The Official Cincinnati Bengals discussion thread [Archive]

nevsky41

09-17-2004, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by Spider Man:
the Bengals and playoffs in the same sentence...
hahahaah thats funnyDon't mind the haters, one good game and they think they're gonna crash the Super Bowl. Now THAT's funny...

Anyway, my thoughts, as one of the most die-hard Bengals fans on the board...

The offense is absolutely the best in the division, and potentially one of the best in the AFC. Now that's a bold statement, I know, but after Palmer's cold-blooded performance against the Jets, I feel confident saying that. Our receivers are some of the league's best, the o-line is the best we've had since Munoz retired, and Rudi has the potential to rack up 1500 yards this season. Consistency is still a bit of a concern, but those issues get ironed out as the season progresses. Run blocking needs to be better, but I have faith that this line can clear the way for Rudi, as well as keep Palmer protected. And as for Palmer, anyone concerned about growing pains, I point out that amazing performance against the Jets. He only made one mistake in the entire game, granted it cost us the game, but that game was up for grabs until the final posession. It sucks to start off 0-1, but a performance like that is still very promising. Palmer is the real deal, and I just remember watching that game and thinking about how all these analysts talk about the "ice water in Tom Brady's veins," well, Palmer's performace was just as cold-blooded as any time I've seen Brady play. He's got that ice water in his veins as well, and it showed. This offense is in very good shape as long as everyone stays healthy. And Pamer and Chad have the VERY REAL potential to become a Montana & Rice or Peyton & Marvin type of elite QB/WR team. It'll happen.

As for the defense, I've had many debates at work about the defense, and the haters are telling me it's just no good. Truth be told, we haven't seen the defense at full strength yet this year. O'Neal was hurt for almost the entire preseason (hopefully he'll play this sunday), Simmons was hurt for the opener, hopefully he'll be back son as well. Once Simmons and O'Neal are both in the lineup, we'll see some good stuff. Another thing to remember about the D is that there are so many new starters and backups in this D thet they need to develop chemistry, and that comes with playing together. Preseason really doesn't do that very well, and once that chemistry develops, which shouldn't take very long, the defense probably will pull into the top 20 in the league, maybe even threaten to crash the top 15. Granted, O'Neal's big knock against him is that he had a crappy season last year, but people forget that Shanahan held a grudge, and that won't fix anything. Sometimes, all a player needs is a change of scenery, and given the mire that O'Neal's situation had become in Denver, the move to Cincy is probably just what he needs top return to that Pro Bowl form.

As for our rookies, the big three to watch are Keiwan Ratliff, Caleb Miller, and Madieu Williams. Those three guys will be the future of this defense, and may even challenge for some starting jobs next season.

Anyway, this is a lot longer than I had intended, but oh well. I'm calling 9-7 this season, second in the division, and a POSSIBLE wild card berth. I have no doubts that we will end the non-winning seasons streak, and while a wild card is a possibility, I'm trying not to get my hopes up TOO high. But everyhting is clicking right now. We'v got an elite coach, we've finally got a true franchise QB for the first time since Boomer, a great o-line, amazing WRs, a truly dangerous HB, and a defense that will come together and do good things. And the best part? Every player in Cincy right now WANTS to be there and wants to be on the field, playing their best, every down of every game. That hasn't been the case for many moons. As much as I appreciate what Dillon did for us, he was a negative influence off the field and never really wanted to be there for most of his time in Cincy, and good riddance to bad rubbish.

Thing is, whether we crash the playoffs this year or not, I have no doubts that in 2005 and beyond, that we will be a legitimate championship contender for a long time.

biggumsfranchise

09-17-2004, 01:31 PM

go bengals!

shantyman88

09-17-2004, 01:35 PM

hahaha agreed...

the Bengals and playoffs in the same sentence...
hahahaah thats funny

At least we've been to the Super Bowl mr. Browns fan.

kuhldip

09-17-2004, 01:39 PM

I'm down with the Bengals

YzermanFan

09-17-2004, 02:02 PM

The Bengals defensive line HAS to get better if there are any chances for a playoffs. There was no pass rush against the Jets. Now I know there was a talk for Sapp and Gardener and those fell through but right now the 4 out there need to approve.
I do think Marvin Lewis is doing a great job and Palmer to Johnson can be a lethal combo in the NFL.
We'll see Sunday night.
WHO-DEY!

Oh yeah, Browns fan, when you get to a Super Bowl (and no, the Baltimore Ravens SB win doesn't count either) then you can start knocking the "Bungles" around. Until then, try to put that fire out on the lake.

swindle125

09-17-2004, 02:52 PM

woudn't mind seeing the bengals make the playoffs cause i'm a carson palmer fans :D

rarechaselimitedvariation

09-17-2004, 03:08 PM

qbs are going to love those bengals :D

rarechaselimitedvariation

09-17-2004, 03:08 PM

and any 30ish running backs :D

Felty

09-18-2004, 10:17 AM

Various News from Bengals.com

BENGALS.COM RE-LAUNCH
Bengals fans, be on the lookout for an all-new bengals.com, which will debut
early Sunday morning. Our new-look site will contain a much-improved and
easier navigation, regular multimedia features including video interviews
and highlights, more live audio, the integration of better and larger
photos, and much more!

BY GEOFF HOBSON
With centers Rich Braham and Larry Moore limping with sore knees, the Bengals turned to 37-year-old iron man Jerry Fontenot to help get them through this week. Fontenot surfaced in the locker room after Thursdays walk-through when he signed a one-year deal. Before this season, Fontenot had started 80 straight games at center for the Saints. A former third-round pick of the Bears in 1989, Fontenot had started 106 straight games in Chicago and New Orleans before hurting his knee.
It’s not clear who the Bengals are going to release to make room for the 6-3, 300-pound Fontenot. Fontenot is now the oldest player on the roster, with three years on Braham. It is believed hes the oldest Bengal since 37-year-old Ken Anderson played his last season in 1986. Still, Fontenot is the 18th oldest player in a league that still has one player born in the 50s in 45-year-old Titans kicker Gary Anderson.

Spider Man

09-18-2004, 10:33 AM

I see them going 7-9, 3rd place.. next year Palmer will develop and they will make wild card...
this year im gonna say not yet....
and I didnt say the browns were going to the Super Bowl....
for the browns, i see 10-6 if they keep up the good defense...anything less then .500
mr. davis might get fired...

howboutdemcowboys3l

09-18-2004, 10:39 AM

go peter warrick hes one of my personal favs and I need him for fantasy!

mtd20_2000

09-18-2004, 10:49 AM

GO BENGALS!!!!

exanimate

09-18-2004, 11:41 AM

I definately think that the Bengals will make the playoffs. Just watching them in week 1, you can tell that they are a real football team now. You can tell that the players actually want to play for them now, instead of just showing up to get there paycheck.

nevsky41

09-18-2004, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by Spider Man:
for the browns, i see 10-6 if they keep up the good defense...anything less then .500
mr. davis might get fired... 10-6? What in the world are you smoking, brah?

I just don't understand how Davis gets an extension after the cluster**** that occurred last season. I wish I could do my job that incompetently and get rewarded for it.

MLabrosc02

09-18-2004, 12:17 PM

HAHA a Browns fan comes to this thread and mentions that this is funny. Man would I hate to be a Browns fan. Have they ever acheived anything in their NFL History, well other than moving and then having someone bring the franchise back. Dont make dumb comments, especially if your a Browns fan of all teams. But after an upset last week, be prepared for your season to go downhill from here Browns fan.

Felty

09-18-2004, 02:20 PM

LOL!! The Browns 10-6????? ?You got be joking right? As long as Davis is the coach. They are going nowhere.

Tanski

09-18-2004, 03:28 PM

Kitna should be starting, palmer through some bad passes and i was at the game sunday as a bengals fan although i was impressed by palmers audibling and the such, he was better under the pressure than i thought, but i still think kitna should be the starter, the defense. . .needs help though. Chad and Rudi . . .johnson and johnson gonna be the key this year. throw in jeremi just for ha ha's. Go Bengals, they are my afc team. Go Giants though.

Barry Sanders

09-18-2004, 03:41 PM

ALL I GOT TO SAY IS WHO DEY

Felty

09-18-2004, 10:53 PM

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

CINCINNATI - The Miami Dolphins' defense now has some extra motivation for Sunday's game at Cincinnati. Not only is Chad Johnson expecting to score, the Bengals' wide receiver said he is saving his first touchdown celebration of the season for the Dolphins. "I'll have something for Sunday that everyone can enjoy, but it will be within the rules and won't get anyone in trouble," Johnson said. "It will be real nice."

Eric

09-18-2004, 11:15 PM

I don't want to jinx anything, and I don't think we should get ahead of ourselves, but I definitely saw some encouraging things in the game against the Jets (and I don't mean our "outstanding" defense, either.). I'll just leave it at I'm really excited for what's coming with this team after so many years of suffering.

nevsky41

09-18-2004, 11:28 PM

Tanski, not to be rude or anything, but were you watching the same game I watched sunday? Palmer proved to me WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT that he is the man for the job, and needs to be the starter now. Kitna is a good, solid QB. I like Kitna, he did great things last year, but he didn't handle the pressure of the stretch very well last season. And what if all it was was one hot year and if he was still the starter, and he reverted back to his old form of almost 2-1 INT-TD ratios, and losing fumbles all over the field? It'd be exactly the same as it was when we started 0-3 last season, and the call for Palmer was deafening. Kitna is a solid QB, but I don't see him as a QB capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl. And I hate to say that, b/c I liked watching him last year, and he has been a great influence on the Bengals in the last year, but we cannot have a second season with a $3 million dollar clipboard holder, and in drafting Palmer, we all knew he would eventually inherit the team, and that time is here. Kitna getting hot last season just delayed the inevitable, but I feel it was for the better, b/c rather than throwing Palmer to the wolves like so many rookie "franchise" Qbs are, he got to sit back, watch, learn, and understand the differences between college and pro ball. I believe we have our best shot to get back to the Super Bowl with Palmer under center, and the more time he spends there, the faster and easier our road should become.

And as for bad throws, I saw him make one truly bad throw, and that was the pick, and the only reason it was a bad throw was b/c he didn't put quite enough air under it (he says he should have checked down as well). I've watched that pick several times, and really, if there'd been just a little more air under that ball, Chad probably would have had it and he'd have been gone. Coleman getting that pick was far more luck than skill, but of course, no one wants to admit that, b/c the Jets are a more marketable team than the Bengals, so all the NFL Network analysts laud praise on Coleman for being so saavy and whatever on the play, but he was more lucky than good, if you ask me. But anyway, what QB doesn't throw bad passes occaisionally, rookie or 10 year vet? Joe Montana is the greatest QB ever, but even the best made bad passes. To say that Palmer threw some bad passes and should not be the starter b/c of that seems a bit ridiculous to me. Pennington threw some ugly passes in that game as welll, but b/c he wasn't the 1st overall pick, or making his NFL debut, nobody feels the need to nitpick that either.

Palmer IS the starter, and he SHOULD BE the starter. His performance last sunday proved that to me, and many other Bengals fans. He looked far more experienced than he actually is, and he has the respect and faith of his teammates and it showed. He is young and inexperienced, yes, but I'm glad he's playing. Big Wilie may be the team's emotional leader, but he has expressed his faith and confidence in Palmer more than once, and that will spread to the rest of the team. Palmer has control of that huddle. He is the guy that should be in there. Am I saying he won't make more bad throws or throw more picks? Of course he will, but that happens to EVERY QB who has ever played the game, I don't care how talented they are or how long they've been playing the game.

Again, I've rambled, and I think I'll get off the soapbox now, b/c once again, I've gotten very very long-winded. :o

MLabrosc02

09-19-2004, 11:59 AM

Tanski- I was at the game too Sunday, and I actually thought Palmer looked very good. Palmer didnt make many bad throws as your making it seem like, and the only bad one I remember was Bryants pick. Other than that, Palmer looked good and should me starting. Beat those 'Fins today. Oh, and I wanna see what Chad Johnson has in his pocket, so he better score a TD.

exanimate

09-19-2004, 12:16 PM

Hey Felty, I noticed that you said that you watched Pennington a lot at Marshall, did you go to Marshall?

Felty

09-19-2004, 12:41 PM

Hey Felty, I noticed that you said that you watched Pennington a lot at Marshall, did you go to Marshall?
Actually no but I only live about 25 miles or so from Huntington.

exanimate

09-19-2004, 01:37 PM

Ahh, I am in Barboursville(getting ready to move to Ona). Nice to see someone from the area.

shantyman88

09-19-2004, 03:06 PM

I am doubly excited for tonight's game becuase Time Warner Cable FINALLY added ESPNHD. I am excited!

Who Dey!

Felty

09-19-2004, 08:06 PM

Ahh, I am in Barboursville(getting ready to move to Ona). Nice to see someone from the area.
Cool! I don't make it up that way very often. I don't have to much luck hunting for figures.

exanimate

09-19-2004, 08:17 PM

Cool! I don't make it up that way very often. I don't have to much luck hunting for figures.
It is pointless around here anyway. I rarely find anything. The guy at Kaybee at the mall told me yesterday that the store manager gets all of the figs when the come in. I travel to Logan and Mingo everyday, so that is where I find most of mine.

Felty

09-19-2004, 09:53 PM

Ugly win... But a Win is a win...

Palmer look really good on the game winning drive.

exanimate,

I knew one of the guys in babbages got most of the variants. But I didn't know about Kay Bee.

nevsky41

09-19-2004, 10:17 PM

Dear GAWD, what an ugly game!!! :eek:

But, as you said, Felty, a win is a win is a win, no matter how ugly it is. That notch in the W column is enough salve to make correcting whatever mistakes were made a little easier. Tough game coming up next sunday though, I'm ALWAYS worried when we play the Ravens, mainly b/c of the mercenary-filled D. And as bad as Jamal Lewis was last week, he is NOT Travis MInor or Lamont whats-his-name, so that always is scary as well. But I still believe every time we get on that field that we can win.

And how about our D stepping it up! Play like that all year, guys, not just against patchwork offenses like Miami's. Awesome to see Deltha and Simmons out there. But Miami's D is going to be completely exhausted by week 6 if they have to play that hard all season. And you know what, it'll probably happen.

And WHAT THE HELL was with that BS unsportsmanlike conduct flag on Justin???? :mad: If AJ Feeley is such a delicate flower that he can't take a legitimate block after he throws a pick, maybe he needs to rethink his career.

If every win we get this year is liek this game, I think we'll have the moniker of the Cardiac Cats this season.

And for all the Palmer bashers, from what I saw and heard (had to listen to most of the game on the radio, as I was at work until the last 2 minutes, and I forgot the turn the channel to ESPN when I set the record timer!!! :mad: :eek: ), most of his ugly moments were the result of an insane pass rush from Miami, and that pick by Taylor should have been nulified b/c Taylor jumped, but wasn't called (at leat that's what Lapham and Johansen said on the radio, I didn't see that part of the game). But he looked awesome on that final drive, and I'm not gonna change my position that he is the right man for the job.

I'm listening to the radio postgame show, and Dave Lapham is in the locker room, and he mentioned he was astounded by what Fontenot accompished. I'm guessing he;'s referring to how he come in and started the game and (i guess) played well with less than a week in the system. Felty, what exactly happened with Fontenot that would have Lapham astounded?

Four-way tie, people. Hopefully we go over the Ravens next week... that'd be awesome.

I'm tired. I'm out.

Eric

09-19-2004, 10:22 PM

The defense really stepped it up this week, and it was the offense's turn to crap out on us. They came through when they needed to, though, and that's all that matters. Palmer definitely didn't have it this week (except for that last drive), but I guess that's understandable because Miami's defense was pretty much outstanding.

Next is Baltimore, so I hope the O gets things figured out in practice this week while the D perfects what they started tonight. Go, Bengals. Who dey.

Felty

09-19-2004, 10:24 PM

I guess he was astounded by the fact that Fontenot came in and started after being there less than a week. He played really well. Excellent pick up by the Bengals in my opinion.

I was glad to see Simmons and O'neal back as well. Simmons with the big INT for a TD. And with O'neal back there was no beating the bengals deep like Pennington did last week.

I worry about Jamal Lewis next week. They need to stack the line and take a page from the Browns. Make Boller beat them.

Eric

09-19-2004, 10:32 PM

And WHAT THE HELL was with that BS unsportsmanlike conduct flag on Justin???? :mad: If AJ Feeley is such a delicate flower that he can't take a legitimate block after he throws a pick, maybe he needs to rethink his career.

