewis can't game plan.

He'd run the ball 30 times just because.

And throw a 20 yard pass on 3rd and 2.

And go 11-3 through 14 games, what a loser!

[Dom Heffner]

And go 11-3 through 14 games, what a loser!

Not saying that...

[RedTeamGo!]

Coaches that can't gameplan don't go 11-3 in 14 games. They go 3-11 and get fired.

[Dom Heffner]

Coaches that can't gameplan don't go 11-3 in 14 games. They go 3-11 and get fired.

Sure they do. Teams win despite themselves, and the NFL is pretty top heavy this year.

Lewis doesn't go 11-3 in 14 games every year.

[Assembly Hall]

Just enjoy it fellas, you Bengal fans deserve it.

[Sea Ray]

They would beat the Bengals in a football game without Andy Dalton.

They may even have a 50-50 shot of beating them with Dalton because Marvin Lewis can't game plan.

He'd run the ball 30 times just because.

And throw a 20 yard pass on 3rd and 2.

Yet the Marvin Lewis coached team is in the playoffs and Pittsburgh is on the outside looking in. The Marvin Lewis team managed to beat Baltimore

[WrongVerb]

Sure they do. Teams win despite themselves, and the NFL is pretty top heavy this year.

Lewis doesn't go 11-3 in 14 games every year.

In the Lewis-Dalton era:
2015 (through 14 games): 11-3
2014: 9-4-1
2013: 9-5
2012: 8-6 (won 7 of final 8 to make playoffs)
2011: 8-6

No, but Lewis has improved each year from 2011 to this year.

[Stray]

Khalil Mack totally destroyed the Broncos offense by himself not too long ago. Gonna need to hold up against their run and then get pressure on Osweiler. McCarron just can't turn the ball over, but he'll need to hit a few big passes as well.

I'm gonna go

Bengals 17
Broncos 13

[Sea Ray]

Too many things going against the Bengals here (on the road, inexperienced QB, weather) Broncos 24-17. If the Bengals win then it's clearly an upset and a tribute to them winning a huge game on the road. I don't see any objective reason for them to win

[WrongVerb]

Too many things going against the Bengals here (on the road, inexperienced QB, weather) Broncos 24-17. If the Bengals win then it's clearly an upset and a tribute to them winning a huge game on the road. I don't see any objective reason for them to win

The one thing, and I agree it's not objective, is that a good team on the verge of greatness can use those things as motivators; turn the negatives into positives. If the Bengals have it in them to be great, that's what will happen. If not, well, they deserve to face the Steelers in 2 weeks.

[Dom Heffner]

Yet the Marvin Lewis coached team is in the playoffs and Pittsburgh is on the outside looking in. The Marvin Lewis team managed to beat Baltimore

Again- they haven't won a playoff game in the Lewis era.

I realize you are thrilled to pull out of the Shula years...I'm wanting more.

[Dom Heffner]

In the Lewis-Dalton era:
2015 (through 14 games): 11-3
2014: 9-4-1
2013: 9-5
2012: 8-6 (won 7 of final 8 to make playoffs)
2011: 8-6

No, but Lewis has improved each year from 2011 to this year.

I don't think we are all as far apart as we seem to be.

I don't like Lewis against good football teams. I think his penchant for bad decisions with the clock and gameplay bring us closer to the spread.

I think this team has some of the best talent in the league, I wish they had a staff that could work on the issues I described.

I actually don't have a sinking feeling for tonight. They stand a shot.

[Sea Ray]

Again- they haven't won a playoff game in the Lewis era.

I realize you are thrilled to pull out of the Shula years...I'm wanting more.

You're the one that mentioned Shula. I'm just talking about this year right now

[Dom Heffner]

You're the one that mentioned Shula. I'm just talking about this year right now

I think you're just happy they don't suck.

[Sea Ray]

I think you're just happy they don't suck.

I'm happy with 11-3, winning the division outright over the Steelers. That's all I can evaluate at this point

[Assembly Hall]

I think you're just happy they don't suck.

