The Official Cincinnati Bengals discussion thread

[Felty]

Very big win today.. As much as I hated Bratkowski playing calling last week. He did a good job this week and the D stepped it up when we needed them. Big win. :D

[Spazz]

Great win today. The D is really stepping up, and that 4th and 1 call was pretty gutsy.

[raltherr]

Congratulations guys. That loss was a heart breaker.

[Eric]

I'm still shocked they threw it on that 4th and 1 play in the fourth quarter. I never would have guessed Brat had that kind of call in him. What was so scary about it is how well the cornerback defended it, despite the fact he never, ever should have seen that coming. Luckily for the Bengals it was a perfect throw and a perfect catch; anything less would have been incomplete.

[Son of Dolemite]

I think that shows their confidence in the D more than anything else...with 9+ minutes left, at worst, The bengals go down by a TD, worst (hopeful) case scenario.

Henry returning this week?

that'll spark what should be the most dynamic offensive in the league for the rest of the season.

can't double him, #85, and TJ.

[Eric]

I forgot to mention the Bengals are now an undefeated 5-0 when wearing the orange jerseys. I knew there was a reason I loved those jerseys more than the others.

[xumuskiefan]

I was at the Panthers game... People went nuts when Chad caught that 4th and 1 pass close to the end zone. This team pulled out a great win this past week and look to build on it against Atlanta. This offense will get back on track and when they do you can pencil in "Screwed" on NFL defenses foreheads! The Bengals have the toughest schedule in the NFL and if they can pull out big wins down the stretch they will be a favorite to go to the super bowl. The good news is at least we wouldn't have to play against Joe Montana if we did go to the super bowl! LOL

[Felty]

Yes Henry will be back this week. Unless he does something stupid... One more mistake and I am betting he will be suspended for the year.

[Felty]

So no comments on Sundays game??

A couple of things come to mind.

1. If the Offensive line doesn't start playing better Palmer is going to get killed. :( It's pretty sad when they are rushing 3 and still get to Palmer.

2. Why on a crucial 3rd and 13 play with 3 minutes they only rush three? I think that would have been a good time for a blitz.

[ccb3]

Have the Bengals forgot how to play defense?

[bluemacaw2]

You guys are in better shape than us right now.........as long as Baltimore doesn't win division I will be happy.

[Felty]

Well if anything the bandwagon fans are going to start jumping off.

1. Palmer looked beyond bad today. What he end up 12 - 26 with 2 int?
2. Chad who?? Chad is a no show.
3. The D has turned into butter fingers. They can't hang on to a turnover.
4. We did get screwed on that 4th down no call.

[dingdongdunn44]

defense is a joke, offensive line is a joke, and carson is a joke... nothing really going for us yet we are still in the game til the end. there's still time to right the ship... so they better get going. carson seems to have lost all confidence in himself and his receivers... or he's just plain scared, i can't tell which. i hope things can be turned around but it just seems as if the bengals can't get a break at all

[Eric]

It's difficult to watch them these days. A handful of guys are still playing well, but that's not even close to enough to make a difference. Almost every aspect of their game looks bad. It's just brutal at times. The season isn't lost yet, but it might as well be if some things don't change quickly.

[Felty]

Wow.. I know it's early. But is this the real bengals finally showing up? :eek:

Chad handing the ball to ref?? Chad not talking all week.. :D

[Road Wraith]

^^^
The absence of Merriman is glaring.

[Spazz]

Halftime Ben 28 Chargers 7. Great first half Carson is 20-28 282yds 2 TD. Chad is 7 for 117 and 1 TD. Defence is keeping the Chargers off of the feild.

[Skullshine]

Sadly, it looks like the Bolts secondary decided to stop trying to fool people into thinking that they have improved this season. Pitiful effort, just pitiful. :(

[Felty]

Wow what a game. I don't know who is going to win. But still what a great Offensive game. :D

[Rob Buff]

yep felty.. great game to watch

[Felty]

Great game to watch. Sadly the bengals were on the losing side.. :(

Congrats to the chargers fans.

[Spazz]

How do you give up 42pts in the second half? The D is aweful. :(

[Skullshine]

If this game doesn't end up on NFL Replay this week, there is no justice.

[Tom R from Pittsburgh]

That game was unbelievable....

[lloydchristmas81]

What a fun game to watch. How do you Bengals fans deal with Henry? What a bum. That's two weeks in a row he could have made an important catch at the end of the game and pulled up because he won't take a hit.

[Road Wraith]

Awesome game.

I can't wait to watch this again on the NFL Network this week.

[Dirty Mo Posse]

LT may arguably be the best player in the NFL!!

:D

Posse

[Road Wraith]

LT may arguably be the best player in the NFL!!

:D

Posse

Who's arguing? :p

BTW, Chad Johnson had an amazing game. Too bad the same can't be said for Cincy's D or the Bolts' secondary.

[Eric]

Who would have guessed the Bengals' D would hold opponents scoreless for 7 quarters? Definitely not me. I was saying they had the worst D in the league before the statistics had them rated there. Anyway, a big win over the Ravens last night means the playoffs aren't out of reach. Winning out seems unlikely with games at Denver and Indy, but I think the Bengals can go 3-1 and maybe get some help elsewhere and snag a Wildcard spot. Who dey.

[mariners4411]

i think they will win out. the games at Indy, and Denver are very winnable if the defense can keep playing like they have the past couple weeks.

[dingdongdunn44]

i think winning out is a real possibility as well. Hopefully by the time we meet Indy, they'll feel like they don't have much to play for. They won't want to show the Bengals anything special incase they have to meet them in the playoffs, yet a loss to them won't hurt them either (yes i know they are still fighting for homefield advantage throughout, but they have one loss compared to the next best team with 3). Denver will be tought at Mile High, but i don't think Denver's defense is nearly as good as they were thought to be, and with the Rookie QB taking over... i just don't see him being a Ben Roethlesberger type rookie. Of course you still have to take care of the Raiders next week and the Steelers at the end of the year, but i don't see the Bengals letting the Steelers of all teams lightly, especially after the Steelers ended their season on the first offensive play of the playoff game. It's very possible for them to win out, but i only see them getting a wildcard spot at best, and it would still be nice to get some help along the way. The Jets SHOULD win out, the Chiefs still have to play Baltimore and the Chargers again i believe... hopefully we can sneak into a playoff spot.

[YlhandlZ]

GG fellas. My Nati girl was extremely bummed, but she showed her Bengal pride at the game sporting her TJ Houshmandzadeh jersey and flipping off jackaz drunks cheering so loud over a win that came on an absolute fluke. Best of luck making that last wild card. You guys deserve a shot at the big dance.

http://i17.tinypic.com/2e1bzeu.jpg

[bluemacaw2]

Well Good Game guys.....was entertaining....I must say I am surprised that neither of us are in the playoffs. :(

[YlhandlZ]

2nd that. They should let a few AFC teams into the NFC wildcard this year.

[Felty]

I honestly can't believe were not in the playoffs. What a bummer. The list goes on and on how we lost winnable games. We have missed field goals, missed extra point, missed open receivers and horrible play calling. Plus yesterday the final dagger through our heart the missed tackle. So it's the same oh same oh for the Bengals. Wait till next year.. Or do we see the same oh same oh next year?

My 2007 wish list...

1. Fire Breshinahan
2. Don't resign Tory James. He has lost a step or more. Give the job to Joseph.
3. Got to find some Defensive Line help (through draft or free Agency)
4. Resign - Geathers and Watson.
5. Dennis Green = offensive cordinator???

[Eric]

Bad end to a bad season, that's what yesterday was. I'm not surprised they found a way to lose as that's what they've done all season. I don't know who should shoulder the most blame, and I also don't know where they should start to fix the problems, but what I do know is that I'm sick of them for now, and I won't be thinking about them for a while if I can avoid it. They toyed with my emotions way too much all year.

[jdarling22]

Bengals fans... what will happen to Guard Eric Steinbach?
I believe he is a free agent... Do you want him resigned? Will he be resigned? etc.

Just curious... He is from my area so just wanted to know what was going to happen to him.

[Spazz]

Bengals fans... what will happen to Guard Eric Steinbach?
I believe he is a free agent... Do you want him resigned? Will he be resigned? etc.

Just curious... He is from my area so just wanted to know what was going to happen to him.



I would love to have him back. But he will command big money on the free agent market. I think we have bigger problems on the def side of the ball and need to use the money there.

[Eric]

Yeah, I think Steinbach's probably gone. He'll want to cash in like he deserves to, and the team probably won't want to tie up the money.

[STARBUCK]

If The Bengals are smart they will let Steinbach go and spend the money on the D side of the ball other wise they will be just be like the Colts, Great offense no D

[xumuskiefan]

They need a strong leader on Defense. Period!

[Felty]

Some Good news! :D

Pollack aiming at '07 return: Playing for Bengals 'looking good'

By Carroll Rogers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/09/07

What was a long shot for David Pollack has become a glimmer of hope.

The former Georgia All-America defensive end who broke his neck Sept. 17 for the Cincinnati Bengals is being told by doctors he could return to football as soon as next season, given the success of his recent neck surgery and if rehabilitation goes well, according to his agent R.J. Gonser.

"If the doctor said there was [even] a 10 percent chance of reinjuring his neck, he probably would not play," Gonser said Monday. "We don't think that's going to be the case. [We think] he should be cleared this offseason."

When asked if Pollack had hopes of playing next season for the Bengals, who drafted him in the first round in 2005, Gonser said: "That's his goal."

Pollack, a linebacker with the Bengals, had surgery Wednesday in Cincinnati to stabilize his C-6 vertebra, which he fractured while making a tackle in a game four months ago against the Cleveland Browns.

Pollack was out of the hospital and back at his suburban Cincinnati home the day after his surgery, Gonser said.

Gonser declined to go into detail about the surgery but he said it wasn't as ominous a procedure as doctors first envisioned might be necessary before Pollack came out of his restrictive halo last month.

He is expected to be in a neck brace for a month or so, Gonser said, and then could be cleared for light weightlifting.

Pollack did not return messages Monday. Pollack, 24, has said all along that football was not important enough to risk possible paralysis by playing again.

Gonser said if all goes well and if Pollack is assured he has no greater risk of injury than any other football players, he'll play.

"The biggest thing initially was, was it going to be life-altering," Gonser said. "He was lucky enough to be in a position where he could have a normal life, and then it was a football question. Now the football question is looking good."

[xumuskiefan]

That is good news. I really hope he can come back and be 100%. It will also be interesting to see if Marvin let's Odell back on the team. If neither happen... last year's draft is a wash.

[Eric]

I'm pretty sure Odell is done. Everything Marvin has said since Odell's suspension has indicated he won't have a place on the team when his suspension is over. Thurman was a great player with a lot of potential, but you can't fault Marvin for wanting rid of him after his off-field problems.

I hope Pollack can play again if that's what he wants to do. It sounds like he's being sensible about it all and won't risk it if there's a chance he could truly hurt himself. He seems like the kind of guy Marvin wants on the team, not guys like Odell.

[Spazz]

Bengals re-signed Robert Geathers today. They gave him a 6 yr - 33.7 million dollar deal with a 14 million signing bonus. The 33.7 is if he reaches all incentives. He had a great yr and is only 23 but that seems like alot of money for someone that don't even play every down.

