Bengals 2010 pt. I

[paintmered]

Dude needs some undergarment support in the chestal region.

[LoganBuck]

I know this is a stretch but, does anyone remember the yearly training camp saga of Willie Anderson and his weight. The Bengals were always toying with the idea of moving him to left tackle, and he never reported to camp "in shape". Smith doesn't have that kind of cred, but lets see what he looks like in a few weeks.

I am not overly concerned.

[GIDP]

I know this is a stretch but, does anyone remember the yearly training camp saga of Willie Anderson and his weight. The Bengals were always toying with the idea of moving him to left tackle, and he never reported to camp "in shape". Smith doesn't have that kind of cred, but lets see what he looks like in a few weeks.

I am not overly concerned.

Yea I mean young fat guy is fat? Wouldnt be training camp if that wasnt the case it seems.

[bucksfan2]

The NFL does not need the Bengals to be good, actually they would rather the division every year I'm sure.

Also, they haven't sold out early. Last year was the worst ticket sales year since 2003 I believe. They had to get bailed out 6 or 7 of the 8 home games to avoid blackout.

I do agree Marvin has had a big impact.

The Bengals weren't just bad, they were an embarrassment. The county had just built the Bengals a new stadium and they were getting sued but and I would also imagine the NFL was a co-defendant. When Marvin was hired things changed in this organization and I don't think it was just Marvin. I think it came from a little pushing from the NFL as well as Katie Blackburn.

Starting in 2005 (I believe) the Bengals have sold out the season in season tickets. IIRC they had a season ticket waiting list starting in the 2007 season. So yea for a couple of years in a row Mike had all ticket revenue in his pocket before training camp began. Its a pretty big incentive to get the stadium sold out.

[Hoosier Red]

The Bengals weren't just bad, they were an embarrassment. The county had just built the Bengals a new stadium and they were getting sued but and I would also imagine the NFL was a co-defendant. When Marvin was hired things changed in this organization and I don't think it was just Marvin. I think it came from a little pushing from the NFL as well as Katie Blackburn.

Starting in 2005 (I believe) the Bengals have sold out the season in season tickets. IIRC they had a season ticket waiting list starting in the 2007 season. So yea for a couple of years in a row Mike had all ticket revenue in his pocket before training camp began. Its a pretty big incentive to get the stadium sold out.

What changed when Marvin came in was the fact that there was a coach with enough credibility to challenge Mike Brown. Before, when Mike Brown would dictate that he wanted the team to be run a certain way, what were Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet, or Dick LeBeau going to do? They owed their coaching lives to Brown. Even LeBeau who obviously had credibility as a defensive coordinator, was never considered to be a head coach anywhere else.

When Marvin came in, he was able to demand that he would have say in how the team was made up, how the camp was run, and how the team would act. Also, after 10 years of perpetual awfulness, I think Mike Brown saw a better solution in that he wouldn't have to answer questions after every loss or losing season. He was able to say "Okay, it's all on you."

The irony in my mind is that Brown had probably wanted to do that for 10 years, but Shula, Coslet, and LeBeau were not strong enough to actually pull it off.

[macro]

Starting in 2005 (I believe) the Bengals have sold out the season in season tickets. IIRC they had a season ticket waiting list starting in the 2007 season. So yea for a couple of years in a row Mike had all ticket revenue in his pocket before training camp began. Its a pretty big incentive to get the stadium sold out.

Okay, I'm confused. So are there thousands of seats that will not be sold as season tickets, even if there is a waiting list of people who would want them? I just assumed that they'd sell the whole stadium out as season tickets if the demand was there.

[bucksfan2]

Okay, I'm confused. So are there thousands of seats that will not be sold as season tickets, even if there is a waiting list of people who would want them? I just assumed that they'd sell the whole stadium out as season tickets if the demand was there.

You just confused me.

They would sell out the stadium with season tickets if they could. IIRC they did that in 2006, 2007, and 2008. After the disastrous 2008 season the Bengals lost a lot of their season ticket holders and had trouble selling out games last season.

As for the waiting list my wife put her name on it along with a $100 deposit. You got the chance to decline for 3 years before you lost your deposit. So in essence there were people on the waiting list while games went down to the deadline for a sell out.

[Sea Ray]

You just confused me.

They would sell out the stadium with season tickets if they could. IIRC they did that in 2006, 2007, and 2008. After the disastrous 2008 season the Bengals lost a lot of their season ticket holders and had trouble selling out games last season.

As for the waiting list my wife put her name on it along with a $100 deposit. You got the chance to decline for 3 years before you lost your deposit. So in essence there were people on the waiting list while games went down to the deadline for a sell out.

Are they still insisting on a massive seat license fee?

[bucksfan2]

Are they still insisting on a massive seat license fee?

Yep.

[reds1869]

Yep.

That is the entire issue for me. Drop the PSL=I buy season tickets tomorrow. As it is, I'll only buy single game. The idea of paying for the right to buy season tickets for a professional team sickens me.

[Hoosier Red]

Okay, I'm confused. So are there thousands of seats that will not be sold as season tickets, even if there is a waiting list of people who would want them? I just assumed that they'd sell the whole stadium out as season tickets if the demand was there.

As I remember, the Colts did this when they first moved to Indy. I think the Hoosier Dome was around 55K overall for football. The Colts apparantly sold 48K or so season tickets and kept a waiting list. They then sold single game tickets and other ticket packages.

A team does this to keep demand for the product up. If you have 52K season tickets and no one on the waiting list, when you have a bad season or two, there's no fear to drop your season tickets. You can always pick them up when the team gets good again.

If you have a 4,000 person waiting list, the 48,000 people may be willing to forgive a bad season or two because they don't want to lose their tickets when the team gets good.

Plus it allows you to bring in additional fans at a lower committment level and is good PR. The Colts spun it as not wanting to forget about the fans who couldn't afford a full season ticket package.

[Hoosier Red]

A quick question that's probably stupid to anyone who truly knows football.

I read where Dave Rayner was something like 5 of 8 in practice today. What the hell is he doing over the course of 3 hours if he only had 8 attempts? I know they have to work on kickoffs and other things, and there are obviously drills they go through, but when I go to a game, I'd guess a kicker takes twice as many attempts just warming up before the game and at half time.

[bucksfan2]

A quick question that's probably stupid to anyone who truly knows football.

I read where Dave Rayner was something like 5 of 8 in practice today. What the hell is he doing over the course of 3 hours if he only had 8 attempts? I know they have to work on kickoffs and other things, and there are obviously drills they go through, but when I go to a game, I'd guess a kicker takes twice as many attempts just warming up before the game and at half time.

Its probably the maximum amount of time they get full field goal attempts. I am sure that he is off on a practice field working on kicks and kickoffs but its a heck of a lot easier to make a FG when no one is coming as opposed to 11 men coming.

[Yachtzee]

That is the entire issue for me. Drop the PSL=I buy season tickets tomorrow. As it is, I'll only buy single game. The idea of paying for the right to buy season tickets for a professional team sickens me.

Are there teams that don't? I was under the impression that PSLs were standard in the NFL. I know the Browns do it. The Bengals didn't invent them. They merely followed the trend. In fact, I suspect teams that don't probably catch hell from other owners for not "maximizing revenue streams." I would never buy NFL season tickets because I'd prefer to buy them for a sport I could take my kids to.

[Hoosier Red]

Its probably the maximum amount of time they get full field goal attempts. I am sure that he is off on a practice field working on kicks and kickoffs but its a heck of a lot easier to make a FG when no one is coming as opposed to 11 men coming.

That makes sense. Thanks for clearing it up for me.

[LoganBuck]

Its probably the maximum amount of time they get full field goal attempts. I am sure that he is off on a practice field working on kicks and kickoffs but its a heck of a lot easier to make a FG when no one is coming as opposed to 11 men coming.

Early camp special teams work is a headache, guys that never played special teams in college are asked to do stuff that they haven't done much before. Plus one third of the players in camp will be gone in four weeks. They spend more time on lining guys up, and roles that occur within each special teams unit. The actual kicking part of this is not as important as the setup and execution leading to the actual kick. At least not at this point of camp.

[Eric_the_Red]

Are there teams that don't? I was under the impression that PSLs were standard in the NFL. I know the Browns do it. The Bengals didn't invent them. They merely followed the trend. In fact, I suspect teams that don't probably catch hell from other owners for not "maximizing revenue streams." I would never buy NFL season tickets because I'd prefer to buy them for a sport I could take my kids to.

The Colts don't sell them for season tickets at Lucas Oil.

[Yachtzee]

The Colts don't sell them for season tickets at Lucas Oil.

IIRC, the Colts were getting a direct taxpayer subsidy from the city and/or state when they played at the RCA Dome. Don't know if they still do, but if anyone is going to pay a team to play in their city, I'd prefer it to be the people who go to the games. And before this devolves into a debate about PBS being a "subsidy," I would point out that PBS can and has been used for events beyond just Bengals' games.

[Eric_the_Red]

IIRC, the Colts were getting a direct taxpayer subsidy from the city and/or state when they played at the RCA Dome. Don't know if they still do, but if anyone is going to pay a team to play in their city, I'd prefer it to be the people who go to the games. And before this devolves into a debate about PBS being a "subsidy," I would point out that PBS can and has been used for events beyond just Bengals' games.

Looks like Lucas Oil Stadium is used quite a bit as well:
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/calendar/loscal.asp

In fact, it appears it is used more than PBS:
http://www.bengals.com/schedule/event-calendar.html

[Yachtzee]

Looks like Lucas Oil Stadium is used quite a bit as well:
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/calendar/loscal.asp

In fact, it appears it is used more than PBS:
http://www.bengals.com/schedule/event-calendar.html

That's find and good, but the Bengals were never so brazen as to ask for a direct taxpayer subsidy to keep them from moving out of town. Could you imagine the Bengals or any other Ohio sports team asking state and local governments, "We're making good money here, but it's not quite as much as some of the other teams in the league. Moving to a new city is looking mighty fine right about now, but maybe if you could, say, kick in some money from the taxpayers, we would be happy to stick around long enough for you to come around to building us a fancy new stadium."

