Definition
Friday, November 30, 2007
Roethlisberry, (Rath-liz-berry) – a small poop particle stuck to the hair of a chin strap beard
Labels: chistrap, dingleberry, rothlisberry
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Keys To The Game
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Week 13 – Steelers
Looks like the Bengals team we expected to see all season decided to come home for Thanksgiving, we’ll see if they stick around for a while or disappear again until Christmas. The Bengals also pulled another reversal on us this week. Against the Cards, it was supposed to be the Bengals winning due to consistent QB play and lack of INTs, but Carson Palmer played the role of Kurt Warner. For the Titans, the Bengals were supposed to have trouble with the three-headed rushing monster and the tough defensive front 7. Instead, it was Rudi, Dede and Watson leading the Bengals to a 152 yard rushing day while the defense held the Titans to 61 yards rushing. 152 rushing yards for the Bengals is a huge day considering their rushing yards for the last 5 games has been 91(Steelers), 28(Bills), 70(Ravens), 72(Cards), and 152(Titans). We’ll see if the Bengals can continue the reversal trend this week against the Steelers with the defense going blitz and turnover crazy while the offense pounds the run and throws the ball 15 times. Palmer could even put on 20 pounds, smash his face into a wall, and start rockin a waste length gold necklace while clownin’ chocolates with his boy D-Hall.
Keys to the Game.
The Steelers have not played well lately, but they are still in prime position for a playoff birth. The Bengals have been playing better, but would need a miraculous collapse from multiple teams in order to make the playoffs. Even with the current trends, the Steelers are still favored at home by 7 points. The over/under might be 10 after seeing the Heinz Field conditions on Monday night. The field looked more like 100 yards of Heinz Spicy Brown Mustard than a professional football field. Playing in that sloppy mess should benefit the Steelers power game. The Bengals should hope for cold weather as hard ground still allows players to move, while slimy mud will slow down the receivers and make quick cuts impossible. The Monday Night Football game was the 6th game played on the natural grass field in 4 days, in Pittsburgh, in late November, in the rain. Seriously, which is the more asinine decision, the Rooney’s to share the stadium with the University of Pittsburgh football team while also allowing high school games to be played on Heinz’s natural grass, or the Brown’s who let basically nobody use Paul Brown Stadium and its artificial grass?
When the Steelers have the ball: The Bengals defense has put together a decent stretch of games, but I am not ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet. They shut down the Ravens which, with McNair at QB, were the worst NFL offense in 10 years; and, if not for a missed FG by Neil Rackers, the Cardinals would have converted on 4 of their first 5 drives for 24 points against the Bengals before going into run out the clock mode. Against the Titans, the defense luckily ran into an injured Vince Young, obviously limping at some points, who refused to run and notched only 2 rush attempts. As a passer, Vince Young missed more then a few wide open receivers which could have put points on the board. So while the defense held the Titans to 6 points, the game could have looked much different if the Titans were able to capitalize on the openings they had. A notable difference in the defense that could bring success, though, has been the play of the LBs. Dhani Jones is a solid pro, and the return of Rashad Jeanty has solidified the unit. Adding Landon Johnson to the mix, the Bengals can now put three viable NFL level starters at LB. The consistency in the middle helps the other levels perform their duties at a higher level. We will see this week against the Steelers whether the Bengals defense is actually improving or just benefitting from a scheduling anomaly. Last time the Bengals played the Steelers, the Steelers ran for 161 yards and Hines Ward caught 2 TDs. Everyone knows what the Steelers will do, it is up to the Bengals defense to stop the run which takes away the play action pass. Once the Steelers are forced to become a drop back passing team, bad things usually follow.
When the Bengals have the ball: Last time the Bengals played the Steelers, Kenny Watson was able to run for 88 yards on 19 carries which is a quality day against the Steelers #1 defense. The Bengals offense also had a fairly successful game overall as they scored on 50% of their drives that day. The problem was that the Steelers controlled the clock and limited the Bengals to 6 offensive possessions, and forced field goals instead of allowing TDs. Now that the Bengals employ the 3 RB attack, fresh legs in the red zone should help them to push more drives to TDs instead of trotting Gingerballs out onto the field. We will see if the improving Bengals defense can force the Steelers to pass or punt and allow the Bengals offense more opportunities to score.
What you do want to see: Roethlisberger continue to be a moron:
What you don’t want to see: Typical Pittsburgh residents. You never want to see them. Anywhere.
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Looks like the Bengals team we expected to see all season decided to come home for Thanksgiving, we’ll see if they stick around for a while or disappear again until Christmas. The Bengals also pulled another reversal on us this week. Against the Cards, it was supposed to be the Bengals winning due to consistent QB play and lack of INTs, but Carson Palmer played the role of Kurt Warner. For the Titans, the Bengals were supposed to have trouble with the three-headed rushing monster and the tough defensive front 7. Instead, it was Rudi, Dede and Watson leading the Bengals to a 152 yard rushing day while the defense held the Titans to 61 yards rushing. 152 rushing yards for the Bengals is a huge day considering their rushing yards for the last 5 games has been 91(Steelers), 28(Bills), 70(Ravens), 72(Cards), and 152(Titans). We’ll see if the Bengals can continue the reversal trend this week against the Steelers with the defense going blitz and turnover crazy while the offense pounds the run and throws the ball 15 times. Palmer could even put on 20 pounds, smash his face into a wall, and start rockin a waste length gold necklace while clownin’ chocolates with his boy D-Hall.
Keys to the Game.
The Steelers have not played well lately, but they are still in prime position for a playoff birth. The Bengals have been playing better, but would need a miraculous collapse from multiple teams in order to make the playoffs. Even with the current trends, the Steelers are still favored at home by 7 points. The over/under might be 10 after seeing the Heinz Field conditions on Monday night. The field looked more like 100 yards of Heinz Spicy Brown Mustard than a professional football field. Playing in that sloppy mess should benefit the Steelers power game. The Bengals should hope for cold weather as hard ground still allows players to move, while slimy mud will slow down the receivers and make quick cuts impossible. The Monday Night Football game was the 6th game played on the natural grass field in 4 days, in Pittsburgh, in late November, in the rain. Seriously, which is the more asinine decision, the Rooney’s to share the stadium with the University of Pittsburgh football team while also allowing high school games to be played on Heinz’s natural grass, or the Brown’s who let basically nobody use Paul Brown Stadium and its artificial grass?
When the Steelers have the ball: The Bengals defense has put together a decent stretch of games, but I am not ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet. They shut down the Ravens which, with McNair at QB, were the worst NFL offense in 10 years; and, if not for a missed FG by Neil Rackers, the Cardinals would have converted on 4 of their first 5 drives for 24 points against the Bengals before going into run out the clock mode. Against the Titans, the defense luckily ran into an injured Vince Young, obviously limping at some points, who refused to run and notched only 2 rush attempts. As a passer, Vince Young missed more then a few wide open receivers which could have put points on the board. So while the defense held the Titans to 6 points, the game could have looked much different if the Titans were able to capitalize on the openings they had. A notable difference in the defense that could bring success, though, has been the play of the LBs. Dhani Jones is a solid pro, and the return of Rashad Jeanty has solidified the unit. Adding Landon Johnson to the mix, the Bengals can now put three viable NFL level starters at LB. The consistency in the middle helps the other levels perform their duties at a higher level. We will see this week against the Steelers whether the Bengals defense is actually improving or just benefitting from a scheduling anomaly. Last time the Bengals played the Steelers, the Steelers ran for 161 yards and Hines Ward caught 2 TDs. Everyone knows what the Steelers will do, it is up to the Bengals defense to stop the run which takes away the play action pass. Once the Steelers are forced to become a drop back passing team, bad things usually follow.