[Eric]

Bengals re-signed Robert Geathers today. They gave him a 6 yr - 33.7 million dollar deal with a 14 million signing bonus. The 33.7 is if he reaches all incentives. He had a great yr and is only 23 but that seems like alot of money for someone that don't even play every down.

I agree. I'm glad they signed him, but it seems like they gave him an awful lot of money. I just hope this doesn't affect other signings this offseason, as the team needs serious defensive help (I'd say 2 free agents, but I could be dreaming).

[YlhandlZ]

Good Pro Bowl weekend for you guys. Boomer's team wins and Carson gets MVP. Last QB to win the Pro Bowl MVP won the Superbowl MVP next :D

[Eric]

Good Pro Bowl weekend for you guys. Boomer's team wins and Carson gets MVP. Last QB to win the Pro Bowl MVP won the Superbowl MVP next :D

Man I hope that holds true again.

And we can't forget Chad; he won the best hands competition, so it was a Bengals kind of Pro Bowl this year.

[xumuskiefan]

Good bounce back weekend for the boys in stripes... Bengals stripes!

WHO DEY!

[YlhandlZ]

Well, fellas, I married my Nati girl last week. I guess I'm officially a Bengals fan....

http://i12.tinypic.com/2j3lcog.jpg

[Eric]

Well, fellas, I married my Nati girl last week. I guess I'm officially a Bengals fan....

http://i12.tinypic.com/2j3lcog.jpg

Congratulations. Is that your jersey or hers?

[YlhandlZ]

Mine. She's got a TJ Houshmandzadeh ladies jersey that she wore in Mile High's south stands. She's one tough chickie :D

[Eric]

Mine. She's got a TJ Houshmandzadeh ladies jersey that she wore in Mile High's south stands. She's one tough chickie :D

Sounds like you found yourself a keeper then.

[Spazz]

Bengals just released Brian Simmons:eek: :eek: :eek: I never seen that one comming. Hopefully that means a big push for Adalius Thomas or Cato June:D

[Eric]

I've had a problem with Simmons for a long time. When he's not injured, he's not contributing much anyway. He should be a leader, but he's never struck me as one. He's had his moments, but with how horrible the D has been the last few seasons, I'm fine with getting rid of a majority of the players who don't do enough.

[Road Wraith]

Bengals just released Brian Simmons:eek: :eek: :eek: I never seen that one comming. Hopefully that means a big push for Adalius Thomas or Cato June:D

I have a feeling that Joey Porter will end up in a Bengals uniform this offseason.

[Floyd Thursby]

I second that emotion. I would love to see Portor come over, we need LBs anyway.

[dingdongdunn44]

there is NO way that Joey Porter becomes a Bengal. I don't see the Bengals signing anyone major with all of the money they have tied up in their own players. i'm betting they plan on letting both Odell and Ahmad Brooks play MLB. Would i accept Joey Porter as a Bengal, idk. I mean he would help us out definitely but idk, i just can't see us signing him or him trying to sign with the Bengals. But i guess weirder things have happened. If Chad Johnson can give up McDonalds, then Joey Porter could wear stripes. But like i said, i don't see it happening

[xumuskiefan]

Porter would be nice but there are other pressing needs. Like DT, TE, and OL.

At any rate I think the Bengals will do more in Free agency then in years past.

[Eric]

I don't see Porter coming to Cincinnati, and I wouldn't want him, anyway. He's thrived in the 3-4. He's a product of the system (look what Kendrell Bell has done since he left Pittsburgh).

I'd actually be pissed off if Porter signed with Cincy because I can't stand him. He'd be disgrace to the orange and black. He's not worthy of the the stripes, and he's not worth the money.

[Spazz]

I don't see Porter coming to Cincinnati, and I wouldn't want him, anyway. He's thrived in the 3-4. He's a product of the system (look what Kendrell Bell has done since he left Pittsburgh).

I'd actually be pissed off if Porter signed with Cincy because I can't stand him. He'd be disgrace to the orange and black. He's not worthy of the the stripes, and he's not worth the money.


I agree, good post!

[Bronx Bombers]

Bye, bye Stienbech :D

[Spazz]

Bye, bye Stienbech :D


Wait till he gets ahold of Lake Erie, all kind of room to go drunken boating.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/rick__willey/SteinbachBoating.jpg

You guys are in need of alot more help than Steiny can give you if you are ever to get out of the BASEMENT!!!!!




.

[xumuskiefan]

Playing for the Brown will lead you to drinking... LOL

I'm sad to see Eric go. He's a good player... I hope Andrew Whitworth is just as good.

As far as Porter goes - He would be a nice addition. We need someone like Porter with a "mean streak" on Defense. June might be nice, but I've watch him up here in Indy and If I had to pick between Cato and Joey... I'd take Joey. Either way if they do add a LB, which they now need... They need to go DL, CB, S, or TE with the first pick.

[Eric]

The Bengals selected Leon Hall with their first pick. I was holding out hope after the 12th pick that he'd still be available at 18, and when he was, I was certain they'd take him. And they did. He seems like he can be big for them, and he's got no character issues to worry about that I know of. Seeing him and Joseph at the corners should be good.

Now, we wait for the second pick.

[mrmain18]

I like the pick. I'm hoping that Paul Posluszny will still be available at 49.

[dingdongdunn44]

I like Hall. I don't know much about him, but the fact that he was projected a lot higher and fell is a good sign. We should be a little bit more stout it the defensive back field now. I just hope we can find a safety and a linebacker somewhere in here. I wouldn't mind Posluszny at all.

[Spazz]

Great pick for the Bengals, Hall and Joseph are going to be a couple good corners







Leon Hall
CB, Michigan
War Room analysis


Position rank: 1
Ball skills: 2
Closing speed: 7
Coverage/skills: 1
Run support: 30
Run/pass recognition: 3

NFL comparison:
Marcus Trufant, Seahawks


Height: 5-11
Weight: 193
40-yard dash: 4.39
Broad jump: 10-5
225-lb. bench: 15
Vertical jump: 37 in


Post-draft analysis: Hall is the perfect selection for the Bengals. He gives Marvin Lewis a high character kid and a polished athlete. The Bengals will mold him after Baltimore’s Chris McAlister and allow him to shut down one side of the field. He has all the measurables to compete with all different types of receivers. He also is a physical corner who will allow Cincinnati to play many different types of defensive coverages.


Coverage skills: Is tough and physical. Does well in nearly all types of coverage. Plays bigger than size would suggest; consistently pushes and squeezes receivers off routes. Reads quarterbacks' eyes well on passes in front of him; plants, drives and closes in a flash. Excels at using front arm to breakup passes. Is not as consistent in off coverage; tends to get upright in backpedal, loses a step when flipping hips to turn and run and lacks the burst to recover. Grade: 8.0


Run/pass recognition: Shows great instincts to read plays correctly and react quickly. Keeps eyes on quarterbacks and receivers in off coverage. Grade: 8.5


Closing speed: Shows good closing speed on passes in front of him, enabling him to break up or intercept passes. Lacks the burst, however, to recover after a false step. Grade: 7.0


Ball skills: Excels here; consistently breaks up passes and shows the hands to make tough interceptions. Does not hesitate to get physical when going for balls. Can come over receivers' backs while reaching in front to break up passes. Grade: 9.0


Run support: Usually comes up quickly and is willing to make strong, physical tackles. Sometimes gets a little out of control, becoming a grab-and-reach tackler who misses some would-be tackles. Grade: 8.5


Bottom line: It was a joy to evaluate Hall because few cornerbacks consistently play physical in coverage these days. He is nearly the complete package. His willingness to get physical will separate him from the pack because few NFL cornerbacks are willing to punch receivers in the mouth in bump-and-run coverage. Hall has the tools to be a great NFL starter.


Vinnie Iyer analysis
Great value for Cincinnati, a team that was atrocious on pass defense last season at 31st in the league. I thought the Vikings, who had the league's worst past defense, would consider Hall way back up at No. 7, but Hall's fall is Cincy's big gain. The Bengals were smart to not re-sign Tory James and promote second-year man Jonathan Joseph. Hall and Joseph have the potential to be a solid corner duo for years to come. You can bet Deltha O'Neal won't be a starter for much longer.

[Eric]

The draft started out well, but once again Marvin has us scratching our heads by the end. The defense has been horrible, so what does Marvin do? Uses 2 of the first 4 picks for offense. I don't know if he deserves the benefit of the doubt anymore, but I'll give it to him anyway. For now.

[nevsky41]

Hey peeps, been gone for way too long, sucks when you no longer have access to a 'puter every day... just thought i'd weigh in on the draft.

1. Leon Hall-- Great pick, I think this guy could be an instant starter, and more than likely, will be starting before the mid-point of the season. Deltha was a great signing when he arrived, but he seems to be more of a nickel now. I can see Joseph and Hall being a great CB team for a long time. I was stoked when he was still available at 18. Couldn't believe it. I had originally hoped perhaps Amobi Okoye might somehow fall, but as the draft got closer, I knew he wouldn't, I was surprised he didn't go sooner than he did. Anyway, not at all disappointed by this pick. Very good pick.

2. Kenny Irons-- When I first saw this pick (I didn't get to watch the draft this year), I shouted out loud, WHY take a freaking HB in the second round when you don't really need one? The local paper then next day said they drafted him to possibly replace Chris Perry, since #23 is injured all the time, & all the defensive players they were comfortable taking at 49 were gone. Eh, sounds like a spin job. The elation on the Hal pick was suddenly a distant memory. Yeah, he may be a character guy, but I still don't think this was a pressing need, and feel it was a bad decision. Even if all the defensive players they were comfortable taking at this stage were gone at this point, I wouldn't rather seen them draft an OL for depth or a TE. NOT a good pick in my opinion.

4. Marvin White-- I understand this guy is hard-hitter. Excellent compliment to Madieu's more finnesse style, and an idea I like to groom to succeed Dexter Jackson. I like big, mean safties, and this guy seems like a good choice. I like the descriptions of this guy's style: "aggressive, explosive." Let's see it this year & beyond.

5. Jeff Rowe-- Um, okay. Drafting a backup is not for the 5th round. Don't like this pick.

6. Matt Toeaina-- Another Samoan DT? If he turns out to be half as pleasantly surprising as Peko, I'll be happpy. Not a bad pick, but would have loved to have landed Branch in the second... oh well.

7a. Dan Santucci-- Hopefully adds some much-needed depth to the O-line. Smart guy, I understand, hope it translates to excellent play.

7b. Chinedum Ndukwe-- Don't know much about this guy. Hope he is a good player.

BOTTOM LINE: Not sure about this draft. Great first pick, a bit dicey after that. Again, when is Cincy going to get that big, nasty TE they desperately need? The rumors of Ed Hartwell coming to Cincy are encouraging, but man, too few picks in this draft. I think this will be an interesting group of rookies to watch, but man, I do not like the picks of Irons or Rowe. I'm sure they're great guys but not really what we needed right now. I like the emphasis on character, but I hope that hasn't hurt the talent we could choose from & not be ripped later on for.

Keep the faith in 07! WHO-DEY 4 LIFE.

[Eric]

Yeah, the one offensive area they truly needed (TE) they didn't even draft. Why not take a TE with the second pick, a running back with the fourth, and then a QB late if you're going ot draft offense at the draft spots they did?