That's right. The Irsays claimed they couldn't make enough money playing in the RCA Dome that they were a constant threat to move the team a second time until the government came up with the money to pay the difference between what they were making in the RCA Dome and what they felt they should be making. And this was going on years before Lucas Oil Stadium was built. Had the taxpayer subsidy not been forked over, the Colts would probably be in LA or some other market looking for an NFL team by now. They've been suckling at the government teat for quite some time. It's probably only fair they cut their fans a break somehow. Although if I were an Indiana taxpayer, I would have preferred the Colts make up their money by charging for PSLs rather than being paid a direct subsidy that benefited no one but the Colts.

[Sea Ray]

That's find and good, but the Bengals were never so brazen as to ask for a direct taxpayer subsidy to keep them from moving out of town. Could you imagine the Bengals or any other Ohio sports team asking state and local governments, "We're making good money here, but it's not quite as much as some of the other teams in the league. Moving to a new city is looking mighty fine right about now, but maybe if you could, say, kick in some money from the taxpayers, we would be happy to stick around long enough for you to come around to building us a fancy new stadium."

That's right. The Irsays claimed they couldn't make enough money playing in the RCA Dome that they were a constant threat to move the team a second time until the government came up with the money to pay the difference between what they were making in the RCA Dome and what they felt they should be making. And this was going on years before Lucas Oil Stadium was built. Had the taxpayer subsidy not been forked over, the Colts would probably be in LA or some other market looking for an NFL team by now. They've been suckling at the government teat for quite some time. It's probably only fair they cut their fans a break somehow. Although if I were an Indiana taxpayer, I would have preferred the Colts make up their money by charging for PSLs rather than being paid a direct subsidy that benefited no one but the Colts.

Where were you when the Bengals lease was negotiated 15 yrs ago? Where have you been recently when city council repeatedly brings up the issue of renegotiating this lease? The taxpayers have contributed a great deal to this stadium. As we get into the latter third of this 30 yr lease, the county has to pay the Bengals to be tenants. I call that a subsidy. How 'bout you?

[aubashbrother]

Man just saw that The Bengals claimed Cedric Peerman. Probably old news but I just saw it. I hope he can stick with the Bengals. I played football and basketball with him in high school at William Campbell so I hope he can stick.

[Sea Ray]

Man just saw that The Bengals claimed Cedric Peerman. Probably old news but I just saw it. I hope he can stick with the Bengals. I played football and basketball with him in high school at William Campbell so I hope he can stick.

Cool. What can you tell us about him?

[TylerScottDavis]

Pictures I got at Georgetown today. Hopefully it's ok to put these here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52743932@N02/sets/72157624537995869/show/with/4864770904/

http://picasaweb.google.com/107740133800380029270/BengalsTrainingCamp2010#slideshow/5502095379323392930

[aubashbrother]

Cool. What can you tell us about him?


Hard Hard worker . spends all his time in the weight room. one of those guys thats not the fastest or strongest but has one of the biggest hearts. He's one of the nicest guys youd ever meet. He also does some preaching. Hes a great guy. He went to college at UVA.

heres a great vid on him

YouTube - ‪Cavalier Close-Up: Cedric Peerman‬‎ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uExLaKck2OI)

[ABEsolutely]

Pictures I got at Georgetown today. Hopefully it's ok to put these here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52743932@N02/sets/72157624537995869/show/with/4864770904/

http://picasaweb.google.com/107740133800380029270/BengalsTrainingCamp2010#slideshow/5502095379323392930

cool--thanks for these

[WMR]

I went to camp the other day... everyone is obsessed with T.O.'s every move, as you would expect.

Everyone looked good, but it is just training camp, after all.

[macro]

I went to camp the other day... everyone is obsessed with T.O.'s every move, as you would expect.

Everyone looked good, but it is just training camp, after all.

NBC is even promoting this Sunday night's HOF game as the Cowboys vs T.O. Not the Cowboys vs the Bengals.

The commercial shows Cowboys players and then...T.O. No other Bengals player is depicted or even mentioned.

I'm sure part of this is because they're playing against his old team, but still.

[Tony Cloninger]

Either this guy takes the pressure off other guys ...or he makes the team resent the way over the top attention he gets.

[Hoosier Red]

I've always felt like Chad took the pressure off of everyone else. When his mouth makes promises the team can't cash, everyone in the media goes to him. When the team wins, everyone seems to get their due. T.O. will likely be similar.

[Joseph]

Defense looking weak. Might as well give up the season now. ;)

[WMR]

Few things are as painful as losing a turnover because of a neutral zone infraction (when the games matter).

[WMR]

Palmer to TO on the first two passes... COMPLETE

That's gotta be a good omen, right?

Uh oh... taken away by Ocho Cinco...

is it a bad omen now? :D

[WMR]

Palmer not getting much time back there it seems. :(

[Joseph]

Offense looked terrible too, just scrap the season now

[Hoosier Red]

Really hope Carson never gets hurt. I know there was some pressure but JT O looks awful.

[paintmered]

Well, Kevin Huber looks good...

[GIDP]

Offense looked terrible too, just scrap the season now

lol

[Hoosier Red]

Can we please have fewer Delay of Game Penalties this season? PLEASE??!?!?!

[Sea Ray]

Offense has a lot of work to do. Put the Super Bowl talk on hold for now...

[Playadlc]

I think the Bengals might be smart to give Jeff Garcia a call for some backup help.

[Reds]

Pictures I got at Georgetown today. Hopefully it's ok to put these here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52743932@N02/sets/72157624537995869/show/with/4864770904/

http://picasaweb.google.com/107740133800380029270/BengalsTrainingCamp2010#slideshow/5502095379323392930

Thanks, cool pictures!

I tried (and failed) to record the game, how many series did the starters play? I saw were Palmer was 2-5, so maybe 2 series? Isn't is a bit odd for preseason game number one?

[Sea Ray]

Sure it's still 5 wks 'till the start of the season but I still find it disturbing that the offense showed the same problems as last year:

1) Penalties

2) Poor pass blocking

3) Lack of cohesiveness

4)Lack of a backup QB

There's time to fix it but will they? I'll believe it when I see it

[Reds Fanatic]

Thanks, cool pictures!

I tried (and failed) to record the game, how many series did the starters play? I saw were Palmer was 2-5, so maybe 2 series? Isn't is a bit odd for preseason game number one?

Starters just played two quick series. I think they really did not want to use the starters much since the Bengals have to play an extra preaseason game this year.

[Hoosier Red]

I think the Bengals might be smart to give Jeff Garcia a call for some backup help.

Maybe I'm crazy but I think Jeff Garcia might be the last quarterback to ever agree to be on the same team as T.O.

T.O.'s a jerk, but most of his stuff is overblown. The idiotic ramblings about Garcia though pretty much were as bad as they were made out to be.

[sivman17]

Maybe I'm crazy but I think Jeff Garcia might be the last quarterback to ever agree to be on the same team as T.O.

You're not crazy. I think it was Joe Reedy or some other writer that said the same thing. There is virtually no chance Garcia would join this team with T.O.

[Joseph]

14-0 Broncos in the 1st. Gonna be another long season.

[Tony Cloninger]

Yeah....just like last season?

Since 2005....the Colts are 5-19 in the pre-season. All i care about...no one gets hurt....the OL blocks.

[Joseph]

Woohoo, up 17-14. Super bowl here we come!

[Tony Cloninger]

Your sarcasm has been duly noted. :beerme:

In the words of John McKay after about 20 games that TB had played in 76-77.... What do you think about your team's execution? "I am in favor of it."

O'Sullivan needs to go. I would sign Billy Kilmer right now...this guy throws a pas to 6 foot 6 Jones...that only Craig Yeast at 5 foot 7 (remember him?) could have caught. There has to be someone out there.....who can play better than this and we do not need the "too late to learn the playbook" excuse.

[KronoRed]

Why not try and get Quinn? he seems to do well at throwing TD's to Bengals.

[GIDP]

Gresham and Shipley are going to be big time players for us.

[paintmered]

Is the game on TV live or do I have to wait for the late-night replay?

[Oxilon]

It'd only make sense that Jerome Simpson would start to look good when we're about to cut him.

[Joseph]

I'd cut O'Sullivan as well.

I think both Simpson and Caldwell will get cut.

I think Pac-Man makes the team.

I really like Shipley alot so far.

All that said, it is still pre-season.

[Joseph]

Is the game on TV live or do I have to wait for the late-night replay?

It's on Fox here in Louisville. Blackout on the NFL Network though.

[Redsfaithful]

I thought Caldwell was safe, but it's not a good sign for him that he seems to only be getting work with the 2nd and 3rd string. (Unless I missed him earlier which is possible, I wasn't watching all that closely.)

[Reds Fanatic]

I was at the game last night and am very impressed with both Gresham and Shipley. Gresham has great hands and moves well with the ball after the catch. Shipley is also going be a very big addition to the team this year.

[GIDP]

As long as Shipley and Gresham catch a large portion of the passes that hit their hands, this team will be very very good. I can handle Chad and TO dropping them because the coverage they are going to see, but if Gresham and Shipley have the hands they showed yesterday running those routes I wont have much to complain about.

Gresham's blocking was bad on a couple running plans, but to be fair he had a couple really good blocks as well. He is so freaking huge.

[OesterPoster]

Wow, tickets for the practice in Dayton are gone already. Supposedly about 11,000 were available.

CinBengalsNFL
#Bengals announce that the ticket supply for the Aug. 22 practice in Dayton has been exhausted and no more are available. 5 minutes ago via Seesmic

[aubashbrother]

i see my old high school teammate had 8 carries for 31 yards last night for the Bengals. Representing William Campbell :cool:

[redsfandan]

As long as Shipley and Gresham catch a large portion of the passes that hit their hands, this team will be very very good. I can handle Chad and TO dropping them because the coverage they are going to see, but if Gresham and Shipley have the hands they showed yesterday running those routes I wont have much to complain about.

Gresham's blocking was bad on a couple running plans, but to be fair he had a couple really good blocks as well. He is so freaking huge.
Alot still depends on the offensive line. Palmer will have to have time in the pocket for this to work.

[mlh1981]

so I hear that......Tim Tebow made his debut?

