Bengals/Jets moved to Sunday Night

[Oxilon]

The flexible scheduling slot for the Sunday night game in Week 17 has been filled. The NFL announced Sunday the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets has been moved from a 1 p.m. ET kickoff to 8:30 p.m. ET and will be aired nationally on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

The game will mark the Bengals’ second regular-season appearance on Sunday Night Football since the series moved to NBC in 2006.

The league also announced that the kickoff time for the Week 17 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will be moved back to 4:15 p.m. ET. The game, which was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on FOX as originally scheduled.


http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/12/27/bengals-jets-matchup-in-week-17-moved-to-late-slot/

Too bad we'll probably have our 2nd string players playing...

[Joseph]

Good move by the league being the last regular season game in the Meadowlands and the Jets having a playoff spot on the line.

[redsfandan]

Too bad we'll probably have our 2nd string players playing...
Who knows. They may play better than the starters.

[Redsfan320]

Who is the Bengals backup QB? I'm disappointed they didn't keep Fitzpatrick, I liked him as a backup; I believe he's now doing okay with the starting job in Buffalo.
Goodnight everybody.

320

[Reds Freak]

Who is the Bengals backup QB? I'm disappointed they didn't keep Fitzpatrick, I liked him as a backup; I believe he's now doing okay with the starting job in Buffalo.
Goodnight everybody.

320

Their backup QB is JT O'Sullivan, a journeyman who was most recently with the Niners I believe. So with the game moving to Sunday night, the Bengals should know the playoff situation going into the game and can determine before the first snap what their strategy is...

[Oxilon]

I honestly think it would be in the best decision for the Bengals to fold up shop and put in the back-ups this game. This Jets need to win to go the playoffs. We play our back-ups, they go full throttle. Jets win the game, but who than has the advantage going into the first week of the playoffs when they'll meet again in Cincinnati?

And there is no difference between the 3rd and 4th seed. Either way, you're going to have to go through San Diego and Indianapolis to get to the Superbowl, so it doesn't matter which team you face first.

[macro]

I honestly think it would be in the best decision for the Bengals to fold up shop and put in the back-ups this game. This Jets need to win to go the playoffs. We play our back-ups, they go full throttle. Jets win the game, but who than has the advantage going into the first week of the playoffs when they'll meet again in Cincinnati?

And there is no difference between the 3rd and 4th seed. Either way, you're going to have to go through San Diego and Indianapolis to get to the Superbowl, so it doesn't matter which team you face first.

I agree completely. I will find myself in the awkward and uncomfortable position of rooting against the Bengals, and in a nationally televised game, at that. You have to remember that, if the Colts and Bengals were to have given it their all in the Jets' last two games, they'd essentially be a 7-9 team rather than a 9-7 team. I'd like the Bengals chances in the rematch.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

I think the only way you don't rest your starters is if NE loses.

Then I think you go for the 3-seed. I would rather play at SD in the 2nd round than at Indy.

NE loses. Get the 3-seed and hope we can get past our 1st round matchup and then get another chance at SD. Hopefully NE can knock off Indy and we then could have a home game for the AFC.

If NE wins, I play the starters for a half and rest them the rest of the game.

[bucksfan2]

I think the only way you don't rest your starters is if NE loses.

Then I think you go for the 3-seed. I would rather play at SD in the 2nd round than at Indy.

NE loses. Get the 3-seed and hope we can get past our 1st round matchup and then get another chance at SD. Hopefully NE can knock off Indy and we then could have a home game for the AFC.

If NE wins, I play the starters for a half and rest them the rest of the game.

The Jets hold the 5 seed right now. IMO the Ravens > Jets, especially when you can basically hold a scrimmage against the Jets this weekend.

[Mario-Rijo]

Their backup QB is JT O'Sullivan, a journeyman who was most recently with the Niners I believe. So with the game moving to Sunday night, the Bengals should know the playoff situation going into the game and can determine before the first snap what their strategy is...

The NFL just really gave us a nice little strategical advantage. This team team could use a one week rest.

[Eric_the_Red]

As crazy as it sounds, I don't know that flying out to San Diego is really a better scenario than going to Indy in the 2nd round.

[TeamSelig]

With the way we play on the west coast, I'd rather play @ Indy. They seem to struggle in the playoffs, aside from their super bowl year.

[macro]

Just to follow up on my earlier comment, not only will many/most Bengals fans be hoping for them to lose Sunday night, there very well be millions of Steelers fans nationwide that will be rooting for the Bengals to win. How weird will that be?

[NJReds]

By moving the Cincy-Jets game to Sunday night and the Cowboys-Eagles to 4:15 pm., FOX now can show the Cowboys game on in NY.

[Degenerate39]

Will Cincy rest the starters?

[Eric_the_Red]

Will Cincy rest the starters?

They should.

For everyone complaining about teams resting their starters, what would you say to New England who had Wes Welker injured in the first quarter?

[CTA513]

They should.

For everyone complaining about teams resting their starters, what would you say to New England who had Wes Welker injured in the first quarter?

I would say if a team wants to rest their starters then they shouldn't even play them at all instead of doing 1 or 2 drives and then pulling the starters out.

[guttle11]

I would say if a team wants to rest their starters then they shouldn't even play them at all instead of doing 1 or 2 drives and then pulling the starters out.

Well, you want them to take the week of practice on the field, so I'm ok with them playing for a while. I'm fine either way really, as long as they don't play all the starters all game.

[Reds Fanatic]

With Houston beating New England it is now more likely the Bengals will play the starters to try to move up to the 3 seed.

[HeatherC1212]

There have been quite a few injuries today. Welker is injured for NE, Brady apparently has some type of injury (broken ribs?!), and I just read that Pat White was carted off the field during the Pitt-Miami game after apparently getting a head injury. If it's going to be 'injury day' in the NFL, I'd like Marvin to rest every single key player on the Bengals at some point tonight to prevent his guys from getting too beat up. Who cares about seeding if your key players are all out for the playoffs??! :eek:

Houston officially beat NE and Pittsburgh beat Miami. I don't think any other games of note in the AFC are either over yet or have started yet.

[Playadlc]

If Denver and Baltimore win, a win tonight against the Jets would give us the #3 seed and we would play the Broncos.