[xumuskiefan]

There were no TEs ranked high enough to take in round 2.

Irons will replace Chris Perry come June 1. The only thing that burns me about this pick as thay we could of had Steven Jackson instead of Chris Perry!

Ed Hartwell is the reason they didn't draft any LBs.

Marvin White could be the steal of the draft.

Between Hall, White, and Hartwell... I'd say the Bengals have done well improving the Defense. Don't forget June 1st cuts!

[Spazz]

Don't forget Ahmad Brooks, we got him in last years supp draft for this years 3rd rounder. He would of been a top 15 pick if he was in this years draft. Add in Hartwell, and if Odell can keep his nose clean the Defense is going to be alot better.

[Eric]

Don't forget Ahmad Brooks, we got him in last years supp draft for this years 3rd rounder. He would of been a top 15 pick if he was in this years draft. Add in Hartwell, and if Odell can keep his nose clean the Defense is going to be alot better.

Ahmad Brooks was the only new player to impress me at linebacker last season, but he didn't even get to play much because of his lack of helping on special teams. The 'backers were horrible, then Brooks stepped in and helped them improve, only to get benched for a stupid thing like special teams. I don't understand why Marvin would put an inferior player in the lineup simply because they do a little more on special teams. That's just plain stupid. There are others who can do special teams.

[YlhandlZ]

Sorry for the OT bump, but this thread needs some action anyways....

Can anyone recommend some good spots around Cincy for hunting down Legends 3? I'm in town for the weekend and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to miss my single chance to score the regs at retail in Denver. I'd love to pick-up a couple Elway 2s that would otherwise be pegwarming here.

[xumuskiefan]

Well there's TRU in Eastgate and Tri-county Malls. There is also Cardboard Heroes in Fairfield Commons Mall.

[YlhandlZ]

Thanks for the tip. I wanted to hit Eastgate this morning, but the wife had some other errands to run first. We finally hit it up this PM and I found my 2 reg Elways and the Campbell that I had to have. The manager saw me rifling through looking for the best paint apps and said they had a couple of white Elways in the morning, so I was a little bummed that I missed out. He told me he'd check the back and low-and-behold...a white Elway!!! :D

[Purdue_Pete]

Go Colts! :D

Good luck to Bengals fans in 2007. I like Johnson and Palmer and think you guys have a real shot at the SB this year!

[Eric]

Go Colts! :D

Good luck to Bengals fans in 2007. I like Johnson and Palmer and think you guys have a real shot at the SB this year!

Thanks, Pete, but we don't want to jinx anything with talk like that. Everyone was saying Super Bowl last season and the team didn't even make the playoffs. Lucky for me the next best option won, which was obviously your Indianapolis Colts.

[Felty]

Any other Bengal fan think tonights game is a must win? I mean we Have the Ravens, Browns, Seahawks and Patriots. We loose tonight we could start the season 1-3.

[Felty]

Yes I know I am talking to myself. But a very very big win by the Bengals tonight. The Ravens are still the favorites to win the division but we needed this one.

[Joe Bruin723]

The Raven's offense looked anemic. As a Bruin, I'm sorry to say, but John Ogden is just a whiny little *****! Really makes me sick to see such a waste of talent. He's a freaking baby.

Onto the positive- The greatest thing about the Myers INT, is that the entire team was on their toes. The game was close to ending, and after it looks like it's going to drop a lot of guys just start cheering for the Stoppage. That's evidence of good coaching. Good win guys, let's savor this until Wednesday.

[lwagner57]

WHO DEY! Our offense wasn't all that good tonight but our D was awesome. Leon hall did a great job but what do you expect from a Wolverine?;)

[nevsky41]

I tried to take a day and cool down from this most recent EMBARRASSMENT, but it didn't work. I am still as upset as I was in the 3rd quarter monday night.

This Bengals team has the talent to be 4-0, realistically 3-1, and at the very freakin' least, 2-2. It is unacceptable for this team, with all the talent they have, to be sitting at 1-3! I understand there are injuries all over the place, and Henry's suspended for 4 more games, and Thurman looks to be gone forever, but come on! I hate to give anyone wearing Steelers colors any credence at all, but Tomlin said it best, and I'm paraphrasing, that yeah, there are injuries, but that's no excuse. There are 11 guys on that field wearing a Bengals uniform, and it's THEIR JOB to step up and get things done!!

I know the LBs were absolutely destroyed by injuries so far, and for most of the game, Dhani Jones and Tony Schlegel were the ONLY healthy LBs after Landon got poked in the eye, but injuries are just an excuse, and I'm tired of hearing the same "injuries are really hurting this team" refrain.

I'm also tired of hearing about the lack of maturity of this team. By gawd, this has been being echoed for 3 YEARS! This SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE ANYMORE!!!!! It's time for this freakin team to grow up and play like a team, and support each other, and quit being just a bunch of individuals wearing the same shirt! This team deserved EVERY bit of grief that Marving gave them monday night, and I'd say even a little more. This crap has got to STOP.

I've been a die-hard Bengals fan for 21 years. I've seen the good times (SBXXIII season, Marvin coming to town, winning the AFC North title in 05), and the awful times (the Lost Decade, losing SBXXIII, this season, Carson getting hurt in 05, etc...). My 4-year-old stepson has embraced the Bengals wholeheartedly (although he still thinks every Bengal is Carson), and I hope my 3-week-old new baby boy will love them like I do some day, but I've got to say, it' ain't fun right now.

In a lot of ways, this crap right now is even more frustrating and hurtful than the Lost Decade. At least then, the teams sucked, we expected them to lose games. Now, we've got multiple Pro Bowlers, a super-high octane offense, and a young and developing defense (if they could stay healthy), and these guys are nothing more than a bunch of individuals wearing the same shirt!!!! This is not a team at all right now!

Yes, the walking wounded on both sides of the ball need to get healthy. But the bigger need is for this bunch of individuals to become ONE TEAM, and forget about all the other crap. I have to believe that every player on the Bengals roster wants a Super Bowl title so bad they can taste it. I know I do. In order to do that, they NEED TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE AND GROW UP!!!!!!!!!

I believe in Marvin. I believe in this team. I have to believe they can fix this, b/c it's really not that hard, they just need stop talking about needing to come together as a team or growing up or whatever, and just to DO IT.

Thank gawd for the bye.

[Patriots2421]

Sorry about the whole orange jersey thing......

[nevsky41]

They look good with the black pants, I don't understand why they won't bring them back, the orange looks flourescent with the white pants...

Thanks for trolling, BTW. :rolleyes:

[Eric]

They look good with the black pants, I don't understand why they won't bring them back, the orange looks flourescent with the white pants...

Thanks for trolling, BTW. :rolleyes:

I personally love the orange jerseys with white pants, but I also love the orange jerseys with the black pants. When Marvin had them in orange on white for both games last season, I was surprised. I hope he goes with orange on black for the other game in orange jerseys this season.

And I agree with everyone you said above, by the way. They need to stop talking and just do it cause things have gotten way beyond ridiculous.

[YlhandlZ]

Would somebody pick up Skyline for me and my wife? :D

GO BENGALS!!!

[nevsky41]

I don't think I've been this depressed since Kimo destroyed Carson's knee in 05. And I hadn't been that depressed since Superbowl XXIII.

I'm so mad at this group of individuals (they are still NOT a team) right now, I want to vomit. I'm almost past being mad. I'm just depressed and upset.

Why can't this team do anything right? I understand you get some breaks and you lose some breaks, but this is insane!

The thing that eats at me right now, more than the rest, is the fact that We got screwed on Marvin's second challenge. The first one, there was no way it was going to get reversed, but that second one, that official should be fined, b/c it couldn't have been any clearer that Chatman HAD the catch! He dragged his toe, his foot came down inbounds, and he had possession the whole time! What did that official see to not reverse the call???? Maybe a loaded handshake from the Chief's organization, b/c that was a catch, and it couldn't have been any clearer!!!

My only hope is that the Jets and the rest of the AFC East (and NFC West) are just that much more putrid than we are, and we can beat them up, maybe beat the Browns at home, and end up 8-8 AGAIN. I don't even want to hold out hope that we could sweep the Ravens or even split the Steelers, b/c that'd just be getting my hopes up and I'll continue to be disappointed.

I doubt some kind of miracle run is about the start, nor am I going to hope for it, b/c I'm already hurt and disappointed enough. I feel like a schmuck for using the word "hurt" in reference to a pro football team, but that's how I feel. It feels like I've invested so much (financially AND emotionally) in the franchise, and these guys can't even get it together and be a damn team! There's no other way to say it that adequately conveys how I feel... I just feel HURT.

Oh well, at least the Jets are worse than we are. Maybe we can beat them. But I'm going to go back to my old way of dealing with this: expect to lose and then I'll never be disappointed. And I NEVER wanted to go back to that.

At least I can take solace in UK football for once.

[Sudden]

I don't think I've been this depressed since Kimo destroyed Carson's knee in 05. And I hadn't been that depressed since Superbowl XXIII.

I'm so mad at this group of individuals (they are still NOT a team) right now, I want to vomit. I'm almost past being mad. I'm just depressed and upset.

Why can't this team do anything right? I understand you get some breaks and you lose some breaks, but this is insane!

The thing that eats at me right now, more than the rest, is the fact that We got screwed on Marvin's second challenge. The first one, there was no way it was going to get reversed, but that second one, that official should be fined, b/c it couldn't have been any clearer that Chatman HAD the catch! He dragged his toe, his foot came down inbounds, and he had possession the whole time! What did that official see to not reverse the call???? Maybe a loaded handshake from the Chief's organization, b/c that was a catch, and it couldn't have been any clearer!!!

My only hope is that the Jets and the rest of the AFC East (and NFC West) are just that much more putrid than we are, and we can beat them up, maybe beat the Browns at home, and end up 8-8 AGAIN. I don't even want to hold out hope that we could sweep the Ravens or even split the Steelers, b/c that'd just be getting my hopes up and I'll continue to be disappointed.

I doubt some kind of miracle run is about the start, nor am I going to hope for it, b/c I'm already hurt and disappointed enough. I feel like a schmuck for using the word "hurt" in reference to a pro football team, but that's how I feel. It feels like I've invested so much (financially AND emotionally) in the franchise, and these guys can't even get it together and be a damn team! There's no other way to say it that adequately conveys how I feel... I just feel HURT.

Oh well, at least the Jets are worse than we are. Maybe we can beat them. But I'm going to go back to my old way of dealing with this: expect to lose and then I'll never be disappointed. And I NEVER wanted to go back to that.

At least I can take solace in UK football for once.

Well-said. Not good days to be a Bengals fan. Before halftime I even turned the game off for a while--one of the worst halfs of football I'd seen yet (totally dominated). There were signs of this in the preseason that no one paid attention to. Their schedule will lighten, but we're a far cry from being a contender that anything beyond modest success (a win or two) is too much to ask for. The deadweight on the roster from injuries, the decline of players (e.g. Levi Jones, Rudi, M. Williams) has had a large effect, as well as the lost drafts (see: '05, even '03 except for Carson). It seems to have affected the coaching too--how desperate was Marvin's 4th and 1 call in the third quarter??