Are you a Bengals fan?

[Brutus]

Marvin Lewis is 65-44-1 since 2009 with five playoff appearances in six years...about to to be six in seven years, and there are really people saying he can't gameplan? Seriously, the facts contradict that loose assertion. In the NFL, a league where the talent level is arguably as tight across the board as any other sport and point spreads rarely are more than a touchdown apart, that sort of record speaks for itself.

Nevermind that the actual "gameplanning" is mostly up to the coordinators. To whatever influence Lewis has on gameplanning, the numbers suggest he's done a mighty fine job of it.

[Dom Heffner]

Zero playoff wins, lower seedlings than they could have had...

And some people say they are just fine.

I'm happy, not thrilled.

[Dom Heffner]

Are you a Bengals fan?


Can a fan take an honest look at his team?

Should all the Reds fans look at that Todd Frazier trade and pipe down because the Reds have been to the playoffs recently?

Should we all thank our stars for Dusty Baker? Or did his team's do well in spite of him because of the talent?

Look- there is a tendency to settle for good enough. I don't possess that tendency.

[Sea Ray]

Can a fan take an honest look at his team?

Should all the Reds fans look at that Todd Frazier trade and pipe down because the Reds have been to the playoffs recently?

Should we all thank our stars for Dusty Baker? Or did his team's do well in spite of him because of the talent?

Look- there is a tendency to settle for good enough. I don't possess that tendency.

So is your answer yes or no?

[Dom Heffner]

So is your answer yes or no?

Did you ask a question?

[Sea Ray]

Did you ask a question?

Assembly Hall did.

Are you a Bengal fan?

[Dom Heffner]

Assembly Hall did.

Are you a Bengal fan?

Of course, and when I said "Can a fan take an honest look at his team?" I would think you could get that I was talking about myself...

[Brutus]

Zero playoff wins, lower seedlings than they could have had...

And some people say they are just fine.

I'm happy, not thrilled.

It sounds like whenever you make an assertion that is diminished or outright contradicted by facts, you just fall back on zero playoff wins as if that somehow mitigates every other argument. In this case, you try to make the case Lewis sucks at gameplanning, a fact the 65-44-1 record in the last seven seasons would dispute, and you go right back to "zero playoff wins" as if that's supposed to somehow trump those other 110 games.

You've become a broken record with this 'zero playoff wins' things. It's like we're all supposed to be miserable like you are because despite all this success, the lack of playoff wins is the only thing that matters in every discussion and in everyone's viewing habits.

On a final note: you say you're "happy, not thrilled" with the winning. I'm sorry but I haven't seen a bit of happiness from you. When they were undefeated, you were criticizing everyone for being happy because they had not "beaten anyone" (a fact that we later found to be untrue as we now know the Raiders, Seahawks, Chiefs victories were solid). You haven't shown hardly any enjoyment all year. Some of us do enjoy 11-3 seasons. They're fun to watch. Even if it doesn't manifest itself in a postseason victory, I'm not going to thumb my nose at the season as a whole. We actually are happy with it, I think most of us. I haven't seen much happiness from you. You're grumpy about everything... schedule strength, playcalling, etc. You act like you're trying to make everyone else here as miserable as you are about the Bengals.

[Sea Ray]

Of course, and when I said "Can a fan take an honest look at his team?" I would think you could get that I was talking about myself...

When you answer a question with a question, you haven't answered anything.

You don't come across as a fan

[WrongVerb]

The best way to put it is: do I believe that the goal for the Bengals is to win the highest championship in their sport? Yes, absolutely! Is that an incredibly difficult thing to do in any given year? Yes, absolutely! That's the difference between this team now and the teams prior to Lewis-Palmer and Lewis-Dalton eras: those previous teams between 1990 and 2002 weren't constructed to win a championship; they were constructed to make Mike Brown as much profit as possible. I find this group, regardless of their final success this year, to be much more entertaining.

[Assembly Hall]

Of course, and when I said "Can a fan take an honest look at his team?" I would think you could get that I was talking about myself...