[aubashbrother]

another solid game for my boy Cid. 12 carries 47 yards and 2 td's

[KoryMac5]

Palmer continues to leave passes up high. He did this all of last season, starting to become a concern.

T.O. looked good last night. I like the Bengals getting him involved early. Gresham is going to be special.

[GIDP]

TO and Gresham are so much bigger than anyone who is going to cover them, added in that Ship catches everything basically, and that Chad will take a huge hit to catch a ball I like the way the passing game is working.

[LoganBuck]

Last night's Game on NFL Network right now.

[mlh1981]

I love me some Bengals, but I can't be the only on here whose current NFL thought are being overshadowed by the success of the REDS this year :D

[New York Red]

I love me some Bengals, but I can't be the only on here whose current NFL thought are being overshadowed by the success of the REDS this year :D
That's exactly how I feel. The last few years I'm usually 99% in Bengal mode by now, because the Reds are usually out of the running. But with the Reds in the position they're in and playing the way they are, it's hard to get excited about the Bengals. That'll change when the real NFL season starts though. I'll still be more focused on the Reds playoff chase, because it's more important, but I'll be in Bengal mode too.

WHO DEY! And GO REDS! :beerme:

[WMR]

I want to believe that Cincinnati is still a baseball town at heart.

Few teams can match our pedigree and tradition when it comes to baseball.

[WVRed]

I love me some Bengals, but I can't be the only on here whose current NFL thought are being overshadowed by the success of the REDS this year :D

Believe it or not, I think the Reds playoff chase will help the Bengals.

Usually the Reds are so abysmal that expectations are pretty high for the men in stripes heading into the playoffs. I don't think that will be the case this year.

[Redhook]

Adam "don't call me Pacman" Jones and Gresham looking good tonight.

[GIDP]

Gresham is flat out amazing looking. Dude catches everything.

So far this preseason

Ced looks great and quicker than ever
B. Scott looks good as well.
Gresham catches everything and is so huge its silly
Shipley catches everything as well, and finds ways to wiggle out of the first hit.
Chad and TO look like to be in typical Chad and TO form.
Palmer has looked fine to me. Maybe off the mark a little but I'm not a great line watcher so I dont know if its him or pressure.'

D has looked bad at times, but its preseason and we know the D is built around stuff they probably dont want to show at all in the preseason.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bengals cut Antonio Bryant. They will owe him 8 million this year without him playing a down.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5509631

[GIDP]

Glad its not my money lol

[Joseph]

Bengals cut Antonio Bryant. They will owe him 8 million this year without him playing a down.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5509631

Where do I sign up for a gig like that? Hell I'll even let Tank Johnson smack me around a little for that kind of coin.

[guttle11]

Not exactly a banner day for the Bengals medical staff. How in the world did he pass a physical? Not a big deal in the grand scheme, but someone's getting fired for costing Mike Brown $8 million on a bad medical report.

[mlh1981]

Thankfully, we are really deep at the wide receiver position to overcome this.

[GIDP]

Not exactly a banner day for the Bengals medical staff. How in the world did he pass a physical? Not a big deal in the grand scheme, but someone's getting fired for costing Mike Brown $8 million on a bad medical report.

From what I have heard, they knew the knee was an issue and he was progressing along fine for a typical recovery and some where there was a setback. Seems weird.

[KoryMac5]

7 million dollars flushed down the toliet. Nice medical staff Brown employs.

[Redsfaithful]

Medical staff of the Bengals has had weird moments for years. I always chalked it up to the Bengals just not releasing much info to the press, but this makes me want to reevaluate.

Anyone remember Braham's bone bruise when they never IRd him and he was always a couple of weeks away and never played again? That kind of thing seems to happen a lot in Cincinnati.

[Oxilon]

How much money was wasted towards Coles and Bryant? Over $10MM? Makes that 'infield practice facility' debate look even more ridiculous now.

[joshnky]

How much money was wasted towards Coles and Bryant? Over $10MM? Makes that 'infield practice facility' debate look even more ridiculous now.

Isn't this kind of thing covered by insurance?

[Oxilon]

Isn't this kind of thing covered by insurance?

Guaranteed money is guaranteed money. Mikey trying to refund his money from Bryant is just as fruitless as Al Davis trying to get his money back from Jamarcus Russell.

[Redhook]

Inside, I actually think it's pretty awesome seeing Mikey Boy flush his money down the toilet. I know it's not best for the team to waste money like this, but since they signed T.O. this isn't a big loss at all. It's just money. This has to drive Brown crazy, which IMO, is awesome.

[LoganBuck]

From what I have heard, they knew the knee was an issue and he was progressing along fine for a typical recovery and some where there was a setback. Seems weird.

Apparently he had some sort of issue during the spring during the OTCs. His knee had been coming along, then something went wrong. I believe it was John Thornton, or the cornerback from UC, that played for the Bengals for years whose name I am temporarily forgetting, who said that during a radio interview.

[wolfboy]

Apparently he had some sort of issue during the spring during the OTCs. His knee had been coming along, then something went wrong. I believe it was John Thornton, or the cornerback from UC, that played for the Bengals for years whose name I am temporarily forgetting, who said that during a radio interview.

Artrell Hawkins

[LoganBuck]

Artrell Hawkins

Thats it! Thank you.

[Brutus]

Seahawks are going to cut T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Any team that signs him would only have to pay the vet minimum, if he agrees, while the Seahawks would have to cover the rest.

Should the Bengals bring him back? I realize they're deep at receiver, even without Bryant... but Housh, Ocho and T.O. would be a solid trio.

[Tony Cloninger]

How does cancer look to you? Or a scab right on your cheek? Or a cyst on your stomach? That is how I like at TJ. You have enough depth here at WR....what you ned is OL who can block.

[macro]

"No" to TJ. Not now, not ever again. He burned his bridges with the Bengals, and I think he was the motivation behind Chad's bad attitude a couple years ago. He's only been in Seattle one season and they're trying to get rid of him, and apparently are willing to eat some cash to do so. There's a reason for that.

[GIDP]

No thanks on TJ. He was what everyone thought Chad was.

[Eric_the_Red]

How does cancer look to you? Or a scab right on your cheek? Or a cyst on your stomach? That is how I like at TJ. You have enough depth here at WR....what you ned is OL who can block.

QFT

[Mario-Rijo]

Seahawks are going to cut T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Any team that signs him would only have to pay the vet minimum, if he agrees, while the Seahawks would have to cover the rest.

Should the Bengals bring him back? I realize they're deep at receiver, even without Bryant... but Housh, Ocho and T.O. would be a solid trio.

I would probably consider it, he still brings something to the table IMO and being cut just might humble the guy. But I wouldn't pursue him, I'd let him pursue the Bengals. Minnesota may take another shot at him though.

[guttle11]

I'd do it. One year, all out for a title. When the new CBA comes around chances are Marvin is gone, half the good players will be gone and the Bengals will be left with Palmer and a bunch of slop. As far as I'm concerned 2010 is the last stand for many years. Things will change quickly. I'm all for going full out this year.

[Brutus]

How does cancer look to you? Or a scab right on your cheek? Or a cyst on your stomach? That is how I like at TJ. You have enough depth here at WR....what you ned is OL who can block.

One could argue the Bengals have been signing a team full of cancerous players the past few years and have not imploded. What is T.O.? What was Tank Johnson? Cedric Benson? Adam 'Pacman' Jones? Roy Williams? Need I go on?

[SunDeck]

7 million dollars flushed down the toliet. Nice medical staff Brown employs.

Here's your guy. (http://healthnews.uc.edu/experts/?/2520/)
Colosimo's not a hack, he's one of the top bone doctors in sports medicine. And having personal experience, I'll say I think he's a jerk. But seriously, the Bengals do not employ an inferior in this position and they haven't for some years through their association with the Heidt group.

[WVRed]

Somebody I wouldn't mind seeing the Bengals take a chance on:

Matt Leinart

If anything, two USC QB's on the roster who played together could be nice and Leinart would probably be better than Jordan Palmer or JT O'Sullivan if Palmer gets hurt. Leinart didn't fit with the Cardinals and what Whisenhunt does, but it might work here.

[GIDP]

Id rather have Jordon Palmer doing check downs. At least I could imagine it was Carson.

[CTA513]

Adam Schefter is saying the Bengals are finalizing a trade that would send CB David Jones to the Jaguars for Safety Reggie Nelson.




# Bengals and Jaguars are now finalizing a CB David Jones for S Reggie Nelson trade. 39 minutes ago via web

# Bengals are trying to work out a trade for Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson, a former first-round pick, 43 minutes ago via web

[GIDP]

Seems like a good trade.

[TeamSelig]

I wouldn't mind having a back up QB that could actually half way win a game for us.

[GIDP]

Maybe since the Steelers hate Dixon so much they could just give him to us.

[macro]

The Ravens have cut Shayne Graham.

The Bengals have cut Matt Jones.

Bengals one of five teams pursuing Matt Leinart, per Joe Reedy. I'd love to see that one happen.

[Tony Cloninger]

One could argue the Bengals have been signing a team full of cancerous players the past few years and have not imploded. What is T.O.? What was Tank Johnson? Cedric Benson? Adam 'Pacman' Jones? Roy Williams? Need I go on?

I understand that....but they came in as bad apples from somewhere else and changed themselves here....TJ ...IMO....is THE guy who put the stink into this team in regards to attitude. It rubbed off on Chad (who seems to be very prone to being influenced) .... it made him look like a terrible ME first guy.
He was acting almost Carl Pickens like for a time there.

Find some decent back up OL...so they can use the weapons they have already.

[Tony Cloninger]

I'd do it. One year, all out for a title. When the new CBA comes around chances are Marvin is gone, half the good players will be gone and the Bengals will be left with Palmer and a bunch of slop. As far as I'm concerned 2010 is the last stand for many years. Things will change quickly. I'm all for going full out this year.

Why would the new CBA have a lower cap on salaries? Are you thinking there will not be one so they will get rid of half the team? If there is not a cap....are not most of the players signed long term here.

[CTA513]

QB JT O'Sullivan was cut and QB Dan LeFevour was signed.

[Reds Fanatic]

I was hoping the Bengals were going to pick up another QB because they were in big trouble with O'Sullivan as a backup.