[xumuskiefan]

I too agree. The Bengals are falling farther from where they should have built on a few seasons ago. At this point the only person I blame is Marvin. He came in like a bat out of hell and now seems to have gone soft. I don't understand it. The thing that kills me is that should be a good team. The offense started to click in the 4th quarter and we started blitzing and getting aggressive on D in the second half. There is no way we should have lost yesterday, yet we found a way to do it. At this point Marvin needs to go. If we finish 8-8 or worse Marvin should go. ESPN has plenty of guys that could do a better job, at least the Reds thought so. LOL

[nevsky41]

I don't necessarily think it's Marvin's fault directly. I mean, seriously, he hasn't had a losing record yet, but still, it should be a lot better.

Personally, I think the absence of Chris Henry as Carson's 3rd option has hurt things the most. That, and Chris Perry's versatility is sorely missed. And, also, the fact that the 05 draft has been pretty much a wash, what with Pollack possibly out forever, Thurman seemingly written off, Henry suspended 3 more games, Keift, Tab Perry, and Fanene seemingly perpetually injured. At this junctrure, the only guy really worth anything on the roster form that draft is Ghiaciuc.

All of the injuries are the biggest problem, so many guys can't get healthy, I don't know what's going on with Levi, and Chad and Carson have GOT to get something worked out.

There's so many issues with this franchise now, I don't think you can say Marvin "being soft" is the issue, b/c it really isn't. I don't think Marvin is "soft," I think he, in the past, has given to much leeway at times, but he seems to be tightening things down, and that's good.

I just want to see these guys be a team and *** WIN. I want this team to win a SuperBowl so bad, it makes me sick, but whatever is standing in the way, just won't move.

[Sudden]

Did you guys notice that they gave Corey Mays Odell's number 51 jersey? It was weird seeing another 51 out there, and also may say something about Odell's status with the team.

[nevsky41]

Odell is not listed on the roster page anymore, and even tho officially, Marvin declines comment, all indications are that he is no longer with the team.

Shame, he was a great player, and I really felt he had cleaned his act up, but Goodell, for whatever reason, suspended himn for this year as well, even tho he hadn't been in any trouble since that DUI (unless you count some guy picking a fight with him at a party getting in trouble, personally, I felt that was just some guy trying to get him b/c he's a known personality).

So long Odell. We hardly knew the potential greatness you could have been.

[Floyd Thursby]

NO LB's+no Chris Henry+no Rudi= RETURN TO FORM!!! Marvin will clean it up soon though, NFL stands for "Not For Long" if you know what I mean...

[Eric]

I blame the injuries because that's the easiest target right now. You can't expect to compete when you're starting two linebackers who weren't with the team until September. I'm beginning to believe more and more that the Bengals training staff needs a complete overhaul. Every team has injuries, but the Bengals have injuries like no other team in the league. I can't begin to put my finger on what the problem with the training staff would be, but when you have this many injuries, it stops being bad luck or coincidence and has to be something else.

Big Willie Anderson practiced today despite the team not expecting him back for a while. Willie understands that as a football player you have to play through pain if it's best for the team. And he's the only one who deserves a chance to heal up; he's been injured for the last decade or so. The guy's all heart, and I wish the Bengals had more guys like him on the roster. Then maybe we wouldn't get so many guys tweaking a groin or hamstring and inexplicably missing half a freakin' season.

[YlhandlZ]

RUDI RUDI RUDI :D:D:D:D:D:D:D


Repaint :(

[Eric]

RUDI RUDI RUDI :D:D:D:D:D:D:D


Repaint :(

Yeah, I would guess repaint, too. We were spoiled with the Chad and Carson SPs (original sculpts and awesome). I'm just hoping for an orange jersey Rudi (either orange on black or orange on white), and if that doesn't happen, white jersey with black pants and orange socks.

And to be honest, I hope Todd doesn't decide to remove Rudi before it's released. I expect Rudi to turn things around once he gets healthy, but so far it hasn't been a good year for him and a lot of people were complaining about his selection in the NFL 18 thread. He deserves a figure no matter what, but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed when it comes to TMP.

[Sudden]

Yeah, I would guess repaint, too. We were spoiled with the Chad and Carson SPs (original sculpts and awesome). I'm just hoping for an orange jersey Rudi (either orange on black or orange on white), and if that doesn't happen, white jersey with black pants and orange socks.

And to be honest, I hope Todd doesn't decide to remove Rudi before it's released. I expect Rudi to turn things around once he gets healthy, but so far it hasn't been a good year for him and a lot of people were complaining about his selection in the NFL 18 thread. He deserves a figure no matter what, but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed when it comes to TMP.

Acutally Chad is a repaint too--but the best repaint they've ever made (looks just like his acrobatic catches). He's Wayne Chrebet/Hines Ward torso attached to Jason Sehorn legs tilted vertically. He does have new arms though...

[nevsky41]

I know I sound like a broken record, but am I alone in not being excited with the win over the Jets?

I mean, yeah, it's a win, which is good, but it was not the dominant win they needed to get over a piss-poor Jets team. I hate the Jets, and while I'm happy Cincy won, I'm not excited.

It's encouraging that a defensive play essentially sealed the game (congrats to Jonathan Joseph on that first career INT, and a run-back no less), but the Jets then just marched down the field and scored anyway. Pointless, but not reassuring.

This season is shaping up to be very unfun, just like last year. I was hoping we were past this crap.

A win over the Steelers tomorrow would really lift my spirits, but I'm not necessarily holding out hope, b/c this seaosn has been so awful and I have no reason to get my hopes up right now.

I hope we beat the Steelers anyway.

[nevsky41]

I am going to do my broken record thing again. And, for the record, I'm *** sick of saying this crap.

I've been a Marvin backer through all of this crap. I'm starting to question that. I didn't see the game, but from reading some of the thigns that went into this PATHETIC *** loss, I'm really questioning his control of this team, and really, his drive and desire. Marvin began the process to bring respectability back to this franchise, and I will always respect him for that, but this group of individuals is a shambles. All the money invested in this offense, and the best we get is 2 *** wins? And a bunch of discontented players? Just read TJ's comment about the 4th&1 call where Marvin took the FG rather than going for it, and I think that sums it up.

Marvin has ABSOLUTELY LOST this locker room. This group of individuals obviously no longer respects or cares to listen to him. And I don't know what Jay Glazer's comments about Chad demanding to be traded on NFL on Fox today were about, but I really wouldn't blame him if they were true.

And what the hell is up with all these players (primarily on D), tweaking a hammy and being out for MONTHS at a time???? It's the NFL, for gawd's sake! You play thru the pain when you have to! Everyone has injuries, but damn, the Bengals entire team seems to be on the sidelines. Half the starters are backups!! ***???

I'm just so frustrated, just when it was begining to be fun again, it suddenly sucks worse than ever.

Marvin's got until the end of the season. If he can scrape 9-7 out of this sorry group, he'll keep my vote. Anything less, I'm calling for his damn head.

And just FYI, the only thign I hate more than Steelers football are their *** FANS!!!

[Eric]

I feel your pain, nevsky. This team is a total mess, and even the good parts (Carson, the offense) can't shine anymore. It's sad.

I said earlier in the week the Bengals would score 13 points because Marvin would decide to go for a field goal instead of a touchdown when the game was sorta close and all they'd need is a stop on defense. I wasn't exactly right, but I was really close to it, and it's because Marvin is so predictable it's pathetic.

It's like it's scripted. It's the same thing every week from this team, and it totally sucks. I can't not watch them because they're my team, but all it does is make me mad.

[Avatar_of_Chaos]

I'm so glad I'm hated for being a Steelers fan

I do feel really bad for you guys between the lack of synergy, the constant off-field antics and the posturing. It's not fun at all to see that kind of stuff, even in a division rival.

Today's game wasn't that bad from what I saw, it was a few plays and a few missed coverages away from being a win IMO

[nevsky41]

At least we can beat up on the Bills, Rams and Phins later in the season.

Oh, wait, I should say, "We SHOULD beat up on those three teams that completely suck worse than us, but it's entirely possible the Bengals will figure out a way to blow it, like they've done all year long so far."

Man, I'm not happy that I'm retroverting back into just another jaded Bengals fan. This sucks sour frog ass.

[Steelcurtain78]

Good game Bengal fans............another win at Heinz Field West.....see you next time in Pittsburgh.

[Eric]

Maybe the Rams and Dolphins are teams to be beat up on, but the Bills are head and shoulders above the Bengals. And the game's in Buffalo. I don't foresee a win on Sunday.

[nevsky41]

Just some quick thoughts.

I know I've been extremely critical of the Bengals this season. They deserve it. However, I think the media sucks for the way they've covered this abortion of a season so far, and the issues around it.

The idiots on ESPN (Primarily Skip Baileys and Chris Berman, two of my least favorite people to hear talk EVER, b/c neither one really has anything intelligent to say, and both really just talk out of their asses), are having a field day with this season. That's b/c the media are so happy to have the opportunity to use their tired old "see how much the Bengals suck" jokes (especially Berman), going back to last year with the arrests, they they really just look at these issues and ignore the history behind the issues.

A prime example of this is the circus surrounding Chad. On First Take last week, Baileys and a pair of talk show hosts were debating the controversy surrounding Chad this season, spurred on mainly by the ridiculously stupid interview with Meshawn. Baileys was attempting to say that Meshawn was never a distraction, in fact, he played hard was just competitive, and that Chad is nothing but a shameless self-promoter, doesn't care about winning, and is selfish and doesn't care about the rest of the team. The talk show hosts argued against that, saying that since the Bengals haven't been playing well this year, Chad hasn't been doing his celebrations, but that in 05, when the Bengals won the division, his histrionics were the talk of the league, and everyone was waiting anxiously to see what he had up his sleeve next. They also argued that Meshawn was definitely a selfish player, exemplified by when TB sent him home for the season a few years ago, and did have a bad attitude, and saying that Chad plays hard, cares about winning, is extremely competitive, and is not the cancer that Baileys was trying to paint him as. Baileys just sat there mouthing something, looking like the idiot that he is.

Yes, there is drama surrounding Chad this season. But I think it is being created externally, by the media. I've been watching Chad since 2002, and anyone who says CHad isn't fiercely competitive and wants desperately to win is an idiot who either is too lazy to watch film, or just skims gossip pages. Yes, Chad has two definite sides, I've read that many of his teammates say he has a dark side that comes out; Carson once said that 90% of the time, Chad is happy-go-lucky, but there are those times it seems like "someone $#!+ in his cornflakes." I think that's the core of the infamous blow-up that occurred at halftime in the playoff loss in 05. Chad still has trouble getting his emotions in check, and he must get a grip on that, I won't say he can just blow up at everyone when he is upset. But to say that Chad is a locker room cancer, and he is demanding out of Cincy, I just don't buy it. Also, Mike Brown has said Chad's going nowhere. So the whole thing needs to be put to rest.

Also, all the speculation that Marvin is on his way out, Mike Brown's got Marvin's back. Marvin ain't going anywhere any time soon. Media people talk about Marvin's "one great season and 3 mediocre seasons" is ignorant as well. In Marvin's 4 previous seasons, he's had the Bengals either in the playoffs, or one game away every year (in fact, this looks to be the first year they won't be, unless a miracle turnaround can begin today). How many previous Bengals coaches can say that?