To be honest with you, if you are indeed a "Striper" fan, I would be doing cart wheels with the season that Cincy has had thus far if I was a Bengal fan. I am not, but what they are doing brings a smile to my face. Geez, everytime you post something you are a "negative Nancy". I dont get that. No matter what you say, I still wont get that.

[Redsfaithful]

Right, the Patriots are trying to avoid a mediocre football team lol...

I think they'd rather the Jets be in than the Steelers. Nothing more than that. And I think saying the Steelers are probably better than the Jets is fair.

Dom, you built the Steelers into something they are not, that's been my only point. A lot of what you are saying is fair, but some of it just isn't reality. The Bengals beat the Steelers on the road. Pittsburgh probably won't make the playoffs at all. Every time the Bengals face a deficit in a game you declare it over (most memorably vs. Seattle I think.) No matter how well they do you fall back on the playoff record.

And yeah the playoff record sucks. It's awful. But there's nothing the 2015 Bengals can do about the playoff record until a couple of weeks from now, so I don't get the fixation. In the meantime, they've had a great year.

[Dom Heffner]

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.

[WrongVerb]

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.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (deep breath) AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

Love ya, man, but...wow!

[The Operator]

*Interesting* National Anthem...

What kind of band name is Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats??

[WrongVerb]

*Interesting* National Anthem...

What kind of band name is Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats??

Better than The Nocturnal Releases.

It sounds like when you hear a phrase and go "that's my future band name" and someone took it way too seriously.

[Stray]

Man what a perfect start

[The Operator]

Wow. This first drive was a thing of beauty! McCarron looks locked in and confident.

[Brutus]

That was as impressively methodical as a team could have on a first drive on the road against a great defense. Perfect.

[dabvu2498]

My goodness.

[Brutus]

Wow. This first drive was a thing of beauty! McCarron looks locked in in and confident.

The most impressive thing is that he was throwing against some pretty tight coverage and making perfect throws where only his receivers could make plays. Two or three of those throws were easy interceptions if he even slightly underthrows his target.

[KoryMac5]

I will say this about the other AJ, kid has no fear and commands the huddle really well. Great first drive and nice calls by Hue.

[WrongVerb]

Perfect.

[The Operator]

Now I hope the defense takes this young Denver offensive line's lunch money.

[The Operator]

The most impressive thing is that he was throwing against some pretty tight coverage and making perfect throws where only his receivers could make plays. Two or three of those throws were easy interceptions if he even slightly underthrows his target.I thought the same thing. He was laser accurate with his throws.

I know it was only the first drive but he sure didn't look like a guy with only 2 games and 1 start under his belt.

[Redsfaithful]

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.

No they didn't?

[The Operator]

Something else positive: That crowd sounds louder than all hell and not a single false start penalty yet.

[Dom Heffner]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (deep breath) AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

Love ya, man, but...wow!

So he says that the Patriots purposefully tossed a chance at homefield through the playoffs...to avoid the mediocre Steelers...and you're laughing at me.

[Dom Heffner]

No they didn't?

In two posts you said the Steelers were mediocre then you suggested the Pats tossed the game to avoid playing them.

You said it, not me.

[Dom Heffner]

To be honest with you, if you are indeed a "Striper" fan, I would be doing cart wheels with the season that Cincy has had thus far if I was a Bengal fan. I am not, but what they are doing brings a smile to my face. Geez, everytime you post something you are a "negative Nancy". I dont get that. No matter what you say, I still wont get that.

I say positive things all the time.

Are the fans complaining about thecChapman trade real fans? Christ, Dan loves the Giants now..

[The Operator]

How the hell is that illegal contact? It was practically a push off by the receiver.

[The Operator]

WOW what a sack. Huge loss on Denver.

[The Operator]

Took 'em a few plays to warm up but the D absolutely manhandled Denver's o-line those last few plays.

[WrongVerb]

So he says that the Patriots purposefully tossed a chance at homefield through the playoffs...to avoid the mediocre Steelers...and you're laughing at me.