When the Bengals have the ball: Last time the Bengals played the Steelers, Kenny Watson was able to run for 88 yards on 19 carries which is a quality day against the Steelers #1 defense. The Bengals offense also had a fairly successful game overall as they scored on 50% of their drives that day. The problem was that the Steelers controlled the clock and limited the Bengals to 6 offensive possessions, and forced field goals instead of allowing TDs. Now that the Bengals employ the 3 RB attack, fresh legs in the red zone should help them to push more drives to TDs instead of trotting Gingerballs out onto the field. We will see if the improving Bengals defense can force the Steelers to pass or punt and allow the Bengals offense more opportunities to score.
What you do want to see: Roethlisberger continue to be a moron:
What you don’t want to see: Typical Pittsburgh residents. You never want to see them. Anywhere.
I dig the cutoff camo shorts, go Pittsburgh!!
Matchup of mullets: TJ vs S Tyrone Carter
TJ wins again. Something to notice this weekend, Carson Palmer appears to be working on his speed. Take a look at the back of his helmet and you will notice a small mullet starting to creep out. I could not find a picture to add here, but Carson is putting great effort into getting the Bengals to the Super Bowl. BENGALS WIN
Matchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs WR Hines Ward
Matchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs WR Hines Ward
Nothing has changed since last game with the Steelers, moustaches equal Super Bowl success. If the Bengals were to expand their personnel and front office staff, someone there might finally realize the importance of the moustache and add more moustache bearing people to the organization.
STEELERS WIN
Duel of the uglies: QB Jeff Rowe vs. QB Ben Roethlisberger
Jeff Rowe loses again, but his Christmas spirit in undeniably great for the season. This is going to be the best Christmas since the year 0. STEELERS WIN
Battle of old men: DE Bryan Robinson(33) vs DT Travis Kirschke(33)
Since the last Bengals/Steelers game, Bryan Robinson has 7 tackles and 0.5 sack, while Travis Kirschke has 4 tackles and 1 sack. IN YOUR F---ING FACE KIRSCHKE!!!! BENGALS WIN
Biggest loser fan: Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap vs Tattoo Dude
Since their last meeting, the Stormtrooper has added Darth Chinstrap as a sidekick and I still do not think it’s enough to out-loser this pedophile. If I played for the Steelers I would hire Blackwater to guard my house specifically because I know this a—hole exists. Strict orders, shoot-to-kill, try to get Jack Lambert right between the eyes. Steelers players do not have to worry about their wives or girlfriends, just themselves and small boys under the age of 8.
In a last ditch effort, let's reinforce the Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap combo with a few more loser Bengal fans:
STEELERS WIN
Duel of the uglies: QB Jeff Rowe vs. QB Ben Roethlisberger
Jeff Rowe loses again, but his Christmas spirit in undeniably great for the season. This is going to be the best Christmas since the year 0. STEELERS WIN
Battle of old men: DE Bryan Robinson(33) vs DT Travis Kirschke(33)
Since the last Bengals/Steelers game, Bryan Robinson has 7 tackles and 0.5 sack, while Travis Kirschke has 4 tackles and 1 sack. IN YOUR F---ING FACE KIRSCHKE!!!! BENGALS WIN
Biggest loser fan: Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap vs Tattoo Dude
Since their last meeting, the Stormtrooper has added Darth Chinstrap as a sidekick and I still do not think it’s enough to out-loser this pedophile. If I played for the Steelers I would hire Blackwater to guard my house specifically because I know this a—hole exists. Strict orders, shoot-to-kill, try to get Jack Lambert right between the eyes. Steelers players do not have to worry about their wives or girlfriends, just themselves and small boys under the age of 8.
In a last ditch effort, let's reinforce the Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap combo with a few more loser Bengal fans:
Sadly it's a lost cause. STEELERS WIN
Trashiest looking cheerbabe: Since the Steelers do not have formal cheerleaders we will need to compare our cheerleaders to Steelers fans that actually lead cheers, let's take a look:
Trashiest looking cheerbabe: Since the Steelers do not have formal cheerleaders we will need to compare our cheerleaders to Steelers fans that actually lead cheers, let's take a look:
The spirit and spirits are there, do you think she finished that bottle of Jack within 15 minutes of making this video? Keep playing the 'plastic ivories,' and I will go ahead and buy you a 'plastic diamond' ring. Nice effort, but no match for our girl Emily:
Let's take another look:
How long did you make it? I lasted about 30 seconds before I hid under my bed with a shotgun. I wonder if this kid's dad is tattoo man. By the way, that is their real fight song. How does he stack up against Whitney:
Not even close. BENGALS WIN
Little known Steelers fact: Steeler’s running back Najeh Davenport was arrested in 2002 three weeks prior to the NFL Draft. His crime? Defecating in a ex-girlfriends dormitory bedroom. That’s right, mere weeks before NFL teams were to decide if he was the right fit for their team, he decided the best payback was to drop a steaming #2 in a college girl’s laundry basket. Some people might think that working out really hard, being a top draft pick, signing for a bunch of money, and then partying all over town as a high roller might be a good way to make a girl jealous. But then there is the other camp of people who know that laying some serious dung on a girl’s floor will really show her what she is missing. According to the report, “A woman sleeping in the room, Mary McCarthy, told police she was startled by a strange sound and saw Davenport squatting in her closet. Davenport then allegedly defecated in a laundry basket.” In a plea bargain, his felony charge of second-degree burglary and misdemeanor count of criminal mischief were dropped in exchange for his completing 100 hours of community service.
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What I did and didn't like Bengals Vs. Titans
Where have these Bengals been? This is the team that many of us expected when the season began. Our Offense was great and our Defense was great. I am not going to spit out all the stats you can go to some other site for that, I will however tell you what was awesome.
- A goal line stand. We challenged a TD, won the challenge, then refused the Titans any points. To be honest, I didn't think the Bengals were capable of making that stop.
- Converted on 3rd down, we had the ball for most of the game, our D was fresh and it showed.
- Our young corners Joseph and Hall played an outstanding game.
- Chris Henry is a stud, when he wasn't making catches, he was throwing some great blocks.
- Palmer's accuracy.
- The running game was awesome, keep the committee, what ever moves the chains.
There was not much I didn't like, but Ginger needs to make the easy kicks.
Pictures from the tailgate will be up later today.
WhoDey
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- A goal line stand. We challenged a TD, won the challenge, then refused the Titans any points. To be honest, I didn't think the Bengals were capable of making that stop.
- Converted on 3rd down, we had the ball for most of the game, our D was fresh and it showed.
- Our young corners Joseph and Hall played an outstanding game.
- Chris Henry is a stud, when he wasn't making catches, he was throwing some great blocks.
- Palmer's accuracy.
- The running game was awesome, keep the committee, what ever moves the chains.There was not much I didn't like, but Ginger needs to make the easy kicks.
Pictures from the tailgate will be up later today.
WhoDey
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Keys To The Game -- Holiday Edition
Friday, November 23, 2007
The holidays are a tough time for a lot of people, and this year it is especially tough for Bengals fans as this week it finally hit us that the Bengals are going to do nothing in the 2007 season. 
For a quick recap of last week's Cardinals game, we predicted that the difference between the Cards and Bengals offenses is that one team has consistently strong QB play. Little did we know that Kurt Warner would be throwing the ball behind his back left handed to receivers while Carson Palmer would have one of his worst games as a pro. In Palmer's defense, the running game and line play was atrocious, and there were dropped passes and turnovers that changed the outlook of the game. But INTs are INTs, and those turnovers are what put the game in the Cards' teeth. The Cardinals used a defensive strategy that the Bengals had not seen this season. The Cards had a 5 DB bubble and kept running coverage games letting LBs and the extra DB run free in coverage which confused Palmer and the Bengals. With so many people dropping away from the line playing coverage games, the Bengals should have had a field day running the ball. Instead, the Cardinals were able to get a strong pass rush and stop the run using only their defensive line. Worst of all, Eric Ghiacuic was dominated all day and spent most of the day getting physically thrown into the ball carrier or Palmer's face. Everyone is entitled to a bad game here or there, but it does not look good for the Bengals the way the Ghiacuic and the line were dominated on Sunday. Mental mistakes can be corrected, physical limitations cannot. The Bengals may have one of the biggest lines in the NFL, but they have been pushed around by opposing defenses the past few weeks. Whatever happened to their big boy pads?