Now, the lack of finishing when they need to finish does disturb me, and the mental breakdowns are infuriating, but seriously, what can we do as fans?

Also, all the talk of the putridness of the defense is a bunch of claptrap amid the fact that this team is absolutely been destroyed by injuries. Now, I've *****ed about the injury thing before, and it's an easy scapegoat, and I truly believe that injuries can be overcome, but at some point, they may just become too much. I'm wondering if they have become so this season, what with Rudi, Big Willie, Ahmad Brooks (who could be the defensive spark they need if he could get on the damn field!!!), Caleb Miller, Chris Perry, Kenny Irons, all out for all or much of the season already, and also so many game-to-game injuries and guys who are walking wounded, it just seems like the Bengals can't buy a healthy team. Also, the suspensions of Chris Henry and Odell Thurman are major issues, as both are serious playmakers, who I believe finally learned their lesson, although I wish Goodell would explain why he seemingly randomly suspended Thurman with no real explanation for another year. I know Marvin is tight-lipped on Thurman's future with the team, but Geof Hobson keeps referencing him, and maybe he'll be back next year, and Cincy'd have two "Little Rays," in Brooks and Thurman.

I really believe the problems are fixable, and if the Bengals can get a big, nasty premiere DT in the coming draft, I think the cogs are in place for an Indy-style defense which isn't all-star, but can make enough plays to take some pressure off the offense, and Peyton Manning proved you can win a championship with that kind of D, so why can't Carson? The pieces just have to be there, and they have to be healthy.

I know that's a long rant, but I just have been doing a lot of thinking on the subject, and I wish the talking heads would just shut the hell up, b/c they really don't seem to know what they're talking about.

[nevsky41]

why do i even care anymore?

[Eric]

This team is flat-out awful, and the sooner Marvin and the higher ups realize it, the sooner they can get back to being good. But as long as Marvin "sees" good things (he claims he does every week, but I wonder), they'll continue to believe it's injuries or bad luck and not the fact the team sucks. The defense is worse than when they were missing the playoffs for 13 straight years, and they're wasting prime years with Carson Palmer at the helm.

I have little hope that things will improve as long as Mike Brown is in control, because he's convinced himself and Marvin that free agents aren't the way to go. Too bad for the Bengals that Marvin is horrible at drafting, likely because there's no scouting department.

This team is pathetic, and it starts at the top and goes all the way down to the bottom. Just pathetic. I wasn't this ashamed when they were the worst franchise in pro sports because there was no reason for them to be good. Now there's no excuse to be this bad, but they are, and it's the same crap every week.

[nevsky41]

Well, I have no real hopes for todays game, other than to perhaps be pleasantly surprised if Cincy can eke one out (HA!).

Just thought I'd throw this out there. Up until this past June, I had a job that allowed me to hang out on lunch breaks at the Borders next door, and I got irritated at all the books about being Steelers and Browns fans on the shelves. I thought about writing a book about being a Bengals fan. Then I thought, who the hell would want to read such a depressing book? But then I thought, in a strange way, it could an uplifting book about how through years of failure and disappointment, you still remain faithful and positive in the face of abject misery and failure.

I don't know, it's a thought I periodically come back to. I'd be interesting to talk about how the 90s got so screwed up as well, but that'd have to be an entire book on it's own, b/c if anyone has read the bopok about Chad, there's one chapter in there about that era, and it doesn't even come close to scratching the surface of the stupidity of those years.

Anyway, just a thought. What're yours?

[YlhandlZ]

I think you should go for it, nevsky. I think the most interesting thing about the Bengals is how loyal the fan base is despite the landslide of crap that's befallen their team for almost 20 years. Just don't piss and moan about the bad times too much.:)

[Eric]

That's the problem, though. We're loyal to no end, and Mike Brown realizes and takes advantage of it. We stick with this team even when they're missing the playoffs for years on end, so he knows he doesn't have to field a good team or spend or go out of his way to improve the team. He'll continue to employ his ignorant family members, and the Bengals will continue to suck, and I'll continue to root for them no matter what.

Ugh. That book would be depressing.

[rarechaselimitedvariation]

at least the bungals can beat a steve mcnair led team :)

[dingdongdunn44]

at least the bungals can beat a steve mcnair led team :)

And they didn't cheat to beat them either.

[Fez]

Go AZ Cardinals! Beat them Bengals! (Come on Bengals, we NEED this win to keep up with Seattle).

[nevsky41]

Originally posted by dingdongdunn44:
And they didn't cheat to beat them either.

OOH!!!! That ***** slap HURT!!!

[YlhandlZ]

I hope this game makes NFL Replay this week. Looks like a pretty good game from the play-by-play. What's up with Carson?

[Eric]

Carson's a Bengal, and that means he's cursed to play poorly at times even though he's one of the best QBs in the league. It also means if the defense is playing well, he's not allowed to play well, too.

The Bengals would be better off to lose out from here, because the higher the pick, the less chance there is that Marvin will totally screw it up. I'll still be rooting for wins, but they'd truly be better off not to.

[nevsky41]

Excellent win today, but I wonder if it was because Cincy was that much better, or Tennessee was that awful?

Carson looked good today, and did Chad and Rudi. Defense was solid as well.

With the exception of Pittsburgh, they could finish strong with an exceptionally weak schedule to close the season. We can only hope, eh?

[Bronx Bombers]

Hey you guys actually did something good;)

[nevsky41]

What with the first losing season of the Marvin era, and what should be a win today, has anyone thought about who Cincy should draft? Of course, it'll be awhile before we even have the draft order, and whatnot, but it's really all I have to look forward to at this point, save for rooting against the Pats.

Personally, I think Cincy should break the bank and trade up (if necessary, and it probably will be) to take Glenn Dorsey. He's everything the Bengals need--

- A great character guy.
- A natural, subtle leader.
- The monster, space-eating DT Cincy has been neading for at least 10 years!

Last rationgs I saw had Dorsey rated 3rd behind Darren McFadden and Chris Long. As it stands before today's games, Cincy sits @ pick #9. We shall see.

Just don't lose to the Dolphins.

[nevsky41]

Well, we finish the season 7-9. Could have been worse. Could have been much better though.

Did Carson take every offensive snap this season?

Seems like Ndukwe may have been the steal of the draft. Very happy with the duo that Joseph and Hall are becoming. I also really hope Marvin keeps Dhani Jones. The guy is a class act, a hard worker, and isn't he, like in the top 3 on the team in tackles?

Now if they just figure out a way to draft Glenn Dorsey...

[benganeer1]

Well, we finish the season 7-9. Could have been worse. Could have been much better though.

Did Carson take every offensive snap this season?

Seems like Ndukwe may have been the steal of the draft. Very happy with the duo that Joseph and Hall are becoming. I also really hope Marvin keeps Dhani Jones. The guy is a class act, a hard worker, and isn't he, like in the top 3 on the team in tackles?

Now if they just figure out a way to draft Glenn Dorsey...

How many draft picks would you be willing to give up to get him, because Parcells will not pass on him, unless the Bengals go crazy and give up the farm to get him! We have 10 draft picks I think we stay pat, keep our picks. Maybe Mike Brown will see the light and drop some coin and get top line free agents.

[Eric]

Yeah, Marvin and crew covet draft picks too much to trade up, especially to number one where it would take a whole lot to get there.

I'd love to see Dorsey, too, and he'd be my first choice, but there's almost no way he's coming here.

I just hope there's a decent defensive lineman available when the Bengals draft because that's the worst area of the defense. You can get a decent linebacker in the second round, unlike a decent lineman.

And congratulations to TJ Houshmandzadeh on tying the NFL receptions lead. He could have broke it, but it didn't quite happen.

[benganeer1]

I rather get a proven NFL DT and not want to develop an under tackle with the current coaching staff that is in place because Lewis is allegedly a defensive guru (in his own mind) and has yet to build a defense that ranks in the top 15. I want Albert Haynesworth because he would be available, it's just getting the Brown family to open up their wallets.

Yeah, Marvin and crew covet draft picks too much to trade up, especially to number one where it would take a whole lot to get there.

I'd love to see Dorsey, too, and he'd be my first choice, but there's almost no way he's coming here.

I just hope there's a decent defensive lineman available when the Bengals draft because that's the worst area of the defense. You can get a decent linebacker in the second round, unlike a decent lineman.

And congratulations to TJ Houshmandzadeh on tying the NFL receptions lead. He could have broke it, but it didn't quite happen.

[Eric]

I rather get a proven NFL DT and not want to develop an under tackle with the current coaching staff that is in place because Lewis is allegedly a defensive guru (in his own mind) and has yet to build a defense that ranks in the top 15. I want Albert Haynesworth because he would be available, it's just getting the Brown family to open up their wallets.

Oh, so do I. That would be a dream-come-true. But this team never goes after free agents and can't lure them here even if they actually decide to, which they won't do. The sad thing is this team says the draft is key and you can't build through free agency, but then they have almost no scouting department at all to help make the draft successful. It's a crap shoot anyway, but they make it even more of a crap shoot by not having a full scouting staff to find and evaluate talent.

[nevsky41]

I disagree. I know my desire to see DOrsey in stripes is unrealistic, and not very likely (Mcfadden is going #1, though. Miami will take way too much heat if they don't draft him), but I think this year's draft was actually pretty good...

1) Leon Hall-- I am impressed. Started a l.ittle shaky, but transitioned well, and finished strong. He and Joseph will be a power duo for years. STATS: 68 tak, 1 ff, 5 int.

2) Kenny Irons-- Looked good in camp and the short time he played in preseason. Hope he's not another Chris Perry as far as injuries go. STATS: IR.

4) Marvin White-- Not as much playing time as I thought, but still shows lots of potential, and I love the violence of his hits. His attitude needs to rub off on the rest of the D. STATS: 20 tak.

5) Jeff Rowe-- Aside from looking like Kramer, he looked good holding the clipboard. But at least he should provide stability at the backup position, considering Carson is looking to achieve more in the way of Peyton Manning-like rock-solidness, starting every game for 3 years in a row, and taking every snap this year, especially last year, coming off that injury. STATS: Did not play.

6) Matt Toeaina-- Okay, so he's not with the team any more. Now with the Bears. Didn't lose too much. STATS: 6 tak.

7a) Dan Santucci-- Adds nice o-line depth. Looks like a solid fill-in player.

7b) Chinedum Ndukwe-- Omigawd, the steal of the draft! He needs to be starting when Dexter is gone! I love the way this guy plays! STATS: 44 tak, 2 sacks, 3 ff, 3 ints.

Take away Toeaina (and Irons), and all the guys are either fulfilling or exceeding expectations, filling their role, or coming along well in their development.

10 picks this year, we can load up on needs, as long as Cincy gets that big nasty DT they need, I don't care how they get him, but Dorsey would be awesome!

[nevsky41]

Two thoughts for the day...

So Rudi is out for this years NFL SPs. Not really surprised. But man, could the new lineups be any lamer?

NFL 17
Reggie Bush 2 - Wasn't really impressed this year.
Randy Moss 4 - Why more Moss? There are dozens of worthy WRs out there, why do we keep getting freaking Moss?
Willie Parker - ****in Todd and his obligatory Steeler.
Joseph Addai - Eh.
Brett Favre 5 - I am as sick of Favre for QBs as I am of Moss for WRs.
Tony Romo 2 - Um, why? Oh right, shameless pandering to Cowboys fans.
JaMarcus Russell - And more shameless pandering to Raiders fans.