[Tony Cloninger]

That is a good...prospect.....someone to develop to actually be a No. 2.

Now maybe they pickup Matt L as the actual number 2.

[GIDP]

QB JT O'Sullivan was cut and QB Dan LeFevour was signed.

that seems like a very weird trade off.

[WVRed]

Adam Schefter is saying the Bengals are finalizing a trade that would send CB David Jones to the Jaguars for Safety Reggie Nelson.

I love this trade. This is the type of player that I believe will turn it around under Mike Zimmer. He had a pretty good rookie season (5 INT's) but kinda fell off. If he is used in coverage as a safety he could be a ballhawk.

As for Leinart, its looking like he is going to sign with the Texans.

[Redsfan320]

YES!! Sullivan is gone!! Now just to get rid of Lil' Palmer!!!

320

[Kingspoint]

that seems like a very weird trade off.

Yes. A guy who struggles with any kind of pressure for a guy with a noodle-arm.

Bratkowski's system is kind of a dink-and-dunk system anyway, though I've never understood how they've pulled that off without using a Tight End to catch passes, or a Runningback who catches passes.

DLF (Dan LeFevour,...hence forward I'm not spelling that out...it's as bad as trying to spell Ghiaciuc all those years) could probably perform in a system where he only had to throw about 15 times a game. That's fine for a backup for the Bengals.

Kitna had a noodle-arm and he did good (if not for the pixie-hands and the 25 fumbles and throws into the chests of Linebackers every season). We'll see.

[New York Red]

Ugh ... Housh is now a Raven. Say it ain't so, TJ! :confused:

[GIDP]

the Ravens sure do love their possession receivers.

[GIDP]

Jordan Palmer is the number 2 QB now. Honestly doesnt seem terrible considering he greatly out performed JT.

[Mario-Rijo]

the Ravens sure do love their possession receivers.

I think he's more than just a mere pos. WR. The guy is an absolute technician when it comes to working underneath coverage (both short and intermediate routes) and because of that will open up some down the field plays for himself and others. I knew Matt Hasselbeck couldn't take advantage of him (arm strength) especially without a complimentary WR of note, but Baltimore has both. Sure TJ doesn't have blazing speed but you'd be hard pressed IMO to find a more complete and productive WR without that blazing speed.

Chad, TJ and Slim was an awesome triumverant of talent that was so perfectly complimentary that you almost couldn't duplicate it and I don't expect to see that TJ again but he will cause us some problems stopping that offense with he Boldin, Rice and Flacco. Moving those chains just got a whole lot easier for them which also in turn helps that defense. Good thing Ed Reed won't be playing for 6 weeks.

[reds1869]

I like the pickup of DLF. He will be a more than capable backup and could develop into the type of guy needed to successfully spell Carson for a longer period of time than Jordan can.

[GIDP]

I think he's more than just a mere pos. WR. The guy is an absolute technician when it comes to working underneath coverage (both short and intermediate routes) and because of that will open up some down the field plays for himself and others. I knew Matt Hasselbeck couldn't take advantage of him (arm strength) especially without a complimentary WR of note, but Baltimore has both. Sure TJ doesn't have blazing speed but you'd be hard pressed IMO to find a more complete and productive WR without that blazing speed.

Chad, TJ and Slim was an awesome triumverant of talent that was so perfectly complimentary that you almost couldn't duplicate it and I don't expect to see that TJ again but he will cause us some problems stopping that offense with he Boldin, Rice and Flacco. Moving those chains just got a whole lot easier for them which also in turn helps that defense. Good thing Ed Reed won't be playing for 6 weeks.
TJ is good, but the Ravens have Mason, Boldin, and TJ now. They are all pretty similar skill set. Thats all I was getting at.

[CTA513]

TJ had the chance to return to the Bengals for about the same contract he got from Seattle. He wanted to prove to everyone he was a #1 WR like he kept saying he was and signed with Seattle. 1 year later and hes cut by Seattle and finds himself as the #3 WR (that will probably change) for the Ravens.

He also had this to say about the difference between Cincinnati and Seattle after leaving:


"It’s so different from Cincinnati, where I played for eight years. When you’d go out there, there were always people stopping you to take your picture or get your autograph. In Seattle, you can just go about your business. There are so many millionaires out there that they couldn’t care less who you are."

[Kingspoint]

"Mason, you go 8 yards deep on the left Corner. Housh, you go 8 yards deep off the Left Tackle. Heap, you go 8 yards deep off the Right Tackle. Boldin, you go 8 yards deep on the right Corner. Rice, you go 2 yards deep over the Center. On three. Let's go!"

[Kingspoint]

With Oneil Cousins currently playing Right Tackle for the opener against the J-E-T-S, Flacco won't have any time to wait for one of their slow-footed Receivers to go long. It'll be hard to imagine him having time to throw a pass more than 12 yards down the field next Monday Night. Their two speediest Receivers, Demarius Williams and Mark Clayton are off the team.

Flacco could break the completion percentage record this year.

[mlh1981]

We have the CB depth to handle the Ravens' recievers, so not as worried about TJ going to a rival as some are.

[guttle11]

Until Baltimore can prove their secondary and pass protection won't be pure garbage, I'm not worried about them.

[Kingspoint]

Cornerbacks don't cover Tight Ends, Runningbacks, or Slot Receivers that run deep routes.

The Bengals are going to have plenty of problems with Baltimore's Offense, as will every other team in the NFL who plays them.

[GIDP]

Anyone want to explain to me why every talking head is picking the Ravens over the Bengals, and everyone thinks the Bengals are the 3rd best team in the AFC north?

Seriously what did I miss? Ravens added Boldin, and recently Housh, but dont have Reed. Steelers have lost their RT, their QB, and missed the playoffs last year. They are getting Polamalu back but come on you telling me getting him back some how makes them better than the Bengals?

I'm really confused how those teams are getting better play, than the Bengals who added a great looking TE, added a big WR although aging, added another good looking WR, already have Benson, and are returning a top D with added talent. Not to mention Palmer had an average year at best.

Is there something I am missing? Its like they are taking highest projections from the Ravens and grading the Bengals as completely average at best.

[Captain13]

The national media HATES Cincinnati. They always underestimate the Bengals and the Reds. It's all about the East/West Coast Bias, and everything in fly-over country stinks. Who-Dey!

[GIDP]

I'm not really seeing the coast biases. Packers are picked by a lot of teams, Colts get picked every year. Falcons are getting picked in the South by some, and the Titans are picked in the WC by a few.

It could be the Cincinnati hate thing for sure though.

[Roy Tucker]

Bengals have an absolutely brutal schedule.

[KoryMac5]

It's the Bengals haven't been good in 15 yrs bias. Team needs to put a string of good seasons together to have folks forget about the Bungles. Lewis has always stated the hardest part of coaching this team was changing the culture of it.

I think the Bengals have a good shot to win the North however their schedule is pretty brutal. Baltimore might have an easier road to win the North.

[macro]

The national media HATES Cincinnati. They always underestimate the Bengals and the Reds. It's all about the East/West Coast Bias, and everything in fly-over country stinks. Who-Dey!

I don't know that the national media hates Cincinnati as much as it is that they just don't respect the teams. The Reds have been bad for so long, so most people (media and fans alike) have been taking a wait-and-see attitude and will remain skeptical until the bitter end.

Same thing with the Bengals. I think the thinking goes something like "They're the Bengals, so it's not normal for them to be good. They're the Steelers/Ravens, so it's not normal for them to not be good. There's no way the Bengals are going to be better than those teams two years in a row."

Swap the players and they'd still be picking Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

The Baltimore hype I can kinda see, but anyone who picks Pittsburgh 2nd is picking based on the uniform and helmets the team will wear. They're picking them because they're the Steelers.

[bucksfan2]

As for the National Media, Peter King hates Mike Brown and rarely gives the Bengals credit. He is probably one of the loudest voices in the NFL. Just a few years ago the Bengals were the trendy pick in the NFL so I don't exactly think the entire national media hates the Bengals.

[GIDP]

None of the talking heads have said the schedule is the reason from what I have seen.

[bucksfan2]

None of the talking heads have said the schedule is the reason from what I have seen.

The schedule is always the reason. The North is tough this year and they play the Pats, Jets, Dolphins, Chargers, and Colts in the AFC.

[GIDP]

It is the reason why teams dont do well, but thats not the reason they have been giving. It's basically been how the Ravens and Steelers have improved, and then they just mention that the bengals lost in the playoffs.

Clearly I guess i havent missed something and people who talk just like to hype up their own hype.

[guttle11]

The schedule is always the reason. The North is tough this year and they play the Pats, Jets, Dolphins, Chargers, and Colts in the AFC.

The schedule among division rivals only differs by 2 games. So for that to truly matter, the Bengals would have to lose to both the Colts and Chargers, and the Steelers and Ravens would have to win both their differing games. Could happen, but not all that likely.

In the end the race will likely come down to the 14 shared games. All three play the Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, Saints and Falcons along with each other twice. Considering the Bengals swept both the Ravens and Steelers last year, I think logically the Bengals would have to be the favorite. It's not like the Bengals got worse, they actually improved on paper. And they aren't locked in to playing a quarter of the season with a backup and/or third string QB.

[New York Red]

TJ is good, but the Ravens have Mason, Boldin, and TJ now. They are all pretty similar skill set. Thats all I was getting at.
I thought Mason retired during the off-season?

[GIDP]

I thought Mason retired during the off-season?


Nope

[bucksfan2]

I thought Mason retired during the off-season?

He retired before last season because he couldn't get the contract he wanted. Once he got the contract he unretired.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals have an absolutely brutal schedule.


That's one reason.

Another is that they were among the league's worst last year (29th out of 32 teams) at getting pressure on the Quarterback.

Another is that Carson is considered to be no better than Chad Pennington 3 years ago until he proves otherwise. All of the excuses about not having enough Receivers doesn't change the fact that he has overthrown the ones he's had for a couple of years now while displaying the happy feet of a Rookie NFL Quarterback.

Ghiaciuc can't be blamed anymore.

They don't have a back that can catch passes out of the backfield making them have to pull their #1 RB on 3rd Downs.