And for all the Palmer bashers, from what I saw and heard (had to listen to most of the game on the radio, as I was at work until the last 2 minutes, and I forgot the turn the channel to ESPN when I set the record timer!!! :mad: :eek: ), most of his ugly moments were the result of an insane pass rush from Miami, and that pick by Taylor should have been nulified b/c Taylor jumped, but wasn't called (at leat that's what Lapham and Johansen said on the radio, I didn't see that part of the game). But he looked awesome on that final drive, and I'm not gonna change my position that he is the right man for the job.

I'm listening to the radio postgame show, and Dave Lapham is in the locker room, and he mentioned he was astounded by what Fontenot accompished. I'm guessing he;'s referring to how he come in and started the game and (i guess) played well with less than a week in the system.
Justin is a moron for thinking he can get away with levelling a QB in this league in a situation like that. He knew better, and I don't blame the ref for throwing the flag. He played pretty well other than that, though.

Taylor was definitely offsides on that INT. I was amazed they didn't call it, cause it seemed pretty obvious to me. When they showed the replay with the game sound going, he was up and moving across the line before Palmer's voice could be heard hiking the football.

As for Fontenot, I don't think he did anything outstanding or special. He just did his job, and he just joined days ago, so that makes it all the more impressive. But maybe there was something I missed that Lapham saw. It's possible, as he gets paid to watch and analyze while I just do it for fun.:D

Who dey.

nevsky41

09-19-2004, 10:33 PM

Boller couldn't beat an egg, so if the D can keep the intensity high and can keep Jamal under control, and Palmer can get back into the groove he found last week, and Rudi runs better earlier, hey, we can do it. LIke I said, I BELIEVE.

And I guess I shouldn't be amazed by Lapham's astoundment at Fontenot's performance, as he was an O-lineman back when he played for the Bengals. I was stoked when I saw he signed. Glad we've got some good depth at Center finally. Larry Moore is good, but I still think he'd be better served as a swingman for either guard position. Fontenot is the real deal. I hope Richie gets healthy fast, but if Fontenot ends up being forced into the starting spot, I think we'll be just fine.

One thing I forgot to mention, I hope Nate Webster can keep his game up the rest of the season, b/c he was awesome tonight... I guess his lackluster performance created a chip for him to prop on his shoulder tonight. Keep it on there if it means he continues to play like he did tonight.

Alright, I guess I wasn't out. :) I am now.

nevsky41

09-19-2004, 10:38 PM

Justin is a moron for thinking he can get away with levelling a QB in this league in a situation like that. He knew better, and I don't blame the ref for throwing the flag. He played pretty well other than that, though. Well, I didn't see it, but a friend of mine who was watching the game who called me was screaming that it was a BS call, so I took his word for it. I didn't see or hear it, so I guess I shouldn't have commented on it.

As for Fontenot, all I really ask of a center is that he do his job well and minimize the pass rush. And Fontenot took the blame for the mistakes in pass protection, so I respect that. If hie did his job well, then he did it right.

BTW, I'm still listeing to the radio post game show, and they're taking calls, and I am really pissed at these idiots calling up, claiming to be die-hard fans, and talkking about how the team was awful in the game, the team is in trouble, the Dolphins are the worst team in the league, we should have run roughshod all over them, etc. Who are these morons? The Dolphins offense may be the worst in the league right now, but no matter what anyone says, they have a highpowered D, with several Pro Bowlers with mulptiple appearances to their credit. Playing against a defense like that is always hard, and for a QB with as little experience as Palmer, I thought he did well, under the circumstances. These people who call in and rip their own team after a game like that are the type of fan I have no respect for, b/c they have no faith. Yeah, it was an ugly game, but defensive struggles like tonight are a completely different type of game than shootouts, but then, there are just some morons who say a game/team suck if 60 points aren't scored. Sorry, just had to get that out.

Eventually I will actually log off the board, I swear... ;)

Felty

09-22-2004, 11:39 AM

Felty

09-22-2004, 06:37 PM

Justin Smith article
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/nfl/09/21/bc.fbn.bengals.smith.ap/index.html

Just a little comment. I love to see Smith plays like he did Sunday night every week. Or are we going to see the old Justin Smith now that we resume playing a real NFL offenses. Well except for this Sunday vs the Ravens. :D

nevsky41

09-22-2004, 11:00 PM

Just for everyone information.. Baltimore's a 3 point favorite this week..at PBS

Kinda suprising since Heap is going to be out.

As long as Bengals don't turn over the ball and let the Ravens D score. They should win.
Dude, I'm not surprised. No matter hwo much we improve, the Bengals need to post a winning season and crash the playoffs before all the "experts" start to take us seriously. It sucks, and it's not fair, but it's still easier for the media to just rag on the Bengals than to actually do any real work. That's what 12 years in the basement of the NFL gets you.

Considering Heap is basically the only receiver worth a crap that Baltimore has, and Boller is without question the worst starting QB in the NFL (keep believing in this kid, Billick, your foolishness is our gain!), the only things we gotta worry about are Jamal Lewis and the D. Hopefully the o-line has had a chance to jell by now and can open up some holes for Rudi to blast through. I'm hoping Chad has a day more like the win over the Ravens at PBS (with the 80+ yard TD) last season than he did in Baltimore (only 2 catches all day, I think).

I think it'll be a good game, proabbly another defense-dominated game; I was going to go to it, but that fell through. Oh well. I just hope we win.

mcgradyfan87

09-22-2004, 11:07 PM

allow this thread to die.....

nevsky41

09-22-2004, 11:10 PM

well, by posting on it, you're kind of defeating the purpose of your request, aren't you?

Felty

09-25-2004, 10:59 PM

Series History: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Regular season: Ravens lead 11-5
Postseason: None

Felty

09-26-2004, 09:00 PM

So we lost. But Carson Palmer is going to be a superstar in this league. O-Line injuries are killing us. Palmer has been put through the ringer the last two weeks against the Dolphins and Ravens Defence. In the post game press conference, Palmer took responsibility for his mistakes. Also said he was anxious to get into the game film so he can learn from his mistakes.

nevsky41

09-26-2004, 09:09 PM

It's like when you're a kid, and you screw up, and rather than yell at you, your parents just look at you and say, "I'm not mad, I'm just DISAPPOINTED," and that just hurts so much more.

That's kind of how I feel right now, even however many hours later. I'm just disappointed.

There's 13 more games to go, but man, it's hard to be upbeat right now. I think the Bengals need the bye week more than any other team in the league right now, and we have to wait one more week before the bye. Hopefully we can turn it up in the Burgh next week.

Felty

09-26-2004, 09:23 PM

I am pretty dissapointed as well. I am trying to be upbeat. But there a few things that are really bugging me.

Is there anyone on this defense that knows how to tackle? I've never seen so many attempted arm tackles in my life as I saw today..pathetic effort on defense.

Remember last week against Miami in the last few minutes we punted to them and Brightful, caught the punt on his right side and motored down his left side for a ton of yardage. Same poor play today our right side was wide open. The same mistakes as last week.

billy52

09-26-2004, 09:36 PM

Super Bowl aspirations hit a bump in the road this week boys?

Keep talking about the Ravens offense. We didn't have an offense in 2000 either.

nevsky41

09-26-2004, 09:43 PM

I never said we were going to the SuperBowl this year. I said we had a chance to continue the upwards trend this year. I could talk trash, but, y'know, I don't want to lower myself to the level of petty bickering and name-calling. I could bring up Baltimore's abysmal performance from week 1, but that's in the past, so why bother? I could say a lot of things, but I'm above that. Baltimore won today, end of discussion. It sucks, but that's reality. Hopefully, week 13 will be different. We'll see in 10 weeks.

Felty

09-26-2004, 09:48 PM

Super Bowl aspirations hit a bump in the road this week boys?

Keep talking about the Ravens offense. We didn't have an offense in 2000 either.
Did I say anything about the Super Bowl? No I didn't....

I have not been talking any trash.. Just a simple thread about my team.

Also I wouldn't say the Ravens didn't have an offence in 2000. They had a spunky QB in Trent Dilfer that could actually make some plays downfield. Boller can't do that.

Eric

09-26-2004, 09:56 PM

Super Bowl aspirations hit a bump in the road this week boys?

Keep talking about the Ravens offense. We didn't have an offense in 2000 either.
We might not be going to the Super Bowl, but I can take solace in the fact that Baltimore's not going, either.

Who dey.

billy52

09-27-2004, 03:11 AM

Dilfer could make plays downfield?

Not the Trent Dilfer who played QB for the 2000 Ravens.

Felty

10-01-2004, 12:18 PM

SERIES HISTORY: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Regular season: Steelers lead 39-28
Postseason: None

Felty

10-05-2004, 08:35 PM

Bengals' Smith Charged With DUI

MORE DETAILS: http://treets.channelcincinnati.com/svc/lnk.cfm?l=42471099&t=1

Felty

10-14-2004, 11:38 AM

SERIES HISTORY: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Regular season: Browns lead 32-29
Postseason: None

Felty

10-17-2004, 06:18 PM

Ramifications of being outgained and thorougly whipped by a team decimated by
injuries 450-200.

This season over......

Next season in jeopardy as well. Pressure on Lewis to play Kitna will become overbearing. Kitna starts next week, plays well. Palmer plays sparingly the rest of the year. Next year, Palmer isn't ready to be a good QB. Bengals back to league laughingstock. Free agents will not come here. Lewis coaches below-average teams through 2008. Brown family pressured to fire him, does so when contract up after 2008, and not a day before.

Looking forward to 2009.

Through all this i am still a Bengals fan. I guess I am just a glutton for pain

exanimate

10-17-2004, 06:24 PM

I feel for ya Felty. Everyone in my family is tore up about the Bengals. It could be worse. There offense could look like my beloved Herds offense this year.

Felty

10-17-2004, 06:27 PM

I feel for ya Felty. Everyone in my family is tore up about the Bengals. It could be worse. There offense could look like my beloved Herds offense this year.
The herd have won 3 straight though.. Sure hasn't looked pretty but 3-0 in the MAC is good. :D

Spider Man

10-17-2004, 06:27 PM

haha Bungles... hahahahah

exanimate

10-17-2004, 06:34 PM

The herd have won 3 straight though.. Sure hasn't looked pretty but 3-0 in the MAC is good. :D
This is true, but the D and Ian O'conner have done it.

Way to show class when you win Spider Man

Felty

10-17-2004, 07:53 PM

haha Bungles... hahahahah
Browns fans are only allowed to laugh after they actually make it to a super bowl. They fumbled away there only chance.:D

shantyman88

10-18-2004, 01:56 PM

I'm a glutton for pain too man. I feel for you and every fellow Bengals fan out there...

Tat2

10-18-2004, 02:31 PM

Felty... why change the avatar?

Felty

10-18-2004, 09:52 PM

Felty... why change the avatar?
Actually I changed it several days ago before the lose to the browns.. I didn't change it because I was ashamed of them. I changed it because I been watching tapes of the last season of Angel and just really liked the character ILLYRIA :)

Felty

10-18-2004, 09:54 PM

Well thankfully I was wrong. Lewis said in the press conference that Palmer will remain the starter..

Felty

10-23-2004, 09:21 PM

SERIES HISTORY: Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Regular season: Broncos lead 15-7
Postseason: None

Bengals Notes:

Boomer Esiason on Carson Palmer..
"The Bengals should stay with Carson Palmer the rest of the season and trade the entire defense for Ray Lewis. A quarterback can't do it all by himself."

From this AM's Cincinnati Enquirer:

- Warrick has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday. Enquirer is finally reporting that he's believed to have a fractured fibula.

- The ESPN Countdown show will be heavily tilted towards the Broncos, featuring them in 4 segments to 1 on the Bengals (Chad Johnson).

Tanski

10-24-2004, 01:05 AM

I must say I do not like Carson Palmer and he should have sat out at least one more year while kitna was still hot.

Felty

10-25-2004, 10:16 PM

Chad Johnson Jersey - 60.00
Snacks for the MNF Game - 12.00
A Bengals Win on MNF - Priceless. :D :D

Delhomme It

10-25-2004, 10:16 PM

Please dont come to Tennessee and embarres us

starscream's ghost

10-25-2004, 10:17 PM

well, the monday night lights were shining too bright for the broncos tonight. good win

krazy konservative karl

10-25-2004, 10:20 PM

hells yeah, great win for cincy on monday night football. i didn't think i'd ever see that in my lifetime. i'm happy.

alex99

10-25-2004, 10:30 PM

What a difference a week makes.

YzermanFan

10-25-2004, 10:33 PM

Good win for the Bengals. They play to the level of their opponent.
I hope someone cuts the legs out from George Foster next week. Tony Williams was away from the play when Foster took him out. Total B.S. I don't care if it is his second year that's bush-league play, yet again, from the Denver Broncos offensive line. Time for an NFL rule change…

Felty

10-25-2004, 10:43 PM

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/25/chad.jpg

Chad Johnson catches a 52-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.

Paul755

10-25-2004, 11:03 PM

Broncos Played Horrible.

Bengals Played Amped up for the Monday Night Lights.

George Foster had the Scumbag play of the Season to this point.

Hats off all the way to the Bengals they wanted it more. Hopefully being Embarrased on MNF will wake the Broncos up for Sundays game.

shantyman88

10-26-2004, 06:37 AM

Champ Bailey looked seriously overmatched.

benganeer1

10-26-2004, 07:24 AM

Way to go, Bengals!!!!! Is this the start of a 6-2 run like last year, or will it be better and the Bengals find a way to finish the season and not crumble either way I am a proud Bengals fan and will be until I die, all the bandwagoners can just jump off the wagon and all you haters can drink a gallon size bottle of hater-ade.

krazy konservative karl

10-26-2004, 07:32 AM

oh, if the bengals get good, there's gonna be a bandwagon. i don't care though, all my friends know i have been a long suffering bengals fan for the past 10 years.

benganeer1

10-26-2004, 07:38 AM

Only 10 years, I have been a Bengals fan my whole life.

oh, if the bengals get good, there's gonna be a bandwagon. i don't care though, all my friends know i have been a long suffering bengals fan for the past 10 years.

Felty

10-26-2004, 03:32 PM

A look back at last nights victory..

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/a.jpg

Caleb Miller runs onto the field under a blaze of fireworks

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/l.jpg

Bengals gang-tackle Reuben Droughns in the first quarter.
http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/m.jpg

Carson Palmer drops back to pass.

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/n.jpg
Deltha O'Neal steps in front of Ashley Lelie to intercept a pass in the second quarter

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/p.jpg
Chad Johnson hauls in a long reception in the second quarter.

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/s.jpg
Touchdown Rudi Johnson

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/w.jpg
Head coach Marvin Lewis flashes a smile as the final seconds tick away

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/26/y.jpg
A StormTrooper clad in Bengals colors celebrates with fans.

Felty

10-26-2004, 06:30 PM

Bengals play better than record
By John Madden
ALLMADDEN.com

You know, no matter how much you study and no matter how much film you watch, the outcome of a game is unpredictable. That is the great thing about this game, because if you did know then there would be no reason to play it or watch it. That's the old cliché that's why they play the game! The Cincinnati Bengals are a perfect example of what I am talking about: They play the Cleveland Browns the week before and look like a 1-4 team, Denver comes in 5-1 and probably shouldn't have lost the game that they lost, their defense is ranked first in the league. That leaves you with a matchup that looks like one of the best teams in the AFC versus one of the worst teams in the AFC. But that doesn't mean that you just give the Broncos a win and the Bengals a loss and that's the greatness of the NFL, but you also have to be reminded of it from time to time.

I was impressed with the Bengals, they came out and just attacked the Broncos defense. You know sometimes you get a defense that is ranked first and the offense shows them a little too much respect, they kind of pull in their horns, simplify their game plan and Cincinnati did just the opposite. They came out with a deep pass to Chad Johnson early to show the Broncos what they might be up against.

Now, they missed that but it sent the message that they weren't scared of the their No. 1 ranking or Champ Bailey. Another area that was a strength for the Bengals last season was their offensive line: They have been hurt this year and that makes it difficult to get consistent but last night I thought they did a really good job of giving Carson Palmer time to make his reads and make the throws as well as Rudi Johnson holes to run through. Early in the year their defense had some problems with their fundamentals and tackling and in fact during their bye week that was one of their main focuses and Monday night it paid off! I really felt like Brian Simmons their weak-side linebacker played well, Duane Clemons played really well and of course, both of their starting corners, Deltha O'Neal and Tory James, both former Broncos, played well and each got and interception that led to great field position for the Bengals offense. All in all their defense forced three turnovers that turned into nine points.