NFL 18
Brandon Jacobs - Blah.
Tom Brady 3 - Tom Brady can suck my @$$.
Adrian Peterson - Okay, I'll give you this one.
DeMarcus Ware - Um, why?
Devin Hester - Reggie Bush 1 repaint.
LaDainian Tomlinson 5 - I am as sick of LdT for HBs as I am of Favre and Moss. SOME ONE ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben Roethlisberger 2 - Oh for christ's sake, another figure for the most over-rated player in the NFL?

Second, what d'y'all think of the firings of Breshnahan and Hunley? I think the Hunley firing is a raw deal, but unavoidable, due to the lack of consistency at LB for the last few years. Breshnahan I thought wasn't bad, but never did much.

I know Rex Ryan is thought to be the top candidate, but I also know Baltrimore may want to promote him to the head job, so I can only hope the stars align for him to come to Cincy. I think he can bring some structure to the defense and also make things a little less predictable.

We'll see though.

[Eric]

Wow. I didn't realize Roethlisberger, Romo, and Tomlinson were all getting figures yet again. Are you sure those lists are correct? That just seems so crazy. And Russell getting a figure is really insane.

I don't collect anymore (gave up a couple or so years ago), and it's lineups like this that turned me away. Same players from the same teams mixed with a few guys who have had one good season and are suddenly locked in (in Russell's case he hasn't even had one good season).

Rudi was dominant for three years, gets injured, and then gets pulled. TJ and Chad have both been outstanding for years, but we can't get a first Housh fig or a second Chad. And Chad's one of the most recognized players in the whole friggin' league.

I guess being a successful businessman makes you think you're an expert on professional sports, but I think Todd's choices are sorely lacking. Or maybe it's the people around Todd. How many Mark Webers or Ben Vances are around, putting in a good word for their big markets (Steelers, Yankees) or hometowns (Phoenix Suns/Coyotes/Arizona State alums)?

Forget the hundreds (probably more than that) I spent when I did collect. That wasn't enough to get me any figures that appeal to me. I have to be a Giants/Cowboys/Pats/Steelers fan to get any figures from my team.

I held out hope for the longest time that things would change (I think that's what a lot of people still do), and with every lineup it was the same story. TMP will say one thing one day about why they can't make a certain figure from a certain team, and then they'll turn around and break that rule the next day. It seems like a poor way of doing business to me, but "it's Todd's company and he can do what he wants."

Anyway, back to the Bengals. I think Bresnahan had to go and did a horrible job the entire time he was here. His defenses in Oakland were poor except one season or something, so he never was good enough to begin with. I just hope they don't go with Henderson to replace him. That's too much of a Mike Brown move. They need to hold out for Ryan or someone equivalent, someone who's done well as a defensive coordinator and can do the same for Cincinnati.

[nevsky41]

Well, we got Mike Zimmer. We shall see. I hope they can hire back Hue Jackson on some level.

[Eric]

Yeah, I'm okay with Zimmer based on what I've heard and read so far. And I agree, I hope they can bring Jackson back. Get him in here. They can find a position for the man later.

[nevsky41]

So what does everyone think about the hiring of the Raven's LB coach, and signing Carson l'il bro?

[Eric]

I'm happy for Carson's brother and Carson cause they get to be around each other. I'm sure it's something they always hoped would happen. Hopefully the kid never sees the playing field in Cincinnati unless it's a blowout or preseason.

As for the Ravens' LB coach, I don't know much about him, but I know the Ravens have had better linebackers than we have (along with everyone else in the NFL), so hopefully he can keep them from sucking like they did for the last two years.

[nevsky41]

The Pats choke and all is right with the world. How about Baby-chick? Show some class you a-hole! I suppose there's just some wins you can't cheat your way to. I really think Baby-chick is the summation of why the entire NFL hates the Patriots. He's a classless bad loser who can dish it out, but can't take it. There's going to be some major dirt coming out in the next few years about this era of Pats football, just like it came out a few years ago that the Broncos cooked the payroll books to get around the cap to keep Elway for a few more years. I don't know what kind of dirt it's going to be, but it's going to be stinky, and the stain will fall forever on this era of Pats football.

Anyway, what's everyone think about the Chad situation? There's no way he can be traded, and I really think he's being childish and needs to grow up. Be a man and take your lumps. The team was as publically supportive as it needed to be or could be. What did he want, Marvin to hold his hand the whole way? Marvin was not unsupportive, and Chad just needs to be a man and grow up. He's not going anywhere, and the team has supported him when no one else did, so he needs to shut up, own up, and just play his ass off. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

[Eric]

I think Chad knows he's not going anywhere and is just being Chad. I'm getting tired of it, too, but I 100% believe he's got every reason to be upset. He took major hell from the media and especially the fans, and it was undeserved hell to begin with. He does nothing but produce, season after season, and suddenly because the team's terrible way of doing things catches up to them (like finishing nearly last in defense and not doing anything to upgrade) it's all Chad Johnson's fault. Meanwhile guys like Justin "franchise tag" Smith are playing like sh** every week and not getting any blame at all.

Anyway, we're back to being hopeful because it's the offseason and the draft is yet to come and there's a new coach or two. Soon it will turn to disappointment because Mike Brown again won't sign any free agents and then Marvin will draft a wide receiver or running back in the second or third round and the whole cycle of the regular season will follow (craploads of injuries and poor defense).

Oh, it's great to be a Bengals fan.

[tykke05]

Hi Guys..sorry to jump in on your thread, but any of you guys collect football cards? I am looking to get rid of all my Carson Palmer cards. Have a large selection, including a couple autos, lots of gu/patches, rc's #'d inserts, etc. Also have Collinsworth and Rudi gu cards, and a couple Ickey Woods auto'd cards. Please pm me if interested...thanks for the time and good luck to the Bengals in '08. Hope they can bounce back from a couple down years and get back to the top of their division where they belong!

[RickeyB]

Bengals franchised Stacy Andrews today, looks like Justin Smith and Madieu Williams are out the door.

[Spazz]

That has to be a first, tagging a back up. They just resigned Big Willie and Levi to extensions a year and a half ago. Now they are going to pay Stacey the average of the 5 highest Takles in the league. I don't get it, unless they are going to let Big Willie go.

There goes 1/2 of our salary cap money for the year. Now with Justin and Madieu able to walk we have some huge holes in a already weak defense.

[Eric]

Mike Brown is the worst kind of cheap. He won't spend to bring in outside free agents that would help the team, but he'll overpay like crazy for guys who are already Bengals or use the franchise tag because that eats up cap space and gives him an excuse for why he doesn't sign outside free agents.

"We'll look into free agency, but we won't overspend. We're going to take care of our own and pay the guys who want to be here, who want to be Bengals."

The guys who want to be Bengals? The guys who suck and know nowhere else can they play terribly every week, making the same mistakes over and over again, and still have a starting job.

Stacy Andrews is a good player, but to pay him top dollar is almost as stupid as franchising Justin Smith, whom I'm glad is going. Someone will surely overpay for his services. I'd like Madieu to stay, but Ndukwe and Marvin White make him expendable, especially because he hasn't played truly well since his rookie season. Dexter Jackson can probably stand to go, too, but whatever.

[nevsky41]

I'm not terribly happy with franchising Stacy, but they have already invested so much time to develop him, and he's coming along nicely, and they think Willie may be another injury risk next year, but Willie won't go anywhere, so they think Andrews couldbe starting in a year or two after Willie retires. They're working on a long-term deal for him now.

Madieu may stick around, b/c it seems he wants to stay, but with Ndukwe and White lookign awesome, Madieu is sudenly expendable, like you said. I like Madieu, but hey, all's fair.

The last time they spent money in free agency, how'd that work out? Sam Adams was something of a bust, and he may have been the biggest FA in years. So it's a gamble. I'd rather keep Peko and Fanene, and Geathers, b/c they're looking like they're the foundation of a solid line... still like to get Glenn Dorsey tho...

[nevsky41]

Well, the Shaun Rogers deal falls thru... ****ing Browns.

[dingdongdunn44]

Bengals sign DE Antwan Odom today... there's hope after all... but still not enough. Gotta hope for a killer draft and I hope they sign McCree for Safety. I woulda really liked Robertson in the middle, but yet again, another deal falls through.

[Spazz]

Sources: Robertson trade off

Foxsports.com is reporting that the Dewayne Robertson trade from the Jets to the Bengals is off. It did not name a source. A phone message and e-mail to agent Hadley Engelhard have not been returned.

Another source close to the situation told The Enquirer late this afternoon that Robertson, who was believed to be in Cincinnati today, does not want to re-negotiate the final two years of his contract.

And why would he?

He is due to make base salaries of $9.8 million in 2008 and $8.29 million in 2009, according to the New York Daily News.

The Bengals have no comment.

Also late today, the agent for Colts free agent tight end Ben Utecht said his client will visit the Bengals on Thursday.



As bad as we need help on the D-line that would be way overpaying for him.

[dingdongdunn44]

BUT WE GOT ODOM, did you see that?

[Spazz]

Odom is a nice pick up. Odom and Geathers on the ends should help.

[nevsky41]

Odom is a great pick-up that will be a great bookend to Geathers. (One thing people forget about why Geathers' sacks dropped last seasonw as he was moved to SLB for the last third of the season, so why wouldn't his numbers get screwed up?) I would have liked for Robertson to come, but not for that cash. I'm still hoping for that nasty DT that we need to compliment Thornton and Peko. Peko is still getting better, but still young, so they need a badass DT in middle. Maybe rotating Fanene in and out of the middle could help. I just still hope they trade up to get Dorsey or he drops... not very likely though... Definitely want to see McCree and Utecht get picked up, b/c that eliminates the need to overdraft a TE, and gets a mentor in the secondary.

Very upset about Landon leaving tho.

[nevsky41]

I like that they got the deal done with Utecht. I think he's a good addition, and I seriously doubt the Colts will counter the Bengals offer. I like what Cincy is doing in free agency this year, Odom is a great signing, Utecht is the pass-catching TE they need, and as long as Indy doesn't counter, they won't have to spend a draft pick on a TE, which frees up more defensive options.

Looking up.

[SmartassBoiler]

The offense was not the same last year when Rudi went down, and depending on him moving forward would put the running game in a very precarious position, especially with Chris Perry and Kenny Irons on the mend.

Watson could be the guy, although I'm not sure if he's a 325 carry workhorse though.

[warchant01]

Looks like Utecht is officially in the fold...I lke that signing alot. Should really free up some big plays downfield for Chad, TJ, and Chris...Boiler, I agree with you on the running back situation...a little nervous there, hoping Rudi can bounce back.

[YlhandlZ]

3 of the top 44:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3309135&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d3309135

Or is it just one now....

[nevsky41]

I don't know about you guys, but I saw over the week, a story about Chad saying he'd rather go to the AFL than play for Cincy. I'm a huge Chad fan, but I'm sick of this, he needs to shut up, accept that he isn't getting traded, and either stay at home or play football, b/c he isn't going anywhere.