And now some cheerleaders give us reason to be thankful:
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For a quick recap of last week's Cardinals game, we predicted that the difference between the Cards and Bengals offenses is that one team has consistently strong QB play. Little did we know that Kurt Warner would be throwing the ball behind his back left handed to receivers while Carson Palmer would have one of his worst games as a pro. In Palmer's defense, the running game and line play was atrocious, and there were dropped passes and turnovers that changed the outlook of the game. But INTs are INTs, and those turnovers are what put the game in the Cards' teeth. The Cardinals used a defensive strategy that the Bengals had not seen this season. The Cards had a 5 DB bubble and kept running coverage games letting LBs and the extra DB run free in coverage which confused Palmer and the Bengals. With so many people dropping away from the line playing coverage games, the Bengals should have had a field day running the ball. Instead, the Cardinals were able to get a strong pass rush and stop the run using only their defensive line. Worst of all, Eric Ghiacuic was dominated all day and spent most of the day getting physically thrown into the ball carrier or Palmer's face. Everyone is entitled to a bad game here or there, but it does not look good for the Bengals the way the Ghiacuic and the line were dominated on Sunday. Mental mistakes can be corrected, physical limitations cannot. The Bengals may have one of the biggest lines in the NFL, but they have been pushed around by opposing defenses the past few weeks. Whatever happened to their big boy pads? Keys To The Game
The Bengals play the Tennessee Titans this week and the Titans are still alive in the playoff race. The Titans and Bengals operate on different ends of the NFL philosophy spectrum, and they prove old NFL cliches are true. The Titans offense has been terrible this season, their passing game is 30th in the NFL, yet they can win games with the talent of their defensive front seven. The Bengals, as we know, have an offense loaded with talent, but a defensive front seven that acts as a turnstile for opposing runners. "Defense wins championships," might be a little much, but it looks like defense wins games. The Titans are favored by 1.5 which proves the bettors still cannot look past the Bengals' talent to see how they have actually been playing this season.
When the Titans have the ball: As said before, the Titans win games with their defense. Teams looking to win with their defense look to limit turnovers on offense, which means they will run the ball; Not good news for the Bengals. The Titans have run a 3 man rotation at running back, currently led by LenDale White, which stands 4th in NFL rushing offense. The Titans also try to keep top draft choice Vince Young under control in the passing game by allowing him to throw the ball only 13 times per game. So far this season, VY has been responsible for 8 TDs passing and rushing, and responsible for 13 turnovers. So fans in the stands will be in for a long day of watching the Titans run their RBs and VY up and down the field with an occasional pass. The Bengals will need to capitalize on the few times when VY drops back.
When the Bengals have the ball: More bad news for the Bengals, the strength of the Titans defense is their front seven. Their line led by Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth is one of the best in the NFL. After watching the film of last week's game, the Titans will probably run a very similar defense knowing their D-line does not need any help to stop the run and disrupt the pass. If Haynesworth is healthy, he will be lined up over Ghiacuic all day pretty much guaranteeing that crazy motherf---er will spend most of the day in the Bengals backfield. Haynesworth is most well known for this incident last season:
Sunday, Ghiacuic might hope that happens to him as it will give him an excuse to leave early and avoid playing against Haynesworth.
What you do want to see: Big Albert not play
What you don't want to see: Sadly the NFL is not feeling the holiday spirit and did not reinstate Pacman Jones for this game. Therefore, he and college friend and teammate Chris Henry will not be able to spend the holiday weekend together. A Henry-Pacman holiday celebration might be too much for Cincinnati to handle. We know who they are, and they would make it rain all over this piece.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM JEFF ROWE!!!
And now some cheerleaders give us reason to be thankful:
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A Fatty on the Ground
Monday, November 19, 2007
I am as disappointed as everyone else with this season, losing to the Cardinals might be a new low that could only be surpassed by a potential loss to the Rams on December 9th.
My friends say I look at the world through rose colored glasses, and the pinkish sight of the Steelers losing to the Jets made my day. Roethlisberger got sacked 7 times; he hasn’t spent that much time on his back with a dude on top of him since college.
You do have to give him a little credit though; he is the only wigger that ever graduated from Miami U. in their storied 198 year tradition of producing preppy douche bags.
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My friends say I look at the world through rose colored glasses, and the pinkish sight of the Steelers losing to the Jets made my day. Roethlisberger got sacked 7 times; he hasn’t spent that much time on his back with a dude on top of him since college.
You do have to give him a little credit though; he is the only wigger that ever graduated from Miami U. in their storied 198 year tradition of producing preppy douche bags.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe we just stink
I first off would like to say welcome back to the "Bungles". I really thought we shook that terrible nickname but by definition they are back and looking to stay for a while.
The Bengals to me are a team that finds a way to lose. You can't really point at any particular player or side of the ball because they switch it up. So that creates a huge problem when trying to diagnose or fix the problem.
If you had a defense that was terrible you could make some player changes and change some schemes. If it was your offense you would draft a franchise QB or RB or WR.
These Bengals don't want to win. Penalties that kill drives, QB's that throw terrible passes, RB's that run scared. When the Defense that has been roasted all season steps up to play tough, the offense decides to turn over the ball 5 times and give up 14 points itself.
Carson was making terrible decisions all day, blatantly forcing the ball in to double and triple coverage. Even the best wide receivers in the league can't help him there. Chad Johnson needs to forget about talking or not talking and worry about football. The fumble he had without getting hit at all was inexcusable.
I know I am lost in a rant but these are the things that are making it a terrible day and season to be a Bengals fan.
However, I don't boo and I never root for my team to lose. I think it is up to you and me to tailgate a little harder, at least in that, we are all still professionals.
Who Dey
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Redemption for me...
Friday, November 16, 2007
A few years ago I decided to make the trip to Arizona to see the Bengals play the Cardinals in Phoenix. I had a good friend going to Arizona State grad school at the time and I thought it would be nice to "kill two birds with one stone" (pun intended).
This was before the state of the art stadium the Cardinals play in now. They shared the ASU field at that time and the fans could have cared less. We bought our tickets to the game for like 5 dollars from some boy scout scalping tickets. 5 dollars for an NFL game.
The tailgate, non-existent. We hung out at some bar and grill before the game.
The Cardinals were terrible, even their own fans knew it. When buying a beer from one of the stadium vendors she actually told me she was sure the Bengals were going to win because the Cardinals always lose.
And then... Jon Kitna gave the game away. I had to listen to hundreds, no wait, tens of fans give me crap about how bad the Bengals are.
This is where redemption comes in for me. The same friend I went to visit then, is in town this weekend to see the Bengals Vs. Cardinals. I however will show him what a real tailgate is and how real fans show up.
My prediction this time? Bengals 35 Cards 16.
Who Dey.
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This was before the state of the art stadium the Cardinals play in now. They shared the ASU field at that time and the fans could have cared less. We bought our tickets to the game for like 5 dollars from some boy scout scalping tickets. 5 dollars for an NFL game.
The tailgate, non-existent. We hung out at some bar and grill before the game.
The Cardinals were terrible, even their own fans knew it. When buying a beer from one of the stadium vendors she actually told me she was sure the Bengals were going to win because the Cardinals always lose.
And then... Jon Kitna gave the game away. I had to listen to hundreds, no wait, tens of fans give me crap about how bad the Bengals are.
This is where redemption comes in for me. The same friend I went to visit then, is in town this weekend to see the Bengals Vs. Cardinals. I however will show him what a real tailgate is and how real fans show up.