The Broncos just never looked like they were able to get anything going, they were never able to get into a rhythm. They would look like they were going to get going and then take a penalty or an incomplete pass that would stall a drive. They just couldn't get anything going! Defensively I felt like they got put back on their heels early and never really regained their aggressiveness.

One area that is often overlooked and Cincinnati really executed well on was special teams. Every facet was well played, they had good returns on both punts and kickoffs, their punt and kickoff coverage teams did a good job and played a very inspired aggressive game.

Denver always prides themselves on their pace and against the Bengals their pace was out matched on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams.

mtd20_2000

10-26-2004, 06:36 PM

Lets hope this turns them around like last year.........

Felty

10-27-2004, 10:26 PM

From http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7830753

Bengal coaches praised

The entire Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff. Turning around a franchise that hasn't experienced a winning season in so long is no easy task. Head coach Marvin Lewis is the right man to get the job done and he's getting plenty of notoriety for his efforts. But his staff is working around the clock to bring back the glory days of Boomer Esiason and the Bengals' Super Bowl team. The Monday Night Football win against one of the top teams in the NFL, Denver, was no small task. The Broncos are one of the best rushing teams in the NFL and the Bengals are one of the worst at stopping the run. The Denver defense is top ranked in the league and the Bengals offense is struggling. None of those statistics meant a thing Monday night as the energized and well-prepared Bengals never let up on the Broncos and took a giant step toward turning things around.

Here are the members of the Cincinnati staff that put one of the great plans together for such a memorable game:

Paul Alexander -- offensive line; Jim Anderson -- running backs; Bob Bratkowski -- offensive coordinator; Louie Chioffi -- safeties; Kevin Coyle -- secondary; Leslie Frazier -- defensive coordinator; Jay Hayes -- defensive line; Jonathan Hayes -- tight ends; Ricky Hunley -- linebackers; Darrin Simmons -- special teams; Bob Surace -- offensive assistant; Hue Jackson -- wide receivers; Ken Zampese -- quarterbacks.

A great job by all! Special notes to the coordinators who are responsible for the game plans and Paul Alexander who installed a protection scheme that gave Carson Palmer the time to throw against one of the most difficult pressure schemes in the NFL.

Felty

10-28-2004, 12:09 PM

ORANGE ALERT: At his Wednesday news conference, Lewis also revealed the Bengals will wear their new orange jerseys with black pants in Paul Brown Stadium games against Dallas Nov. 7 and Cleveland Nov. 28. "Monday night was special enough," said Lewis on why he went with black against Denver.

Big Willie

10-28-2004, 12:20 PM

hahaha agreed...

the Bengals and playoffs in the same sentence...
hahahaah thats funny
Ya, but not as funny as saying "Cleveland Browns" an "Football" in the same sentence.

nevsky41

10-28-2004, 11:50 PM

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!

Man, my 'putert was shjot for the last two weeks, and stupid CompUSA were morons and couild have had it done a week earlier, but I won't get into that. All I've got to say is that I am proud as hell of my Bengals!!!!! Great game, made the Broncos look like a Pop Warner squad. I haven't been that excited during a game since the KC win last year.

George Foster is a piece of garbage. I don't care if it's a leagal hit, it's still garbage. I hope he has a big bullseye on him for the rest of the season. Of course, the entire Denver O-line plays cheap and dirty, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

As far as the talk about Marvin possibly putting Kitna back in, it would be the biggest mistake possible. The problems Palmer's encountered are not entirely his own fault. The entire team can and should be held at least somewhat responsible in the whole deal. I like Kitna fine, he's a fine mentor for Palmer, but Kitna is the not the future of this team. Palmer is. And I don't care how hot Kitna got last year, why throw even more money down the drain like last year on the monstrous contract Palmer has? He made more than $3 million last year to hold a damn clipboard. I don't want to see another year like that. If Palmer's being paid a ****load of money, let him play. Kitna did great last year, I'll never take that away from him, and yes, Palmer's going through the growing pains, but like it or not, Palmer is the franchise QB. Let him play. Why take him out and throw away ANOTHER year on that big contract? Between o-line injuries, WRs dropping passes, and crappy defense, it's no surprise that Palmer's stats aren't great. But y'know what? They'll only get better. Palmer may not be the real deal quite yet, but he is going to be. If we can go 9-7 this year, maybe even crash the playoffs, great. I'll be happier than a pig in ****, but this team is headed in the right direction. We'll only get better. Palmer is the man, keep him in unless he gets hurt. Palmer needs to play and gather experience. The only way for him to do all of that is for him to play. Peyton Mannings stats were far worse in his first 6 career starts, and he wasn't taken out. Palmer has to go through this period, and taking him out would be catostrophic. Leave him in and let him play. It's the only way to get him where he is headed.

And I'll say that that crowd was the best on MNF all season so far! Just b/c of the crowd alone, I think we'll see more Bengals games on MNF next season and beyond.

Hoping this momentum carries over into Tenessee, I'm out for now.

Felty

10-29-2004, 12:36 PM

SERIES HISTORY: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans*
Regular season: Titans lead 37-29-1
Postseason: Bengals lead 1-0

Sidenote this includes games from when they were in Houston.

Felty

10-31-2004, 07:30 PM

Well there is no chance of even a .500 record when almost every back you face gets 150+ yards and averages five or six a carry. On top of that all the stupid penalties. How they look so good last week and so bad this week just makes me sad. :(

Also Rudi Johnson is doing almost nothing this year. Anybody else think that the Bengals will not resign him in the off season?

shantyman88

10-31-2004, 08:10 PM

Chris Perry may not be the answer either. Maybe they will sign Shaun Alexander. I can always dream.

*** happened to the defense? Jekyll and Hyde...

Felty

10-31-2004, 08:17 PM

Chris Perry may not be the answer either. Maybe they will sign Shaun Alexander. I can always dream.

*** happened to the defense? Jekyll and Hyde...

I am not sold on Perry either. But its beginning to look like Rudi may be a one season wonder. I am not sure he is going to be worth the money he is going to ask for in the offseason.

Shaun Alexander would look good in a bengals jersey. :D

FreeMefromHere

10-31-2004, 08:56 PM

If nothing else>>>>>>>they should beat Dallas

Felty

11-06-2004, 09:44 PM

Late posting this just got back from a 4 day trip.. I am sure no one really cares anyway.

SERIES HISTORY: Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Regular season: Cowboys lead 5-3
Postseason: None

Felty

11-07-2004, 01:21 PM

19-3 Bengals right now which makes me happy.

But my gosh Palmer has looked really bad today. He just missed Chad Johnson wide open for a TD.. If not for the Defence and the leg of Graham.. This would be real ugly..

dingdongdunn44

11-07-2004, 01:58 PM

yea, idk, carson didnt play too bad, im really upset though with the selfishness of chad johnson today. i dont think ive ever seen him like that before, and with him being my favorite player, i almost wished marvin woulda sat him out the rest of the game. i just hope that since he complained today, and then went on to catch about 5 balls the next drive, that he will continue to complain until he gets his way. i think he needs to act more professional and do what the coaches say, but in my opinion, that usually is not in the teams best interest and throwing it to chad probably is. they can get it to him whenever they want...

Felty

11-07-2004, 02:01 PM

I will take the win.. :D

The Defence was quick to the ball. The Cowboys looked slow and old. I think Chad was getting upset because Carson missed him when he was open a few times. If they could have just pulled that game out last week in TN. They would be .500.. :(

shantyman88

11-07-2004, 02:33 PM

So we have beaten two bad teams (Miami and Dallas) and one good team (Denver). It would be nice if they could go 8-8.

I am happy with Palmer overall, but he needs to stop throwing cheap dink and dunk passes to the fullback every other play.

dingdongdunn44

11-07-2004, 03:49 PM

i dont think the dink passes, which also infuriate the hell out of me, are his decision, i think that bratkowski, the offensive coordinator, is just a big pu$$ and is content with punting all day if his game plan isnt working

Felty

11-07-2004, 04:06 PM

I agree on the Bratkowski comment. I don't like his play calling at all. I don't know why they don't take more downfield shots..

nevsky41

11-07-2004, 04:21 PM

Unfortunately, don't have the football package, and Fox in my area always goes with the nationally televised game, so I didn't get to see the game, just had to listen to Brad and Dave and stare at the Game track on NFL.com for 3 hours.

Ugly first half. Decent second half. Great TD reception by Schobel, but the boy needs to learn how to block. I'm beginning to think the only think that's really holding Palmer back at this poiint is the red zone performance, and I have no idea why that isn't working. If the team could just get the ball in the endzone in the red zone, Palmer'd have about 20 TD passes already.

Again, Rudi is slow to get going, and fall just shy of 100 yards. I'm wondering if part of the problem with Rudi was that the running game was just abandonned too much earlier in the season. After, he tends to get better after about 15 carries or so. I'm really hoping that Rudi wasn't just a one-year wonder, but if he doesn't pick it up big time, that possibility may be a real factor when it comes to decision time pn who to resign. And I really do not want the running game handed to Chris Perry, as I am just not sold on him yet.

Defense stepping it up, big time today. Sounded like they were almost at the MNF level they were at 2 weeks ago. If they can only do that on the road, it'd be great.

I agree Chad needs to calm down. Although he seemed angry in the second half more often b/c he screwed up a few blocks than because of his own mistake than anything else. And even though he is the best WR on the team, he can't be the only WR getting thrown to. Or maybe he can pull that off. I don't know. He's my favorite player, so I wish he'd keep his tantrums behind closed doors, but I can understand some level of frustration.

Big props to the man, Big Willie. He's the anchor of the team, and for him to suck it up and play like that, well, that's encouraging.

One thing that I am most happy with, besides the win, is that PALMER DIDN'T THROW A SINGLE PICK. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! I was wondering if he'd get through the year without throwing a pick in every game. Nice to see him not throw any for a change.

Again, didn't see it, seemed like the team played pretty well in the second half, hope it carries over.

And until the highlights become available on NFL on Demand, I'll reserve judgement on the Orange jerseys, since I haven't yet seen them in action. ;)

Felty

11-07-2004, 08:26 PM

Just a couple more comments from me.

After seeing the Orange Jersey's on the field. I still don't like them. But they are not the worse jerseys I have ever seen. I am glad there only using them for 2 games this season.

nevsky4,

I had the same thoughts about the Defence. They played very well today. Almost as good as MNF like you said. They just need to keep that intensity level up every week.

nevsky41

11-08-2004, 09:19 PM

Just a few thoughts I wanted to get off my chest...

I've been watching NFL Network and SportCenter off and on all day, and I have to say, I am pissed. Everytime they recap the Bengals/Cowboys game, the only thing I hear is ragging on the orange jerseys (justified to some degree), and a bunch of talk about how awful the Cowboys played, and coverage of Bill Parcells catatonic post-game comments. Oh, and a contemptous comment about how a "third-string TE" could break a 76-yard TD on the Cowboys D summed up the entire game.

I must say this is very aggravating. I understand that the Bengals haven't lived up the lofty expectations set at the beginning of the year, but it wasn't the Cowboys beating themselves that won the Bengals that game. It helped, but it wasn't the defining factor. Even though I was annoyed at Bratkowski's conservative playcalling (how do you go from attacking Champ Bailey all night 2 weeks ago to being afraid of a depleted and largely-playing-out-of-position Cowboys D?), I felt Palmer played 90% mistake free, the o-line played their best game of the season, and the D played almost at the MNF level from 2 weeks ago. The first half was fairly ugly, but the second half was pretty good.

I understand that until the Bengals log a winning season and crash the playoffs, we'll continue to get snubbed like this, but it still irritates me. San Diego was a joke for almost as long as the Bengals were, and their not getting ragged on like this. It just pisses me off.

Oh, and a little piece from Bengals.com --

Although wide receiver Chad Johnson can’t believe there is a national uproar over his antics during Sunday’s 26-3 win over Dallas and he is puzzled over the do's and don’ts, he apologized Monday and said it won’t happen again.

Johnson said he wasn’t mad at quarterback Carson Palmer, head coach Marvin Lewis, the play calling, or Cowboys rookie cornerback Lance Frazier. He said he was simply mad at himself during the various junctures he tossed a cup of Gatorade, ripped off his helmet after a low incomplete pass, and spiked the ball after an 18-yard catch.

But reality hit home when he spoke with Ray Lewis Monday morning and the Ravens middle linebacker told him he can’t act like that.

“He told me, ‘You can’t do it, you can’t do it, you can’t do it,’ ” Johnson said. “That’s not what I meant and he said a lot of people don’t understand how (I) am. They see that and they take a negative approach. Ray said, ‘You can’t wear your emotions on your shoulders. You’re high profile. You’re a star now.’ "

But Johnson is surprised that the Fox TV team of Kenny Albert and Brain Baldinger ripped him all day during the broadcast, even to the point of putting on a graphic that included Johnson’s number of pouts. “I guess I have to be like a robot,” Johnson said. “For those who know me, they know that’s not me.”

But head coach Marvin Lewis clearly wants a change. "He brought attention to himself with his disappointment and being vocal with it," Lewis said. "It's no big deal. He's done it before. It's been a problem around here for a long time. It didn't start yesterday. Go back and look at the history. Change the history. Make it a new history."

I'm no fan of Ray Lewis, but he has a point. Since he's my favorite player, I don't want Chad to become a robot, but he does need to confine the tantrums to behind closed doors. If he doesn't, he's going to get a rep like TO, and that is something I don't think he or the fans want, and I know Marvin doesn't want it either.

Anyway, I'm out. We should have a decent shot at getting out first road win in Washington, considering how inept the 'skins have been for the majority of the season, but I'll leave the trash talkin' to my boy, Big Willie. ;) :D

Felty

11-10-2004, 01:25 PM

This is the kind of guy Chad is. A very nice story. :)

http://www.BENGALS.COM/press/news.asp?news_id=2529

nevsky41

11-10-2004, 07:39 PM

Yeah, I read that last night. That's freakin awesome.

Felty

11-12-2004, 08:39 PM

SERIES HISTORY: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins
Regular season: Redskins lead 4-2
Postseason: None

Felty

11-14-2004, 09:15 PM

I was on the road coming home from a weekend trip. So I only got to see part of the second half while stopping for dinner. But I did listen to most of it on the radio.

A few comments. Nice to finally get a road win. Our defense is actually starting to come together. My only complaint. They had so many chances to end the game early in the second half. So many freaking dropped INT's. Like 4 or 5... This team is learning to win and hold on to wins when we do get in front. Previous Bengals teams would lose games like today.. Palmer missed a few passes according to the radio announcers. But he is getting better in my opinion. He is spreading the ball more around. It's Pittsburgh next week. We had our chances earlier this year against them at home.. It will be a tough game to get a win. But I think we have a shot.

nevsky41

11-15-2004, 08:02 AM

I'm happy we finally won on the road. I'm also happy to see the D starting to jell and play together.

I'm concerned about the Steelers next week, but what the hell, they're gonna lose at some point, why not in Cincy? No reason we can't be the first to knock the biscuit wheels off Roethlisberger's gravy train.

Also, I was watching SC this morning, and any time they talked aboput the game, once again, just like last week, all that was talked about was the "awful offense" of Washington. Um, theoretically, wouldn't part of that be due to improving Bengals' defense? But, of course, the media only talks about the other team and acts like the Bengals weren't even there. Thanks for the insult, ESPN.

Oh, and Felty, as much as I like Chad, your new avatar is much nicer to look at! :D

Felty

11-15-2004, 08:07 PM

Also, I was watching SC this morning, and any time they talked aboput the game, once again, just like last week, all that was talked about was the "awful offense" of Washington. Um, theoretically, wouldn't part of that be due to improving Bengals' defense? But, of course, the media only talks about the other team and acts like the Bengals weren't even there. Thanks for the insult, ESPN.