Ah, ok I must have misread the posts and I thought you were saying that. I'll direct my laughter elsewhere.

- - - Updated - - -


Took 'em a few plays to warm up but the D absolutely manhandled Denver's o-line those last few plays.

Yeah, took about 7 plays to solve the offensive line. This is going to be along game for Denver.

[WrongVerb]

No they didn't?

No. They didn't. Winner of the coin toss since the rule change has gone 33-32, so essentially it's...well, a toss up. So you have to take other factors into account, including how well your offense and their defense is playing, the fact that most drives don't end in touchdowns, etc. Belichick was playing the odds and got burned. When you gamble, that sometimes happens.

[Dom Heffner]

Took 'em a few plays to warm up but the D absolutely manhandled Denver's o-line those last few plays.

Yeah, this is really good so far.

AJ has me thrilled.

[The Operator]

McCarron has scrambled for two huge first downs this drive. He looks great.

- - - Updated - - -

This guy is throwing to the sidelines like a 15 year veteran.

[The Operator]

Okay the only thing I'm going to complain about is they just burned their THIRD time out already.

Everything else is aces though. Denver's defense looks gassed.

[Kingspoint]

I can't believe before the game that the "experts" agreed that Osweiler is better than McCarron right now. They need a new job. Everything shown in the last month has McCarron playing better. Tonight just solidifies that.

[Dom Heffner]

McCarron has scrambled for two huge first downs this drive. He looks great.

- - - Updated - - -

This guy is throwing to the sidelines like a 15 year veteran.

Unreal. My fear going in was they weren't going to turn him loose, that they'd run the ball 40 times.

He's playing like he doesn't want to go back to the bench.

- - - Updated - - -


Okay the only thing I'm going to complain about is they just burned their THIRD time out already.

Everything else is aces though. Denver's defense looks gassed.

Price you pay with a young QB. Rather he do that then do something stupid.

[Kingspoint]

Btw...Sanders ran into Adam Jones, not the other way around.

[The Operator]

TD!

Wow wow wow.

[WrongVerb]

Let the QB controversy begin.

[pedro]

That wild cat was beautiful.

[Stray]

Did not see this coming lol

[Brutus]

This is awesome. The Bengals are absolutely dominating this game thus far.

McCarron isn't anywhere near Tom Brady yet, but he's playing like it (LOL)

[Roy Tucker]

Golly.

[WrongVerb]

Unreal. My fear going in was they weren't going to turn him loose, that they'd run the ball 40 times.

He's playing like he doesn't want to go back to the bench.

- - - Updated - - -



Price you pay with a young QB. Rather he do that then do something stupid.

Agree completely on both counts. I'm fine with burning the TOs than making a bad mistake, especially in the red zone.

[Redhook]

Holy smokes. Those were arguably the best back to back drives I've ever seen from the Bengals. So creative. I'm in shock. But really happy.

[Redsfaithful]

In two posts you said the Steelers were mediocre then you suggested the Pats tossed the game to avoid playing them.

You said it, not me.

They are still the #1 seed so long as they beat the Dolphins.

Anyway, this is going well.

[dabvu2498]

How many would we be up if we could gameplan?

[The Operator]

False start on the offense? Heh, I thought it was Peko. That's great.

[wheels]

Pat Sims almost tackling Hillman in the open field was hilarious.

[The Operator]

Osweiler looks confused and agitated.

Let's make that keep happening.

[Dom Heffner]

They are still the #1 seed so long as they beat the Dolphins.

Anyway, this is going well.

If they pull this off, this is absolutely huge.

2nd seed, bye, just everything they need. I'm crossing my fingers.

The fact that McCarron can play this well...just wow.

[wheels]

The Bengals look head and shoulders above Denver tonight.

I am flabbergasted. I never would have believed this possible.

[Dom Heffner]

How many would we be up if we could gameplan?

If you want to talk past, you can see it. It would be nice to erase the past 10 years or so with one night in Denver...but unfortunately you can't.

Having said that, they look awesome right now.