I think if this scenario plays out, we have to go full-throttle tonight.

[Hoosier Red]

I'm not sure I wouldn't rather be the 4 seed, you'd get the Jets in Cincinnati, than a chance against the Colts who have a history of playing poorly after their late season vacations.

[blumj]

Well, you want them to take the week of practice on the field, so I'm ok with them playing for a while. I'm fine either way really, as long as they don't play all the starters all game.

FWIW, Welker got hurt on the first drive, wasn't even hit, it looked like he just turned his own leg weird, maybe slipped. The Pats took Brady out in the 2nd quarter, only to put him back in to play most of the 2nd half, presumably because they realized the extent of Welker's injury and wanted to get his replacement more reps with Brady.

[LoganBuck]

Roethlisburger has some sort of shoulder injury that doesn't look good either.

[Reds Fanatic]

Baltimore beat Oakland which puts them in the playoffs against New England. It also eliminates Pittsburgh. Denver is being blown out by Kansas City

Cincinnati will face either Houston or New York depending on what happens tonight.

So the playoff matchups for next week will be:

Philadelphia at Dallas
Green Bay at Arizona
Baltimore at New England
Houston/NY Jets at Cincinnati

[Reds Fanatic]

Bengals are resting at least some starters tonight. Benson is inactive. Bernard Scott will start at running back.

[Playadlc]

No since in playing to win now. Just get people rest. Sucks. I wanted to play Denver.

[Redhook]

I wanted to play Denver.

Me too. What a choke job by Denver. One of the worst I've ever seen. Couldn't beat two pathetic teams in the last two weeks to get in.

[HeatherC1212]

I'd rather see the Bengals play the Jets but there's something intriguing about the team having a rematch with the Texans. I wonder how different the game is when the team isn't in mourning for their defensive coordinator's wife who had passed away earlier in the week. That could be an interesting game but I think the Bengals have a better shot at getting to Sanchez and the Jets at home rather than having a rematch with the Texans. Either way I'm just glad Pittsburgh is officially out and we don't play the Ravens first, LOL :laugh:

[will5979]

Think Cincy is throwing the game!?

[CTA513]

Think Cincy is throwing the game!?

With the way they are playing I would hope so.

[Joseph]

If they aren't its gonna be embarrassing next weekend in the Queen City.

[Donder]

I kind of doubt they're throwing the game with their starters in. That seems about the dumbest thing a coach could possibly do.

[Newport Red]

Sitting Carson and Cedric is going to help the Jets more. The strength of the Jets, the defense, has the night off. The strength of the Bengals, the defense, is going to be in a body cast.

[MWM]

LOL. The Bengals aren't even trying.

[HeatherC1212]

If they are trying in this game, then next weekend is going to be REALLY ugly. :eek:

[MWM]

Go ahead, let them get overly cocky. They have just the kind of coach that will allow that to happen.

[Boston Red]

Nice screw you to Pittsburgh.

[Deepred05]

The Jets are the ones who should have been resting their starters.

[Reds Fanatic]

What an embarrasing effort in that first half. 27-0 Jets at the half.

[HeatherC1212]

Pittsburgh is all ready eliminated though so it doesn't really matter.

Gotta agree with the cockiness thing though. I can see the Jets getting that way after this game and that benefits the Bengals next weekend.

[Redsfan320]

Well, this is a pathetic showing by the Bengals tonight.
Even if it doesn't matter, if they're trying, which I definitely believe they are, then this is really sad.
Certainly hope the D and O both are better next week.

320

[traderumor]

Very simple. The Texans are better than the Jets. Indy or SD is a draw, so you hand pick your first opponent. You know you are going to play the Jets if you lose, so you go out there and run plain vanilla O and D. I will be surprised to see much more of Chad and Carson considering the score at this point.

I don't think you will recognize either of these teams next week in PBS if you watched this game.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Do we have to do this every time we are on national tv? This is just embarrasing. No running game, receivers who cant catch a ball and we they do they fall down?!?! One first down on a penalty? I keep telling myself this game is irrelevant but with the way the Jets are blowing them out I'm not sure anymore.

[traderumor]

Well, this is a pathetic showing by the Bengals tonight.
Even if it doesn't matter, if they're trying, which I definitely believe they are, then this is really sad.
Certainly hope the D and O both are better next week.

320That's what you'll see when you are running your basic schemes on both sides of the ball. It isn't a matter of effort. The Bengals are just sitting in their base D.

The advantage to the Bengals is that certainly Z is working in his head as the play unfolds what he is going to do against the Wildcat when they try it next week. He's seeing their A game and the Bengals are playing possum. Simple as that.

On top of that, you have the whole psychological thing that has already been mentioned in this thread. A few "same old Bungles" will be dancing like sugar plums in the Jets dreams as they prepare next week.

[Newport Red]

It's 20 degrees outside. If this game was at PBS and you had tickets, would you have gone?

[HeatherC1212]

No Cedric, no Peko or Crocker, a couple of other guys are inactive....this team is totally different with those guys in there. I can see them running simple plays tonight with the game coming up next weekend, but I think I'd prefer to see the Bengals at least score a few points in the second half to make it not a shutout, LOL :laugh:

[CTA513]

Trying or not these guys should be embarrassed with tonights play.
-8 yard rush because nobody blocked a defensive lineman.

[Reds Fanatic]

Sims broke his arm and is done for the year. Chad is out with a knee injury. This is a total nightmare.

[traderumor]

Sims broke his arm and is done for the year. Chad is out with a knee injury. This is a total nightmare.Don't worry about Chad. I imagine that knee will be on the injury list all next week, or at least it should be.

FYI, the Colts played Manning this week and got pasted 30-7 by the Bills. The Bengals have nothing to be embarrassed about when they are merely carrying out their game plan, which is to not win without coming out and saying they are laying down this week. Mission is being accomplished.

[Deepred05]

Buffoons

[Deepred05]

Jesus this osullivan is weak

[Reds Fanatic]

4:30 Saturday is the game time for next week. Bengals have a short week to recover from this.

[traderumor]

It is not surprising that fans do not get what is going on in this game. It amazes me that Collinsworth is making a big deal about the results. He should know better.