Oh, and Felty, as much as I like Chad, your new avatar is much nicer to look at! :D

There was a really nice article in the washington times that was posted on a Bengals list I am on. I will post it here in a second. It gives some credit to Lewis and the Bengals. :D

I am using the Eliza avatar in mourning of cancellation of her show. :( Hopefully there will be a Buffy spinoff Faith series with her one day. :D

Felty

11-15-2004, 08:09 PM

At long last, Gibbs opts to play for tomorrow
By Dan Daly
The Washington Times
November 15, 2004
http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20041115-125213-3023r.htm

During the offseason, Marvin Lewis faced the same million-dollar question
Joe Gibbs did: Should he go with an established veteran at quarterback (in
his case Jon Kitna), or should he hand the offense over to the Young Guy
(Carson Palmer) and put up with his growing pains?

It's a choice every NFL coach has to make, the choice between Today and
Tomorrow, the Present and the Future. Lewis, in his second season with the
Bengals, decided the club would be best served if he played Palmer, the top
pick in the 2003 draft, and sat Kitna, one of the better passers in the AFC
a year ago. It was time, Marvin figured, to begin laying the most important
part of the foundation. Palmer had had a year to learn at Kitna's elbow,
which is more than many rookie QBs get; he needed to get on the field and
start putting that education to use.

In Washington, Gibbs went in the other direction, chose Door No. 2. He
secured, at great expense, the services of Mark Brunell ... and put Patrick
Ramsey's development on hold. The direction of the franchise was clear: Win
now with the Vet and win later, hopefully, with the Kid.

This is known as trying to have it both ways.

The wisdom of Lewis' decision — and the shortsightedness of Gibbs' — was on
display yesterday at FedEx Field. Brunell once again played wretchedly
before being replaced — finally! — by Ramsey late in the first half. Palmer,
meanwhile, continued to make steady progress, completing 18 of 21 passes
during one stretch as Cincinnati scratched out a 17-10 victory.

So what, in the final analysis, do we have here? We have a team on the rise,
the Bengals, preparing to make a late-season playoff push — with a
second-year quarterback who's rapidly growing into his position. And we have
a team that doesn't know which end is up, the Redskins, looking at another
double-digit-loss season — with a third-year quarterback who isn't any
farther along, unfortunately, than Cincinnati's second-year quarterback.

Whose future do you like better?

Sometimes when you try to have your cake and eat it, too, you end up choking
on one of the candles. That's kind of what's happened to Gibbs. His
handpicked quarterback is a Certified Disaster, and the QB-in-training is
half a season behind where he should be. Had Coach Joe been willing to live
with Ramsey's ups and downs — as Lewis has been doing with Palmer — Patrick
might have looked as comfortable and in control as Carson did yesterday.
(Ramsey certainly couldn't have played any worse the past eight games than
Brunell has; it's almost statistically impossible.)

Granted, Ramsey didn't exactly light it up yesterday; he wasn't able to get
much going until the fourth quarter, and that was against a prevent defense.
But such a performance was hardly surprising. He's been a forgotten man,
after all, since training camp; 90 percent of the practice reps have gone to
Brunell. Gibbs — out of tunnel vision, blind loyalty, sheer stubbornness
(choose one) — did little to prepare his young quarterback for the
inevitable transition. Everything before the Cincinnati game was geared
toward No. 8, toward Today.

Well, Tomorrow has arrived.

Not very pretty, is it?

At least it has gotten here, though — at long last. To me, yesterday was the
real beginning of Gibbs' Second Term, not Sept. 12, the date of the
Redskins' opener against the Bucs. Why? Because he's playing the right
quarterback now, the best quarterback. Whether Ramsey is the quarterback
remains to be seen, but he's definitely an improvement over the QB who's
been out there.

(Memo to Coach Joe: Fans might be capricious, but they're not blind. When
they chant "Ram-sey! Ram-sey!" it's not just because they have an itch that
needs to be scratched. It's because they know in their hearts that This
Year's Quarterback isn't nearly as good as Last Year's Quarterback
(Ramsey) — they've seen it with their own eyes. The only reason they didn't
complain sooner, I suspect, was out of respect for their Hall of Fame
coach.)

"It's easy to replace the quarterback," Ray Brown said. True enough — just
as it's easier to fire the coach than to fire the team. "But more than
anything," Brown went on, "it's going to take the people around the
quarterback [raising their level of play]. We've got to protect the
quarterback better, we've got to win on third down, we've got to have longer
drives so we can keep [our] defense off the field."

Having Ramsey in the lineup might give the "D" a lift, though. For the first
time all season yesterday, Gregg Williams' unit seemed dispirited, lacking
its usual energy at the start of the game. The result was disastrous — a
17-0 halftime hole that proved too deep for the Redskins to climb out of.

If Ramsey can put some points on the board early, though — something Brunell
rarely did — it might keep the defense revved up for four quarters. Without
that, the club has little chance of winning.
"This is probably a good time to give Patrick a chance and see what he can
do," Gibbs conceded. Actually, lots of times this season would have been a
good time to give Patrick a chance and see what he can do. But better late
than never.

I think.

Felty

11-16-2004, 09:59 PM

Interesting item from The Cincinnati Post. Marvin Lewis is really suprising me what he has done with this Defence. Especially with so many injuries and several rookies playing.

Bengals NFL's best at forcing turnovers

The Bengals lead the NFL with 24 takeaways in their first nine games, putting them on pace to produce 43 takeaways. That would be one less than the franchise record for a single season of 44 takeaways, which was achieved in 1975, 1979 and 1996.

Felty

11-17-2004, 02:36 PM

Johnson to fans: Bring a buck
Bengals WR promises fine-inducing celebration

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The biggest news today was Chad Johnson’s repeat of a request he made in a post-game interview Sunday.

He wants fans to bring $1 to Paul Brown Stadium to help him pay the fine he would incur for the end zone celebration that would follow his scoring a touchdown against the Steelers this week.

“I need all fans to bring $1 to the gate. Don’t forget,” the Bengals wide receiver said today. “They’ll be a bucket for a dollar at the gate this week. Next week I need everybody to bring a bottle of Pepto.”

Johnson was referring to a prank gone awry last month when he sent Cleveland’s four defensive backs each a bottle of Pepto-Bismol before the game. The Bengals lost 34-17 at Cleveland, and Johnson dropped several passes.

The Bengals play their rematch AFC North division game against the Browns on Nov. 28, a week after the Steelers game.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, when informed of Johnson’s newest comments and appeal for help paying his fine, did not appear pleased.

“Not a wise thing,” Lewis said. “It’s not his fine that’s as significant as if we get a penalty.”

In other news today, Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson again is listed as questionable for the game Sunday but said he will play

He said he would play every game the rest of the season.

Anderson has a bad right knee and has not practiced in either of the past two weeks.

Starting cornerback Deltha O’Neal (elbow) also remained questionable.

nevsky41

11-17-2004, 04:15 PM

I love it when Chad runs his mouth and everything goes right (ie, the guarantee last year), but hate it when he does and it falls flat (Pepto). I hope he's right these next two weeks.

Felty

11-18-2004, 11:44 AM

Johnson keeps talking
Bengals' loquacious receiver planning to visit end zone
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News

CINCINNATI | No matter how hard the Bengals' coaches try to reel him in, Chad Johnson keeps casting his tongue off the deep end.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver reiterated Wednesday what he told WXIX-TV sportscaster Dan Hoard during the "Chad's Corner" feature that was taped following the Bengals' 17-10 victory over the Washington Redskins.

Johnson wouldn't guarantee a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he predicted he'll score and wants fans to help pay for the fine he's going to receive for excessive celebration.

"I need all fans to bring a dollar to the gate," Johnson said. "Don't forget. There's going to be a bucket. Next week (against Cleveland), I need everybody to bring a bottle of Pepto Bismol. Can you imagine that? Sixty thousand fans with a bottle of Pepto? Cleveland is going to be the Pepto game from now on."

Johnson also urged fans to pack Paul Brown Stadium. When told the game was already sold out, Johnson said, "Good. That means I've got a special celebration. When I hit the end zone, I need everybody to pool a dollar when you come in the gate for my fine."

Head coach Marvin Lewis' reaction to Johnson's antics?

"Not a wise thing," he said. "It's not his fine that's as significant as if we get a penalty."

Naturally, the coach and player met about the incident. After practice, Lewis told reporters that Johnson "didn't mean it that way, so don't write it that way. He just said he wanted the fans to come out. It will be fun. That's all he meant to say. That's all he meant by it, all right?"

Now before fans go reaching for their wallets, know this: Johnson was only joking. The buckets at the gate are for the annual Holiday Canned Food Drive that will stock the Freestore Foodbank pantry so it can feed 5,000 families, not help Johnson pay a fine.

Johnson said he's done nothing wrong with his "dollar and Pepto Bismol" spoof.

"What is wrong with that? That's fun," Johnson said. "It's not for me. It's for the 64,000 or 65,000 or however many (fans) sit out there.

"OK, it's a dollar. That means something's coming. That's excitement. People are waiting to see something now. People are going to be on the edge of their seat every time we step on the field, every time I touch the ball. 'What's he going to do now?'

"I've brought excitement back to Cincinnati. I'm not going to change. Now all of a sudden everything's a problem. You've got to make it fun. There's a business side and there's a fun side. Now if I was strictly business, I would be a boring receiver."

With all his talent (50 catches, 713 yards and two TDs) and enthusiasm, Johnson is anything but boring.

"One of the keys to winning the game is going to be those fans sitting up there," he said. "When we're out there on defense and their offense not being able to hear? That's a big key.

"Am I going to do something that actually gets me in trouble? No, because I made that clear before the season started. ? No one else does anything like I do. Old school is gone. As long as I'm not doing anything to hurt us as a team, let me be me. That's what got me here."

Diab0lus

11-18-2004, 11:47 AM

Hellya!!! Go Bengals!! :eek:

Felty

11-18-2004, 08:52 PM

SERIES HISTORY: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Regular season: Steelers lead 40-28
Postseason: None

Felty

11-21-2004, 02:51 PM

Sigh I am extremely sad :(

Palmer's 2nd half today was, simply put, disgraceful. He made several stupid mistakes, including holding on to the ball way too long several times. He is throwing into double coverage on too many occasions. With all the talk of improvement the last couple of weeks, Palmer took about 10 steps backwards. A game like today makes me wonder if he is the real deal or not. :(

Felty

11-21-2004, 04:13 PM

One more comment..

Can we please fire Bob Bratkowski? Palmer made some stupid decisions as I said above, but our play calling is absolutely horrible. There is never any flow to our offense at all.

nevsky41

11-21-2004, 05:30 PM

How in the hell can such a great 1st half degenerate into such a disgusting 2nd half????? I thought the Bengals had a real shot going into halftime, and of course, I should have known better!!!!!!!!

I'm not disappointed, I am ****ing ANGRY. Pissing away a game as big as this is absolutely disgraceful, especially when the outlook looked so good going into the half.

I now officially HATE Ben Roethlisberger. I don't know the guy, but I don't care. He could give every penny he makes to charity or avert nuclear holocaust, I don't care. I HATE him. He played an extremely unimpressive game, but he'll still get 90% of the credit, just like always. All he does is throw dink and dunk, and he's written about like he's god. Makes me want to vomit.

The season is now officially done. There is really now way in hell we're going to have a chance to go anywhere. I've been a supporter of Palmer from the beginning, I still am, but damn, it's getting harder when he does some of this dumb **** like he did in the 2nd half today.

I don't care if I'm lashing out or making stupid comments, I'm speaking from the heart right now and at least what I'm saying right now is how I really feel, instead of the usual PC crap I usually restrict myself to to avoid conflict on this board.

**** Roethlisberger, **** Bettis, **** Cowher, and the entire Steelers organization. They WERE the only AFC North rival I didn't totally despise, but that's all gone now. No matter who they play against forever, I will cheer against them (except the Browns, during those games, I'll just hope for a tie).

I may have stepped over the line, but I don't care. I'm pissed, and I'm speaking from the heart, so if anyone doesn't like it, see if I care.

nevsky41

11-21-2004, 05:39 PM

From Bengals.com--

After loudly telling his team he wouldn't accpept the particulars of the Bengals' 19-14 loss Sunday here at sold-out Paul Brown Stadium, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis went public in the angriest display of his 26-game tenure and at least one Bengal said they let their coach down.

"We can not accept mediocrity," said Lewis after the Bengals’ second biggest crowd ever at PBS of 65,780 watched them commit seven second-half penalties. "We are never going to go where we need to go if we accept this. If we accept playing close; accept being in the lead in the first half and not finishing the football game."

I hope Marvin ripped the whole offense a new ***hole. Every one of them deserves it after that disgusting second half. I hope he's STILL yelling at them. I hope he's still yelling at them until kickoff next sunday.

Time to quit being a player's coach Marvin, time to take control and freakin OWN it. There is no excuse for the kind of crap the Bengals left on the field today.

Felty

11-21-2004, 06:01 PM

It's about time Marvin lassed out at his team. Looking at the penalties again just make me sick..
10 penalties for 97 yards
3 penalties gave Pitt 1st downs
97 yards gave Pitt an equivalent of 41% of their offensive yards for the
game

As for Ben Roethlisberger all this talk of greatness is premature. I think he'll be at least good, but he is asked to do very little. He is certainly accurate in the short passing game. The bottom line is they scored 7 points against a below average defense today. 9 were
defensive, and the other 3, they had a negative yard drive.

nevsky41

11-27-2004, 09:57 PM

Well, Garcia more than likerly won't play today, and as bad as Holcomb is, the Bengals SHOULD beat the Browns today. Of course, I'm the idiot that thought we could beat the Steelers, so what do I know?

Palmer is also a game-time decision, but is listed at probably after back spasms took him out of practice thursday morning and he didn't practice friday. I hope he plays, more so he can continue to get his dumbassed mistakes out of his game this year, now that the season is officially headed nowhere, as opposed to next season, when there may be a chance again.

I just hope we can beat the Browns, and not get shutout in the division, b/c I seriously doubt we'll beat Baltimore next week.

nevsky41

11-28-2004, 09:02 PM

Oh. My. Gawd.

That was quite possibly the most insane game I have ever seen in all my years of watching football.

I'm just glad we won. Loved the 4 TDs from Palmer, but I hate the 3 INTs. Love the 100+ yds for Chad, plus his lunchpail peformance. Love the 200+ yds from Rudi.

Unbelieveable game. If Tory James does not go to the Pro Bowl, there is no justice in the world. Oh, and a big thanks to Mike Shanahan for being dumb enough to not want Deltha O'Neal in Denver. We're happy as **** to have him in Cincy.

With any luck, the momentum will carry over, as well as some slog from Baltimore, to next week.

Vandy58

11-28-2004, 09:37 PM

How in gods name did those two teams produce that much freaking offense!!!! Nice job Cinci

Eric

11-28-2004, 11:38 PM

Exciting game. Offense was outstanding. Defense was awful. Glad we pulled it out. It all means nothing if we don't beat Baltimore. Who dey.

Felty

12-05-2004, 06:16 PM

What a big time win for the bengals. They finally got the monkey off there back. Palmer in my opinion had the best game of his career. That throw to TJ after the sack, and then the high arced throw to CJ to set up the FG was great stuff.

exanimate

12-05-2004, 06:41 PM

Great win Felty. My guys sucked today. I hate being in the same division with the Colts.

On another note, I think I am heading up to Cincy to the Bengals vs Bills game.

nevsky41

12-05-2004, 07:15 PM

Felty

12-05-2004, 07:22 PM

I swear, this sucks!!! From the sounds of it, this was a great game (or, at least a great 4th quarter), and I didn't get to see it!!! Hell, I didn't even get to listen to it, b/c radios aren't permitted at work!! :(

I had to go to work at 1, and I just now got back. I sat down, logged on to NFL.com, expecting to be disappointed, and I get the best surprise I've had in days!!!

Any of my fellow Bengals Fans tape the game? If you did, I'd be willing to barter for a copy of it!!

Oh what a sweet day!!!
Man that totally sucks that you missed the game. :(

I actually planned on taping the game today but I didn't. I got a DVD recorder and was going to try it out today. But I didn't get home till about 15 after 1 and since the game had already started I didn't tape it. :(

Felty

12-05-2004, 07:24 PM

Great win Felty. My guys sucked today. I hate being in the same division with the Colts.

On another note, I think I am heading up to Cincy to the Bengals vs Bills game.

Thank you! And congrats on Marshall getting a Bowl Bid.

Also cool on the Bengals and Bills game. Should be a good game.

exanimate

12-05-2004, 07:28 PM

The Herd can thank CUSA for stepping up and helping them get this. They have a horrible season by our standards. A bowl is a bowl though. So happy that the MAC is behind us. Rumor has it that they are gonna come out with no MAC patches on there jerseys.