And all these idiots in the sports media keep fanning this, by saying he'll get traded on draft day, that's not going to happen either, b/c Cincy can't absorb the $8 million cap hit trading Chad would cause, no matter what offer is on the table. Chad isn't getting traded, end of discussion. He'll either play in a Bengals uniform or not play. There will be no trade, no matter what anyone can do.

Chad need to grow up and realize that if he would quit this crap, and be a TEAM MEMBER rather than just Chad, it'd be much more constructive.

[BadinRam01]

http://isaacs.newsvine.com/_news/2008/04/06/1385399-cincinnati-bengals-draft-preview

I've been working on this Bengals draft preview in my spare time for a while and I'd love it if you all could go look at it and, if interested, discuss it.

Thanks!

[warchant01]

Rivers a good pick-up, not sure about Simpson...looks like he has potential, but was a bit of a reach...could have had Kelly or Sweed...or better yet, more D. Hoping for Dre Moore (DT-Maryland) in 3rd rd. and Geno Hayes (LB-FSU) in 4th.

[Felty]

Predictions....

at best i see 9-7. I hope I am wrong..

[Felty]

wow yes we suck. But I can't be the only Bengal fan left on the board. Any predictions?

[skubasteve]

Who-Dey gonna arrest next?

[benganeer1]

Bengals lose their first 8 games, Marvin Lewis gets fired. Bob Bratkowski takes over and they finish with 8 straight wins. I'm hoping for the worst, so that way if I'm surprised, if they have a great year.

[skubasteve]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict a 6-10 season record.

[YlhandlZ]

#85 splits time as Javon Ocho Cinco at WR and Chad Johnson at CB. The dude is literally everywhere, scoring TDs both directions and solidifying the perennially questionable defense.

Yet, still, these are the Bengals, so they will find a way to lose (even in my dream):

4-12

[xumuskiefan]

We have a tough schedule. However, I feel that Zimmer will have this DE turned around and Carson will regain the '05 form with better weapons. 11-5

[Felty]

wow what a joke we are today. OL can't protect Carson. DL is geting ran over as i type this.. Carson deserves so much better. I think were screwed. We may be headed back to the bengals of old. I pray everyday that Mike Brown will sell the team. Please God answer my prayers.

[benganeer1]

1/16 towards my predict is correct. Only 15/16 to go. Can't wait to get rid of Lewis, if he is a defensive guru my poo-poo don't stink. They can't tackle a HS football player on the JV team.

[xumuskiefan]

I don't understand the coaching logic here. How do you not blitz a rookie QB with a rookie RB???????????????????? How to you keep running the ball against a brick wall?????????????? How does CARSON PALMER only throw for 99 yards???????????????

I completely blame the coaching staff for this loss. This is a better team. That was embarrassing and pathetic! Marvin Lewis should have been fired 30 seconds after that game ended. Mike Zimmer was the only one showing any emotion yesterday.

All I can say is Pat Simms can't get healthy fats enough and John Thorton can't pack his backs fast enough. Eric Ghiacuic needs to take up a new hobby too.

[YlhandlZ]

Do you guys think that Alexander will help at all? I really like the idea of adding him as a veteran leader to this team, but it's obviously not one of the Bengals big needs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3573452

[mariners4411]

Do you guys think that Alexander will help at all? I really like the idea of adding him as a veteran leader to this team, but it's obviously not one of the Bengals big needs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3573452

signing him wont help with the pathetic clueless coaching.

[RickeyB]

I see zero heart from this team at all. Watching the highlights and seeing Jonathan Joseph make zero effort to tackle Mark Clayton on the double reverse was just pathetic. Even Deion Sanders was taking shots at his lack of effort. Yeah sure he got a gift wrapped fumble return for a TD but players like this make me sick and glad that I am a Steelers fan.

[Felty]

1/16 towards my predict is correct. Only 15/16 to go. Can't wait to get rid of Lewis, if he is a defensive guru my poo-poo don't stink. They can't tackle a HS football player on the JV team.

We could have Bill Belichick coaching this team and I don't think it would matter. I am not ditching my team not now or ever. But it gets harder ever year. Watching the bengals is like having a best friend punch you in th groin. I don't like Lewis but he is not the main problem. The problem is Mike Brown. He has Like 37% winning percentage since he took over as president and GM.

[Vandy58]

Wow guys. I pretty much watch all Bengals games because my buddy that I go to the bar with is a die hard Bengals fan. We both agree that was probably the worste game I have ever seen.

[benganeer1]

Bengals lose their first 8 games, Marvin Lewis gets fired. Bob Bratkowski takes over and they finish with 8 straight wins. I'm hoping for the worst, so that way if I'm surprised, if they have a great year.

So far 1/4 of my prediction is correct.

[xumuskiefan]

This team is in desperate need of change! Maybe Chris Henry can be the spark they need... I doubt it, but like anything with the Bengals, there is always wishful thinking.

[Felty]

Watching the Bengals is like having your best friend kick you between the legs over and over.. Marvin Lewis needs to go. Mike Brown needs to wake up and realize that he needs to hire a GM he doesn't have a clue what he is doing. But as long as the stadium continues to sell out he isn't going to change a thing. Plus he never fire a coach who still had years left in his contract. He is to cheap to pay someone that is not working. the offensive coordinator BratkowskiI needs to go as well. I truly believe Chad Johnson is just tanking it out there. They should have traded him when Washington offered two first round picks. Now we couldn't get a fourth rounder out of him. Plus we should have signed TJ long term when we could have. Why on earth would he want to come back next year??

[xumuskiefan]

Well, the plus side is they signed Cedric Benson! LOL

Like I said on another board... Unless Mike Brown is like Al Davis (Who will seem to live forever), he will die off during my lifetime (knock on wood), so there is some light at the end of the tunnel for us Bengals fans!

[benganeer1]

5/16 of the way to my prediction coming true, only 3/16 to go.

[benganeer1]

3/8 of the way to my prediction coming true, only 5/8 to go.

[Ghost of AA62]

along with Detroit, this franchise should be blown up and personnel scattered across the league and FA. Look on the brightside, you'll always have the 1980s, the Icky Shuffle and the everlasting memory of Montana's last minue drive.

[Felty]

Gotta love Paul Daugherty. Continues to call Mike Brown.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081019/SPT02/310190046/1062/SPT&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

my favorite quote from the article



"The dead horse has been flogged until its bones are ready for the soup pot. Needed: One general manager, four or five scouts. No coach is so good he can overcome a lack of players, week after month after year. Chances of that happening: Same as Mike Brown wearing nylons and doing a turn as a Rockette.

God only knows what inspires a man to hold a town and a franchise hostage to his leather helmet way of doing things. But, knock, knock, Redeemer: It doesn’t work."

[mrmain18]

There will never be a Bengal GM as long as Mike Brown is still alive. We can thank Art Modell for that.

[mariners4411]

Gotta love Paul Daugherty. Continues to call Mike Brown.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081019/SPT02/310190046/1062/SPT&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

my favorite quote from the article



"The dead horse has been flogged until its bones are ready for the soup pot. Needed: One general manager, four or five scouts. No coach is so good he can overcome a lack of players, week after month after year. Chances of that happening: Same as Mike Brown wearing nylons and doing a turn as a Rockette.

God only knows what inspires a man to hold a town and a franchise hostage to his leather helmet way of doing things. But, knock, knock, Redeemer: It doesn’t work."

cause he thinks he knows football like his dad did. plus Mike Brown is all about making profit no matter how crappy the team is

[benganeer1]

7/16 only 1/16 until my preduction comes true.

[YlhandlZ]

7/16 only 1/16 until my preduction comes true.Aren't you more like 7/18 with the more difficult parts of your prediction (i.e. fire Lewis, Brat's HC, and 8 str8 Ws) to go? Still, I admire the optimism buried deep in this prediction.

I'm moving to Cincy next month...need a good bar to watch my Broncos :)

[Felty]

well looks like Palmer is done for the year.... The bengals are going to make serious run at going 0 -16

REPORT: PALMER LIKELY DONE FOR SEASON
Posted by Michael David Smith on October 24, 2008, 8:26 p.m.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is likely to miss the remainder of the season with an elbow injury.

Citing unnamed sources, Mortensen reports that the ulnar collateral ligament in Palmer’s throwing elbow is “frayed.”

However, the Bengals are apparently not planning to put Palmer on injured reserve just yet, leaving open the possibility that he could return if the elbow heals more quickly than thought. Realistically, though, it’s hard to believe an 0-7 team would risk the long-term health of its franchise quarterback by having him through an elbow injury.

At this point Palmer hasn’t decided whether to have Tommy John surgery. His injury is not believed to be as serious as the elbow injury suffered by Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme last season.

Palmer suffered the injury on September 21 and has played in only one game since.

[YlhandlZ]

At what point do the Bengals call it a day and concede that football's not really their game? I'm not quite sure how they'll pull it off, but I think they're going to rack up a "bonus" L during Week 10.

[McFarlane Mojo]

Hurry, get Culpepper before the Chiefs do.

[Felty]

Since Mike Brown took over he's had a 36% winning percentage. So far this season, it's already dropped to 35%. If Mike Brown can pull off a 0-16 season, it will sit at 34%. I just like to congratulate Mike Brown. He says he is a reformer that's why he likes drafting and giving second chances to criminals. Well he has reformed a 2005 Playoff team back into the Bungles. Way to go Mike. I hope your happy.

[YlhandlZ]

#85 splits time as Javon Ocho Cinco at WR and Chad Johnson at CB. The dude is literally everywhere, scoring TDs both directions and solidifying the perennially questionable defense.

Yet, still, these are the Bengals, so they will find a way to lose (even in my dream):

4-12Damn tie! Well, that and the fact that 85 was completely invisible negating that ridiculous part of my prediction. Nice way to finish off the season. I wish my boys would've picked up at least one of their last three....

OT: anyone seen any Wave 3? I'm in Anderson TWP and I'd love to pick up a Cutler chase before I head back to CO.

[Eric]

So, what does everyone think of the offseason so far?

I'm actually a little optimistic for the upcoming season based on what's happened. Losing TJ is a bummer, but we all knew that was gonna happen. I like their draft and the moves that have been made.

Chad is saying all the right things right now, though that doesn't do much for me. He needs to step up and catch 80 balls and get 1,000+ yards again this season. Carson deserves better, so hopefully they'll all give him better this season.

[mariners4411]

has that goof Andre Smith finally settled on a agent and get signed yet?

[Eric]

Tough loss in Week 1, and of course by "tough" I mean "horribly, horribly cruel". They didn't play great, but they played well enough to win, and they certainly played better than Denver, who was virtually shut down by the Bengals' D. But it's not about deserve, so it's on to Week 2 and a tough Green Bay squad. My hope isn't crushed yet for this season, but it'll take a major hit if the Bengals start 0-3 (it's Pittsburgh in Week 3).

[Eric]

For as bad as the Week 1 loss felt, this win in Week 3 over Pittsburgh feels every bit as good. It wasn't pretty in the first half, but they found a way to win over their division rivals who have owned them at home this decade.

Major props to everyone on the offense for coming through on the last drive. Andre Caldwell said today on ESPN First Take that even before the drive started, in the huddle Carson said, "After we score this touchdown, we're going for two." It takes balls to say that and then deliver. Maybe Palmer is clutch after all. He's certainly looked that way this season.