[guttle11]

The best part of the night by far has been Collinsworth reaching down deep, pretending that this game mattered one bit to the Bengals. "I'm shocked...This is unbelievable".

Anyone who didn't see this coming wasn't paying attention.

[flyer85]

the Bengals definitely want to the play Jets. The Jets basically have been given two byes in the last two weeks. They won't be getting a bye next week.

[traderumor]

But, I will say, that the Jets are going to pose some problems next week in a straight up game. The Bengals have one more win than them. They have a legit running game and the best D in the league by the numbers. While we gain a scouting advantage this week, I expect a very tough game next week. We will have to figure out how to take away the run and put the game in Sanchez' hands.

Our offense will have to play an A game.

[Reds Fanatic]

The other issue for next week will be the health of the team. It is not a sure thing that Peko and Crocker and others will be back for next week. Hopefully they are because they definetely need them back to help stop the run.

[Playadlc]

The other issue for next week will be the health of the team. It is not a sure thing that Peko and Crocker and others will be back for next week. Hopefully they are because they definetely need them back to help stop the run.

I'd be stunned if they weren't back next week.

[CTA513]

Bengals better show up next game and I hope they remember that the Jets went for it on 4th and 1 while up 30-0 in the 4th quarter.

[top6]

Bengals better show up next game and I hope they remember that the Jets went for it on 4th and 1 while up 30-0 in the 4th quarter.

Meh. Kicking the field goal would have been worse.

[Redsfaithful]

Jets aren't a bad team, but anyone who thinks the Bengals were trying tonight just doesn't know much about football. Not only were the Bengals playing guys way down deep on the depth chart they were basically screwing around on offense and playing a preseason style of defense.

There was a series where the Bengals had 2nd and 1 on offense and they threw two incomplete passes. Do you really think they wouldn't have run for the first down there if they were trying? If you've paid attention to this team at all this year you'd know better, there were countless other examples but that stood out to me the most.

I think some fans (and apparently Chris Collinsworth and Al Michaels) might have seen some starters playing and assumed the Bengals were giving a real effort, but you can't sit everybody, somebody has to play.

Losing Pat Sims sucks, otherwise tonight went about how I expected.

I really don't like Rex Ryan after seeing him so jubilant on the sidelines while getting a game handed to him, so I really hope the Bengals don't lay an egg next week.

[top6]

Jets aren't a bad team, but anyone who thinks the Bengals were trying tonight just doesn't know much about football. Not only were the Bengals playing guys way down deep on the depth chart they were basically screwing around on offense and playing a preseason style of defense.

There was a series where the Bengals had 2nd and 1 on offense and they threw two incomplete passes. Do you really think they wouldn't have run for the first down there if they were trying? If you've paid attention to this team at all this year you'd know better, there were countless other examples but that stood out to me the most.

I think some fans (and apparently Chris Collinsworth and Al Michaels) might have seen some starters playing and assumed the Bengals were giving a real effort, but you can't sit everybody, somebody has to play.

Losing Pat Sims sucks, otherwise tonight went about how I expected.

I really don't like Rex Ryan after seeing him so jubilant on the sidelines while getting a game handed to him, so I really hope the Bengals don't lay an egg next week.

I don't like RR either, but he just made the playoffs as a rookie coach, so I think he pretty much acted like I would have acted in that situation.

Agreed on the fact that the Bengals weren't trying too hard. What I don't get, though, is why you play Palmer for that long, and also why you play Hall and Joseph for more than a few series. We have, imo, 4 indispensable players: those 3, and Benson. But it looks like those 4 are fine, so no harm. (Still, what was Leon Hall doing on special teams in the 2d half?!?!?!)

[yab1112]

Jets fan texted me after the game, rubbing the loss in my face. I replied with the inactive list: Benson, Peko, Crocker, Geathers, Foschi. His response "Never heard of them." If the Bengals lose next week I'm gonna have to move.

Looking at the game next week, I don't think the defense will have to much of a problem with all the injured and inactives back. But on the offensive side of the ball, how is this team going to manage to get anything going? I realize they were playing with their "B" gameplan but still, they had ZERO passing yards.

[macro]

I think some fans (and apparently Chris Collinsworth and Al Michaels) might have seen some starters playing and assumed the Bengals were giving a real effort...

Collinsworth really angered me tonight with his constant Bengals bashing. It's as if he had no clue whatsoever.

[wally post]

The Bengals are in trouble now and I wish it wasn't true - incredible failure, even for the Bengals in my view.

[Javy Pornstache]

Do this many people seriously think that was an A effort from the Bengals? They were CLEARLY playing base, vanilla stuff, not showing their hand. They did no blitzing, no stunting, stuff like throwing 30 yards downfield twice in a row on 2nd and 1, etc. Preseason stuff.

[Brutus]

This game was nothing more than a glorified scrimmage for the Bengals. I'm still embarrassed by it, but I know better than to worry about this being indicative of anything that will happen Saturday afternoon.

I don't think the players "weren't trying" as I don't know of any athlete that ever doesn't try. However, I simply think they were never in the mindset that they "had" to win this game, and that probably led to a lack of focus.

You throw Benson, Peko and Crocker back in the lineup, and the players not be subjected to sub-arctic temperatures in a game that means something, and the Jets will find out Saturday that this was not the real Bengals.

Doesn't mean I wasn't embarrassed. It was still ugly and unacceptable. But does it mean anything? Likely not.

[BearcatShane]

It was a terrible game to watch and I was upset, but by Wednesday night I'll be ready to roll for Saturday. 4:30 Saturday playoff game from Paul Brown Stadium? It's gonna be fun.

[Playadlc]

It was a terrible game to watch and I was upset, but by Wednesday night I'll be ready to roll for Saturday. 4:30 Saturday playoff game from Paul Brown Stadium? It's gonna be fun.

Agreed. I'm fired up right now for this Saturday.

Can't wait to pound these guys in Cincinnati.

[GAC]

Don't worry about Chad. I imagine that knee will be on the injury list all next week, or at least it should be.

FYI, the Colts played Manning this week and got pasted 30-7 by the Bills. The Bengals have nothing to be embarrassed about when they are merely carrying out their game plan, which is to not win without coming out and saying they are laying down this week. Mission is being accomplished.