Felty

12-05-2004, 07:31 PM

nevsky41

12-06-2004, 01:11 PM

I'm going to wait until I can at least see the highlights on the NFL on Demand my cable company offers tomorrow, but I apparently missed an amazing comeback.

Hopefully, this game marks the turning of the corner for Palmer, and he will begin to severely limit his mistakes, and grow out of those "rookie blues," that he's been experienceing for a dispoportionate amount of this season.

Chad is back on top of the AFC in receivng yards, and TJ is really emerging as a legit WR. Rudi didn't get much play, but against the Ravens D, that's not much to be surprised by.

I know nobody will be giving us any chance this sunday, but I believe. Why not? If we don't believe the Bengals can win every game, then why bother? Of course, we're on a pattern this year of if we win two games in a row, we lose the next. Hopefully, the team can pull it together and shock the Pats. Crazier things have happened.

Felty

12-07-2004, 12:32 PM

From "Great indoors"
Peter King, SI.com

2. I think lots of people around the league, including master of the art
Bill Belichick, took note of what Carson Palmer did Sunday when he brought
the Bengals back from a 20-3 deficit to win on the road against the best
defense in football. Belichick said Monday he thought Palmer reminded him of
a young John Elway. Less fleet, yes, but a good comparison. Will he grow up
to be an old Elway? Time will tell.

Felty

12-07-2004, 07:59 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&page=/morning/week13

Win could be turning point for Palmer

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

We usually term it a "coming of age game" but, call it what you will, every
quarterback who proceeds to stardom in the NFL certainly needs one.

Years from now, if his career has advanced to the point where people speak
of him in superlatives, Carson Palmer will look back on Sunday's clutch
performance at Baltimore and, perhaps, regard the game, or at least the
fourth quarter of the stirring 27-26 victory at Baltimore as a personally
galvanizing moment.

Forget that the comeback win allowed the Bengals, after a 1-4 start to the
season, to climb back to .500, or that it came over a bitter rival. That
Palmer was able to rally his team in the fourth quarter, and then steal away
a win with a brilliantly executed hurry-up drive in the closing minutes, was
what counted most.

In the fourth quarter, the second-year veteran, whose sporadic play has at
times mirrored that of the Bengals in general, enjoyed a "perfect" period in
terms of quarterback rating. He hit 10 of 12 passes for 200 yards and three
touchdowns. His only incomplete attempts in the stanza were a couple of
"spikes" to kill the clock on the final possession. Every completion but one
was for double-digit yardage. In order: 13 yards, 32, 11, 12, 24, 34, nine,
32, 11 and 22. And, in the Baltimore secondary, it wasn't as if Palmer was
facing a passive unit that just sack back and permitted him to operate with
impunity. Making the final drive even that more impressive was that it began
with Palmer suffering an eight-yard sack by end Anthony Weaver.

There was certainly no hint, through three quarters, that Palmer was capable
of such rousing play. He had been, typically, sporadic with his accuracy.
And while his 182 passing yards were acceptable, Palmer hadn't gotten
Cincinnati into the end zone.

All of that changed, though, in the fourth quarter. He regularly hooked up w
ith Chad Johnson (10 catches, 161 yards, two touchdowns) and T.J.
Houshmandzadeh (10 for 171 yards and one score), threw the ball well
vertically, seemed to consistently have coordinator Bob Bratkowski dialing
up solid plays for him. Bratkowski has occasionally been criticized this
season for not better insulating the first-year starter with a better run
game and play selection. But give the veteran coordinator credit for
designing a passing game which, despite Palmer's weak yards-per-attempt
number (6.22 yards), usually goes vertical in an era of east-west throws.

In the final drive, after it appeared that Palmer's performance would be
squandered as the Ravens assumed a 26-24 edge on a Matt Stover field goal,
the Bengals made huge plays because Palmer made big-time throws. Clearly, it
was a moment upon which to build.

At 6-6, unfortunately, Cincinnati has little chance of making the playoffs
in a crowded AFC field. And, even with Sunday's results, it is clear the
Bengals need another speed receiver (no disrespect intended for
Houshmandzadeh, who now has 14 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns
the last two outings) to pair with the brash Johnson. Maybe Palmer will
regress again, revert to the quarterback who had more interceptions than
touchdown passes until Sunday, and whose efficiency rating was a modest
70.1. But if he stays in ascent, and uses Sunday's fourth quarter as
positive reinforcement, the victory could serve as a career springboard.

nevsky41

12-07-2004, 09:33 PM

Carson Palmer was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, and he is within 1% of beating McNabb for the FedEx Air Express Player of the Week award on NFL.com! VOTE!

Dominion$$69

12-08-2004, 06:59 AM

we need these guys back:
Ken anderson
Chris Collinsworth
Pete Johnson
Dan Ross
Anthony Munoz

Dominion$$69

12-08-2004, 06:59 AM

The good old days............

nevsky41

12-08-2004, 10:02 PM

It just occurred to me... if the Bengals hadn't pissed away the Titans and second Steelers games, it's entirely possible that the team could have been on a 7 game win streak. Kind of pointless to point that out at this point, but I thought it was interesting to point out, nonetheless.

Felty

12-12-2004, 02:01 PM

Well what slim chance we had at making the playoffs are gone.

The turnovers killed us today. I just hope that Palmer injury is not serious. :(

shantyman88

12-12-2004, 03:44 PM

Good game nonetheless.

I ahte to complain but the officiating was outrageous. Dillon's knee hit before the ball crossed them plane, they did not call a facemask that they should have, and Rudi did not fumble the ball.

Of course the real killer was the two picks thrown by Palmer and Kitna.

nevsky41

12-12-2004, 08:30 PM

First and formeost, I hope Palmer is okay. Bengals.com says the injury is a sprained medial colateral ligament, and typically takes 2-4 weeks to heal. I'm just glad it's not a tear. It sucks though, just as he was starting to come into his own, I think. He still throws way too many INTs, but he was beginning to throw TDs as well, and in bunches. I hope he's well enough to come back before the season is over, but with the season basically in the can, would that be the best option?

As shantyman88 said, I hate to ***** about officiating, but from what I heard of the game (only parts), and from the Baltimore game last week, the officials seem to have a grudge against the Bengals, why, who knows? But it's crap, nonetheless.

Why the hell did Larson run for a TD? Was it a fake FG?

Anyway, I hope Palmer heals completely, and comes back at the right tiome, whenever that may be.

Felty

12-12-2004, 10:16 PM

Why the hell did Larson run for a TD? Was it a fake FG?
It was a fake. Great call and totally caught the pats by suprise.

legendkiller533

12-12-2004, 11:53 PM

um dude on the facemask he didn't even grab anything, his hand was in a fist the whole time, don't know about the other 2 though missed most of the first quarter cuz i was out eating breakfast. Yes breakfast at 1

Felty

12-13-2004, 05:35 PM

from Bengals.com

Palmer: Questionable
12-13-04, 3:20 p.m.

A MRI found no more damage in quarterback Carson Palmer's left knee, but the
sprain has made him questionable for this Sunday's game against the Bills at
Paul Brown Stadium. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that he does expect
him to play again this season, but his status for the Buffalo game hinges on
his pain tolerance as well as how the knee responds to treatment.

nevsky41

12-21-2004, 04:23 PM

Well, my ire has died down a bit with the board being down, but I'm gonna post my thoughts anyway (although anger about the *****ty day I'm having overall will probably leak into this somehow)...

It's a good thing that NFL teams only play one game a week, b/c it'll take AT LEAST that long for the grounds crew atb PBS to clean up the TURD the bengals laid on the field on sunday.

I've been a Bengals fan for almost 20 years. I've worn my hats and shirts and jerseys during good times and bad. I've been diappointed, upset, and disgusted by losses and incompetance before, but NEVER, EVER embarrassed to say i was a bengals fan before this week. They say there is a first time for everything, and for the first time, I am EMBARRASSED to admit I am a Bengals fan.

It's hard to really say why, though. There's been worse losses, more pathetic losses, and dumber stuff done. I guess it's mostly the combination of incompetance and stupidity that pervades and will not roll over and die that this team showed on Sunday. Some of the dumbest penalties possible, and the proliferation of mistakes and stupidity... why can the Bengals NOT get themselves off the schedule??? Take three steps forward, take 2 dozen back. Seems like the M.O. for finishing out this season.

Carson Palmer is finally emerging from his shell, and he gets hurt. I don't want to blame Kitna for everything, b/c it's not ALL his fault (who gave the o-line the day off? why was Kelley freaking Washington the only WR to bother to actually show up? etc, etc, etc...), but from watching that abortion of a game, I'd say that my evaluation that Kitna went cold way back in week 16 of 2003 was confirmed. Yeah, he could run the hurry up better than Palmer, but all the mojo he had working during the middle of last season is gone. I believe that if Palmer had not gotten hurt last week, the Bengals possibly could have beaten the Patriots, they had already outscored and outgained every other visiting team the Pats had played at home since god knows when. The Pats were showing the chinks in their armor, and the Bengals were the first to really expose them. And now, with the "gamebreaker" out (as bengals.com is now referring to Palmer), what happens? Nothing good, that's what happens.

Penalties and turnovers are what is killing this team. it seems like for every yard the Bengals gain, they get a penalty that costs them 10. It's exactly how they pissed away their first half lead against the Steelers in week 11 (-3 yards of net offense in the second half... i rest my case), which was a game that, at least judging from their 1st half performance, they had well-in-hand, and if they would have just paid attention, could have won. Same with the Titans loss, they easily could have won that game, except for penalties and turnovers. Again, if not for turnovers, the BEngals feasibly could have beaten the Steelers in week 4 as well.

Penalties and turnovers... why the the Bengals cannot stop beating themselves, I cannot understand. I guess Fontenot is starting to think he sounded pretty stupid now, when he turned down San Diego's offer b/c he felt they were not as close to the playoffs as the Bengals? I know I feel stupid right now for believing this team has any kind of shot of redeeming itself. I hate feeling that way, but it's just not much to feel good about right now, since TJ and Rudi very feasibly could go elsewhere, b/c of the miniscule cap room available next season. I don't know what the cap room is, but I know that Rudi and Tj (and their agents) have been quoted on Bengals.com saying that both want to stay in Cincinnatti, but all parties are ready to go their seperate ways if it comes to that. And Chris Perry, I don't care how much the Bengals want to whitewash the debacle he has been so far, I do not believe in him. Not at all. I'd much rather the Bengals dump him and give his money to Rudi. Do not fall into the Shayne Graham trap again.

I'm just down inn general right now. Very little could raise my spirits right now. I'm out.

Felty

12-21-2004, 06:25 PM

nevsky41,

I know how you feel. But there was one bright spot from Sundays game. The Defence continues to play better every week.

Also maybe the bengals fans that though Kitna should have been starting all the time will shut up. It's obvious our future is with Palmer.

As for TJ and Rudi. I am not sure Rudi is worth what he is asking. From what I have read from various places. He is wanting about 4 million a year. There going to be several quality running backs out there to grab. Maybe take a look at Lamont Jordon? I think they will be able to bring TJ.

Maybe I am just being to optomistic. But I think the Bengals future is pretty bright. I would be shocked if the Bengals don't make the playoffs next season. The only thing that bugs me right now more than anything is the wasted pick it appears on Chris Perry. If I was taking a back I would have taken Kevin Jones. How can pear be questionable every freaking week? And then not play.

I still don't like Bratkowski I think they would be better served letting him go and getting another offensive cordinator.

Also back to Sunday's game. The Refs totally missed the interference call on the Spikes interception. He clearly shoved Rudi in the back.

nevsky41

12-21-2004, 11:20 PM

*****, I'm a huge Rudi backer, but $4 million a year? That's kind of outrageous. I want Rudi to stay, but he may need to go to a team in desperate need of a workhorse back to get that kind of dough.

Chris Perry is a joke. I still don't understand why they wasted the first round pick on him. I kind of wish they'd grabbed Julius Jones, the way he's been playing.

Again, I hate to harp on how opponents seem to be getting away with bloody murder on the Bengals, and they keep getting ticky-tack *****, but I had forgotten about the Spikes interference, and you're right. Another example of the refs playing favorites. Not an excuse, but a factor.

And I really believe that before Marvin Lewis leaves Cincinnatti (if he's to be believed, he won't be leaving any time soon), the Bengals will be redeemed, and perhaps even bring home a Lombardi, and I can get a damned Bengals Championship shirt and hat, and all kinds of other crap. I truly beleive it will happen. The playoffs for certain next year. But only if the team can get past these damned penalties and turnovers.

nevsky41

12-22-2004, 09:05 PM

Three Bengals have been named 2005 Pro Bowlers--

Tory James will join Chad Johnson and Willie Anderson (making their second straight trip to Hawaii) on the 2005 AFC Pro Bowl roster.

Something tells me Willie may graciously bow out, due to his knee, or only play a few snaps.

As an aside, Champ Bailey will join James and Chris McAlister as the AFC's CBs. I ask, in all seriousness, WHY? Bailey's hardly had a banner year, and all he has to do is get burnt once and the Denver fans call for his head. I'd have chosen Dunta Robinson, who has twice as many INTs and more tackles than Bailey.

Felty

12-25-2004, 08:32 PM

SERIES HISTORY: New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Regular season: Bengals lead 4-2
Postseason: None

nevsky41

12-26-2004, 09:32 PM

Unbelievable.

That's all I can say. Nice to have a win in the last home game.

Felty

12-26-2004, 09:45 PM

Nice little win today. I expected the Bengals to blow the giants out. That didn't happen. But I will take the win. :D

I really like the way Ratliff is playing. He is turning out to be an excellent draftpick.

nevsky41

12-27-2004, 08:37 AM

I was stoked when we took Ratliff and Madieu. I knew they would both prove to be excellent choices, and be standouts. Didn't anticipate they'd be doing so so early, but hey, that's how life goes.

I think if Palmer had not gotten hurt, the Bengals probably would have just capped off a 5 game win streak. I'm not joking or smoking anything either, I really believe that. Right up until he got hurt, other than the INTs (which he still throws WAAAYYYY to many), he was on fire, and that offense was clicking and looking as scary as many know-it-alls had predicted in the offseason. Kitna's done okay, but with 13 weeks on back-up duty, he was obviously rusty, and any time the starting QB has to sit out, it disrupts things. This is not a knock on Kitna, b/c even though I a big Palmer backer, Kitna is a great mentor for #9, and he's good to have around, but I think if Palmer hadn't gotten hurt, the Bengals just might have beaten the PAts, and rolled over the Bills and Giants. But that's a moot point now, isn't it?

Just glad to have the win.

Big Willie

12-27-2004, 11:24 AM

This is the type of season they should have had last year....next year is the real test. See who they resign, Rudi, TJ, etc....and next year will be fun. Heck, the past two years have been a blast finally....no complaints. It is just tough now, being so close, two years in a row. (listen to me..now I am spoiled)

nevsky41

12-27-2004, 09:18 PM

The reality of next year's cap situation is is summed up in this quote from Carson Palmer--

"I can't imagine being in the huddle looking over and seeing Chad, Peter, T.J., Rudi, Kelley and our O-line."

The lead in to that on Bengals.com was this: "Meanwhile, Palmer is left to hope he can have all his weapons."

I hope so too, but I don't see it happening. Rudi's agenty is asking for $17 million over 3 years. That's just under $4 mil a year. My guess is that Rudi is preparing to head elsewhere. And that sucks, b/c I just do not believe in Chris Perry. T.J. wants to stay in Cincy, so I'm guessing he'll be more likely to sign a longer contract to ease the cap hit. Warrick probably will be a shadow of his former self, as his injury is degenerative in nature, and he won't return after next year. Kelley Washington, I like the guy, but he doesn't really seem to be willing to sell out to make that clutch catch. Kitna threw an easy pass to him against Buffalo, and he barely even tried to catch it. That irritates me.

It'll be an interesting offseason to watch and see how it developes.

nevsky41

12-27-2004, 09:37 PM

I was looking at the 1st page of this thread, and saw one of Spider-Man's posts...

He called the BEngals finishing 3rd in the division, at 7-9. Which, could very easily happen, though with the way Reid views these meaningless games down the stretch, he masy give the entire first team the week off, and we could run all over 'em. Who knows, really?

But the funny thing was he called the Browns going 10-6 and getting a wildcard. Funny, funny, funny stuff. Methinks the Browns will be getting the #2 overall pick in the draft.