They have Marvin Lewis as a Coach who has traditionally choked down the stretch (missed playoff opportunities twice after having an easy road in December to reach the playoffs) and anytime he has time to prepare for a game (has only won a game once where he's had 2 weeks to prepare).

They are the Bengals (at least that's what a lot of people still think).

The #1 reason......most pundits are IDIOTS!!!!!!



The Bengals will win the Division again and Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown will finally win a playoff game.

[CTA513]

Straight from TJs mouth:


8. Houshmandzadeh said contrary to popular belief, he influenced former Cincinnati Bengals teammate Chad Ochocinco, not the other way around. "I rubbed off on him. That's the truth."


http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/09/houshmandzadeh_speaks.html

[GIDP]

At least we can finally confirm why the cancer in Chads attitude went away.

[mlh1981]

I hope Sunday we can play ball control football, therefore keeping the ball out of the hands of Tom Brady and co.

Even if we choose to pass, it's not like NE has the best cornerbacks in the world.

On paper, things look good, but it's the intangibles I worry about. Playing on the road, and having a close game where Tom Brady has a shot to win it late.

[GIDP]

I cant wait for Sunday. Preseason has been way too long.

[Eric_the_Red]

Time for some predictions for Sunday?

Mine: Bengals 24, Patsies 20

[GIDP]

I havent even thought about it.

The Bengals gave up something like 18 points per game last year, and top 5 lowest YPG. The Bengals pass D should be improved a little, and they got a little more experience on the D side especially at line backer. I could see the numbers improving or at least being similar. I dont expect a lot of fall off if there is some.

On the other hand the Patriots gave up less points but more yards. They havent exactly had great offseason, Moss doesnt seem happy, Welker coming off a knee problem, and who knows what they got planned for the Bengals. Playing in NE is never easy.

I could see the Bengals scoring 21+, and honestly I feel like that would be enough to win the game baring what happens in the turn over battle. So I'm going with 21-17.

[Hoosier Red]

Patriots 28
Bengals 24

[Kingspoint]

Patriots 28
Bengals 24

Sounds about right.

[New York Red]

The good news: my local CBS affiliate shows every Patriots game, so I'll get to see Sunday's game. Sweeeeet.

The bad news: I'm surrounded by Patriot (and Giants) fans, so I have to listen to their crap constantly. A win by the Bengals and at least I'd be able to shut up the Patriot fans.

Prediction #1 (my heart): Bengals 27, Pats 24
Prediction #2 (my brain): Pats 31, Bengals 20

Hopefully we'll see A) last year's defense, without the injuries that mounted throughout the season on that side of the ball, and B) a rejuvenated passing attack led by a healthy Carson Palmer, featuring two stud veteran WR's and an actual threat at TE (Gresham), and an OL that actually gives the QB time to throw downfield.

The difference in the game - turnovers and red zone efficiency. WHO DEY! :whodey:

[TeamSelig]

Personally I think the Pats will stomp us, but hopefully not.

[Eric_the_Red]

The Bengals only gave up more than 29 points twice last season, and one of the games was the week 17 NY Jets disaster. I don't see the Patriots scoring 28+ against them.

[GIDP]

Seems like we have some ESPN and NFL network talking heads posting on the board this year. Which one of you is Joe Theisman?!

[Brutus]

I'm not liking the Bengals chances this year with that schedule. I see an 8-8 finish.

I will say, though, I'm not seeing the Ravens being as good as ESPN is apparently making them out to be. Everyone keeps saying they have an "elite" QB and I just don't see it. I think Flacco is terribly overrated.

[GIDP]

I'm not liking the Bengals chances this year with that schedule. I see an 8-8 finish.

I will say, though, I'm not seeing the Ravens being as good as ESPN is apparently making them out to be. Everyone keeps saying they have an "elite" QB and I just don't see it. I think Flacco is terribly overrated.

The Ravens scored a decent amount of points last year, and still had a good D. That can all change if they dont lead the league in turn over differential again.

[Sea Ray]

I'm not liking the Bengals chances this year with that schedule. I see an 8-8 finish.

I will say, though, I'm not seeing the Ravens being as good as ESPN is apparently making them out to be. Everyone keeps saying they have an "elite" QB and I just don't see it. I think Flacco is terribly overrated.

Screw ESPN. They really know very little about NFL football.

Last year they had the Bengals ranked 24th in their preseason power poll with this to say:


Love this year's version of "Hard Knocks." Unfortunately, the Bengals' playoff hopes can be summed up by Chad Ochocinco's trademark saying: "Child, please."
http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2009

In that same poll they had the Steelers #1, the Giants #3 and the Saints #18.

They are a front running network. They love the big markets and the past champions and other than that they're really quite clueless

[Joseph]

They are a front running network. They love the big markets and the past champions and other than that they're really quite clueless

That honestly is the case of 2/3s of the media. They praise the big teams and champs most of all. Or they praise the local team and champs.

[Kingspoint]

Screw ESPN. They really know very little about NFL football.

Last year they had the Bengals ranked 24th in their preseason power poll with this to say:


http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2009

In that same poll they had the Steelers #1, the Giants #3 and the Saints #18.

They are a front running network. They love the big markets and the past champions and other than that they're really quite clueless

ESPN is owned by The Disney Corporation. That's all you need to know. Picture Donald Duck whenever one of them talks about sports trying to give an intelligent opinion.

[blumj]

The Bengals only gave up more than 29 points twice last season, and one of the games was the week 17 NY Jets disaster. I don't see the Patriots scoring 28+ against them.
Almost didn't have to worry about the Pats scoring much at all, Brady was in a car accident this morning, all heck broke loose up here, but it turns out he walked away from the accident and went to the Stadium.


If you think ESPN's nonsense about sports is bad, the irresponsible, sensationalized, garbage rumors I was hearing on the radio this morning about Brady's supposed condition when he was supposedly taken to the hospital.

[bucksfan2]

The Ravens scored a decent amount of points last year, and still had a good D. That can all change if they dont lead the league in turn over differential again.

I wouldn't call the Ravens D good. They have issues at DB, Ed Reed is old and out the first 6 games, and Ray Lewis isn't getting any younger. If the Ravens are going to win its going to be on offense. Lets not forget that TJ is a glorified TE right now and Derrick Mason is 2 years removed from retiring. I think the Ravens are terribly over rated at this point. Although I think Ray Rice is scary good.

[GIDP]

I wouldn't call the Ravens D good. They have issues at DB, Ed Reed is old and out the first 6 games, and Ray Lewis isn't getting any younger. If the Ravens are going to win its going to be on offense. Lets not forget that TJ is a glorified TE right now and Derrick Mason is 2 years removed from retiring. I think the Ravens are terribly over rated at this point. Although I think Ray Rice is scary good.

Last year they had a good one. They easily could take a step back, and I'd be surprised if they didnt.

That said they are still a good team, and they are very much over hyped.

[mlh1981]

I still have questions about Joe Flacco as well.

[Oxilon]

For whatever reason, the Bengals with Carson Palmer always play well against the Ravens. I'm not too scared of them, considering their depletion in the secondary. And TJ isn't a great slot WR. You want speed in the slot, which TJ lacks. I'll gladly take Adam Jones covering him in the nickel position. Boldin is the one that worries me, but JJ is a very good CB in his own right. And, as mentioned earlier, not sold on Flacco either.

On a side note, the Bengals actually have expectations this year -- which scares me for whatever reason. 2006 was a disappointing year and it could be just like that this season.

[Sea Ray]

For whatever reason, the Bengals with Carson Palmer always play well against the Ravens. I'm not too scared of them, considering their depletion in the secondary. And TJ isn't a great slot WR. You want speed in the slot, which TJ lacks. I'll gladly take Adam Jones covering him in the nickel position. Boldin is the one that worries me, but JJ is a very good CB in his own right. And, as mentioned earlier, not sold on Flacco either.

On a side note, the Bengals actually have expectations this year -- which scares me for whatever reason. 2006 was a disappointing year and it could be just like that this season.

Actually the Bengals had a very good team in 2006 and started off 3-0 as I recall. Then injuries set in. Braham and Levi went down killing the O-line and I believe Chris Henry was either hurt or suspended a great deal that year.

In the NFL injuries happen and with a 53 man roster, you can only handle so many. Every team is vulnerable to injuries

[GIDP]

They also got screwed in Tampa for a roughing the passer penalty on a sack negating a fumble that the Bengals recovered. :laugh:

[GIDP]

then they were a botched extra point from tieing a game in Denver, and a blown FG snap from winning against pitt.

all 3 of those games would have put them into the playoffs. They easily should have went 10-6 that year.

[RiverRat13]

They also got screwed in Tampa for a roughing the passer penalty on a sack negating a fumble that the Bengals recovered. :laugh:

Easily the most infuriating call against one of my teams in my lifetime. That was highway robbery.

[GIDP]

Easily the most infuriating call against one of my teams in my lifetime. That was highway robbery.

It really was brutal.

[GIDP]

Now Odom is going to be getting suspended for roiding up. What a joke this character has been for the Bengals.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/09/antwan-odom-facing-a-four-game-suspension/

[Oxilon]

Actually the Bengals had a very good team in 2006 and started off 3-0 as I recall. Then injuries set in. Braham and Levi went down killing the O-line and I believe Chris Henry was either hurt or suspended a great deal that year.

In the NFL injuries happen and with a 53 man roster, you can only handle so many. Every team is vulnerable to injuries

Even with the injuries, we were still good enough to go the playoffs. That Denver game is easily the most frustrating game I have witnessed in the last 10 years. Win and they're in the playoffs and they lose on a muffed extra point. Unbelievable.

[Hoosier Red]

Now Odom is going to be getting suspended for roiding up. What a joke this character has been for the Bengals.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/09/antwan-odom-facing-a-four-game-suspension/

? Has he been a problem in any way for the Bengals before? He missed time last year but that was due to injury wasn't it? Before the injury he was pretty huge.

For what it's worth he says it's not steroids or any PED's, but is a substance banned by the NFL. Perhaps we should get facts before pouncing.

[New York Red]

Now Odom is going to be getting suspended for roiding up. What a joke this character has been for the Bengals.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/09/antwan-odom-facing-a-four-game-suspension/
That hurts. Oh well, at least we'll have him for the opener.