Probably true, but Carson Palmer still concerns me. He played into the 3rd quarter and went 1 fer 11 for zero yds. Now I can understand if the Bengals were playing from the standpoint they were going to face this same team next week in the 1st round in Cincy, and didn't want to show them anything, but they are still going to be facing the NFL's top ranked defense, and I'd have like to have seen they play with some respectability last night.

They are going to be facing a fired up Jets team.

[KoryMac5]

The Bengals are in trouble now and I wish it wasn't true - incredible failure, even for the Bengals in my view.

Colts lost to Buffalo 30-7, I would suppose they are in trouble as well.

[traderumor]

The only thing I am embarrassed about is Rex Ryan walking around smiling and slapping everyone like they were the smartest coaches and the best team in the league, esp. after the TD right before halftime off the wildcat, with his belly arriving five minutes before the rest of him. His jubilation looked like "man, we really snookered 'em tonight," when he basically was the recipient of the good fortune of playing two playoff bound teams laying down in consecutive weeks.

He just looks like one annoying dude. Glad he has nothing to do with any team I care about.

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals might very well lose next week, but you wouldn't know that from last night, and if they do lose it's going to be something like 10-7. Expect 8 men in the box and Sanchez to struggle next Saturday, I'm honestly expecting him to throw 3-4 picks if the Bengals get a lead.

[flyer85]

This game was nothing more than a glorified scrimmage for the Bengals.and that's the only point. I am not a Bengals fan but IMO it was simply a case of the Bengals picking their opponent. If I were a betting man I would take the Bengals and lay the points.

The Jets got the biggest gift of the Christmas season over the last two weeks, they are not one of the best 6 teams in the AFC. Without a doubt the Bengals didn't want to see Pittsburgh or Houston.

[blumj]

I don't really think there's much of a difference between the 3rd-8th best teams in the AFC, so, in that sense, someone was going to get a gift of some sort, whether it was by luck of the schedule the way the Jets got it, or just by having an easier overall schedule, or just by getting a few more lucky bounces.

[bucksfan2]

The only thing I am embarrassed about is Rex Ryan walking around smiling and slapping everyone like they were the smartest coaches and the best team in the league, esp. after the TD right before halftime off the wildcat, with his belly arriving five minutes before the rest of him. His jubilation looked like "man, we really snookered 'em tonight," when he basically was the recipient of the good fortune of playing two playoff bound teams laying down in consecutive weeks.

He just looks like one annoying dude. Glad he has nothing to do with any team I care about.

Marvin knows Ryan pretty well, having worked with him as a young coach in Baltimore. What I though was somewhat interesting is that Ryan didn't call off the dogs. He continued playing his starters, running different formations, playing hard even when it was pretty evident that the game was over. I may be incorrect but it seemed like he showed his entire hand whereas the Bengals pretty much showed nothing. Its awfully tough to get your head into a game when you coach is resting players.

[jimbo]

Without a doubt the Bengals didn't want to see Pittsburgh or Houston.

IMO, a team playing for a championship should have a mindset of wanting to beat the best, not dictating an easier route.

Personally, I can't find anything positive from a 37-0 thrashing against a team you play for real the following week. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I just see this whole idea of teams laying down the last few weeks of the season as diminishing the game and unnecessary.

Just a few weeks ago, the Colts were playing for an undefeated season. Now, they've played two weeks of preseason football and have a bye week before they play again. IMO, it's going to be tough for them to come out in two weeks with that same intensity and rhythm.

What do I know though? I'm just a monday morning quarterback. ;)

[traderumor]

IMO, a team playing for a championship should have a mindset of wanting to beat the best, not dictating an easier route.

Personally, I can't find anything positive from a 37-0 thrashing against a team you play for real the following week. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I just see this whole idea of teams laying down the last few weeks of the season as diminishing the game and unnecessary.

Just a few weeks ago, the Colts were playing for an undefeated season. Now, they've played two weeks of preseason football and have a bye week before they play again. IMO, it's going to be tough for them to come out in two weeks with that same intensity and rhythm.

What do I know though? I'm just a monday morning quarterback. ;)

The Bengals already knew Houston was a bad matchup and wanted no part of that again. I don't know what is modern about getting to handpick your opponent. Sometimes "old fashioned" is just machismo, and that is something that gets men into trouble all the time ;)

[Hoosier Red]

Collinsworth really angered me tonight with his constant Bengals bashing. It's as if he had no clue whatsoever.

He has to act like the Bengals were trying. It doesn't look good for NBC if they tell people midway through the first quarter, welp one team didn't care enough to show up tonight.

[traderumor]

He has to act like the Bengals were trying. It doesn't look good for NBC if they tell people midway through the first quarter, welp one team didn't care enough to show up tonight.Collinsworth certainly accomplished increasing the size of the Jets bandwagon. One wouldn't know that they were sliding in due to good fortune after being just 7-7 and left for dead by their own Bad Santa coach. Hopefully the Jets think more of themselves after the last two wins and experience the season killer known as overconfidence.

[macro]

Colts lost to Buffalo 30-7, I would suppose they are in trouble as well.

Futhermore...

The Cowboys beat the Eagles 24-0, and the Eagles had everything in the world to play for. They had a shot at a #2 seed, a bye week, and a home game after that.

Also, the Cardinals lost 33-7 at home to the Packers, and those two will tee it up on the same field again this weekend.

The only reason the Bengals game got the attention it did is because it was the Sunday night game. The media and fans wouldn't be making as big a deal out of it if it had been a 1:00pm game.

And I agree with traderumor's comments about Ryan. Their actions were pretty brazen, and may very well come back to haunt them this Saturday.

As for the Jets "having momentum" or being "fired up", all that goes out of the window by the time the second series of the game is played.

[BRM]

Hopefully the Jets think more of themselves after the last two wins and experience the season killer known as overconfidence.

It's certainly possible. If they are indeed "riding high" after beating two teams who played them as if it were a pre-season game, more power to them and they are in for a shock this coming weekend.

[Roy Tucker]

I must say, Cincinnati football took a severe beating between the Bengals laying a huge egg last night and UC getting totally and utterly outclassed in the Sugar Bowl.

Its one thing to do it in the privacy of a regionally cogvered game, but both were in prime time and under the spotlight. Plain old ugly.