[Kingspoint]

RB's looking good.

[The Operator]

Made it 24 minutes in before the first false start. Not bad.

[Kingspoint]

On the money throws and decision-making by McCarron all game so far. 15 first downs already. That's all Denver usually gives up per game.

[Stray]

Only thing to complain about is presnap confusion. Need to get plays in faster maybe? Understandable with McCarron making his 2nd start tho.

[WrongVerb]

Broncos are adjusting to the run on 1st down. Next 1st down will be play action with Green running a fly route.

[Stray]

cmon nuge we dont need any bad mojo

[The Operator]

Wow, not Nugent's greatest kick.

[KoryMac5]

17-0 would have been huge!

[wheels]

Get a quick three and out and everything will be okay.

[Dom Heffner]

The field goal is the worst part of football.

Hopefully the D can get a quick stop and give us another shot.

[Kingspoint]

Broncos are adjusting to the run on 1st down. They've had 15 chances to figure it out so far.

[Dom Heffner]

Wow, not Nugent's greatest kick.

I'm going to get killed, but he should have been gone awhile ago.

[The Operator]

Big blown play by the defense.

[wheels]

Bengal karma kicking in. Yikes!

[Dom Heffner]

And here we go.

[Stray]

Broncos will make a run, they're too talented not to. Either way I like that we kept em on the field most of this half since that should pay dividends in the 4th.

[The Operator]

I'm going to get killed, but he should have been gone awhile ago.I agree. I love the whole "he's from Centerville" thing as much as the next guy but he's never been a guy you can consistently count on. At least in my opinion.

[Kingspoint]

Krappatrick has been exactly that all year. It sucks losing Dennard for the year and losing his chance to take over the position.

Dre, you are the weakest link.

[Redhook]

I'm going to get killed, but he should have been gone awhile ago.

It was a terrible decision to keep him over Josh Brown a few years back.

[Kingspoint]

Dunlap! Keep it up.

[wheels]

If Osweiler gets knocked out, who is the backup?

[KoryMac5]

The Denver QB can take some really bad sacks.

[WrongVerb]

I'm going to get killed, but he should have been gone awhile ago.

I'm not enthralled with him either, but I watch a lot of different games on RedZone and I've got to tell you that the Bengals could do much, much worse.

[Dom Heffner]

It was a terrible decision to keep him over Josh Brown a few years back.

They have such a loaded roster with talent, to leave that position to chance...it makes no sense.

- - - Updated - - -


If Osweiler gets knocked out, who is the backup?

I don't think I want to find out.

[WrongVerb]

If Osweiler gets knocked out, who is the backup?

A rookie who's only experience in the NFL is taking a knee at the end of the half last week when Osweiler originally injured his shoulder.

[Kingspoint]

Great job, "D"!

[Stray]

We get teams in 3rd and long and good luck. Give up the short throw and tackle.

[The Operator]

Big to hold them to a FG there.

[Kingspoint]

They have such a loaded roster with talent, to leave that position to chance...it makes no sense.

- - - Updated - - -



I don't think I want to find out.

The worst part is they gave him a raise. Should have kept the kid from Minnesota.

[Stray]

I really don't know how I feel about Nuge. He has made the pressure kicks when we needed em, but he does seem to randomly miss way more than I'd like. 45 yarder isn't easy or anything, but at this altitude it shouldn't be a prob.

[The Operator]

21 sacks in limited action this year? Yikes.


And hey, boo birds in Denver! Cool!!

[wheels]

A rookie who's only experience in the NFL is taking a knee at the end of the half last week when Osweiler originally injured his shoulder.

Oh yeah...the Northwestern kid.

[WrongVerb]

Krappatrick has been exactly that all year. It sucks losing Dennard for the year and losing his chance to take over the position.

Dre, you are the weakest link.

I'm wondering if Shaw can supplant Dre next year. Actually I think Dre would make a much better free safety once Nelson is gone. Regardless, I can see the Bengals selecting another CB high in next year's draft.