Felty

12-27-2004, 09:45 PM

But the funny thing was he called the Browns going 10-6 and getting a wildcard. Funny, funny, funny stuff. Methinks the Browns will be getting the #2 overall pick in the draft.
LOL! I forgot all about that. I remember laughing at the post at the time. I knew the browns were in serious trouble. They did nothing to improve there Offensive Line. QB was never there problem. They money they spent on Garcia could have went towards improving the line. Anway it thrills me the Bengals future is so bright and the browns are a mess. :D

Felty

12-29-2004, 03:49 PM

2005 Schedule

http://www.bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCurPage=0&news_id=2669

Home:
14-1 Pittsburgh
12-3 Indianapolis
9-6 Green Bay
9-6 Buffalo
8-7 Baltimore
8-7 Minnesota
7-8 Houston
3-12 Cleveland

Road:
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
Cleveland
Jacksonville (8-7)
KC (7-8)
Detroit (6-9)
Chicago (5-10)
Tennessee (4-11)

Felty

12-30-2004, 06:27 PM

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Quarterback Carson Palmer practiced Wednesday for the first time since spraining his knee, but it's unlikely that he'll play in the Cincinnati Bengals' final game.

Palmer worked out with a brace on the left knee, which was injured on a tackle during a 35-28 loss to New England on Dec. 12. Jon Kitna filled in for Palmer the last two games, making his first starts of the season.

Palmer, the 2003 Heisman Trophy winner and first overall draft pick, has spent the last two weeks trying to strengthen an injured ligament on the outside of the knee.

The Bengals (7-8) face the Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) on Sunday. Palmer was listed as questionable on Wednesday's injury report.

``I'm pushing the doctors, and they're pushing in the opposite direction,'' Palmer said. ``We're butting heads right now.''

Felty

12-31-2004, 09:35 AM

SERIES HISTORY: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Regular season: Bengals lead 6-3
Postseason: None

nevsky41

12-31-2004, 09:45 AM

Well, the Iggles are my favorite NFC team, but the Bengals will always be my top team. So, as much as I hate to see the Eagles lose again, I'm backing my Bengals. And since Andy Reid will probably be playing the second and third teams again, I see no reason why the Bengals couldn't win. Reid doesn't really care about this game, I don't think, so maybe we can take that series to 7-3.

Felty

01-02-2005, 03:55 PM

Not much to say. Just I am glad the Bengals beat the the Eagles Junior Varsity team. :D

nevsky41

01-03-2005, 09:08 AM

I think this season will go down as being one that had so much potential, and also so much disappointment...

HIGHLIGHTS--

- First Sunday might game in I-don't-know-how-long, we won, even if it was a less than inspiring performance.
- First Monday night game in opver a decade, we dominated the Broncos for the entire game.
- Carson Palmer's eventual emergence as a gamebreaker and team leader.
- Improved defensive play over the season.
- Beat Cleveland in a history-making monster shootout that was quite possibly one of the craziest games I've ever seen.
- Beat the Ravens in Baltimore for the first time since 1996, featuring an almost flawless performance by Palmer, who looked absolutely Elway-ish with that comeback in the 4th quarter, and Shayne Graham's last second game-winning field goal.
- 4-0 against NFC opponents (mixed bag tho, since NFC East is crappy except Eagles, and we beat their B- and C-teams...)
- Defensive rookies stepping it up. I said after the draft that the best picks we made were both out 2nd rounders, Ratliff and Williams. I'd say I was pretty accurate, especially with the world being put on their shoulders so early on, and how well they held up and performed.
- Emergence of T.J. Houshmanzadeh.
- All the franchise records tied or broken this season.
- Chad, Willie, and Tory going to the Pro Bowl.

LOWLIGHTS--

- Toughest schedule in the NFL. Look at all the #1, top 3, and top 5 defenses we played this year, and you tell me we didn't have the toughest schedule in the NFL.
- Penalties galore. Why can't the Bengals get themselves off their schedule?
- Turnovers. Palmer's next task MUST be turning the ball over far, far less.
- Pissing away wins. The Bengals could have beaten the Titans, and conceivably could have won both games against the Steelers, but pissed them all away with STUPID penalties and turnovers.
- Injury problems. 18 players on IR, many of them starters. Revolving door situation on the o-line at beginning of the season contributed to sputtering running game and many of Palmer's problems in first third of the season. P-Dub will probably never be quite as good as he was before this injury. Palmer's season-ender in the middle of his red-hot streak (which cost the Bengals a very possible win in New England). Tony Williams' season-ender at the hands of Denver's dirty blocking. I could go on...
- Disgusting losses. When the Bengals lost this year, when it wasn't a heart-breaking key turnover, it was disgusting stupidity and incompetance over and over. When the Bengals lose, they lose badly, or they beat themselves. I'd say the loss to the Browns in week 6 was the most disgusting loss I can remember, and the loss to Buffalo was the most embarrassing for me as a fan. Oh, and who can forget the second half meltdown of our offense in week 11 where our offense netted -3 yards in the second half after dominating the entire 1st half?
- Officials picking on the Bengals late in the season. (Not an excuse, just an observation.)

I really believe the future is bright, but the biggest caveat is not whether the team can re-sign Rudi and T.J., it's whether the team can smarten up and eliminate all the penalties and turnovers. Play smart football, and beat the other team, not yourselves. Score points for the Bengals, not the other team. I have faith, and really believe our first winning season since 1990 is coming in 2005, maybe we can even crash the playoffs next year. Marvin Lewis is not content with 8-8, and even though I'm glad it wasn't 7-9, I'm really not satisfied with it either. Push forward, play smart, and the wins will come.

Now it's time for the offseason dramas to unfold before us. Should be interesting if nothing else. :D

Felty

01-03-2005, 07:57 PM

Was just looking at some stats on NFL.com...

Bengals finished 19th in total defense, as far as yards given up. 11th in the AFC. Dallas was 16th (top half), about 5 yards/game better than the Bengals. SD was just above the Bengals, .3 yards/game better, and the next best was StL, .7 yards/game better. Yards per play
given up was 5.2, which is tied with 4 other teams, and puts the Bengals in the top half of the NFL.

The Bengals played 10 games vs. top 10 defenses, and 15 of the 16 were against teams in the top half of the NFL (exception being Tennessee).

The Bengals had 36 takeaways, which was tied for 3rd in the NFL, behind Buffalo's 39, Carolina's 38. Indy and NE also had 36. Bengals +/- was +4, which was 14th (tied with some others).

Rudi Johnson was 4th in the AFC in rushing yards, behind Curtis Martin (who led the NFL by 1 yard over Shawn Alexander), Dillon (who was 3rd in the NFL), and Edgerrin James. He was 6th in the NFL (Tiki Barber was also ahead of him). His 4.0 YPC was lower than the top 3 AFC backs by
at least .6 YPC -- in the top 10 AFC backs, it was better than Tomlinson and Domanick Davis, and the same as Willis McGahee. In the NFL top 10, his YPC was also better than Clinton Portis'.

Chad Johnson led the AFC in yards receiving, but he was 6th in the NFL -- behind Muhsin Muhammad, who had a great year, the two Ram WRs, Joe Horn, and Javon Walker.

Felty

01-04-2005, 11:39 AM

The Bengals are immediately negotiating with Rudi's agent. As in today.

"It's about time people gave Rudi the due he deserves," Schaffer said. "There are enough people who think he's one of the top five or six backs in the league."

If so, then tag him and trade him. The one year amount for a franchise player is over 5 million. I think a team like the Raiders would be highly interested in him.

I still don't think Rudi is worth that type of money. On top of that. I would much rather take that money and get a stud DL.. .We need a run stopper to compete with the Steelers and Ravens.

nevsky41

01-04-2005, 09:40 PM

The thing about the push to sign Rudi is that he is incredibly popular. I remember lots of talk at the end of last season about the coming "Big 3" of Palmer, Johnson, & Johnson. I don't know if Rudi is worth thr 4 mil a year his agent is trying to get, but I would be willing to garauntee you he could get that in free agency. I like Rudi, he is reported to be a great guy in the locker room, and unselfish. Givne that the most selfish a-hole in the NFL, Corey Dillon, was such a cancer in the lockerroom for so long, I think the player might just want a guy with Rudi's attitude around for a change. I'd like to see him back, but not if it's going to present a major problem.

BTW, who's the new chick in your avatar, Felty?

Felty

01-04-2005, 09:54 PM

You brought up an important part. Rudi Johnson is a very popular player. If they don't sign him the team is going to take a huge PR hit. Fans are going to be like same oh bengals. Considering we have lost two elite players the last two years.. (Spikes and Dillon)....

The girl is Amy Acker. She played Fred on the TV show Angel. In the last season of the show a demon took over her body and she became Illyria.. Here is a picture of her out of the makeup and hair coloring. :D

http://www.zoomnet.net/~felty/amy.jpg

Eric

01-04-2005, 10:08 PM

Slap the tag on Rudi and trade him, huh? For what? The opportunity to take a huge step back in terms of the progress we've made these last two years? Or the chance to look like those Raiders you mentioned? Or maybe both?

All sarcasm aside, Rudi's a heck of a back, and there's no way Chris Perry's ready to step in. Kenny Watson's been around a little longer, but I don't see him stepping in and turning into a number one guy, either. And if Rudi does walk, do we waste another first-round pick on a running back when we really need defense?

Not only is Rudi an outstanding player, but he's a great guy, too. He's all about working hard and getting results, and that's a rarity these days. What more could you ask for in a running back? I don't understand the mentality of "he's worth something now so let's dump him and see what we can get." If we're ever gonna be serious contenders like we've all dreamed we'd become someday, it's gonna take a solid core as well as a little money spent.

Felty

01-04-2005, 10:25 PM

Don't get me wrong. I like Rudi. I just don't think he is worth what he is asking for. I read somewhere we were 1 million over the salery cap this year. I came out in favor of a Rudi re-sign earlier this year, but not, at this point, in lieu of defensive pressure on the line. In typical fashion, the players/coaches he becomes enamored with (see: **** LeBeau, Corey Dillon, Carl Pickens, etc) skew his vision of the larger picture. While it will be great to have those familiar faces surrounding Carson in the huddle, it is realistic to expect that they cannot score enough to make the play-offs in the run oriented AFC north. You must stop Lewis, Bettis, and Staley in division and (for 2005) Davis, Edge James, Mcgahee, Amahan Green, Chis Brown, and Larry Johnson/Priest Holmes = OUCH for the Bengals undermanned defensive line. The road to the playoffs is made by stopping these guys on third down and getting the ball back during 4th quarter grind it out. Don't know if it's just me, but that looks like a who's who of the running backs destined to kill the Bengals.

nevsky41

01-05-2005, 09:27 AM

It's funny, really. Logic would tell you that the simple solution would be for the Bengals to offer a more backloaded contract over a longer period of time, say, 5-6 years. The fact that Rudi's agent is pushing for such a short contract bothers me. If Rudi wants to stay in Cincinnati, why not try for a longer contract, especially since Rudi seems to stay healthy perpetually. More of the same crap from agents. I really think the folly of drafting Perry is presenting itself now. (I certainly wouldn't want to be Chris Perry in Cincinnati now, as he is probably the lightning rod for all the frustration and criticism about the whole situation.) I know why they did it, but it just seems stupid now.

Rudi's popularity, as Felty pointed out, makes this much more of a minefield than it really has to be. But the push for T.J., and Richie Braham also presents itself. T.J. wants to stay very much, so I'm thinking he might be more likely to sign a longer contract, but more backloaded. Richie Braham will probably sign another 1-year contract, for around the league minimum, like he did last offseason. How does this affect signing Rudi? Who knows? All I know is that I'd like to see Rudi stay, he's everything you could want in a back (well, he could be a better receiver, but oh well), but it's gonna be tricky.

From what I've read, the cap goes up $5 million next season. The Bengals do not have the $10 million in dead money they did this season, but they will have $1 million penalized for their cap overages this season, but Palmer's incentives and (probably) Chad's as well might eat into that additional money. So, they theoretically should be in better shape, but it's still a worriesome situation. And then there's the draft! (Even though this is projected as the weakest draft in a long time.) I'm hoping Palmer will be willing to restructure his deal in the next season or so (though I don't see that happening this season), and some players' loyalty will help keep cap costs down. But that might be a pipe dream. But of course, how many of the guys on IR won't be back?

Like I said, it wil be an interesting, if not necessarily "fun" offseason.

nevsky41

01-05-2005, 11:26 PM

Wow, Leslie Frazier got *****-canned. I would have dumped Bratkowski, but whatever.

Marvin is talking about the franchise tag for Rudi. If Rudi gets the tag, I see that as the sign that he
is on the way out. I'd hate to see him go, but I don't know if it's realistic to keep him.

Felty

01-06-2005, 12:07 AM

Very surprising! I would have also fired Bratkowski, though I am in favor of this move. It shows me that this franchise is really serious about winning. There are standards on this team! That is a good thing.

Felty

01-06-2005, 10:22 PM

Anderson makes AP All Pro Team.

A nice honor for him. First Bengal since Ambrose.

Felty

01-09-2005, 06:47 PM

The Bengals, TJ Houshmandzedeh on ESPN News right now talking about the NFL playoffs.

Felty

01-09-2005, 06:48 PM

His Super Bowl Predictions

Colts over Falcons

Felty

01-22-2005, 11:26 PM

APM

01-23-2005, 12:16 AM

Hey guys in 98' I was fortunate enough to go to Cincinnati for a soccer tourn.
From than on I have been following the Bengals, cant wait till next season I think a playoff spot is long over due.
Take Care
P.S. On regret I had I never got a mini helmet from the Bengals now I dont know when I will get the chance to go back. Hey maybe for a playoff game, who knows.

Eric

01-23-2005, 09:33 PM

http://bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCurPage=0&news_id=2722

This Rudi thing has the makings of a disaster: worst case scenario, Bengals tag him, no one wants him, and they have to pay 6 mill to a disgruntled Dillon clone. Now more than ever, they should unload him. We've seen this story before. They'll have to tag and pray they can trade him, even though it's a risk.

"Unload" him? Dillon needed to be unloaded. He was a cancer, a "me first" player who basically lost his job to a better runner (at the time) and whined all the way to New England. Johnson, on the other hand, just set the franchise rushing mark in his first full season as the number 1 guy and is being treated like some second-rate, easily-replaceable scout team back. I love Marvin and agree with his choices most of the time, but he's wrong here in saying the tag's not a bad thing (to a player), and he's insulting Johnson by calling it a compliment.

But say we do trade him. Who replaces him? Chris "I was healthy for 2 games" Perry? Mr. 3rd down back Kenny Watson? Or do we use yet another first round pick on a running back when we need defense? I don't mean to slight Chris or Kenny cause I like them both and hope they stay on the team for years, but neither of them have proved they can replace Johnson.

You're right about one thing, though: we have seen this before. We've got a good thing in Rudi, and if the organization screws it up then they'll just prove how little things actually have changed. Guys like Rudi are a rare breed these days in the NFL, and you're not gonna win anything in this league without one hell of a player in your offensive backfield.

Felty

01-23-2005, 09:54 PM

I understand that Rudi is a popular player among fans. But I am concerned about the long term success of this football team. There's a number of talented backs on the market (Henry, Jordon), and this is a very deep year for RBs in the draft. Rudi is less talented than most. The WORST case scenario is that they sign him to a long term deal for $5 or $6 million per year, and then he averages 3.7 yards per carry while preventing them from signing a bigger difference-maker.

Felty

01-27-2005, 04:23 PM

The last time Philadelphia was in the Super Bowl (XV), the following year, the Bengals won the AFC and played in Super Bowl XVI in Michigan .Philadelphia is in the big game again and next year the Super Bowl will again be in Michigan.

hmmmmmmmmm :D

nevsky41

01-28-2005, 08:02 AM

That would be freakin awesome. If memory serves my right, both Super Bowl seasons just kind of came out of no where, and were a surprise to most of the NFL. Could history repeat itself? Dear gawd, I hope so.

Eric

01-28-2005, 07:50 PM

Forget the Super Bowl, I'll be happy if we just make the playoffs next year. And I think anything less than the playoffs will be considered an underachievement after the progress we've made the last couple seasons. It's a big step, getting yourself from the level we're at to the level of a serious playoff threat, but I think we can do it. It just takes putting a few more things together, a conversion here, a little luck there. And I don't think it's out of reach for us.