[Eric_the_Red]

If the Bengals weren't trying and didn't care if they won or lost, why were ANY starters out there? It should have been all 2nd/3rd stringers, all game, especially in that weather.

Either way it reflects poorly on Marvin and the coaching.

[KoryMac5]

If the Bengals weren't trying and didn't care if they won or lost, why were ANY starters out there? It should have been all 2nd/3rd stringers, all game, especially in that weather.

Either way it reflects poorly on Marvin and the coaching.

Manning has played parts of the last two games against the Jets and the Bills. So did Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne. Brady stayed in for a few quarters against the Texans as well, as did Moss and unfortunately Welker. I think it probbaly has more to do with offensive players needing reps to stay in ryhthym. It probably has a lot to do with who the player is and how much pull they ultimately have.

If it was up to me the enitre second and third string would have played that game against the Jets. Don't risk it for a 3 seed.

[Newport Red]

The Jets made the playoffs. They should celebrate. Is there another 7 loss team more deserving.

[traderumor]

If the Bengals weren't trying and didn't care if they won or lost, why were ANY starters out there? It should have been all 2nd/3rd stringers, all game, especially in that weather.

Either way it reflects poorly on Marvin and the coaching.I think that is a fair question, one I asked myself. It appeared to me that Carson had marching orders to get rid of the ball quickly. Also, the Colts played Manning yesterday. I think it is to keep them in the feel of game activity and to see from under the center and in the pocket what the Jets were showing.

I think Ryan has to answer the same question after it was clear what the Bengals were doing to leave his guys out there. I was just waiting for Thomas Jones to pop his hammy or some other freak injury to happen to one of his key players after the game was well in hand. Ryan does not strike me as being very bright. He may know football, but he doesn't seem to be savvy. Most buffoons aren't, though.

Funny thing is that Collinsworth had one thing totally backwards. He said the Bengals have one of those game tape destroying games. I think it is just the opposite. The Bengals should be studying closely what the Jets did when the Bengals bombed a play (which should have been designed as well), while the Jets have nothing from their game that I would consider workable. I hope Ryan doesn't realize that, but I don't want to give him too much credit at this point.

One of the interesting story lines heading into the real game is whether the Jets have so emotionally spent themselves to achieve the goal of making the playoffs that they will have difficulty finding it for the real prize. I think it is certainly plausible that they may be in "just happy to be here mode" next week without even realizing it until its too late while they get schooled in reverse in a game that really matters.

Also, I think the Bengals are in better position playing Indy than SD. I would be fine with the Chargers getting an AFC Championship rematch in their place that they always wanted after the Freezer Bowl.

[Hoosier Red]

Travel wise, playing Indy first(okay second after this minor matter of beating the Jets is taken care of) is helpful too. Though there's no guarantee that Baltimore doesn't beat New England and than Indy would play the Ravens and the Bengals still travel to San Diego.

[BRM]

The Jets made the playoffs. They should celebrate. Is there another 7 loss team more deserving.

They absolutely should celebrate. I don't think anyone said otherwise.

[guttle11]

The Jets made the playoffs. They should celebrate. Is there another 7 loss team more deserving.

Houston.

[traderumor]

The Jets made the playoffs. They should celebrate. Is there another 7 loss team more deserving.Steelers fans are wondering how this question could even be asked when the answer is clearly their team. :)

[Roy Tucker]

The teams that deserve to be in the playoffs are in the playoffs.

You're not happy that you aren't in? Then win more games. I can see beefs being had for college teams, but the NFL is brutally darwinian.

[bucksfan2]

The teams that deserve to be in the playoffs are in the playoffs.

You're not happy that you aren't in? Then win more games. I can see beefs being had for college teams, but the NFL is brutally darwinian.

9-7 teams really have no beef. If Pittsburgh is pissed then you can look back at games against the Chiefs, Browns, and Raiders.

[Playadlc]

Also, I think the Bengals are in better position playing Indy than SD. I would be fine with the Chargers getting an AFC Championship rematch in their place that they always wanted after the Freezer Bowl.

If we beat the Jets, I think I would rather have the Chargers first. Freeney and Mathis against our O-line scares me. Probably going to have to beat them both anyway to get to the Super Bowl, but I'd rather someone else try and knock Indy out before us.

[GAC]

Do this many people seriously think that was an A effort from the Bengals? They were CLEARLY playing base, vanilla stuff, not showing their hand. They did no blitzing, no stunting, stuff like throwing 30 yards downfield twice in a row on 2nd and 1, etc. Preseason stuff.

I don't think people on here are saying it was an A effort. But why even play your starting QB into the 3rd quarter, and even other starters, if you were going to make no effort at all?

Just kinda perplexing.

I've heard some say "The Bengals didn't want to show them anything."

Geez! If you want to get a good feel of any team, then all you have to do is watch the last 15 weeks of game films. You'll get to know all you need.

My concern with the Bengals... and lets even ignore this game.... is that their offense, especially Palmer, has been too erratic all year, and hasn't, IMO, shown itself to be much of a threat to even mediocre teams.

Now how much was facing the #1 overall defense a factor in this game? Don't know. But the Bengals, again IMO, have basically "limped" into the post-season, the Jets, regardless of this game, are still going to be very motivated.

Rootin' for the Bengals..... but prepared for them to get beat next Saturday.

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals offense isn't great certainly, but it's also different with Benson and the scheme they've been running all year. I don't think they overloaded the line much (at all?) last night, unless I missed it, and that's been pretty important to the rushing game.

The Bengals usually throw the ball deep once or twice a game, that's all they were doing last night.

[dougdirt]

The Bengals usually throw the ball deep once or twice a game, that's all they were doing last night.

Perhaps trying to set up the run for next week? Get the DB's to play a step or two back and just pound the ball early on.

[Brutus]

Perhaps trying to set up the run for next week? Get the DB's to play a step or two back and just pound the ball early on.

I think Cincinnati was setting the Jets up for quite a bit with that game last night.

Offense. Defense. You name it. They were doing some very vanilla things defensively, and throwing off tendency offensively.

[yab1112]

My concern with the Bengals... and lets even ignore this game.... is that their offense, especially Palmer, has been too erratic all year, and hasn't, IMO, shown itself to be much of a threat to even mediocre teams.