[Dom Heffner]

I'm wondering if Shaw can supplant Dre next year. Actually I think Dre would make a much better free safety once Nelson is gone. Regardless, I can see the Bengals selecting another CB high in next year's draft.

You can never have too many and where they'll pick next year you can get a good one.

This is a passing league, you get cover guys and you take away the biggest asset your opponent has.

[WrongVerb]

OK guys...2 quarters to go. You've seen everything this team has. Just stay focused and aggressive and keep bringing it to them.

[The Operator]

Well the Broncos are moving it pretty much at will to start the 2nd half.

[Kingspoint]

Good draft pick,...Shaw....excellent UDFA in Troy Hill.

[Hoosier Red]

Good draft pick,...Shaw....excellent UDFA in Troy Hill.

I think Hill's gone. They let him go to bring Lewis-Harris back up.

[The Operator]

Osweiler picked us apart that drive. Great.

[KoryMac5]

Denver was pretty flat in the 1st half so now we get to see what AJ can do against them when they are charged up. That will show us what we have in this kid.

[Kingspoint]

I think Hill's gone. They let him go to bring Lewis-Harris back up.
Do you know if anyone picked him up or if he went on our practice squad?

[wheels]

This is an important drive.

[ScotlandRed]

Our D is v suspect to run but I think there's is too if we can get good blocking. Bernard has been effective on the pass as well if we can improve O block we can hold on. AJ has done us real proud when it mattered

[The Operator]

Hue, I think they're onto the whole 1st down run thing.

[Kingspoint]

I'd do a trap draw to Benard on tbis 2nd and long.

[Dom Heffner]

Freaking Nugent.

- - - Updated - - -

Dabvu- see that play call on 2nd and 20?

See?

[Kingspoint]

I'd do a trap draw to Benard on tbis 2nd and long.
Right call, wrng back...Gio would have gotten 12 yards....he would have gone left where Hill went right. I wouldn't run that play with Hill there.

[The Operator]

3 and out.

Momentum. Ugh.

[KoryMac5]

Do you know if anyone picked him up or if he went on our practice squad?

NE snagged him I believe.

[dabvu2498]

Freaking Nugent.

- - - Updated - - -

Dabvu- see that play call on 2nd and 20?

See?

The planned that during the week, eh?

Just saw a 2nd and 16 run play from the Broncos. They can't gameplan either apparently.

[The Operator]

McCarron was throwing the ball great 1st half and they completely take it out of his hands to go 3 and out. uosgh8dghdhgweufhaufh

[The Operator]

Clutch sack.

[Kingspoint]

Great field position to start this drive for the Broncos. Dunlap quickly changes that. Glad Hall is back. Good job, "D".

[OldRightHander]

Clutch sack.

Does clutch exist in football?

[Stray]

Great stop of their momentum there.

[The Operator]

Great field position to start this drive for the Broncos. Dunlap quickly changes that. Glad Hall is back. Good job, "D".Dunlap looked like he was even held a bit at first but broke free for the sack. Dude's a beast.

[Kingspoint]

Adam Jones and Zeitler got screwed. Both should have been Pro-Bowlers....especially Zeitler. Pro Bowl is a joke and a popularity contest anyway.

[wheels]

You have to think they will give Pac Man a chance to return a punt in a big spot. I know he's got a foot issue, but one special teams play can be the difference.

[The Operator]

Does clutch exist in football?Meh, I dunno. Sure came at a great time though. :p

[Playadlc]

Need points.

[The Operator]

At least they got the call right. That was a face mask if there ever was one.

[Stray]

I have never seen a flag thrown that late haha

[The Operator]

How the hell do they keep throwing these flags when linemen report eligible?

Get your crap together, refs.

[KoryMac5]

Stacking the box a bit now...time to make em pay.

[Kingspoint]

Does clutch exist in football?
It exists in every human-performance event in life.

[Stray]

They're starting to sell out on the run. That safety came full speed from the secondary.

Gotta trust McCarron to beat them deep.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals getting away from what worked so well in the 1st half, would love to see our wide outs get back involved in this one. Aj Green can beat his man every time one on one.