Who dey!

[YlhandlZ]

Who DEY!

[ssharpe]

Congrats Bengals fans. Great come from behind win. You guys should be 3 - 0

[Purdue_Pete]

I picked you guys against the Steelers and may win our office pool because of it. Woot! :)



WHO DEY! :)

[Vandy58]

Congrats Bengals fans. Great come from behind win. You guys should be 3 - 0

True, instead I get to here the idiots in "Donkey's Country" saying how great they are. Hell a few have brought up playoffs!

[BigCatLemmer]

I'm so proud of the Bengals after yesterday. Hope we keep it up against the Browns and then the Ravens!

[YlhandlZ]

True, instead I get to here the idiots in "Donkey's Country" saying how great they are. Hell a few have brought up playoffs!
A Bengals vs. Broncos AFC Championship matchup will likely be the end of my marriage, so I'm quite happy remaining in mediocrity. :)

[PKHale007]

If we make it past the Ravens in week 5 then we will be considered legit!!!!!!! Geaux Bengals

[Eric]

Well, the Bengals are now 3-1, even if it wasn't perfect or pretty all the time. There's reason for hope, but there's also reason to be cautious. Sunday against the Ravens is a big game, the biggest of the season so far. Let's hope they bring it and get the kicking game figured out beforehand.

[snedden001]

Good game against the Brownies, I'm pulling for the Bungles to beat Baltimore this week. Hope you guys lay a whoopin' on them.

[Eric]

It's gonna be tough, and because I'm a Bengals fan, I'm still waiting for the bottom to drop out, so I'm not expecting a win against the Ravens. The good thing is the Bengals typically do well against Baltimore, so it should be interesting. I only wish I could actually watch the game rather than just check out the highlights Sunday evening.

[YlhandlZ]

Way to go Cardiac Cats! Awesome win!!

[Raven Maniac (aka TJ87)]

I hope you send Ray Lewis a nice present, because his idiotic play helped you down the field. Not taking anything away from the Bengals, though. They hung tough and they should have won the game by a lot more than they did. The Ravens defense went from dynamic to dumpoff.

[Barry Sanders]

Who Dey!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1st Place. Awesome game. This team is going to end up giving me a heart attack, but its awesome to get the win.

[Rebel2321]

Great win! Who would of thought Cedric Benson would be the guy to break the Ravens hundred yard rusher streak... REPAINT Lol

[RickyWilliams34]

One fluke play away from 5-0. Love seeing this cause my dad is a huge Bengals fan and I'd love for him to see them win.

[Barry Sanders]

Great win! Who would of thought Cedric Benson would be the guy to break the Ravens hundred yard rusher streak... REPAINT Lol

Please Id buy it lol.

One fluke play away from 5-0. Love seeing this cause my dad is a huge Bengals fan and I'd love for him to see them win.

No doubt.

[Rebel2321]

On a different note... way to go Chad keeping his composure. Could of blew that game had he gone after Ray Lewis. I would have loved to see him catch the winning touchdown and do that idiotic dance Lewis does.

[Diab0lus]

It was a great win today. Bittersweet though due to the death of Coach Zimmer's wife last Thursday. I am glad they pulled it together for the win. Ray Lewis' idiotic play and the PI call definitely helped keep those drives alive, and we needed it. This years team really has shown composure and resilience. I sure would like them to win one by a couple of touchdowns though and not keep coming down to the past few seconds of the game! Who needs coffee when your a Bengals fan?

GO BENGALS!

[Raven Maniac (aka TJ87)]

Yeah, you Bengals fans better have defibrillators next to your TV with the way the Bengals win!

[BigCatLemmer]

WHO DEY!! Outstanding win, and against the Ravens. I was telling my friend the difference between the Ravens and Steelers as a Bengals fan is the Steelers are just cheapshot artist *******s, and the Ravens are some amazing players like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Then Ray went off on Chad haha, but anyways I respect the Ravens way over the Steelers and to get a W over them is huge. Hope we do it again in a couple weeks!!

[RickeyB]

Congrats on the big divisional win today, very impressed with play of this Bengal squad. Glad to see they won for Mike Zimmer.

[dingdongdunn44]

I just can't believe we have already matched last year's win total by week 5! Like the guy above said, they are one fluke play away from being 5-0... but they could easily be 0-5 and lost all the games they've won. They've been that close. But I'd rather be lucky than good... and we've been good when we needed to be. This defense is the best squad I have ever seen them have in a long time. As long as the defense keeps making plays, our offense can score enough points and eat up the clock, we have a great shot at the division and making a deep run in the playoffs... We just have to keep up the good work... It honeslty, for once, feels great to be a Bengals fan. WHO DEY!!!!

[85bengals]

Ray Lewis cost them the game, can't wait to hear his excuse after the game. Great win, the biggest in years for the Bengals!

[85bengals]

Ray Lewis cost them the game, can't wait to hear his excuse after the game. Great win, the biggest in years for the Bengals!

[Joe Solak]

Congrats Bengal fans, what a great win today. And I'm glad you guys won after hearing of the tragic events of the week. It should be a hell of a fight the rest of the way!

[PKHale007]

The great thing about it is our remaining schedule, we have Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland and Cleveland again, 4 very winnable games. If we can eek out a couple more wins say against teams like Houston and Chicago that would give us 10 wins....should be enough to make the playoffs....Go Bengals!!!!!

[Floyd Thursby]

1st PLACE, BABY!!!...let's keep it up next week fellas...

And to the weird amount of Steeler fans saying congrats...thanks(I think)....

[RickeyB]

1st PLACE, BABY!!!...let's keep it up next week fellas...

And to the weird amount of Steeler fans saying congrats...thanks(I think)....

A knowledgeable football fan can appreciate an impressive performance. The way this team has turned things around so far this season and the improved defense is very impressive. I already got my tickets for Nov 15th!!!

[Purdue_Pete]

I am a Colts fan in Indianapolis but grew up near Cincy - travel there on business, etc and so glad to see the Bengals doing well. I didn't want to see Palmer flame out, I think he can be a GREAT QB.

:)

[Eric]

Carson used to be so un-clutch it was ridiculous, but he seems to have turned a corner in that department this season. As others have said, the Bengals could easily be 0-5, so that has me slightly less optimistic about how good they really are, but all that matters for now is they're 4-1 and in first place in the AFC North.

Who dey!

[Eric]

Well, after a letdown against the Texans, the Bengals responded in epic fashion with a 45-10 thumping of the Chicago Bears. Cedric Benson got any revenge he was looking for and then some, and Palmer showed just how great he can be once again. It was a heck of a game, and it's done a lot to instill confidence in me for what kind of team they actually are. There's still a long way to go, but being in first in the AFC North by virtue of the tiebreaker still feels good.

Who dey!

[PKHale007]

Geaux Bengals

[BigCatLemmer]

Who dey! Who dey! Who dey!

[snedden001]

Bengals are for real. Looking forward to the game at Heinz Field in 3 weeks. It should be a barnburner.

[PKHale007]

Bengals are for real. Looking forward to the game at Heinz Field in 3 weeks. It should be a barnburner.
Agreed......:)

[RickeyB]

Bengals are for real. Looking forward to the game at Heinz Field in 3 weeks. It should be a barnburner.

I'll be there! Should be a good one, can't wait!!!!

[Floyd Thursby]

WHO DEY!!!

[PKHale007]

awesome win today against the Ravens.....6-2 baby, bring on the Steelers

[Diab0lus]

Go Bengals!

[Floyd Thursby]

still hardly any respect though...on the "Blintz" Berman was like, "Man the Ravens must really be scratching there heads."....insinuating how impossible it should have been to be swept by the Bengals...I agree at the beginning of the season, but now I think we've shown ourselves to be for real...I mean as he says it the Ravens are 4-4 and Cincy is 6-2...C'mon Man!

[Diab0lus]

still hardly any respect though...on the "Blintz" Berman was like, "Man the Ravens must really be scratching there heads."....insinuating how impossible it should have been to be swept by the Bengals...I agree at the beginning of the season, but now I think we've shown ourselves to be for real...I mean as he says it the Ravens are 4-4 and Cincy is 6-2...C'mon Man!

We won't get any respect unless we beat Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Minnesota. And then MAYBE we will get some due respect.

I guarantee if we lose to Pittsburgh people will be saying, "same old Bengals". Just like after the Houston ass-whooping we received. :rolleyes:

p.s. Here's a thought: what IF Pittsburgh loses tonight? Hmm...

[316what]

*waits to see how much Chad's fine will be this week*:p

[Raven Maniac (aka TJ87)]

Rooting for the Bengals to take the division. Great job shutting down my Ravens on both sides of the ball. Your secondary was dominant. Joseph is a beast.

[Diab0lus]

Rooting for the Bengals to take the division. Great job shutting down my Ravens on both sides of the ball. Your secondary was dominant. Joseph is a beast.

Thanks for the nice comments. I was surprised that the Bengals dominated the first half as well as they did. The second half we had some trouble moving the ball.

[BigCatLemmer]

So proud of my Bengals. I can't wait for the Pittsburgh game this Sunday. A true test that I think they can succeed at!!

[Purdue_Pete]

WHO DEY! (unless they play the Colts in the AFC Title game...

:D

[Eric]

Another week passes, and the Bengals win total bumps up by one. As I said in my last post, there's still a long way to go, but you have to feel at least a little good to be a Bengals fan right now.

Sunday's game with Pittsburgh is huge. I hope the Bengals bring their A game cause they will no doubt need it.

[Diab0lus]

Another week passes, and the Bengals win total bumps up by one. As I said in my last post, there's still a long way to go, but you have to feel at least a little good to be a Bengals fan right now.

Sunday's game with Pittsburgh is huge. I hope the Bengals bring their A game cause they will no doubt need it.

Shoot. We need to bring our A+ game. Then again, so does Pittsburgh. I love the fact that the Bengals are still getting overlooked and are flying somewhat under the radar. I don't want our team to get complacent. We need to continue to feel that there is something to prove. A win in Pittsburgh would be a great continuation of that.

Go Bengals! :cool:

[PKHale007]

At 6-2 and remaining games against Oakland, KC, Detroit and Cleveland, if we can get by the Stealers Sunday then the sky is the limit

[PKHale007]

7-2 Baby.....first place feels great

[Diab0lus]

AWESOME GAME BY THE BENGALS! SUPERIOR AND STOUT PLAY BY OUR DEFENSE!

This game was a statement game for us and I think we have EVERYONE believing now that the Bengals are a team to be taken seriously. Now we just can't go and lay any eggs. We need to win the games we are supposed to get a couple more big away game wins.

Go Bengals!

[BigCatLemmer]

AWESOME GAME BY THE BENGALS! SUPERIOR AND STOUT PLAY BY OUR DEFENSE!

This game was a statement game for us and I think we have EVERYONE believing now that the Bengals are a team to be taken seriously. Now we just can't go and lay any eggs. We need to win the games we are supposed to get a couple more big away game wins.

Go Bengals!


EXACTLY what he said

[RickeyB]

Congrats on the win! The defense has really come around. I was at the game and I gotta give props to the Bengal fans for coming out to Heinz Field and supporting their team. The Steelers offense looked liked crap but you gotta blame a lot of that on the Bengals D!