That's why I'm nervous. Regardless of last night's game, our offense going up against the Jets D is worrisome. I know this game meant nothing to the Bengals but it meant a hell of a lot to the Jets. It gave them a shot in the arm and the playoffs is all about momentum.

Then again, I've been nervous before every single game this season and it was unwarranted 10 times. :p:

BTW, just saw on Bengals.com the team resigned Keiwan Ratliff :cool:

[redsfan1966]

thanks, NBC, for providing more great prime time programming...

[WVRed]

I must say, Cincinnati football took a severe beating between the Bengals laying a huge egg last night and UC getting totally and utterly outclassed in the Sugar Bowl.

Its one thing to do it in the privacy of a regionally cogvered game, but both were in prime time and under the spotlight. Plain old ugly.

Comparing the Jets-Bengals game to the Cincinnati-Florida game is a bit of a stretch, IMO.

The Bengals did exactly what they needed to do, IMO. Roll over, play dead, don't show the Jets any real plays, and for the most part not even give them any exposure to some of our top players. Cedric Benson, Domata Peko, and Chris Crocker should all be back for next weeks game. Running out of the shotgun on 2nd and 1 and 3rd and 1 should signal the Bengals weren't out to win. It's preseason stuff.

There are things about the Jets that do worry me. I think our defensive line, even with Peko back, is going to have major problems blocking Faneca, Ferguson, and Mangold. I say the battle in the trenches will be where this game is won and lost.

Make no mistake though, this team will be ready to go Saturday. The Bengals may have played dead, but I believe it 1. Gives the Jets a false sense of confidence, 2. Motivates the Bengals after the Jets made every effort to run up the score. Rex Ryan could be the Jets downfall in this one.

[macro]

It gave them a shot in the arm and the playoffs is all about momentum.

I just posted a couple of articles here (http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2009760#post2009760) that address the topic of momentum. After reading both, I'm not sure what to believe.


(http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=4775542&addata=2009_insdr_mod_front_xxx_xxx&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl %2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d4775542%26addata% 3d2009_insdr_mod_front_xxx_xxx)

[CTA513]

Comparing the Jets-Bengals game to the Cincinnati-Florida game is a bit of a stretch, IMO.

The Bengals did exactly what they needed to do, IMO. Roll over, play dead, don't show the Jets any real plays, and for the most part not even give them any exposure to some of our top players. Cedric Benson, Domata Peko, and Chris Crocker should all be back for next weeks game. Running out of the shotgun on 2nd and 1 and 3rd and 1 should signal the Bengals weren't out to win. It's preseason stuff.

There are things about the Jets that do worry me. I think our defensive line, even with Peko back, is going to have major problems blocking Faneca, Ferguson, and Mangold. I say the battle in the trenches will be where this game is won and lost.

Make no mistake though, this team will be ready to go Saturday. The Bengals may have played dead, but I believe it 1. Gives the Jets a false sense of confidence, 2. Motivates the Bengals after the Jets made every effort to run up the score. Rex Ryan could be the Jets downfall in this one.


Having Geathers and Peko back should help against the run.
Yesterday guys like M. Johnson, Rucker, Harris and Smith had to play most of the game at DE and DT and they aren't used to that.
Crocker being back will also be a huge improvement over Nelson who seems to either be out of position or whiffing on tackles most of the game.

[GAC]

I think Cincinnati was setting the Jets up for quite a bit with that game last night.

Offense. Defense. You name it. They were doing some very vanilla things defensively, and throwing off tendency offensively.

But if we, the fans see and realize this, then why wouldn't the Jet's coaching staff?

What was Lewis setting the Jets up for? By laying down - which I have no problem with since it's a common practice - he's hoping the Jets get over-confident next week because they didn't see the "real" Bengals, and that Lewis has some new wrinkles he's gonna throw at them that they never saw before?

OK. A possibility. The Bengals CAN beat the Jets.

Lewis didn't play Benson. But he puts his other starters out there. His top receiver suffered a bruised knee. MRI is negative, but he woke up Monday morning and said he couldn't extend the stiff knee during warmups. We'll see as the week progresses.

And what if Palmer had gotten hurt? This is what perplexes me concerning Lewis.

You're going to have two top run defenses going after each other. The Jets have the #1 overall defense in the NFL, while the Bengals ain't no slouches at #6. Should anything be made of the fact that Sunday the Jets ran the crap out of the ball (57 attempts) and rushed for 257 yds in that game? Maybe not if the Bengals were supposedly "letting" them do so in order to deceive them into a false sense of hope going into next week.

When you look at these two QBs, the Bengals definitely have the advantage. The Jets are going to do their best to "hide" Sanchez and minimize his mistakes.

But IMO, Palmer has to step it up.

I personally expect a low scoring game. Neither one of these teams excites me.

[redsfandan]

What concerns me is the possibility that Zimmer could be coaching for another team next year. If he stays with the Bengals and they address the problems on offense they should be alot better next year. But if he's not back...

[macro]

What concerns me is the possibility that Zimmer could be coaching for another team next year. If he stays with the Bengals and they address the problems on offense they should be alot better next year. But if he's not back...

...the defense is ranked 20th or worse once again, and the team drops below .500.

[Newport Red]

...the defense is ranked 20th or worse once again, and the team drops below .500.

If that's the case, Zimmer needs a nice raise.

[traderumor]

But if we, the fans see and realize this, then why wouldn't the Jet's coaching staff?

What was Lewis setting the Jets up for? By laying down - which I have no problem with since it's a common practice - he's hoping the Jets get over-confident next week because they didn't see the "real" Bengals, and that Lewis has some new wrinkles he's gonna throw at them that they never saw before?

OK. A possibility. The Bengals CAN beat the Jets.

Lewis didn't play Benson. But he puts his other starters out there. His top receiver suffered a bruised knee. MRI is negative, but he woke up Monday morning and said he couldn't extend the stiff knee during warmups. We'll see as the week progresses.

And what if Palmer had gotten hurt? This is what perplexes me concerning Lewis.

You're going to have two top run defenses going after each other. The Jets have the #1 overall defense in the NFL, while the Bengals ain't no slouches at #6. Should anything be made of the fact that Sunday the Jets ran the crap out of the ball (57 attempts) and rushed for 257 yds in that game? Maybe not if the Bengals were supposedly "letting" them do so in order to deceive them into a false sense of hope going into next week.