[Kingspoint]

How the hell do they keep throwing these flags when linemen report eligible?

Get your crap together, refs.

Didn't they missit time after time in the Steeler game, too? It was Hochuli then, I believe as Head Judge.

[Kingspoint]

Dunlap should get another sack there.

- - - Updated - - -

Dial it up, Hue.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't think anyone contains better than Dunlap.

[The Operator]

Great play calling, Hue.

[Stray]

I get that we're protecting AJ a bit, but they're selling out on everything. Run a reverse, a screen, a playaction..something. Trust AJ to win this game.

[Kingspoint]

Great play by Marshall countered a good call by Hue to end that drive.

Time for an interception by Reggie Nelson.

[Roy Tucker]

Broncos are daring the Bengals to throw.

[The Operator]

Shawn Williams hurt. Not good.

[Redhook]

I get that we're protecting AJ a bit, but they're selling out on everything. Run a reverse, a screen, a playaction..something. Trust AJ to win this game.

I don't get it. The first few drives showed so much creativity and promise. Now, they're running the equivalent of the prevent defense.

[Stray]

I don't get it. The first few drives so showed much creativity and promise. Now, they're running the equivalent of the prevent defense.

Even on those scoring drives we were fairly conservative. A little creativity and big 3rd and short conversions got us the points.

We gotta loosen their defense up now tho cuz they're coming downhill at everything.

[Kingspoint]

Lucky Brockweiler blew that. Brockos...whatever.

[The Operator]

Thank God Osweiler overthrew Thomas there because he had a step on Pac Man.

[Stray]

just fair catch it man

[ScotlandRed]

Brandon Tate is not good. Very impressed with bengals overall. Come on

[Stray]

My 17-13 Bengals win prediction is still alive.

[Dom Heffner]

At some point Osweiler has to turn it over...now would be fine.

[wheels]

The defense is going to need to do something heroic tonight.

[The Operator]

Broncos will have great field position.

3 and out every single possession of the 2nd half so far.

[Stray]

No turnovers yet but can almost feel one coming. Both defenses locked in now.

[Redhook]

Hoping for a field goal here a smooth little 14-13 victory.

[The Operator]

Well here we go.

Lol

[Dom Heffner]

Freaking Nugent.

[Roy Tucker]

Weak side defense nonexistent.

[Kingspoint]

Time for McCarron to get his first 4th-Quarter comeback win.

[Hoosier Red]

Do you know if anyone picked him up or if he went on our practice squad?

New England did.

[Redhook]

I blame this on Nugent. Or Charlie Brown. Or both.

[The Operator]

Awfully hard to win when you go the entire 2nd half without a first down.

Come on, Hue. Dial up something good.

[Kingspoint]

New England did.

tx

[Hoosier Red]

Awfully hard to win when you go the entire 2nd half without a first down.

Come on, Hue. Dial up something good.

Now now, no need to exaggerate. They got 1 first down on the 2nd drive of the 2nd half. :)

[Dom Heffner]

They hand off five yards behind the line of scrimmage...good god the play calling is terrible.

[The Operator]

Huge 3rd down conversion there.

[ScotlandRed]

At some point Osweiler has to turn it over...now would be fine.

It's 3.55 in the UK can please SUPPORT our God damn team

[Dom Heffner]

It's 3.55 in the UK can please SUPPORT our God damn team

What the hell are you talking about?

Osweiler plays for the Broncos, I want him to turn it over...

[The Operator]

How the hell was that not roughing the passer on Von Miller?

He had plenty of time to stop himself.

[ScotlandRed]

What the hell are you talking about?

Osweiler plays for the Broncos, I want him to turn it over...

All you seem to do is put down the bengals can you not just get behind them for 1 game?

[Dom Heffner]

All you seem to do is put down the bengals can you not just get behind them for 1 game?

Are you drunk?

I just asked for Osweiler to turn it over. Get your head out of your arse...

[Stray]

McCarron showing some serious guts here.