My prediction this time? Bengals 35 Cards 16.
Who Dey.
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Keys To The Game
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Week 11 – Cardinals
In a contest that set the game of football back 25 years, the Bengals beat the Ravens 21-7 on Sunday. Immediately following the game, the Pentagon called the NFL for the game film so they could send a copy down to Camp X-Ray for use on the Prisoners. However, watching that game would break the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. Lucky for the Al Qaeda crew, W and his boys do not believe Camp X-Ray falls under the jurisdiction of the US Constitution or the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatments (UNCAT), so they soon will get to enjoy watching Gingerballs kick his 7 field goals. Let’s recap the game in drive order; punt, punt, downs, downs, end of 1st quarter, field goal, punt, field goal, interception, half time, fumble, field goal, punt, end of 3rd quarter, field goal, fumble, field goal, fumble, field goal, fumble, field goal, interception, punt, touchdown, end of game. That recap was actually about 3 times as exciting as watching the game. The Bengals defense cannot really take anything away from that game as the Ravens offense has reached a level not seen in the NFL since the Akili Smith and Bruce Coslett Bengals. The defense did play solid and did not give the Ravens any chances through mental lapses or breakdowns. This game did show the glaring weaknesses of the Bengals running game. The Ravens front 7 might be the best in the NFL, but their DBs are beat up and weak. The Bengals could throw all day on the Ravens, but once the Bengals reached the red zone the short field took the free space away from the Bengals passing game. Even considering the strength of the Ravens front 7, the Bengals should have been able to punch one through for a TD. The Bengals do not have a short yardage running or receiving threat, they have one of the biggest lines in the NFL yet can’t push forward a few yards, and this is not a new issue. They couldn’t get the tough yards against the Chiefs, Steelers, Bills or Ravens, and this will be a continuing problem into next season. Rudi is clearly not the same back, Kenny Watson does his best work in the open field, and the Bengals do not trust their TEs as receivers. It will not matter this year, but the Bengals will need to find a solution if they hope to make the playoffs next season.
Finally, as much abuse as we gave Gingerballs early in the year, he has quietly turned into a dependable kicker this season. Years ago he was automatic, but recently his kickoffs and field goal attempts became erratic. Since his ridiculous kickoff out of bounds that set up the Seahawks game winning drive, Graham has been fairly reliable. His kickoffs are still an issue and have been getting shorter lately, and he has yet to be tested with a pressure field goal, so we will withhold official praise a few more weeks.
Keys to the Game.
Duel of the uglies: QB Jeff Rowe vs. DE Joe Tafoya
Battle of old men: DE Bryan Robinson(33) vs Kurt Warner(36)
Biggest loser fan: Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap vs This Crew
Now imagine they kept making sequels for 40 more years, Eugene Levy is the Bill Bidwell of bad comedy.
Bonus Fact: The Cardinals play in recently opened University of Phoenix Stadium. The University of Phoenix is a for profit university set up for online adult education. It has a small physical campus in Phoenix mainly used as administrative offices. The university does not organize any extra curricular student activities whatsoever, clubs, publications, and most certainly not intercollegiate athletics. So the university agreed to pay $154.5 million for the 20-year naming rights to the stadium as a “corporate sponsor” with no intentions of using the stadium. For that money they could have built a campus and a football team of their own, but I guess naming a stadium is prime ad space. And who was University of Phoenix’s main bidding competition in naming the stadium? A southwestern Mexican restaurant chain named the Pink Taco. The owners of Pink Taco offered $30 million for 5 years of naming rights for the stadium. The Cardinals rejected the offer as a publicity stunt, but the Pink Taco people offered a $5 million ‘good faith’ check to show they were serious and offered to allow the Cards to use an alternative name as long as there was sufficient Pink Taco advertising in the stadium. Let’s see, Pink Taco Stadium or name the stadium for a school without a campus or athletic team? Only in America.
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In a contest that set the game of football back 25 years, the Bengals beat the Ravens 21-7 on Sunday. Immediately following the game, the Pentagon called the NFL for the game film so they could send a copy down to Camp X-Ray for use on the Prisoners. However, watching that game would break the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. Lucky for the Al Qaeda crew, W and his boys do not believe Camp X-Ray falls under the jurisdiction of the US Constitution or the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatments (UNCAT), so they soon will get to enjoy watching Gingerballs kick his 7 field goals. Let’s recap the game in drive order; punt, punt, downs, downs, end of 1st quarter, field goal, punt, field goal, interception, half time, fumble, field goal, punt, end of 3rd quarter, field goal, fumble, field goal, fumble, field goal, fumble, field goal, interception, punt, touchdown, end of game. That recap was actually about 3 times as exciting as watching the game. The Bengals defense cannot really take anything away from that game as the Ravens offense has reached a level not seen in the NFL since the Akili Smith and Bruce Coslett Bengals. The defense did play solid and did not give the Ravens any chances through mental lapses or breakdowns. This game did show the glaring weaknesses of the Bengals running game. The Ravens front 7 might be the best in the NFL, but their DBs are beat up and weak. The Bengals could throw all day on the Ravens, but once the Bengals reached the red zone the short field took the free space away from the Bengals passing game. Even considering the strength of the Ravens front 7, the Bengals should have been able to punch one through for a TD. The Bengals do not have a short yardage running or receiving threat, they have one of the biggest lines in the NFL yet can’t push forward a few yards, and this is not a new issue. They couldn’t get the tough yards against the Chiefs, Steelers, Bills or Ravens, and this will be a continuing problem into next season. Rudi is clearly not the same back, Kenny Watson does his best work in the open field, and the Bengals do not trust their TEs as receivers. It will not matter this year, but the Bengals will need to find a solution if they hope to make the playoffs next season.
Finally, as much abuse as we gave Gingerballs early in the year, he has quietly turned into a dependable kicker this season. Years ago he was automatic, but recently his kickoffs and field goal attempts became erratic. Since his ridiculous kickoff out of bounds that set up the Seahawks game winning drive, Graham has been fairly reliable. His kickoffs are still an issue and have been getting shorter lately, and he has yet to be tested with a pressure field goal, so we will withhold official praise a few more weeks.
Keys to the Game.
This week Arizona comes to town as one of the most confusing teams in the NFL. The Cards are coming off a big win against Detroit, and also boast victories over the Steelers and Seahawks. On the other hand, Arizona lost to the 49ers, Ravens, and the Panthers in Vinny Testaverde’s first start in 3 years. The odds makers have the Bengals as 3.5 point favorites, but I have no idea how they determined that. This should be a fun game as the weather is supposed to be nice for November, it’s the weekend before Thanksgiving, it’s guaranteed to be a wild and unpredictable game, and nobody cares about the Cardinals meaning no bandwagon fans will show up. It will be a throw back party for the old school Bengals fans to enjoy.
When the Cardinals have the ball: The Cardinals offense is very similar to the Bengals, but not as successful. They have two Pro Bowl caliber receivers in Anquan Bolden and Larry Fitzgerald, they have a past his prime RB with a sub 4 yard per carry average, and they are totally unbalanced when it comes to passing vs running the football. The big difference is the consistency of the quarterback. The Cardinals have split time between Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart due to injury and coach’s decision. Rolled into one person these two would equal Carson Palmer, a grounded and successful professional (Warner) mixed in with a USC Heisman Trophy winning pedigree (Leinart). Instead, the Cards success comes in spurts and is not enough to lead them to success. If the Bengals defense could not stop Lee Evans or Marshawn Lynch, then the Cards will have success for most of the game. This could turn into another Bengals shootout which we have grown accustomed to seeing. The young Bengals CBs will get a nice test, and we’ll just have to hope that Warner doesn’t drink his Jesus Juice before the game.