When you look at these two QBs, the Bengals definitely have the advantage. The Jets are going to do their best to "hide" Sanchez and minimize his mistakes.

But IMO, Palmer has to step it up.

I personally expect a low scoring game. Neither one of these teams excites me.The idea isn't to lull the other team into a "false sense of hope," it is to not give the other team the advantage of seeing how you line up. When you have teams looking at snapshots on the sideline to try to gain an advantage, how much more when you have a film to study over the next several days. That is the idea.

Of course the Jets know this, but so what? For example, we now get a week to prepare for the wildcat as the Jets ran it Sunday. The Bengals staff gets to see what the Jets were doing to push our line and devise a plan to counteract that. Any psychological advantage is a side benefit.

The Jets do not have this to add to their preparation. They have to review however many weeks of film and devise a game plan as if they never played the Bengals before, just like last week.

[KoryMac5]

What concerns me is the possibility that Zimmer could be coaching for another team next year. If he stays with the Bengals and they address the problems on offense they should be alot better next year. But if he's not back...

The only rumor I had heard connected to Zimmer was Dallas. So unless the Cowboys melt down this weekend we will see Wade Phillips back in the saddle again, and Mike Zimmer still with the Bengals.

[traderumor]

Maybe Mike Zimmer doesn't want to be a head coach.

[Tony Cloninger]

Shanahan has been said to have his eye on Zimmer as DC in WAS ...as soon as he is given the job. The Redskins did their obligatory "interview the minority" thing and now can dispense with pretense and hire Mike.

AC do not have much leverage unless they are elite....Zimmer is good and will get a lot of praise for this year but if he is not going to be a HC....he needs to get paid well to be a DC. Brown cannot top whatever crazy money Snyder will throw at Zimmer to become DC and maybe even Assistant Head Coach?

In regards to the bengals on Sunday. Fine if they did not want to trey but they still got 1 guy who is valuable on the DL injured for the year and Chad messed up.

No Jets really got hurt and they were trying? What does that say about trying and giving max effort? Better off doing that then not at all.

[Redsfaithful]

Read a rumor today that Zimmer to DC is probable, and that he wants to put Cincinnati in his rear view mirror after going through so much tragedy there this year with his wife. I can't say I'd really blame him there. Change of geography wouldn't fix anything, but sometimes getting away from the place where something like that happened can be a positive.

The Bengals need Zimmer, but the sky wouldn't necessarily be falling without him so long as they hire someone else decent. They have a lot of young talent on defense, and they are coming off of a playoff appearance, I would think they'd be able to go after some interesting coaches.

[reds1869]

Maybe Mike Zimmer doesn't want to be a head coach.

He said point blank that he wants to be a head coach in an interview I watched Saturday.

[TeamSelig]

Lets let Zimmer be head coach then

[macro]

Read a rumor today that Zimmer to DC is probable, and that he wants to put Cincinnati in his rear view mirror after going through so much tragedy there this year with his wife. I can't say I'd really blame him there. Change of geography wouldn't fix anything, but sometimes getting away from the place where something like that happened can be a positive.

The Bengals need Zimmer, but the sky wouldn't necessarily be falling without him so long as they hire someone else decent. They have a lot of young talent on defense, and they are coming off of a playoff appearance, I would think they'd be able to go after some interesting coaches.

I hope that's all it is: a rumor. Zimmer won't be easily replaced. The Bengals haven't had the likes of him as DC since Lebeau was here in the 80s, and I'm not confident they'll get someone nearly as good.

[WVRed]

But if we, the fans see and realize this, then why wouldn't the Jet's coaching staff?

What was Lewis setting the Jets up for? By laying down - which I have no problem with since it's a common practice - he's hoping the Jets get over-confident next week because they didn't see the "real" Bengals, and that Lewis has some new wrinkles he's gonna throw at them that they never saw before?

OK. A possibility. The Bengals CAN beat the Jets.

Lewis didn't play Benson. But he puts his other starters out there. His top receiver suffered a bruised knee. MRI is negative, but he woke up Monday morning and said he couldn't extend the stiff knee during warmups. We'll see as the week progresses.

And what if Palmer had gotten hurt? This is what perplexes me concerning Lewis.

You're going to have two top run defenses going after each other. The Jets have the #1 overall defense in the NFL, while the Bengals ain't no slouches at #6. Should anything be made of the fact that Sunday the Jets ran the crap out of the ball (57 attempts) and rushed for 257 yds in that game? Maybe not if the Bengals were supposedly "letting" them do so in order to deceive them into a false sense of hope going into next week.

When you look at these two QBs, the Bengals definitely have the advantage. The Jets are going to do their best to "hide" Sanchez and minimize his mistakes.

But IMO, Palmer has to step it up.

I personally expect a low scoring game. Neither one of these teams excites me.

My hope is that the Bengals score early and often. If the Bengals get up 10-0 by the end of the first quarter and force Sanchez to beat them through the air, I could see at least two interceptions and a possibility of winning in possible blowout fashion. Scoring quick is going to be a key for the Bengals and if they can do it, it will minimize the Jets running game, which worries me given the Jets O-Line.

[GAC]

My hope is that the Bengals score early and often. If the Bengals get up 10-0 by the end of the first quarter and force Sanchez to beat them through the air, I could see at least two interceptions and a possibility of winning in possible blowout fashion. Scoring quick is going to be a key for the Bengals and if they can do it, it will minimize the Jets running game, which worries me given the Jets O-Line.

The game plan, for both of these teams, is quite simple IMO. Especially for the Bengals.... stop the run and make a QB (Sanchez) who has a QB rating lower then Brady Quinn beat them.

From the offensive side, the Bengals have a more balanced attack. It's just going to be interesting to see how Palmer does vs the #1 pass defense in the NFL. Palmer has struggled this year. And that is, IMO, because he doesn't have the diversity of talent (threats) in his receiving corp. They miss TJ and Henry.

But the Bengals should win this game. I just don't think it's gonna be pretty, and will be a low scoring game.

But Jet's RB Jones is gonna get plenty of carries Saturday. And if he is able to run the ball effectively, then it could be a problem for the Bengals if Palmer doesn't have a good game IMO. Palmer doesn't have to have a monster game, but an effective game.