[The Operator]

Kroft! Huge 3rd down catch.

[Dom Heffner]

Slow and steady...let's get them here.

[Stray]

This is about as tough of a position as a QB can be in. On the road, 4th quarter, down 3 points, obvious passing situations, and all against a nasty pass rush and #1 defense in football.

[Stray]

Green quit on that route.

[The Operator]

Tie game. I'll take it.

AJ should have had that.

[Stray]

No idea why AJ quit on that when he had em. Huge kick by Nuge. I trust him late games more than I do early in games.

[Dom Heffner]

Green quit on that route.

He hurts as much as he helps but tonight it's tough to complain.

Nice redemption from Nugent.

Osweiler has got to turn the ball over at some point...he sucks.

[ScotlandRed]

Are you drunk?

I just asked for Osweiler to turn it over. Get your head out of your arse...

It's 4.02 in UK of course I'm drunk. And ive seen 3 pages of you putting the bengals down. please just give them your support I'm not going to argue. Cannot believe AJ stopped on edge of e-zone he would have caught that

[Roy Tucker]

Trouble is, the Broncos are moving the ball now. Bengals D has to come up big.

[Kingspoint]

Altitude has gotten to the Bengals.

[Dom Heffner]

It's 4.02 in UK of course I'm drunk. And ive seen 3 pages of you putting the bengals down. please just give them your support I'm not going to argue. Cannot believe AJ stopped on edge of e-zone he would have caught that

I'll post my way you post yours. I don't take direction from the board, I'm not running for governor.

[Kingspoint]

We need fresh bodies.

[Dom Heffner]

Altitude has gotten to the Bengals.

Yeah. They look slow on D. Come on Brock, make a mistake. You suck.

[ScotlandRed]

Secondary is slowing down not getting up as quick at all

[The Operator]

Broncos are gashing us in the run game.


Broncos fans booing an injured player. Classy.

[Stray]

Yea we need Brock to make a mistake. Our defense is gassed in this altitude. Burfict just missed that tackle by a yard or two.

[The Operator]

Gonna need a turnover here.

- - - Updated - - -

Atkins fell for the hard count. Ugh.

- - - Updated - - -

Bengals football!!!!! Holy crap!!!!!!!

[Stray]

There's the TO!

Hope it stands.

[Kingspoint]

This will be reviewed.

[Dom Heffner]

Knock Anderson out of the game. Hit 'em hard!

[Kingspoint]

That's a fumble. "Clutch" hit by MJ.

[OldRightHander]

That was huge.

[The Operator]

Okay offense... slow and methodical. March it right down the field and don't give them any time to come back and tie it up.

[wheels]

Score a touchdown. Shock the world.

[ScotlandRed]

Incredible hit come on the white black and orange

[Redhook]

Altitude has gotten to the Bengals.

That's no joke. I live here in Denver and its a huge disadvantage for opposing teams to come here and play.

[Dom Heffner]

Score a touchdown. Shock the world.

Jugular. Yes.

[Roy Tucker]

Bengal receivers have to keep tring to get open. They're just pulling up.

[The Operator]

Burning *another* time out.

I hope they get that cleaned up if AJ is going to be the QB in the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

Tough call here.

[The Operator]

Burkhead with the big 3rd down conversion!

[Stray]

We get set and there's 2 seconds on the play clock.

[ScotlandRed]

This guy on 3rd D has been incredible. 4.20 UK keep it rolling

[The Operator]

Awful awful spot to give up a sack.

[Dom Heffner]

Tough defense. Nugent's miss is just killing us.

[ScotlandRed]

Mccarron has to trust his legs there in my opinion

[Stray]

Run the ball here and make them use a timeout.


Tough defense. Nugent's miss is just killing us.

He also made a 52 yarder to tie it.

[Redhook]

Praying for overtime at this point

[Stray]

Threw it? Dumb decision.
Caught it? Good deal.
Ran out of bounds? What are you doing man.

[Redhook]

Run the ball here and make them use a timeout.



He also made a 52 yarder to tie it.

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