When the Bengals have the ball: Surprisingly, the Cardinals defense has become a solid unit this season. Safety Adrian Wilson has established himself as a force, even though he has been playing hurt lately. He is the leader of a defense that has strengths at every level as this week may actually be a tougher test than the Ravens defense gave the Bengals last week. The Cardinals have a d-line that can get to the QB led by Darnell Docket and his 8 sacks, and they are followed by very active LBs led by Carlos Dansby. The DBs are strong in coverage and it will be very entertaining watching them matchup with Chad, TJ and Chris Henry. Soul Patch will have to be on his best behavior as the Cardinals do not have a glaring weakness like the defenses of the past few weeks. Hopefully the Bengals finally wise up to the fact that at this point in time, Kenny Watson is a better back than Rudi Johnson. If Rudi is still hurting, the Bengals need to work him back slowly, if not, it may be time to start phasing Rudi out of the offense. Only the Bengals staff knows the truth of the situation, and that decision is why they get paid the big bucks.
And just to see what the Bengals will be dealing with, here is an impressive video of safety Adrian Wilson clearing a 5’6” bar:
Obviously nobody in that weight room is a structural engineering major. Is that really the best they could build as a 5’6” bar test? They better hope for long careers in the NFL.
What you do want to see: Kurt Warner in one of his melt down games and Larry Fitzgerald play like someone who should be named Larry Fitzgerald.
What you don’t want to see: The Bengals defense to suddenly think they are good based on last week and take the day off like they did against the Browns after the last Ravens game. The Cards can score 51, but the Bengals will not score 45 this week.
When the Bengals have the ball: Surprisingly, the Cardinals defense has become a solid unit this season. Safety Adrian Wilson has established himself as a force, even though he has been playing hurt lately. He is the leader of a defense that has strengths at every level as this week may actually be a tougher test than the Ravens defense gave the Bengals last week. The Cardinals have a d-line that can get to the QB led by Darnell Docket and his 8 sacks, and they are followed by very active LBs led by Carlos Dansby. The DBs are strong in coverage and it will be very entertaining watching them matchup with Chad, TJ and Chris Henry. Soul Patch will have to be on his best behavior as the Cardinals do not have a glaring weakness like the defenses of the past few weeks. Hopefully the Bengals finally wise up to the fact that at this point in time, Kenny Watson is a better back than Rudi Johnson. If Rudi is still hurting, the Bengals need to work him back slowly, if not, it may be time to start phasing Rudi out of the offense. Only the Bengals staff knows the truth of the situation, and that decision is why they get paid the big bucks.
And just to see what the Bengals will be dealing with, here is an impressive video of safety Adrian Wilson clearing a 5’6” bar:
Obviously nobody in that weight room is a structural engineering major. Is that really the best they could build as a 5’6” bar test? They better hope for long careers in the NFL.
What you do want to see: Kurt Warner in one of his melt down games and Larry Fitzgerald play like someone who should be named Larry Fitzgerald.
What you don’t want to see: The Bengals defense to suddenly think they are good based on last week and take the day off like they did against the Browns after the last Ravens game. The Cards can score 51, but the Bengals will not score 45 this week.
Matchup of mullets: TJ vs Larry Fitzgerald
Mullets – check. Speed – check. Now that is out of the way, let’s get back to the name Larry Fitzgerald. The name is more fitting of an overweight lawyer on a billboard with a bunch of books behind him asking if you’ve had a DUI or been in a car accident. Probably with a moustache, but not a mullet.
The real Larry Fitzgerald. BENGALS WIN
Matchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs Cardinal Coaches Russ Grimm, Maurice Carthon, and Ron Aiken
The real Larry Fitzgerald. BENGALS WINMatchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs Cardinal Coaches Russ Grimm, Maurice Carthon, and Ron Aiken
The turnaround of the Cards franchise is easier to visualize once we see the coaches involved. Especially defensive line coach Ron Aiken bringing back the moustache that Hitler put out of style, he must be a true disciplinarian. The only problem is that the Cards missed the boat in making Russ Grimm their head coach instead of Offensive Line Coach. So the Cards still lack Super Bowl leadership. CARDS WIN
Duel of the uglies: QB Jeff Rowe vs. DE Joe Tafoya
No, DE is not a misprint and does not stand for a front office position like Director of Education. Joe Tafoya is actually an NFL Defensive End, and more surprisingly is only 29 years old. Rowe is not scared in the least bit by Old Man River the Ageless Wonder. Rowe just says, “Joe who? Wait until I’m 29, then you’ll see something.” BENGALS WIN
Battle of old men: DE Bryan Robinson(33) vs Kurt Warner(36)
It’s hard to believe, but Kurt Warner is actually 2 years older than the walking ball of duct tape the Bengals faced last week, Steve McNair. I guess it throws everyone off because Warner did not make his first NFL start until age 28. It will be up to Bryan Robinson to make Kurt Warner look and feel his age. BENGALS WIN
Biggest loser fan: Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap vs This Crew
Seriously, there is almost nothing on the internet about the Cardinals, this is the best we have to work with. Some Richard Dreyfus looking dude in a safari hat with his nose painted like a bird beek, that’s it. Actually the guy on the right with a moustache and nose painted like a bird beek is a pretty kick ass look. That’s almost as funny as the Colerain and Louisville Cardinals logos whose "Intelligent Designers" decided to give birds teeth. Who will be the first team to field a bird mascot with teeth and a moustache? How could they ever lose?
T-shirts soon to be for sale in Bevis. BENGALS WIN
T-shirts soon to be for sale in Bevis. BENGALS WINCheerbabe Tussle: After the grand success of last week in removing the male cheerbiffs from the Ravens squad, this week is a massive failure. The Cardinals website has blocked visitors from copying pictures of the cheerbabes. Since when did cheerleading websites become more than leaders of cheer, but also leaders of internet security? Add to that the fact there is very little coverage of the Cardinals and their cheerbabes outside of the home website, we are out of luck. So this week, the Bengals dominate in a landslide victory. To celebrate, we can view pictures of Bengals cheerleaders dressed for success at charity functions.
Little known Cardinals fact: The Cardinals were one of the original members of the NFL when it was established in 1920. The Bidwell family bought the Cards in 1932 and current Cards CEO Bill Bidwell has been working in the front office with his family since 1960. During Bill Bidwell’s 47 year tenure, the Cardinals have finished above .500 11 times, making the playoffs 4 times. To put that in perspective, the Bengals, considered a perennial loser, have been around since 1968. In 39 seasons, the Bengals have also posted 11 winning seasons, made the playoffs 8 times, and have been to two Super Bowls. Imagine heading an organization for 47 years and only achieving a moderately successful year 8% of the time. It’s basically like the people who made the movie American Pie. The first movie was moderately funny and successful. Did you know they have now made 4 sequels to that movie? The only characters still left from the original are the dad still played by Eugene Levy, Stifler’s brother played by a new kid, and Sherman played by Shayne Graham.
Little known Cardinals fact: The Cardinals were one of the original members of the NFL when it was established in 1920. The Bidwell family bought the Cards in 1932 and current Cards CEO Bill Bidwell has been working in the front office with his family since 1960. During Bill Bidwell’s 47 year tenure, the Cardinals have finished above .500 11 times, making the playoffs 4 times. To put that in perspective, the Bengals, considered a perennial loser, have been around since 1968. In 39 seasons, the Bengals have also posted 11 winning seasons, made the playoffs 8 times, and have been to two Super Bowls. Imagine heading an organization for 47 years and only achieving a moderately successful year 8% of the time. It’s basically like the people who made the movie American Pie. The first movie was moderately funny and successful. Did you know they have now made 4 sequels to that movie? The only characters still left from the original are the dad still played by Eugene Levy, Stifler’s brother played by a new kid, and Sherman played by Shayne Graham.