[GIDP]

? Has he been a problem in any way for the Bengals before? He missed time last year but that was due to injury wasn't it? Before the injury he was pretty huge.

For what it's worth he says it's not steroids or any PED's, but is a substance banned by the NFL. Perhaps we should get facts before pouncing.

He's been injured and unproductive outside of 2 games for the Bengals. Then he goes and gets suspended for 1/4 of the season.

He also can say what ever he wants because the NFL doesnt make it public. So he could say he was only flying on a rainbow and we would never know.

[CTA513]

Update from NFL.com on Odoms situation:



Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL but he expects to be cleared of any wrongdoing because the banned element is contained in a prescribed medication, a source with knowledge of the situation said Friday.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81a67f58/article/bengals-de-odom-to-play-while-appealing-positive-test

[LoganBuck]

GIDP seems like you may owe Odom a bit of an apology.

[GIDP]

GIDP seems like you may owe Odom a bit of an apology.

For what exactly?

[GIDP]

I guess for saying "roiding up" but it would be splitting hairs since all we have to go on is his word. There is a reason what ever he was taking is on that list, even if its a stupid reason. In this day and age I do not see a reason to give any player a benefit of the doubt when they actually test positive for something on the banned list.

[MikeS21]

I guess for saying "roiding up" but it would be splitting hairs since all we have to go on is his word. There is a reason what ever he was taking is on that list, even if its a stupid reason. In this day and age I do not see a reason to give any player a benefit of the doubt when they actually test positive for something on the banned list.
Nor should we expect every NFL player to have a degree in pharmacology and know the ingredients of every medicine on the market. Doctors (and veterinarians) prescribe steroids all the time for a whole host of ailments. If anything, the NFL needs to completely back off its banned substance list if prescribed by a doctor.

Odom should not have to double check anything. If his physician prescribed the medication for a medical condition, then the NFL should let the matter drop. he wasn't abusing anything.

[Mario-Rijo]

I guess for saying "roiding up" but it would be splitting hairs since all we have to go on is his word. There is a reason what ever he was taking is on that list, even if its a stupid reason. In this day and age I do not see a reason to give any player a benefit of the doubt when they actually test positive for something on the banned list.

Because there is a loophole that states if the banned substance is in a prescribed medication you can't be suspended for it. And just because it's banned doesn't make it a PED, asthma medication has steroids in it.

[GIDP]

The loophole I believe is that NFL team doctors are not able to write prescriptions on the banned list.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/11/report-antwan-odom-expects-to-avoid-suspension/


Instead, the policy states that team physicians "may not prescribe, supply, or otherwise facilitate a player's use of Prohibited Substances." Coupled with the absence of express permission to take with a prescription from a non-team physician a drug containing a banned substance, this implies that the "I had a doctor's prescription" defense doesn't exist.

Also NFL players have plenty of list and people they can check with to see if something is banned. They can clear it with the NFL. Getting a positive drug test is your own stupidity.

Getting a positive drug test has no defense. You might have taken it on accident or didnt know but that doesnt matter. Ignorance isnt a defense.

[Brutus]

The loophole I believe is that NFL team doctors are not able to write prescriptions on the banned list.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/11/report-antwan-odom-expects-to-avoid-suspension/



Also NFL players have plenty of list and people they can check with to see if something is banned. They can clear it with the NFL. Getting a positive drug test is your own stupidity.

Getting a positive drug test has no defense. You might have taken it on accident or didnt know but that doesnt matter. Ignorance isnt a defense.

Ignorance of taking a prescribed medication is not a defense? Huh?

Good grief... he took prescribed medication and he's supposed to be lumped in as a roider now? Wow.

The rules are in place to keep people from taking performance enhancing drugs, not be paranoid of every prescription written by a doctor.

[GIDP]

Ignorance of taking a prescribed medication is not a defense? Huh?

Good grief... he took prescribed medication and he's supposed to be lumped in as a roider now? Wow.

The rules are in place to keep people from taking performance enhancing drugs, not be paranoid of every prescription written by a doctor.

No, claiming ignorance and try to use it to get out of a suspension isnt a defense. He might be telling the truth that he didnt mean to cheat, but its his fault that he didnt clear it with the league and do his home work.

He could be taking a masking agent. He could be doing a ton of things. We only have his word to go off of because the NFL will never admit what he took. They dont speak on that matter EVER.

As silly as the drug testing might be, the rules are rules, and when you are in the NFL you should be "paranoid" to know what you are taking. They arent left in the dark on these issues. I'm sure they could call any number of people and get it cleared up fairly easy before he takes it. It certainly would be quicker than the 4 game suspension he could be looking at unless something magical changes before its handed down.

[GIDP]

I cant wait for the game today. I went to sleep last night and set my alarm for 10 AM. Of course I woke up at 7 :(. Like a child waiting for Christmas.

[mlh1981]

What a day.

Going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and gonna have the Reds on one TV, and the Bengals on another!

Gotta love it!

[New York Red]

What a day.

Going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and gonna have the Reds on one TV, and the Bengals on another!

Gotta love it!
I don't have the option of watching both, unfortunately. But I'll be watching the Bengals/Pats game and keeping up with the Reds game occasionally too. WHO DEY! and GO REDS!

[Sea Ray]

What a day.

Going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and gonna have the Reds on one TV, and the Bengals on another!




Wow, that had to suck...:(

[TeamSelig]

/season

[mlh1981]

Wow, that had to suck...:(

yeah, it was brutal.

Nothing in the sports world went right for me yesterday. :(

[Redsfaithful]

/season

Long way to go. You can't read anything into a week one game, I think we'll know where they stand much more after they play Baltimore. If they suck at home against Baltimore then I'd probably agree with you.

[TeamSelig]

Long way to go. You can't read anything into a week one game, I think we'll know where they stand much more after they play Baltimore. If they suck at home against Baltimore then I'd probably agree with you.

That was half way tongue in cheek. I've had a feeling it will be an ugly season though, hopefully I'm wrong.

[hebroncougar]

Eh, it's just one game. The Bengals D is built to compete in the AFC North, and they won't do well against spread offenses. Two of their three linebackers aren't fast enough for that kind of offense.

[Oxilon]

As long as Zimmer no longer puts a LB on a slot receiver, half the problem will be eliminated. I still can't get over how many times Welker was "covered" by Dhani Jones on Sunday. Oh, and Mauluaga is horrible in coverage. Horrible.

[cincrazy]

I've heard a lot of Bengals fans say "Well, it WAS the Patriots." To me, that's not ok. Our schedule this year is beyond brutal. We have to win, or at least be competitive, in these kind of games. And this team has shown me nothing to indicate it can do that.

[GIDP]

Yea when you lose the only game you have played that tends to happen.

[cincrazy]

Yea when you lose the only game you have played that tends to happen.

I don't think I'm reading too much into one game.

This team is incapable of putting heat on the opposing QB, the linebackers are average at best, and for all the talent on offense, they've shown no indication whatsoever they can take it to another level. It's not going to be a bad offense by any stretch, but is it going to be good enough to march up and down the field on the Steelers and the Ravens of the world? No way.

This is a 3rd place team this year. I'll glad eat crow if I'm wrong, but this team is set up to fail. You can't build your team around a bunch of high-maintenance, attention-needy, drama queens with low character and expect to knock off the elite.

[Hoosier Red]

I don't think I'm reading too much into one game.

This team is incapable of putting heat on the opposing QB, the linebackers are average at best, and for all the talent on offense, they've shown no indication whatsoever they can take it to another level. It's not going to be a bad offense by any stretch, but is it going to be good enough to march up and down the field on the Steelers and the Ravens of the world? No way.

This is a 3rd place team this year. I'll glad eat crow if I'm wrong, but this team is set up to fail. You can't build your team around a bunch of high-maintenance, attention-needy, drama queens with low character and expect to knock off the elite.


Oh for heaven's sake. That whole second paragraph is just nonsense. Chad OchoCinco and Terrell Owen's character had nothing to do with the Defense giving up 24 points and special teams another 7 and Carson another 7. Dhani Jones is supposed to be a high character guy which did him a whole lot of good as his character was trailing behind Wes Welker by 5 yards.

Are you suggesting that the coaching staff had to take time away from teaching the team to make a freaking tackle to suit the needs of one of the drama queens? If so they should all be fired for wasting there time and for what its worth, I've yet to hear or see a single thing which shows TO and Chad aren't totally invested into being better players.

They may very well be a 3rd place team, but it will have more to do with execution and talent than character.

[Hoosier Red]

I don't think I'm reading too much into one game.

This team is incapable of putting heat on the opposing QB, the linebackers are average at best, and for all the talent on offense, they've shown no indication whatsoever they can take it to another level. It's not going to be a bad offense by any stretch, but is it going to be good enough to march up and down the field on the Steelers and the Ravens of the world? No way.



As for the actual analysis, the lack of pressure is troubling, it means the team will have to blitz in order to create pressure. This is fine because most teams do. However against guys like Brady and Peyton and Brees you really can't blitz because you're likely to get picked apart.

As for the Steelers and Ravens, both of whom have great defenses, the Bengals undoubtedly won't march up and down on them, but Offense to Offense I'll take ours versus theirs in a landslide. The defense has to play better obviously, but I believe it too can contain a mediocre or a good offense enough to allow the Bengals offense to outscore them.

As for the "brutal" schedule. The Bengals play the Colts and Chargers, The Ravens play the Texans and the Broncos, the Steelers play the Titans and the Raiders. Every other game is the same. So all we have to do is go 4-2 in division, then match for the remaining games. I don't think that's impossible.

[Mario-Rijo]

Bruschi on Carson (and I hate this)....

ESPN Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=bruschi_tedy&id=5567524)


3. Carson Palmer's struggles. With the addition of all the Bengals' offensive weapons, I felt that Carson Palmer would be a better quarterback. When we played Palmer earlier in his career, we were able to confuse him by disguising our coverages. Over the course of a quarterback's career, he'll start to figure things out, but Palmer still hasn't done that. The Patriots showed Palmer one coverage pre-snap and executed a different coverage post-snap, and Palmer looked lost. I read Pete Carroll's book and when Palmer was at USC, he had self-confidence issues. After throwing two interceptions in the spring game, according to the book, he said to Carroll, "It's just so typical. I always play well and then screw it up when it matters most." He is still that same guy. Until he is able to win the big game that makes a statement, and this was one of those games, defensive coordinators will always see him as a quarterback that can be fooled.