This season isn't even over yet, and I'm already getting pumped about next year.

Big Willie

01-28-2005, 08:14 PM

I just want playoffs...everything else will take care of itself.

nevsky41

01-28-2005, 10:36 PM

I think if Palmer can pick up right where he left off, and the team can stay healthy, the playoffs will come. Even if it's just a wildcard, the playoffs will come. The biggest problem the team had this season was injuries, especially the o-line. The injuries on the o-line were a big part of the slow start and I think the sputtering run game and contributed to many of Palmer's early problems.

Staying healthy will help SO MUCH next season it's ridiculous. I see a winning record next year easily, and very possibly a wildcard. I am so pumped for next season it's insane. I've already convinced my girlfriend to come to a game with me and one of my friends if we can get tickets. Here's hoping!!!

Felty

01-29-2005, 01:58 PM

From Enquirer article Daugherty writes:

Lewis sees what New England has done. "Attitude wins more than talent," Lewis said, which is partly why Dillon isn't here, Takeo Spikes isn't here and Peter Warrick is hanging by a thread.

What's the deal with Warrick? Did I miss some something?

Also nevsky41,

Kinda interesting. I also got my girlfriend talked into going to a game next year with me. :)

exanimate

01-29-2005, 03:50 PM

nevsky41

01-31-2005, 10:48 PM

Originally posted by Felty:
What's the deal with Warrick? Did I miss some something? There was a piece on Bengals.com a while ago in which Warrick was quoted as saying while he was happy for TJ's emergence and success this season, but that he also refused to be a slot/posession guy, and would not settle for anything less than the #2 spot. Kind of funny, considering Warrick has never really lived up to his top pick expectations, and really, his skills are best in possession and red zone situations. Chad can go deep, play possession, red zone, pretty much anything you could want from a wideout (his blocking still needs work, but he already made huge strides as a blocker just this year over past years), TJ has emerged as another jack-of-all-trades, and Kelley, well, I like him, but he is still struggling to find a role. Where does this leave P-Dub? Basically, another Dillon situation it's looking like, except with a degenerative knee/shin problem. Warrick will never be the same, and although I'll hate to see him go, if he's going to have a bad attitude, especially if TJ gets re-signed, I'd rather see another bad attitude gone. I only want players who WANT to be in Cincinnati to wear the stripes. If Warrick really feels like he is nothing less than a #2 guy, he should have to prove it in training camp if TJ gets re-signed, b/c in my opinion, assuming TJ returns, TJ is the incumbant #2 wideout. Chad is the top dawg, b/c he has earned it. TJ has earned the right to lay claim to the #2 spot. Anyone who feels they could do better should have to prove it. Just my opinion though.

Kinda interesting. I also got my girlfriend talked into going to a game next year with me. :) Believe me, it was easier than I'd anticipated. She's a huge basketball fan, but admits she knows nothing about football, and that's the only reason she isn't a fan. I've been teasing her about getting her son a toddler Chad jersey, which she laughs at, but I doubt I'll do it, as I don't know if he'd like it or not.

Originally posted by exanimate:
Which game? We will probably be heading to 2 games next season. Maybe we can meet up for beers or somethin. I have no idea what game we'll be going to, we gotta see what the schedule ends up being like, and what the 2-game packages look like, as well as what we might be able to get on eBay at a bargin. But once we know, if this thread is stil around, we should see if we're all going to any of the same games, and if we are, we should defintely try and meet for some beers or tailgating or something! :D

Felty

02-03-2005, 11:14 AM

I just then noticed the replies here.

nevsky41,

Thanks for the info on Warrick.

exanimate,

No idea on the game yet. I kinda like to see Bengals and Browns.

Felty

02-03-2005, 11:15 AM

Bengals, others interest Alexander

http://www.bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCurPage=0&news_id=2737

I say there is NO Chance at all of Alexander signing with the Bengals. I can dream though. :D

preacherman_316

02-03-2005, 12:30 PM

I think that the Oilers will make it to the Superbowl before the Bengals do!

Derive what you will from that statement...

hahaha

Felty

02-03-2005, 12:42 PM

I think that the Oilers will make it to the Superbowl before the Bengals do!

Derive what you will from that statement...

hahaha

:rolleyes: If you actually had a brain you would know the Bengals have been to two Super Bowls.

preacherman_316

02-03-2005, 12:45 PM

How terribly ignorant of me...
It's obviously the best idea for you to hold on to those 2 Bowls...
Cause there aren't any lingering in the future for the Big Bad Bengals.
A little testy aren't ya Felty?

Felty

02-03-2005, 12:50 PM

Not testy. You posted a message to obviously get a reaction from me or another Bengals fan.

The future for the Bengals is very bright, and by saying that no Super Bowls are lingering in the bengals future shows your lack of sports knowledge.

At least I still have my team. Looks like your the one holding on to the past. The Oilers are long gone..

preacherman_316

02-03-2005, 01:22 PM

The truth is Felty, I HAVEN'T followed the Bengals very much since they played the oilers. I am most certainly a die-hard Oilers fan. And the only thing that makes me happy about seeing the oilers leave H-town was because I knew that Bud Adams sorry butt was leaving with them.

On a different note, I was very impressed with Rudi Johnson over the past little while. I hope that he does great, that way it'll make my rookie auto of him go up in value. lol

But you are correct about one thing...I am a man without a team. I pull for the Texans a little, but my heart's not really in it. So on a more serious note, what is your next year's prediction for your boys???

Felty

02-03-2005, 01:33 PM

I was going to hold off on my predictions till after the draft and free agents. But I am thinking 10 - 6 and actually making the playoffs.

The Bengals were the worst team in the NFL and deserved the bashing they got in the past. But Marvin Lewis has done wonders with this team the last two years.

nevsky41

02-04-2005, 11:19 AM

Well, a guy with 8 posts to his credit is defintely a sports guru, right? Especially when 3 of those 8 are attempts to push buttons for no good reason.

High class, all the way.

preacherman_316

02-05-2005, 08:03 AM

Just new to the boards...not new to sports though.
And as far as pushing buttons, just trying to rile up the old oilers-v-browns rivalry.
It's called FUN!
Sorry for not putting my "serious" face on first!
I wasn't aware that posting 9 million comments on the boards made me a sports officienado...
Silly me. Just been a paid football coach for several years as well as certified football, basketball & baseball official...but you're right, I don't know sports!

nevsky41

02-05-2005, 09:51 PM

Um, this is a Bengals thread. If you want to make fun of the Browns, you won't get too many pople upset on this thread.

And I'm happy that you're all those things. Good for you. Go and tell it on the mountains, maybe someone there will be impressed.

preacherman_316

02-06-2005, 12:16 AM

Sure got you upset though huh?
Although going to the mountains does sound kind of cool.
Any mountains near Cincy?

nevsky41

02-07-2005, 02:51 AM

I didn't get upset by your comments, I got irritated by you coming on here and being negative like a dip****. I'd expect that kind of crap from some of the board members, but we've been able to keep this thread pretty much jerk-free for awhile, and then you come in here and start trying to push buttons for no reason. Go and pull that crap elsewhere.

Eric

02-07-2005, 11:25 PM

Has anyone heard anything recently about the Rudi and TJ situations? Or Warrick? Or anything else, for that matter?

Bengals.com hasn't had much to speak of (I don't count that fantasy snippet about Alexander being "interested" in signing with us), so if anyone's got some new news I'd sure like to hear it.

nevsky41

02-11-2005, 10:02 AM

All I know is that I hope Crennel is a complete flop in Cleveland. I loved what Davis and Robiski (sp?) were doing with the Browns... LOSING. Now why would they want to stop that kind of performance? Hopefully they'll continue to waste money on positions they really don't need to improve at so the incompetence can just continue to roll on unabated.

Crennel was the last guy I wanted to end up coaching Cleveland, but at least with him and Weiss leaving New England, maybe the Pats will finally fall apart, b/c the system is now down.

No more info on Rudi other than he still says he'll sit if he gets the franchise tag. No word on TJ at all, and Warrick is another no information situation. I'm really hoping someone will agree to restructure their deal so there will be some cap help, but I'm not holding my breath.

Thur34

02-11-2005, 10:06 AM

Hey "Oilers fan"; 35-3

Don't comback with "Music-city Miracle" either, because that wasn't Houston or the Oilers.

By the way, this is just meant in fun! ;)

Felty

02-11-2005, 05:54 PM

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer
February 11, 2005

KAPOLEI, Hawaii (AP) -- Rudi Johnson hopes the Cincinnati Bengals believe he has many more Pro Bowl seasons in him -- and the running back also hopes they'll give him a contract to keep him around for all of them.

Johnson, who will play for the AFC squad in Sunday's all-star game, repeated his desire to sign a new long-term contract with the Bengals before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next month.

But unless his agent can work out a deal, the Bengals are likely to designate Johnson as their franchise player just two months after he broke Corey Dillon's franchise record with 1,454 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. That could lead to a holdout -- but Johnson is still holding out hope for a resolution.

``Hopefully we'll get something done,'' Johnson said. ``If not, we'll see what happens. From day one, I've been saying I wanted to stay in Cincinnati, so hopefully we'll get it done. We've got some work to do, but hard work never hurt anybody.''

His looming contract negotiation hasn't detracted from his first visit to Hawaii. The fourth-year pro was added to the AFC roster last week after the New York Jets' Curtis Martin was forced to skip the game with an injury.

``I want to get over here next year and the year after that,'' Johnson said. ``It's my first (Pro Bowl), but I don't want it to be my last. I have to stay focused and stay on the right path.''

If Johnson is designated the Bengals' franchise player, it would limit the negotiations to a one-year contract offer worth more than $6.3 million. Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, told the Cincinnati Enquirer last week that Johnson might sit out the season if the Bengals used the franchise tag on him.

Johnson wouldn't comment on that possibility Thursday, but repeatedly stated his desire to be a large part of Cincinnati's improvements from consecutive 8-8 seasons.

``I want to be there and help them get over the hump,'' Johnson said. ``I started the whole thing, and I was there when coach (Marvin) Lewis came on board, and I want to continue that.''

Bengals receiver Chad Johnson and cornerback Tory James joined Rudi Johnson in Hawaii, and both teammates believe the running back should be back. If he leaves, first-round pick Chris Perry might be his replacement -- and Perry gained 1 yard this season while struggling with a hamstring injury and a hernia.

``We definitely need Rudi in the lineup,'' James said. ``He was huge for us this year, and he's really coming into his own as a player. Hopefully, they can work something out.''

Johnson has become a fan favorite in Cincinnati for his no-frills style, and he's approaching the Pro Bowl with the same mentality. Though many young NFL players travel to Hawaii for the parties and fun of Pro Bowl week even if they're not on the rosters, Johnson never considered it.

``The whole motto is you don't come over here until you come over here for the Pro Bowl,'' Johnson said.

But Johnson could get plenty of playing time in Sunday's game. Dillon, Martin and Indianapolis' Edgerrin James dropped out of the game with injuries, leaving San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson and Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis as the AFC's running backs.

``I'm just out here having a good time, talking to the guys and learning more,'' Johnson said. ``It's all about learning. Hopefully we'll win. That's the main thing.''

Eric

02-15-2005, 10:12 PM

Well, the Bengals gave Rudi the franchise tag, but he hasn't mentioned sitting out the season as a result. That's obviously a good sign, and it's also good that he's so optimistic about signing a long-term deal by March 16. What isn't a good sign is the way the Bengals have treated him so far, not showing any real sign of wanting to sign him to a long-term deal (even though that's what he deserves).

Now I'm biased to a point because I like Rudi, but what influences my feelings on this matter more is the fact that I hate when franchises do the "we have a good thing that we're sure of, but maybe we can have a slightly better thing if we play our cards right." If you're unfamiliar with this, it's what happens when teams get greedy (that is, stupid) and fail to understand that a bird in the fist is worth two in the bush. In this case, the Bengals have a good thing going with Rudi (what more could you want from your running game?), but they think two things: 1) sure Johnson's good, but we have Chris Perry still waiting in the wings and he could be the next Walter Payton, and 2) sure Johnson's good and he deserves a long-term deal, but maybe if we pretend he's not that good he'll think the same thing and let us give him one-year deals until he's no longer useful to us, at which point we put him out to pasture with little more to show for his loyalty than a sick feeling of being used.

What's really stupid is that even if the Bengals are simply looking out for their best interests (and the best interests of us fans, according to Marvin), why tie up $6 million of $14 million in cap space if you can tie up less by giving him what he wants? Obviously we're not Super Bowl contenders with the current squad we have (we're not even a playoff team), so how are we gonna get there by not having any money to give a key free agent or two in the off-season?

nevsky41

02-16-2005, 10:43 AM

The hard thing about the Rudi situation is that it's a mine field. Rudi is a big time favorite of Bengals fans (I'm a fan), especially in the city, b/c he's the polar opposite of the cancer named Corey.

If the Bengals let him go, there will/would be a HUGE backlash. Rudi now has the best single season (statistically) in Bengals history. Rudi, like Chad, has said that he WANTS to play his entire career in Cincy. Why would the Bengals NOT want to lock him up for years to come?

The only thing I can think of is thast Rudi is not much of an all-purpose back, and that came out this year. He's more in the mold of the Bus than LdT, he'll get his yards on the ground, and get better over the course of the game (usually), but he isn't much of a threat in the passing game. They always seem to go back to the claim that Perry is better in the passing game than Rudi, but I don't believe in Perry.

MArvin says he wants only players who want to be in Cincy. That makes me believe that they will try and keep Rudi and TJ around, b/c both of them have said many times they do not want to play anywhere else. I think the franchise tag is more of an insurance policy rather thana slap in Rudi's face. I want to believe that it's an insurance practice to make sure they keep Rudi in the fold until they can do some major number crunching, mainly b/c even though they have $14 milion dollars in cap space, they need to figure out how to deal with Palmer and Chad's performance bonuses, as well as the Peter Warrick situation. I'm hoping Palmer and Chad will sign some extensions or rework their contracts within the next couple of years when ther crunch gets super tight, and I really want to believev the tag is just so they can keep Rudi and do some figuring to see what the best kind of long term deal they can get with Rudi will be.

With Denver trying to trade Trevor Pryce, I wouldn't mind seeing him come to town, but I don't see it happening. I don't think they can get Rudi and TJ signed soon enough, and still have enough in the budget to sign Pryce to a realistic deal.

I disagree with the claim that the Bengals are not a playoff team. For a first year QB dealing with the kind of crap PAlmer had to dela with, and then come on like he did right before getting injured, I thinK Palmer did as well as he could with all the injuries and the schedule and other problems he had dumped on him. He didn't have an ideal siuation like Roethlisberger did. Chad and TJ are the starting WR duo I'd want if I ran a football team, and Rudi has become a rushing statistical machine. The defense started to gel halfway though the season, Deltha O'Neal shined, Tory James was about as dominant as Ed Reed, Justin Smith finally started to look like a 1st round pick, and the rookies shined when given the opportunity. Things are looking up big time. Half of the games the BEngals lost were easily within thewir reach to win, but were lost on one key play, often due to typical rookie mistakes. The Bengals twice could have easily beaten the mighty Steelers, probably could have beaten the Pats if Palmer hadn't gotten hurt, and made several milestones over the season. The Bengals probably will make the playoffs this coming season if nothing catastrophic happens. About everything that could have gone wrong did this past season, and the Bengals still didn't truly crash and burn. The team WILL be a legitimate SuperBowl threat soon. But that has as much to do with luck as it does good management.

Eric

02-16-2005, 10:33 PM

I'm certainly not criticizing the Bengals when I say we're not even a playoff team. I say that simply because we haven't made the playoffs with the current squad, not because I think we're not capable. I feel much the same way you do about this past season; with a few breaks here and there along with a little luck, we could have been in the playoffs. We played well against good teams like Pittsburgh and New England (although I think the Steelers weren't as good as their record showed). And I think we have a good shot at the playoffs this season. But as I said before, it's no easy task getting from almost there to actually being there, and I think we have our work cut out for us. We need a lot of work on defense, and I don't know if we can do it with the players we have now. Guys like Tory James and Justin Smith came around this year, but there are still holes on the line and problems with our linebackers (what happened to you, Brian Simmons?). And if there's no money to spend on free-agents (do any want to come here anyway?), and with the way Marvin drafts the best player available regardless of our needs (are we in for another RB?), we could be in for another tough year that ends in no playoffs. There's also the fact we'll have a new defensive coordinator, so that could affect things one way or the other.