Now imagine they kept making sequels for 40 more years, Eugene Levy is the Bill Bidwell of bad comedy.Bonus Fact: The Cardinals play in recently opened University of Phoenix Stadium. The University of Phoenix is a for profit university set up for online adult education. It has a small physical campus in Phoenix mainly used as administrative offices. The university does not organize any extra curricular student activities whatsoever, clubs, publications, and most certainly not intercollegiate athletics. So the university agreed to pay $154.5 million for the 20-year naming rights to the stadium as a “corporate sponsor” with no intentions of using the stadium. For that money they could have built a campus and a football team of their own, but I guess naming a stadium is prime ad space. And who was University of Phoenix’s main bidding competition in naming the stadium? A southwestern Mexican restaurant chain named the Pink Taco. The owners of Pink Taco offered $30 million for 5 years of naming rights for the stadium. The Cardinals rejected the offer as a publicity stunt, but the Pink Taco people offered a $5 million ‘good faith’ check to show they were serious and offered to allow the Cards to use an alternative name as long as there was sufficient Pink Taco advertising in the stadium. Let’s see, Pink Taco Stadium or name the stadium for a school without a campus or athletic team? Only in America.
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What I did and didn't like
Monday, November 12, 2007
Who Dey, this season dey are a lot of teams, except the Baltimore Ravens. In 2 games against them we handled them well. 12 total turnovers, if only we could play them every week.
<----- Hooray Marvin
What I Liked:
- Chris (don't you know who I am ) Henry has not missed a beat.
- Our defense created turnovers, while we routinely get gashed for huge chunks of yards, this D lives and dies by the turnover. When we get em, we win.
- Chinedum Ndukwe.
- Kenny Watson
What I Didn't like:
- Something has to be wrong with Rudi Johnson
- Can we get a TD in the Red Zone
- Ginger, way to blemish a big day by you in kicking it out of bounds, again.
Love blossoms, while the two teams fought hard and hated each other for sixty minutes, the cameras did catch this possible love affair.
Romeo and Juliet have nothing on them ---->
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First Half Game Balls
Friday, November 9, 2007
DMo’s picks for game balls given out for the first eight games of the season:
Offense: T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR: He’s always had the best, most clutch hands on the team. It’s almost like the offense goes to Chad when it wants a home run, it goes to T.J. when it needs a hit. But this season, he’s really showing what he can do. He leads the team in TDs and receptions.
Honorable mention: Kenny Watson RB: Simply for being exactly what we needed when Rudi went down. Of course, Rudi comes back and Watson disappears from the running game against Buffalo. But in that game he led the team in catches! I don’t care if he’s the “back-up” running back, we need to run more plays through Kenny Watson.
Defense: Madieu Williams S: Well, you got to give it to someone, so I’ll reward Madieu for his 53 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception. I just wish he were more consistent wrapping guys up and putting them on the ground. The whole defense, actually.
Honorable mentions: I don’t really want to spread the love here, because the whole unit doesn’t deserve it. But Robert Geathers is showing how much of a team player he is by agreeing to move to LB after a career year on the D-Line last year.
Special teams: Glenn Holt KR/WR: Hey, he ran 100 yards for a touchdown, then got his teeth knocked out during the celebration. I think that is pretty representative of the team this year.
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Offense: T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR: He’s always had the best, most clutch hands on the team. It’s almost like the offense goes to Chad when it wants a home run, it goes to T.J. when it needs a hit. But this season, he’s really showing what he can do. He leads the team in TDs and receptions.
Honorable mention: Kenny Watson RB: Simply for being exactly what we needed when Rudi went down. Of course, Rudi comes back and Watson disappears from the running game against Buffalo. But in that game he led the team in catches! I don’t care if he’s the “back-up” running back, we need to run more plays through Kenny Watson.
Defense: Madieu Williams S: Well, you got to give it to someone, so I’ll reward Madieu for his 53 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception. I just wish he were more consistent wrapping guys up and putting them on the ground. The whole defense, actually.
Honorable mentions: I don’t really want to spread the love here, because the whole unit doesn’t deserve it. But Robert Geathers is showing how much of a team player he is by agreeing to move to LB after a career year on the D-Line last year.
Special teams: Glenn Holt KR/WR: Hey, he ran 100 yards for a touchdown, then got his teeth knocked out during the celebration. I think that is pretty representative of the team this year.
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Are you kidding me?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
We need to cut Chris Henry. It’s time for the team to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated. I know he is talented, and I want to win as much as everyone else, but there is a difference between winning and winning with class. I’d rather go through the ups and downs every team experiences with players I respect, than players that might shank me in the street.
This Reindeer looking retard got in a valet’s face over $5? How much does he make? Oh wait, maybe he is saving his money for a new suit to replace his fur coat and Timberlands at his inevitable next court date.
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Baltimore vs Bengals Steel Cage Questions.
Finally we trade questions with a site that has questions of their own. Good thing, I was out of “good players” they don’t know about. Check out BaltimoreBeatDown. They are posting WhoDeyFans answers on their site.What scares you about the Bengals?
Baltimore: Carson Palmer is still one of the better QB's in the NFL. With his receiving corps, especially with the retrun of Chris Henry, he always has the ability to put a touchdown on the board with one throw. TJ Who'sYourMomma has always killed the Ravens and it seems 85 always seems to make one big play against us.
Comer Kai: Maybe we should lose this question. What other response are we going to get? Maybe: “We’re really nervous that Caleb Miller may get healthy and return to the starting lineup.”
What match up makes you feel confident in the Ravens?
Baltimore: The thing that still make me confident in the Ravens as far as matchups are the defense's ability to stop the run. Unfortunately, that usually leads to a strong passing attack, which the Ravens have had trouble with. If the Ravens are still without their two starting cornerbacks, as they were in the Pittsburgh debacle, it could result in a long day for the defense. In addition, if Willis McGahee is able to play through the concussion he sustained in the Steelers game, he will matchup well against the Bengals poor run defense.
Comer Kai: Even with two starting corners, they would need a third to cover Henry. Provided he can find a parking spot at PBS.
Who is the best (current) Raven's player, Bengal's fans have never heard of?
Baltimore: I'll give you two, one each on offense and defense. On offense, the Ravens picked up Jared Gaither, left tackle (Maryland, 6'9", 350 lbs.), in the 5th round of the Supplemental Draft. Only 21 years old, he has been forced into action by the injuries to the offensive line and performed admirably under the circumstances. On defense, there is Prescott Burgess who is a 6'3", 240 lb. linebacker out of Michigan. Burgess won't crack the starting linebacker lineup just yet, but has been a force on Special Teams.
Who wins the game and what's the score?
Baltimore: The Ravens have always been a different team at home than on the road, averaging over 10 more points a game at home over the past few seasons. If Willis McGahee is healthy and we get our starting corners back for the game, I actually like the Ravens to hold off Cincinnati to win 23-20. However, Steve McNair moves and throws like an old man and even though Kyle Boller has not been significantly better, he has a much stronger arm and is very mobile. Furthermore, Boller at least has a chance of improving, while McNair is obviously on his last legs. I say make Boller the starter now and move Rookie Troy Smith (Ohio State, Heisman Trophy winner) into the backup slot.
Comer Kai: Oh. That Troy Smith.
If there was a steel cage match instead of a football game featuring one current player, who do you no
minate from the Ravens?
Baltimore: While defensive tackle Kelly Gregg is a former wrestling champion from Oklahoma, he might not have the killer instinct in the Octagon. Regardless of size and age, the player on the Ravens who never seems to give up is the one I'd never bet against - Ray Lewis. (Part of me would like to see Coach Brian Billick in there just to see him get his butt kicked for all the heartache he's put me through this season!).Comer Kai: Ray Lewis kills people for real. That being said, I don’t want to lose a Bengal that is a building block for the franchise. So instead we are nominating Frostee Rucker: a waste of a third round draft pick and of general space on this earth. This guy can’t get onto the field due to injury, inability or because he is busy beating women. Congratulations Ray. For the first time the Bengals lose a steel cage match.
Two men enter. Ray Lewis leave.