[Mario-Rijo]

What they did defensively in order to both confuse the passing game and stuff the rushing game.

ESPN Link (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4683258/closer-look-at-defensive-wizardry)


Closer look at defensive wizardry

By Mike Reiss

Sunday’s season-opening victory was a shining example of a creative defensive game-plan being executed to near perfection through the decisive stretch of the contest. It’s a credit to both coaches and players to pull it off.

[WMR]

Checkers vs. Chess

[cincrazy]

Oh for heaven's sake. That whole second paragraph is just nonsense. Chad OchoCinco and Terrell Owen's character had nothing to do with the Defense giving up 24 points and special teams another 7 and Carson another 7. Dhani Jones is supposed to be a high character guy which did him a whole lot of good as his character was trailing behind Wes Welker by 5 yards.

Are you suggesting that the coaching staff had to take time away from teaching the team to make a freaking tackle to suit the needs of one of the drama queens? If so they should all be fired for wasting there time and for what its worth, I've yet to hear or see a single thing which shows TO and Chad aren't totally invested into being better players.

They may very well be a 3rd place team, but it will have more to do with execution and talent than character.

Oh really? Character has nothing to do with it? How did this team respond to adversity during the playoff game against the Steelers, after Carson got hurt? By throwing punches in the locker room, that's how.

When the going gets tough, Chad and TO quit. They've done it their whole careers, I don't expect that to change now. I'm as diehard of a Bengals fan as they come, but it's not going to blind me to this team's obvious shortcomings. Last year was a fun year, but a bit of a mirage. The defense overachieved, and the team rode a wave of emotion to the playoffs.

We'll see how the team responds Sunday. If they come out and clean the Ravens clock, like I said, I'll eat crow. But to me, and 0-2 start is pretty much inevitable.

I'm tired of Mike Brown. I'm tired of Chad and his antics. I'm tired of the entire organization, really. They're more concerned about a Sportscenter closeup than they are with winning football games.

[Hoosier Red]

Oh really? Character has nothing to do with it? How did this team respond to adversity during the playoff game against the Steelers, after Carson got hurt? By throwing punches in the locker room, that's how.

When the going gets tough, Chad and TO quit. They've done it their whole careers, I don't expect that to change now. I'm as diehard of a Bengals fan as they come, but it's not going to blind me to this team's obvious shortcomings. Last year was a fun year, but a bit of a mirage. The defense overachieved, and the team rode a wave of emotion to the playoffs.

We'll see how the team responds Sunday. If they come out and clean the Ravens clock, like I said, I'll eat crow. But to me, and 0-2 start is pretty much inevitable.

I'm tired of Mike Brown. I'm tired of Chad and his antics. I'm tired of the entire organization, really. They're more concerned about a Sportscenter closeup than they are with winning football games.

The problem with ascribing the loss to the fact that the team didn't have enough character is that character doesn't change from game to game. Did they have the same character last year to beat the Steelers and the Ravens on the road.

What the Bengals didn't do was EXECUTE. Either because their coaches had them in ineffective schemes, or because they weren't as good as their assigned opponents, or because they played poorly.
That will happen from time to time. But if they have poor character now, they had poor character in 2009, and will have poor character in three weeks whether they're 3-1 or 1-3.

Again. Is Carson a "high character guy?" Did he lose some character on the pick six? Was the pick six a result of him only wanting to be on Sportscenter?(on the plus side it worked. That was on Sportscenter.)

I'm not saying you have to like the way Chad or TO act. I certainly don't approve of Adam Jones' past transgressions and Chad and TO certainly grate on me after a while.
But saying "I don't like those actions" or "I don't like those actions and that's why we lose" is a stretch.

[mlh1981]

We better rush Flacco on Sunday. Bob Geathers and Antwan Odom can't play like that again.

A lot of tough QB's are on the schedule, and they are prob. licking their chops after the pathetic defensive effort they saw.

[KoryMac5]

Bruschi on Carson (and I hate this)....

ESPN Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=bruschi_tedy&id=5567524)

I think Belichick has done a pretty good job of confusing many a QB over his coaching career. He has made Manning look pretty average on a few occasions.

[cincrazy]

The problem with ascribing the loss to the fact that the team didn't have enough character is that character doesn't change from game to game. Did they have the same character last year to beat the Steelers and the Ravens on the road.

What the Bengals didn't do was EXECUTE. Either because their coaches had them in ineffective schemes, or because they weren't as good as their assigned opponents, or because they played poorly.
That will happen from time to time. But if they have poor character now, they had poor character in 2009, and will have poor character in three weeks whether they're 3-1 or 1-3.

Again. Is Carson a "high character guy?" Did he lose some character on the pick six? Was the pick six a result of him only wanting to be on Sportscenter?(on the plus side it worked. That was on Sportscenter.)

I'm not saying you have to like the way Chad or TO act. I certainly don't approve of Adam Jones' past transgressions and Chad and TO certainly grate on me after a while.
But saying "I don't like those actions" or "I don't like those actions and that's why we lose" is a stretch.

I'm not saying that because we have a group of "bad" guys we lost Sunday. I didn't even necessarily say they lost to NE Sunday because of character, but that I thought in the long run, a lack of character would indeed doom them.

Many teams have won with "bad" guys who you would say have low character, such as, the Ravens. But in terms of being on the field, as teammates, as warriors in that locker room, those guys have HIGH character. They're not selfish individuals, and they make a perfect team.

I just have a bad, bad feeling about this season, and about this locker room. If I'm proven wrong, I will personally apologize to Chad Ochocinco on his Facebook.

[bucksfan2]

I'm not saying that because we have a group of "bad" guys we lost Sunday. I didn't even necessarily say they lost to NE Sunday because of character, but that I thought in the long run, a lack of character would indeed doom them.

Many teams have won with "bad" guys who you would say have low character, such as, the Ravens. But in terms of being on the field, as teammates, as warriors in that locker room, those guys have HIGH character. They're not selfish individuals, and they make a perfect team.

I just have a bad, bad feeling about this season, and about this locker room. If I'm proven wrong, I will personally apologize to Chad Ochocinco on his Facebook.

You don't win or lose because of bad character. Bad character could wreck an already poor season but I don't think it has anything to do with a successful team. IMO there are so many "bad character" guys out there that it doesn't make a big deal.

[Redsfaithful]

I think it's possible in a few months the Patriots might be 13-3 or so and we'll be looking back on this game a little differently. That's a good football team and I think they've improved from 2009.

Not to excuse the Bengals, because they have to be able to beat those sorts of teams if they want to take the next step, I'm just saying.

[Eric_the_Red]

Buffalo released Trent Edwards today. Just sayin'....
;)

[Sea Ray]

Buffalo released Trent Edwards today. Just sayin'....
;)

At least they're doing something. Last year they fired their O coordinator. Do you think Bratkowski will ever be fired or will he be here until he dies a natural death?

[Eric_the_Red]

I just find the comparison between the difference in Edwards and Palmer's salary and the difference in their performance interesting.

[Hoosier Red]

At least they're doing something. Last year they fired their O coordinator. Do you think Bratkowski will ever be fired or will he be here until he dies a natural death?

They fired their O coordinator after three games. OF THE PRE-SEASON. How'd that work for them?

I understand the frustration with Bratkowski, but I'm starting to think he fits into what Marvin wants from the team. Limit mistakes, beat people up on both sides of the ball, and win games in the fourth quarter. I think it's good, but the team has to have some explosiveness to it. This offense really just doesn't. There are a multitude of reasons for that, but overall I'm not sure I see the problem fixing itself until Marvin(and Mike) decide it's a problem. I don't think we'll see that any time soon.

[cincrazy]

They fired their O coordinator after three games. OF THE PRE-SEASON. How'd that work for them?

I understand the frustration with Bratkowski, but I'm starting to think he fits into what Marvin wants from the team. Limit mistakes, beat people up on both sides of the ball, and win games in the fourth quarter. I think it's good, but the team has to have some explosiveness to it. This offense really just doesn't. There are a multitude of reasons for that, but overall I'm not sure I see the problem fixing itself until Marvin(and Mike) decide it's a problem. I don't think we'll see that any time soon.

Well, you may be correct. But, the problem with the "limit mistakes" part is that this offense is one of the most mistake-prone offenses in the league. So it drives me crazy to hear this team talk about "limiting mistakes," because quite frankly with Palmer's boneheaded throws and the offensive lines repeated penalties, it's anything but.

[Hoosier Red]

Well, you may be correct. But, the problem with the "limit mistakes" part is that this offense is one of the most mistake-prone offenses in the league. So it drives me crazy to hear this team talk about "limiting mistakes," because quite frankly with Palmer's boneheaded throws and the offensive lines repeated penalties, it's anything but.

I was thinking more about turnovers than penalties because you're right they have been awful with the penalties. After the Ravens game, I thought it pretty much confirmed everything Marvin thought he wanted; Palmer 0 INT's Flacco 4 was the difference in the game.
Just like Wily Taveras going 4-4 would guaranteed he'd be the leadoff hitter for a month, Carson getting through the Ravens game with 0 ints guarantees that Marvin won't blame him for anything for a month.

[Todd Gack]

I was thinking more about turnovers than penalties because you're right they have been awful with the penalties. After the Ravens game, I thought it pretty much confirmed everything Marvin thought he wanted; Palmer 0 INT's Flacco 4 was the difference in the game.
Just like Wily Taveras going 4-4 would guaranteed he'd be the leadoff hitter for a month, Carson getting through the Ravens game with 0 ints guarantees that Marvin won't blame him for anything for a month.


It should be noted that if the Ravens or Panthers's DB's has any type of hands, Palmer would have about 10 INT's so far this year.