I'm more and more excited with each season that comes under Marvin, and the anticipation of this season will be tough to deal with cause it's still a long ways off. But with that comes a greater and greater desire to succeed, and I'm holding them to a high standard these days.

nevsky41

02-17-2005, 11:12 AM

I agree with you 100% that the Steelers were nowhere near as good as their record, and that came as a result of many lucky breaks along the way. Look at both times we played them. In the first game, had Polamalu not picked off that pass and run it back, the Bengals could have won, it was feasible, but a typical 1st-year QB mistake took it away. The second game, the Bengals OWNED the entire first half, and made Roethlisberger look like a chump until halftime, then, the offense comes out and nets -3 yards for the entire second half, one of the worst meltdowns I've ever seen, and the Steelers didn't even play well that game, the Bengals just fell apart.

Taking away potential wins is one of the first problems that the team needs to deal with. And that's something that has to happen on the field.

I too have been more excited these last two seasons than I had been in gawd-knows when. I'm still excited, b/c all I see are bright skies ahead. I don't think we'll have another Chris Perry situation with this draft, but that's partially b/c this draft is going to suck. All the best players will be gone long before the Bengals even get their first pick. DT is the worst need right now. I think the LBs are fine (Simmons was playing hurt most of season, remember?), and the secondary is almost crowded with the impact the rookies had this year. Remember, about half the defensive starters went on IR this past season, several very early on. I'd love to see T-Bone back, but I don't see it happening. The offense is fine as long as we tie up TJ as well as Rudi (would still like to see a long-term deal though).

The team should tear the league up in 2005, though our division play is going to just get tougher and tougher. I'm not thrilled with Crennel going to Cleveland, although hopefully the franchise will continue to operate in complete idiocy. We finally got over the biggest hump with Baltimore, but the Ravens always concern me, and even though the Bus will probably pull into the rest stop for the last time, the Steelers D is always threatening, even if I'm still reserving judgment on Roethlisberger, mainly b/c he's proved nothing to me other than he can look good in an ideal situation. Wow, any college QB who wasn't completely clueless probably could do just that as well.

Anyway, the future looks like nothing but good things. Maybe I'll be disappointed, but I'm excited, and the season opener just seems so far away...

nevsky41

02-19-2005, 10:29 AM

I was sitting here, watching the NFL Network replay the Pro Bowl Skills Competition, notably the Best Hands contest which Chad won, and I was wondering, what is that tattoo he has on his right forearm? It must be fairly new, b/c I don't think it's visible on any of my football cards.

Just curious if anyone had any info.

Felty

03-02-2005, 08:25 PM

Well TJ signed! I really don't feel comfortable giving 3M/year to a guy who played one full season.

Let me ask the Bengals fans a question. Since the regular season ended on Jan 2nd are we any better? I say Definitely not. Seems the only way next year is different is if last year's draft picks play well, or this year's draft picks pay off. Even if Palmer's better, the defense, well, let's just say it's a huge concern.

nevsky41

03-03-2005, 06:24 PM

I'm glad as hell TJ re-signed. I defintely did not want him catching balls for Baltimore or Pittsburgh. It's bad enough Mason's gone to Baltimore.

I still have faith. They've still got another month or so to get Rudi on a long-term deal. If he is sincere about wanting to stay in Cincy, I think it'll get done. If not, well, we'll see.

I still say TJ will beat out Warrick in training camp for the #2 spot. Warrick will probably be gone after next season, and I have to say I'm surprised that I'm not really upset with that thought.

I still think we can do it next year, but the road wil still be tough.

nevsky41

03-12-2005, 03:03 PM

Well, looks like the Bengals have made their first non-in-house move in free agency... signing ex-Dolphins DT Bryan Robinson.
From Bengals.com:
"The agent for Dolphins defensive lineman Bryan Robinson said Saturday his client has reached a free agent deal with the Bengals. Robinson, who played in 13 games for Miami last season, figures to be the starting tackle next to John Thornton. Agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed that he spoke with the Bengals Saturday morning and afternoon to lock up the club's first free agent signing of the offseason. The Bengals won't comment until the deal is officially signed, but it's believed to be a three-year contract. Other teams involved were the Broncos and Cowboys."

Hardly a big name signing, but at least it's getting another big guy in the D-line, and he's got some decent (but not mind-boggling) stats, so it could end up being a good signing.. He's a little taller than Thornton and they're the same weight, so i guess that's a good thing.

Still hoping they get Rudi on a long-term deal to get some of that $6 mil back for this season, but more importantly, end the soap opera. According to Bengals.com, Schafer and the team are getting closer. I hate the Raiders, b/c their stupid contract to Lamont Jordan skewed everything. If a back whose barely got 1000 career yards can get a $27.5 million, 5-year deal with an $8 million signing bonus (is that correct?), why can't the guy who broke Corey Dillon's franchise single season rushing record get even more?

Stupid Raiders. :mad:

aquaman1975

03-12-2005, 03:09 PM

Yeah, I agree. Bonehead move by the Raiders!!!

nevsky41

03-16-2005, 01:12 AM

Well, looks like it's gonna be Carson, Chad, and Rudi portraying Cincy's version of "The Triplets," for at least through 2008. (Or could TJ be involved, making them "The Quadruplets"?)

Rudi signed a 5-year, $26 million deal. I'm mostly glad the soap opera is over, and that we've got a low-key, workhorse back in the lineup still. Rudi ain't flashy, but he usually gets the job done.

I forget how the franchise tag works, now that they've got Rudi signed to a longterm deal, is he still the designated franchise player, or can they move the tag? If I'm remembering correctly, I don't think they can move the tag after it's been used.

nevsky41

04-08-2005, 03:05 PM

Time to bring this thread back to life, to keep it going. ;)

What d'y'all think about the possibility of signing Jamie Sharper? I think it's an exciting prospect, considering the uncertainty concerning Nate Webster's knee.

Eric

04-24-2005, 06:17 PM

So what does everybody think about our draft class? I like the two picks from Georgia, although I'm kinda surprised since both will be linebackers and Marvin and Co. seem so high on Landon Johnson. I guess Webster's a question mark, but with Brian Simmons still around and Johnson doing so well, adding two linebackers is a bit of a surprise.

As for Henry from West Virginia, if we needed a receiver I guess he's a good choice, but he's a bit of a handful emotionally so I'm not sure about him. But if anyone can get him in line it's Marvin. We took Tab Perry from UCLA late, and although I know nothing about him, I think a better choice would have been Dante Ridgeway from Ball State. Sure I'm biased because he played for my BSU Cardinals, but Dante's the real deal. He was a finalist for the top receiver award, beat out by number 3 pick Braylon Edwards. He's a bit undersized, but he can catch the football. I would have liked to see him go to my favorite pro team from my favorite college team.

As for the other choices, I don't really have an opinion. I'm surprised we didn't go for a defensive tackle with one of the earlier round choices, but I guess Marvin's banking on Robinson being able to plug the middle. All I know is this potent offense we've developed won't mean much if we can't stop the run again this year.

Who dey.

nevsky41

04-26-2005, 09:05 AM

My take on our draft class:

1. David Pollack. I love it. The Bengals did what they should have done last year and drafted an impact defensive player #1. I think Pollack start out at LB, though I'm kind of curious as to where he wil play in the LB rotation, but think he will be worked in as Duane Clemons successor, considering Clemons is approaching the end of his career. Great pick.

2. Odell Thurman. Another good pick. The heir apparent to the mike spot should Nate Webster not succeed upoin his return. Probably gonna start off on ST.

3. Chris Henry. Solid player, even with his temper. Anyone else remember how Chad was supposed to be trouble? 2-time Pro Bowler, 2-time AFC leading wideout, face of the franchise. I remember Jeremi Johnson was supposed to have an attitude problem as well... not a peep except for solid profuction the last two years. Jeremi was a big part of Rudi's success the last two seasons. I'm not worried about his temper as long as he has Marvin to guide him.

4. Eric Ghiaciuc. Big strong bull. Groom him under Richie Braham until Richie steps down and then let him loose.

5. Adam Kieft. Will be in rotation from start. Could eventually be a starter. Probably the sleeper pick of this year's class.

6. Tab Perry. I could be wrong, but I see a repeat of the Maurice Mann scenario here.

7. Jon Fanene. Um, I gotta be honest, I don't know anything about this guy.

Overall: I think this was a solid draft. No "Chris Perry Moment" this year, considering David Pollack should be an impact early. I know a lot of people are talking about how he will be played at LB, but I honestly think he will be groomed to replace Clemons when he retires. There's no reson not to get your foot in the door a little, sometimes. I like the first 4 picks, pick 5 could be a sleeper, and the last two fail to impress, but that's standard. I think we are definitely better after this draft.

Eric

04-26-2005, 04:26 PM

I watched Kieft play when we (Ball State) played Central Michigan this year, and I remember thinking the dude was a monster out there. Obviously Ghiaciuc was playing too since they were on the same O-line, but I didn't pay much attention to the center. I hope they both pan out.

I heard Mel Kiper, Jr. graded our draft an A-. I don't care much for Kiper, but it's encouraging to hear we got an A- from the "draft expert." My brother also told me that during the draft on ESPN (when we were picking/had picked Pollack), one of the guys on there said if you were looking for a sleeper team to end the Patriots' run then we might be the one to do it (or something like that). Now, I don't think we're necessarily Super Bowl bound, but once again that kind of thing is encouraging to hear. It shows we're gaining people's respect. Now we just have to prove we're worthy of that with our play on the field.

nevsky41

04-27-2005, 12:08 AM

I honestly believe this year will be an end to the playoff drought and the year we finally get that elusive "9," meaning in the win column, natch.

I tend to think most analysts on ESPN are pompous blowhards, and Kiper is one of the worst, but if one of the pompous blowhards of ESPN is actually that high on something we're doing, hell, I'll take it.

I also don't necessarily think we'll go to the SuperBowl this year (though I'd love it if we did), but I wouldn't put any money on the Pats returning either. With the OC and DC leaving, there's just too many new cogs for the system to work smoothly again.

nevsky41

04-29-2005, 09:07 AM

For anyone who cares, Pollack is gonna be wearing 99, it looks like. I still say he's being groomed to succeed Clemons when he retires.

nevsky41

05-04-2005, 06:48 AM

Well, the long expected finally comes to pass: Kevin Hardy gets released.

Can't say I'm surprised, as I've really been expectign it since they announced Pollack would become a SLB, and with Hardy's cap hit, it was really only a matter of time.

I'm kind of bummned, as I really liked Hardy; hell, I even made a custom of him that still has not been assembled, but I suppose that's reality. I hope he gets a chance with another team, I'm sure he will.

APM

05-04-2005, 10:05 PM

Hey guys a few of my friends and I want to come down to Cinci and see a preseason game.
I want to know whats the best way to get tickets? How much are they? And when they go on sale?
We are looking at coming down in mid-late Aug.
Thanks

Big Willie

07-26-2005, 10:58 AM

BENGALS = 2005/2006 AFC CHAMPS

nevsky41

07-27-2005, 09:07 PM

Big Willie, I'd love to see it, believe me, but I'll be happy with 9 wins and a wildcard... although the Broncos DID ride a wildcard to a title....

lwagner57

07-27-2005, 09:52 PM

Just wanted to give a Hu Dey out to all the Bengals fans. I'm glad to see fans coming back after our dark days when we hired Dave Shula as our coach. I hope to see or #1 draft pick become a bigger name in Cincy then longtime great Reggie Williams. Hope to win that SB all of us longtime diehard Bengal fans deserve. HU DEY!

LiQiFiD

07-27-2005, 10:21 PM

Pollack is said to be signing by the end of the week! D-FENCE?? Playoffs here we come!

nevsky41

07-29-2005, 12:39 PM

Man, I've been wearing my black & orange for alm ost 20 years. I never went anywhere. But it is nice to see the fans growing...

Mevins31

07-29-2005, 12:40 PM

I work in the Bengals front office and I can't wait to see this team make the playoffs

Big Willie

07-29-2005, 01:46 PM

dude...if you work there.....how on Earth can you have that nasty logo????

ARGH! I hate thy steelers!

in any case.....I would enjoy any souveniers you could nab. As I live in Michigan...blah blah blah. :)

NO, how is it in the new(er) offices?

nevsky41

08-05-2005, 12:59 AM

MAn, Pollack's agents are starting to piss me off! Reports from Bengals.com says his agents are telling him to go back to Georgia! Especially since I'm leaving for traing camp in about 2.5 hours...

aquaman1975

08-05-2005, 02:20 AM

Went to training camp yesterday. Got a lot of autographs. Kevin Greene is there helping out with the linebackers. You should of heard him while he was signing bengals memorabelia. He's only going to be there through Saturday. Odell said he can't wait for David to sign so people can start riding him. It was funny.

nevsky41

08-06-2005, 06:24 PM

I just got back from a 2-day trip to training camp about 4 hours ago. I had a great time, although I was alone (my friend crapped out on me), and had a great conversation with three different guys the entire evening last night before and during the scrimmage. It was great to be around so many Bengals fans, just talking football and being excited! Defintely gonna have to make this an annual trip!

I also became a BIG Odell Thurman fan, b/c he was so cool. As the team was leaving the morning practice yesterday, I was hanging out at the end of the walkway to the locker rooms with some people, and he actually came back after he was almost to the "point of no return" (where the players are no longer hounded by by us autograph hungry fans), even though he was pouring sweat and signed another 20 autographs at least (including mine). And he was just an all around nice guy, b/c he actually was talking to everyone while he was signing.

I also became an even bigger fan on Carson and Chad, b/c it took them, no exagerration, 20 minutes to walk 10 yards b/c they literally signed for EVERYONE along the walkway leaving the morning practice (and yeah, I got both of them). Rudi was just as mobbed, but he was signing on the other side, but he signed a lot as well.

The signing sessions after the scrimmage and mock game were insane, but I got a lot of signatures, and even got a high-five from Bryan Robinson. Chad, Rudi and Carson were absolutely mobbed, you had to be brave to get into those crowds. I can't say for Chad and Rudi (only b/c I was being squashed by 40 other people trying to get Carson's autograph, so I couldn't see), but Carson was again really cool and gracious, staying several extra minutes to keep signing even with one of the coaches trying to get him away and off the field.

I got about 25-30 signatures, most of the big names, and had a blast hanging around with 9000+ other Bengals die-hards. All around a great trip and experience. Only thing is, now I'm even MORE anxious for the season to start!

WHO-DEY 4 LIFE.

Eric

08-08-2005, 06:40 PM

That's awesome, nevsky. I think making it an annual trip is definitely the thing to do. I've never been around that many Bengals fans at once (I've never been to a game :eek: , although that will change this year), so I can imagine it must have been a heck of a feeling.

I just read on Bengals.com that Marvin's declared Landon Johnson the starter, and David Pollack's been dropped to third string because of how much he's missed. I was excited to see what Pollack would do, but this holdout is beyond ridiculous for a guy who's changing positions no matter who's to blame for it, so I say let him sit till next year's picks are signing. Nothing good can come of holding out, and I have no sympathy for a guy who won't sign because he has to earn a few million more instead of having it guaranteed.

But despite Pollack's situation, I'm still way beyond pumped for this season. Again, I say anything less than the playoffs will be a disappointment. Who dey!

Felty

08-09-2005, 08:28 PM

nevsky41,

That freaking rocks!!!!! I am going to have to do the same thing one of these days.

I am super excited about this season! The bengals are currently 3-0 in my season of Madden Football 2006.. :D

Felty

08-15-2005, 08:46 PM

Marvin Lewis lays into Pollack. :D

From Enquirer :

Rookie middle linebacker Odell Thurman continues to receive special
attention and intense coaching from [Marvin] Lewis. Lewis said he
would like to take the same approach with [David] Pollack.

"I didn’t think [Pollack] would hold out this long," Lewis said. "I
think we have fought very hard to eliminate some of these kinds of
actions, and it is a shame that it has occurred.

"We have guys who have chosen to be here, which has eliminated
selfishness that occurs. If a dollar here, a dollar there is what it
comes down to, these players are on the wrong football team.

"And this football team will never be guided by one player. We will
not be compromised by one player. We have fought very hard over the
last three years to establish that, and the players believe in it. It
is what wins in this league."

Lewis said the club has given a great deal of ground to Pollack and
his agents.

"At some point, a player must make a decision - enough is enough -
and it’s time to play football."