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Keys To The Game
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Week 10 – Ravens 2
It’s officially time to start discussing draft picks. The Bengals lost badly to a team that has much less talent and just as many injuries this season. Even with injuries, the Bengals have the talent to be a .500 or better team right now. Their losses are due to either bad coaching or players not responding to coaching (Selfish, lazy, or just plain stupid). On offense, the Soul Patch had one of his worst games of the season. I am tired of hearing the excuse that the Bengals do not have a 3rd receiving option and so the offense stalls. How many teams in the NFL have 3 top receivers on their roster? Currently there is one, New England (Moss, Welker, Stallworth), and they are on their way to breaking all kinds of offensive records. The Colts normally have three top receivers, Harrison, Wayne, Clark, but Marvin Harrison has been out most of the season. The other top offenses in the NFL do not have the talent the Bengals have right now without Chris Henry. Take the Packers for example, they have no running game, and their top 3 receivers are guys named Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. To Soul Patch, it’s a wonder they have gained a yard all season. The Browns, Cowboys, Steelers, and Saints also have better offenses than the Bengals with less weapons. Buffalo had the 30th ranked defense while the Bengals had the 31st ranked defense, so basically the Bills and Bengals were playing against the same level of defense on Sunday. Somehow, the Bills were able to get Lee Evans open for 165 yards being the only receiving threat for the Bills. The Bengals cannot get Chad and TJ going because they are both double teamed and they need a 3rd receiver. How can the Bengals not get the offense going with 2 Pro Bowl level receivers and a Pro Bowl QB on the field while the Bills can roll up 500 yards with Lee Evans, JP Losman, and Marshawn Lynch? One reason is Bratkowski and his disdain for the running game and simple things. Kenny Watson had been running well recently, but he was limited to 4 carries on Sunday. 4 CARRIES!?!?! Was he hurt? If so, put Dorsey in the game and let him run the ball. Rudi carried the ball 11 times and proved he is not ready to carry the load. I am fine with Rudi’s 11 carries, but they should have been combined with at least 15 more by Dorsey or Watson. 42 passes to 14 runs, that was the Bengals balance on Sunday, and the Bengals had the lead or were within one score until there was 2:14 left in the game. And do the Bengals ever have a dump off pass? That could be Palmer’s fault, but every other successful passing team dumps to short routes when nothing is open. Sometimes the short dump offs can turn into big gains with a few broken tackles, but the Bengals never take the easy yards. Obviously the backs can catch and run the short pass when Watson can take a screen pass for 43 yards.
The Bengals defense and their issues are well documented, so there isn’t much need to go in depth on those problems. The only thing to mention with the defense is that many of the players are in the last year of their contracts. So which players do the Bengals keep? Hopefully as few as possible.
A few more tidbits from Sunday, Buffalo had their first 300 yard passing day in a full year, first 100 yard rushing day since last November, and highest receiving yardage day of this season. Buffalo had thrown for 2 TDs and run for 4 TDs through 7 games, Sunday they threw for 2 TDs and ran for 1 TD. Buffalo’s highest offensive output of this season was 19 points, they scored 33 against the Bengals. Buffalo’s 12 point victory was their largest margin of victory going back to last December. Sunday was also only the 2nd time in 3 years that Buffalo has not given up a sack in a game. Sacks can be a misleading stat because they can happen due to great pass rush, great scheming, and also due to great coverage. The Bengals failed miserably in all 3 phases on Sunday, so J.P. Losman was allowed to feel like Joe Namath for a day.
Matchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs DB Samari Rolle
Little known Ravens fact: In another segment of “Sometimes people are smart and sometimes people are dumb,” the Ravens have had many stellar drafts over the years. The first of the big steals was in 1996 when the Ravens used 2 first round picks on Jonathan Ogden (4th) and Ray Lewis (26th); Just for reference, the Bengals took Willie Anderson(10th) while the Rams took Lawrence Phillips(6th). The next major steal was in 2002 when the Ravens took Ed Reed(24th), while division rival Cleveland took Willie Green(16th); Again for reference, the Bengals took Levi Jones(10th).
Riding high off past draft successes, the Ravens took Terrell Suggs with the 10th pick of the 2003 draft, again a great pick. However, later in round 1 of that year, the Ravens decided they needed a QB for the future. They traded their 2nd round pick that year, and the first round pick of the next year to the Patriots for the right to draft Kyle Boller(19th). After being traded again, those 2 picks turned out to be Ken Hamlin and Vince Wilfork. Every team in the NFL would be willing to trade their backup QB for Hamlin and Wilfork.
Moral of the story? Let’s hope the Bengals get the 10th pick in this year’s draft as it seems to have a good history for the AFC North. Recent AFC North 10th picks:
Willie Anderson
Duane Starks
Chris McAlister
Levi Jones
Terrell Suggs
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It’s officially time to start discussing draft picks. The Bengals lost badly to a team that has much less talent and just as many injuries this season. Even with injuries, the Bengals have the talent to be a .500 or better team right now. Their losses are due to either bad coaching or players not responding to coaching (Selfish, lazy, or just plain stupid). On offense, the Soul Patch had one of his worst games of the season. I am tired of hearing the excuse that the Bengals do not have a 3rd receiving option and so the offense stalls. How many teams in the NFL have 3 top receivers on their roster? Currently there is one, New England (Moss, Welker, Stallworth), and they are on their way to breaking all kinds of offensive records. The Colts normally have three top receivers, Harrison, Wayne, Clark, but Marvin Harrison has been out most of the season. The other top offenses in the NFL do not have the talent the Bengals have right now without Chris Henry. Take the Packers for example, they have no running game, and their top 3 receivers are guys named Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. To Soul Patch, it’s a wonder they have gained a yard all season. The Browns, Cowboys, Steelers, and Saints also have better offenses than the Bengals with less weapons. Buffalo had the 30th ranked defense while the Bengals had the 31st ranked defense, so basically the Bills and Bengals were playing against the same level of defense on Sunday. Somehow, the Bills were able to get Lee Evans open for 165 yards being the only receiving threat for the Bills. The Bengals cannot get Chad and TJ going because they are both double teamed and they need a 3rd receiver. How can the Bengals not get the offense going with 2 Pro Bowl level receivers and a Pro Bowl QB on the field while the Bills can roll up 500 yards with Lee Evans, JP Losman, and Marshawn Lynch? One reason is Bratkowski and his disdain for the running game and simple things. Kenny Watson had been running well recently, but he was limited to 4 carries on Sunday. 4 CARRIES!?!?! Was he hurt? If so, put Dorsey in the game and let him run the ball. Rudi carried the ball 11 times and proved he is not ready to carry the load. I am fine with Rudi’s 11 carries, but they should have been combined with at least 15 more by Dorsey or Watson. 42 passes to 14 runs, that was the Bengals balance on Sunday, and the Bengals had the lead or were within one score until there was 2:14 left in the game. And do the Bengals ever have a dump off pass? That could be Palmer’s fault, but every other successful passing team dumps to short routes when nothing is open. Sometimes the short dump offs can turn into big gains with a few broken tackles, but the Bengals never take the easy yards. Obviously the backs can catch and run the short pass when Watson can take a screen pass for 43 yards.
The Bengals defense and their issues are well documented, so there isn’t much need to go in depth on those problems. The only thing to mention with the defense is that many of the players are in the last year of their contracts. So which players do the Bengals keep? Hopefully as few as possible.
A few more tidbits from Sunday, Buffalo had their first 300 yard passing day in a full year, first 100 yard rushing day since last November, and highest receiving yardage day of this season. Buffalo had thrown for 2 TDs and run for 4 TDs through 7 games, Sunday they threw for 2 TDs and ran for 1 TD. Buffalo’s highest offensive output of this season was 19 points, they scored 33 against the Bengals. Buffalo’s 12 point victory was their largest margin of victory going back to last December. Sunday was also only the 2nd time in 3 years that Buffalo has not given up a sack in a game. Sacks can be a misleading stat because they can happen due to great pass rush, great scheming, and also due to great coverage. The Bengals failed miserably in all 3 phases on Sunday, so J.P. Losman was allowed to feel like Joe Namath for a day.