[TeamSelig]

I think our running game is going to be everything. Hopefully Cedric runs all over them. Although I'm sure we'll see a few power run up the middle with Scott for no gain.

[Chip R]

I'm not a big Bengals fan but I would love, love, love to see them pound the Jets.

[blumj]

I'm not a big Bengals fan but I would love, love, love to see them pound the Jets.
I'm not even a little Bengals fan, and I would love to see them pound the Jets, too.

[traderumor]

Maybe add a sideline play to take out a certain Jets head coach and it'd be a perfect day.

[traderumor]

Ryan says Jets should be favorites to win it all By DENNIS WASZAK Jr., The Associated Press
3:31 PM Wednesday, January 6, 2010
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says his team should not only be favored to beat the Cincinnati Bengals, but to win theSuper Bowl.

During his daily news conference Wednesday, Ryan was asked what his reaction was to being the team with the longest odds to win the championship. Ryan says he wasn't aware of that, but "we should be favorites."

When asked to clarify whether he meant against the Bengals or the entire playoffs, Ryan said "the whole tournament." He cited the fact the Jets have the league's best defense and rushing game as reasons they should be favorites.

The Jets opened as a 1-point underdog against the Bengals, and are now a 2½-point underdog. Their current odds of winning the Super Bowl are 50-1.

[jimbo]

Maybe add a sideline play to take out a certain Jets head coach and it'd be a perfect day.

:lol:

You really don't like this guy, do you?

[Chip R]

I'm just wondering why the Jets didn't go undefeated since they are so darn good.

[traderumor]

:lol:

You really don't like this guy, do you?He's just got phony written all over him. His jubilant displays on the sideline on Sunday were very bush league, like he had never won a game before in his life. Between crying Rex and happy Rex, I smell manic depressive ;)

[blumj]

I'm just wondering why the Jets didn't go undefeated since they are so darn good.
To be fair, the were sabotaged by their own QB. If Sanchez figures it out, they are pretty scary.

[Eric_the_Red]

To be fair, the were sabotaged by their own QB. If Sanchez figures it out, they are pretty scary.


Could be. Very similar formula to the Steelers team that won it all in Ben's rookie year.

[GAC]

I think our running game is going to be everything. Hopefully Cedric runs all over them. Although I'm sure we'll see a few power run up the middle with Scott for no gain.

Both of these teams have top ranked run defenses, averaging 98 yds/game and 3.8 yds/carry. So I think it's gonna be a battle. Both teams will run the ball a lot, which eats up the clock, and why I think it will be a low scoring affair, and why Palmer has to perform.

The Bengals didn't play Benson (which was good), and the Jets put up 257 yds rushing last week vs the Bengals. But was that because a lot of the Bengal's starters on defense were not playing?

And yeah, Rex Ryan has a big mouth. I guess anything is possible. Teddy boy Bruschi seems to agree with Ryan....


Former Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi revealed a surprising playoff prediction in his role as an ESPN analyst on Tuesday. The Jets, and not Bruschi's former team, are the more likely AFC wild-card participant to earn a spot in the Super Bowl


GO BENGALS!!!!

[blumj]

Could be. Very similar formula to the Steelers team that won it all in Ben's rookie year.
Same team these Jets remind me of, but the Pats knocked them out in the AFCCG. And WVRed already gave you the game plan, score early and often and force the rookie QB to shoot his own team in the foot. Those Steelers didn't have Darrelle Revis covering Deion Branch, though.

FWIW, the last time the Pats played the Jets, the Pats "Welkered" them to death :(, 15 catches for 192 yards, they put up 24 points in the 1st half and Sanchez threw 4 INTs.

[traderumor]

Same team these Jets remind me of, but the Pats knocked them out in the AFCCG. And WVRed already gave you the game plan, score early and often and force the rookie QB to shoot his own team in the foot. Those Steelers didn't have Darrelle Revis covering Deion Branch, though.No, they just had Troy Palomaulo roaming the field covering and tackling everybody ;)

[blumj]

No, they just had Troy Palomaulo roaming the field covering and tackling everybody ;)
Yeah, but he was still a puppy back then, too. They probably redirected his attention somehow.

[TeamSelig]

FWIW, the last time the Pats played the Jets, the Pats "Welkered" them to death :(, 15 catches for 192 yards, they put up 24 points in the 1st half and Sanchez threw 4 INTs.

Too bad the Bengals don't have a "Wes Welker" or even a competent TE to use those type of plays with. Maybe we can work in a few short passes to Leonard and see what happens.

[Tony Cloninger]

Too bad we don't know how Peko and Crocker will hold up...along with Jeanty. Who backs up Tank now that Sims is gone?

Can someone explain to me how Revis gets away with having his hands on a WR down the field? Am I the only one blind to that fact he has his hands all over Chad on a couple of long plays? In the ATL he threw his hands up before the ball was even halfway to the WR on the sidelines and still got no call.

[Kingspoint]

Good Luck to everybody.

Enjoy the game.

Be safe.

It's been a very special season and Saturday will not be the last chapter of this book.

[Tony Cloninger]

I hope not. Another week of football would be nice and give more confidence for next year.

[Razor Shines]

I hope not either. I don't think the Colts match up well against the Jets. Not that I necessarily think that the Jets are better than the Bengals, but the Jets always seem to give the Colts fits.

[Tony Cloninger]

I meant i hope the Bengals win. No way in H i want the Jets winning this game. Have had enough of hearing about them since that debacle on sunday

[blumj]

I hope not either. I don't think the Colts match up well against the Jets. Not that I necessarily think that the Jets are better than the Bengals, but the Jets always seem to give the Colts fits.
The Jets are good. I know I keep repeating this, but the irony of their last 2 seasons is that they'd easily have been one of the top teams if they still had a QB more like the guy they traded away. And I'm not even saying they were wrong to trade him since he can't stay on the field, anyway, but he's the exact type of QB who wouldn't have gotten in their way.

[Razor Shines]

I meant i hope the Bengals win. No way in H i want the Jets winning this game. Have had enough of hearing about them since that debacle on sunday

Yeah, I know. I meant I hope the Bengals season isn't over as well.