WIth that said, it's Marvin's job to protect Carson. Marvin knows full well Carson is terrible right now and he needs to improve because there's no one else there to replace him. In the 2011 draft, drafting a QB in the 2nd-4th round should be priority. The regression of Palmer is troublesome. But since the Bengals are run by a guy who's #1 goal is to save pennies, drafting a QB won't happen this year.

[Hoosier Red]

I think it's the case that any quarterback probably gets away with 2 or 3 picks per game just like any pitcher has two or three pitches he hangs that don't get blasted.

Like I've said, my guess is the team just doesn't see a problem there. I disagree. I think something needs to be shaken up, but the people in charge disagree with me and you and everyone else.

[Sea Ray]

The regression of Palmer is troublesome. But since the Bengals are run by a guy who's #1 goal is to save pennies, drafting a QB won't happen this year.

That owner doesn't pinch pennies where QBs are concerned. He loves QBs and will spend anything to have a good one. Unlike the Pitt Steeler philosophy, Bengal football revolves around the QB. Steelers can win w/o a QB, the Bengals, not so much

[CTA513]

Forcing throws to TO and 85 seems to be the biggest problem.
I know you have to keep those guys happy, but they have enough weapons now that he shouldn't have to force throws to them.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals Offensive Line:

Nate Livings- Undrafted FA
Dennis Roland- Undrafted FA
Kyle Cook- Undrafted FA
Bobble Williams- Signed as FA from Eagles
Andrew Whitworth- 2nd round pick

I think this says it all about this teams offensive woes. 3 undrafted college FA's are now starting on this offensive line, while they may be good run blockers there inability to keep a pass rush off Palmer is killing our chances.

[Boss-Hog]

Bengals Offensive Line:

Nate Livings- Undrafted FA
Dennis Roland- Undrafted FA
Kyle Cook- Undrafted FA
Bobble Williams- Signed as FA from Eagles
Andrew Whitworth- 2nd round pick

I think this says it all about this teams offensive woes. 3 undrafted college FA's are now starting on this offensive line, while they may be good run blockers there inability to keep a pass rush off Palmer is killing our chances.
Good point...unfortunately, when the cavalry consists of Andre Smith (a pick I despised before it was made, simply because I knew the Bengals would take him) and Evan Mathis, who's bounced around the league on a few different teams, it doesn't look much better.

[Oxilon]

Bengals Offensive Line:

Nate Livings- Undrafted FA
Dennis Roland- Undrafted FA
Kyle Cook- Undrafted FA
Bobble Williams- Signed as FA from Eagles
Andrew Whitworth- 2nd round pick

I think this says it all about this teams offensive woes. 3 undrafted college FA's are now starting on this offensive line, while they may be good run blockers there inability to keep a pass rush off Palmer is killing our chances.

Compare that line to when Palmer first started.

Levi Jones - 1st round pick
Eric Steinbach - 2nd round pick
Rich Braham - 3rd round pick (drafted by Cardinals)
Bobbie Williams - FA from Eagles
Willie Anderson - 1st round pick

There isn't a spot on the offensive line where there wasn't a decline. Andre Smith should have helped, but unfortunately he's looking more and more like a bust (pun intended).

[WMR]

Compare that line to when Palmer first started.

Levi Jones - 1st round pick
Eric Steinbach - 2nd round pick
Rich Braham - 3rd round pick (drafted by Cardinals)
Bobbie Williams - FA from Eagles
Willie Anderson - 1st round pick

There isn't a spot on the offensive line where there wasn't a decline. Andre Smith should have helped, but unfortunately he's looking more and more like a bust (pun intended).

Or do you mean, he HAS a bust?

BRO!
Manssiere!
BRO!
Manssiere!

[bucksfan2]

Bengals Offensive Line:

Nate Livings- Undrafted FA
Dennis Roland- Undrafted FA
Kyle Cook- Undrafted FA
Bobble Williams- Signed as FA from Eagles
Andrew Whitworth- 2nd round pick

I think this says it all about this teams offensive woes. 3 undrafted college FA's are now starting on this offensive line, while they may be good run blockers there inability to keep a pass rush off Palmer is killing our chances.

Don't have a problem at all with Cook, Williams, or Whit. There isn't a whole lot of draft value associated with C's and I think Cook has done a good job. A lot of good teams build their line around late first round picks and early second round picks. The Patriots are a prime example of that. They pretty much have interchangeable parts on the line and it has yet to backfire.

I think Roland and Livings are somewhat success stories. Its nice to find competent backups that go un-drafted. The issue becomes when they are forced to start because your top 10 pick likes to eat himself into coma.

[Reds Fanatic]

Odom has been suspended for 4 games for violating the performance enhancing drugs policy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5687593

[Cedric]

Don't have a problem at all with Cook, Williams, or Whit. There isn't a whole lot of draft value associated with C's and I think Cook has done a good job. A lot of good teams build their line around late first round picks and early second round picks. The Patriots are a prime example of that. They pretty much have interchangeable parts on the line and it has yet to backfire.

I think Roland and Livings are somewhat success stories. Its nice to find competent backups that go un-drafted. The issue becomes when they are forced to start because your top 10 pick likes to eat himself into coma.

You should be worried about Cook. He has been horrible this year. No push, terrible footwork, and problems identifying the pass rush.

[KoryMac5]

Odom has been suspended for 4 games for violating the performance enhancing drugs policy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5687593

The season keeps getting better and better. The only silver lining in this is that we will get to see more Dunlap and Johnson on the outside, with Rucker mixed in. Odom is a FA bust!

[Reds Fanatic]

The season keeps getting better and better. The only silver lining in this is that we will get to see more Dunlap and Johnson on the outside, with Rucker mixed in. Odom is a FA bust!

I agree the way Odom has played this year I don't think we will even notice much that he is gone.

[CTA513]

Odom has been suspended for 4 games for violating the performance enhancing drugs policy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5687593

Its not like hes done much outside of a few games last season.

[WMR]

I have.

[CTA513]

Zimmers defense getting shredded again.

[Redhook]

This Bengals game is must-see TV. Brilliant comedic performance. I've laughed harder in the last 30 minutes than I have in a long, long time.

[WMR]

This Bengals game is must-see TV. Brilliant comedic performance. I've laughed harder in the last 30 minutes than I have in a long, long time.

:lol:

Me too.

Having 2 penalties for 12 men on the field in ONE HALF is some major league ineptitude.

Could that be a new low water mark for modern era Bungle screw-ups?

Hall of Fame material, for sure.

Definitely going on the 'All Time Bungle Screw Up' Reel. :D

[Redhook]

BTW, does anyone still like Marvin as the head coach? He flat out stinks at getting a team prepared for a game. He's an awful, awful coach and really deserves to be canned asap.

[CTA513]

So who is everyone going to pimp for head coach now that Zimmers defense is getting exposed? or do we still want him for head coach because he can get upset and cuss?

[WMR]

BTW, does anyone still like Marvin as the head coach? He flat out stinks at getting a team prepared for a game. He's an awful, awful coach and really deserves to be canned asap.

I think it amounts to little more than rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, but I agree that this team needs a new HC...

I think it's all being done in futility as long as you know who is calling the shots, unfortunately.

[Redhook]

On more of a serious side, I can't believe, with the talent on this team and my expectations for this year, that I'm already back to treating this team as a joke. I'm pretty bummed about that and surprised. What a failure they are.

[WMR]

So who is everyone going to pimp for head coach now that Zimmers defense is getting exposed? or do we still want him for head coach because he can get upset and cuss?

Zimmer ... Mike Ditka ... Carrot Top ... Denzel Washington or maybe Billy Bob Thornton

[Redhook]

So who is everyone going to pimp for head coach now that Zimmers defense is getting exposed? or do we still want him for head coach because he can get upset and cuss?

As Wily Mo just stated, unfortunately, it doesn't matter with Mike Brown running them. Marvin's time is done though.

[WMR]

I say we let Dusty be the Head Coach. He's got a couple months free.

[Reds Fanatic]

If this were a real NFL franchise there would be a new head coach tomorrow

[macro]

So who is everyone going to pimp for head coach now that Zimmers defense is getting exposed? or do we still want him for head coach because he can get upset and cuss?

:lol:

Funny, sad, and true, all at the same time.

[cincrazy]

So who is everyone going to pimp for head coach now that Zimmers defense is getting exposed? or do we still want him for head coach because he can get upset and cuss?

You're really putting this embarrassment of a season on the shoulders of Mike Zimmer? The same guy that fielded one of the best defenses in the NFL last season that carried us to the playoffs, despite losing his wife in the middle of the season? Really?

The defense isn't nearly as good as the stats would indicate. It doesn't have a lot of talent, the only reason it performs week in and week out is because Zimmer is a GREAT coach.

His candidacy for a head coach is a separate matter, but ripping this guy's defense is absurd.

[CTA513]

You're really putting this embarrassment of a season on the shoulders of Mike Zimmer? The same guy that fielded one of the best defenses in the NFL last season that carried us to the playoffs, despite losing his wife in the middle of the season? Really?

The defense isn't nearly as good as the stats would indicate. It doesn't have a lot of talent, the only reason it performs week in and week out is because Zimmer is a GREAT coach.

His candidacy for a head coach is a separate matter, but ripping this guy's defense is absurd.

I'm not putting it all on his shoulders, but I'm not going to give him a pass like many fans will.

[WMR]

hahahahaha!!!

That's the Bengals for you.

Maybe the worst half of football in the ML era followed up by this..... :laugh:

[CTA513]

I ripped Zimmer earlier, but I have to give him props for how his defense has played in the 2nd half.

[KoryMac5]

We have been screaming for weeks for them to open up the O! This 2nd half should stand as an example of what could happen. Zimmer needs to find a pass rush for the Bengals to win.

[Stray]

That was an incredible quarter of football. We have to find a way to win this game.

[Reds Fanatic]

They fight so hard to get back in this and Benson gives the ball away

[CTA513]

1st half defense showed back up and now the Bengals are down 39-25

[The Operator]

Oh this is just so Bengals. Ugh.

[KoryMac5]

TO muffs a sure TD and Benson fumbles the next play. That folks is the season in a nutshell.

[CTA513]

TO muffs a sure TD and Benson fumbles the next play. That folks is the season in a nutshell.

Benson has been calling for more carries and then he coughs it up at the worst possible time.