Keys to the Game.
The Bengals get another shot at the Ravens with a chance to prove that one of their two wins was a fluke. Luckily, the Ravens just played a Monday night road game and will have 2 less days to prepare for the Bengals. Not so lucky for the Bengals, the Ravens played on Monday like they played in their last Monday night performance against the Bengals. But this time, the game did not come down to the final drive as Pittsburgh gave the Ravens the most embarrassing loss of their short franchise history. The Ravens will be a bit perturbed coming into the Bengals game, and the Bengals will try not to kick-start another team’s dead season as they have with the Bills, Chiefs, and Browns. The Ravens currently stand 4 and 4 and are heading into what might be the toughest stretch for any team this season. Their second half schedule goes as follows: CIN, CLE, @SD, NE(Monday), IND, @MIA, @SEA, PIT. The Ravens first half schedule was easy, yet they could only muster a 4-4 record. They had wins against the Jets, Cardinals, Rams and 49ers(Combined 6-27), and losses against the Bengals, Browns, Bills and Steelers(Combined 17-15). So this is not a top Baltimore team facing the Bengals. However, they are still playing better than the Bengals and will do their best to pile onto the misery. Baltimore’s defense is still their strength, but if the Ravens offense can have a career day like every other Bengals opponent, this game could get ugly.
When the Ravens have the ball: The Ravens offense has been playing terrible football lately, but that may not matter when it comes to the Bengals defense. The stout Ravens defense gives the Ravens offense many chances to score per contest, but they still cannot produce. In the past 4 games, the Ravens offense has scored on 12 of 50 drives against the stellar defenses of the 49ers(20th), Bills(30th), Rams(19th), and Steelers(1st), most of the time starting with great field position. The Bengals have not faced a top offense since the Patriots game, yet they are giving up an average of 29 points and 395 yards the past 4 weeks: Chiefs(30th), Jets(28th), Steelers(9th), Bills(31st). The Ravens cannot score against bad defenses, and the Bengals cannot stop terrible offenses. This should be the most exciting duel between the completely inept since the Britney Spears/Kevin Federline divorce proceedings.
The Bengals get another shot at the Ravens with a chance to prove that one of their two wins was a fluke. Luckily, the Ravens just played a Monday night road game and will have 2 less days to prepare for the Bengals. Not so lucky for the Bengals, the Ravens played on Monday like they played in their last Monday night performance against the Bengals. But this time, the game did not come down to the final drive as Pittsburgh gave the Ravens the most embarrassing loss of their short franchise history. The Ravens will be a bit perturbed coming into the Bengals game, and the Bengals will try not to kick-start another team’s dead season as they have with the Bills, Chiefs, and Browns. The Ravens currently stand 4 and 4 and are heading into what might be the toughest stretch for any team this season. Their second half schedule goes as follows: CIN, CLE, @SD, NE(Monday), IND, @MIA, @SEA, PIT. The Ravens first half schedule was easy, yet they could only muster a 4-4 record. They had wins against the Jets, Cardinals, Rams and 49ers(Combined 6-27), and losses against the Bengals, Browns, Bills and Steelers(Combined 17-15). So this is not a top Baltimore team facing the Bengals. However, they are still playing better than the Bengals and will do their best to pile onto the misery. Baltimore’s defense is still their strength, but if the Ravens offense can have a career day like every other Bengals opponent, this game could get ugly.
When the Ravens have the ball: The Ravens offense has been playing terrible football lately, but that may not matter when it comes to the Bengals defense. The stout Ravens defense gives the Ravens offense many chances to score per contest, but they still cannot produce. In the past 4 games, the Ravens offense has scored on 12 of 50 drives against the stellar defenses of the 49ers(20th), Bills(30th), Rams(19th), and Steelers(1st), most of the time starting with great field position. The Bengals have not faced a top offense since the Patriots game, yet they are giving up an average of 29 points and 395 yards the past 4 weeks: Chiefs(30th), Jets(28th), Steelers(9th), Bills(31st). The Ravens cannot score against bad defenses, and the Bengals cannot stop terrible offenses. This should be the most exciting duel between the completely inept since the Britney Spears/Kevin Federline divorce proceedings.
When the Bengals have the ball: The Ravens defense is very similar to the Steelers defense that the Bengals faced 2 weeks ago. Against the Steelers, Kenny Watson was able to run for 88 yards on 19 carries. Behind that solid production, the Bengals were able to score on 50% of their possessions. If the Bengals keep the same game plan against the Ravens, the Bengals should enjoy some success, especially with the addition of Chris Henry. Henry is sure to draw a lot of attention his first few times on the field, let’s hope the Bengals do not get stupid in trying to force Henry the ball. The Bengals need to play conservative offense and take smart, calculated chances when they can. Just like every other week, if Soul Patch gives up on the run early, look for a rowdy blitzfest from the Ravens with Ed Reed headhunting in the secondary. If that happens, Palmer, TJ and Henry could take some nasty shots. As seen on Monday night, the Raven’s starting CBs are out, and their backups cover receivers in a Bengal-like manner. The Bengals should put nice scoring drives together within a conservative game plan, and not have to go pass crazy to win.
What you do want to see: #15 back on the field. He has done his time and the Bengals desperately need him. Not because of the 3rd receiver excuse, but because Henry is the best receiver on the team at coming down with the pass when he is covered.
What you don’t want to see: Chris Henry at Annie’s Disco Night Sunday after the game.
What you do want to see: #15 back on the field. He has done his time and the Bengals desperately need him. Not because of the 3rd receiver excuse, but because Henry is the best receiver on the team at coming down with the pass when he is covered.
What you don’t want to see: Chris Henry at Annie’s Disco Night Sunday after the game.
Matchup of mullets: TJ vs TE Quinn Sypniewski
The first time around, we honored Sypniewski purely for the spectacle he has created. This time, due to injuries at the TE position, Sypniewski is sure to see a lot of action for the Ravens. Going against the Bengals LBs, Dexter Jackson and Madieu Williams, Sypniewski has a chance this week to actually win the receiving battle with TJ. It will be close, but TJ gets the nod. BENGALS WIN
Matchup of Moustaches: RB Kenny Watson vs DB Samari Rolle
Samari Rolle has missed 4 games this season for multiple reasons, and it is not known if he will play against the Bengals. If he is out, the backup corners will need help from the safeties and LBs. That could open up the game for Kenny Watson if Soul Patch wants to win the game. BENGALS WIN
Duel of the uglies: QB Jeff Rowe vs. OL Adam Terry
Jeff Rowe laughs as he bashes Adam Terry’s face in for Rowe’s second victory over Terry this season. Bashing Terry’s face will actually make him better looking, so Rowe has no chance of ever losing to Terry again. To celebrate, Rowe is going to treat himself to a mudbath at Fernald. BENGALS WIN
Battle of old men: DE Bryan Robinson(33) vs Matt Stover(39)
Stover began kicking with the Cleveland Browns in 1991 and is the 3rd most accurate kicker in NFL history. He made the move with the Browns franchise to Baltimore and is the only current member of the Ravens that made the move at the inception of the franchise. It would be nice have a dependable kicker for 16 years, instead we have Gingerballs. RAVENS WIN
Biggest loser fan: Stormtrooper/Darth Chinstrap vs
Hmmmm, which person in the group of Ravens fans is considered the loser fan? That's right, the guy with the hair helmet, moustache, blue blockers, and long sleeved white tee. His claim to fame is probably being an extra in the movie "Over The Top." RAVENS WIN
Hmmmm, which person in the group of Ravens fans is considered the loser fan? That's right, the guy with the hair helmet, moustache, blue blockers, and long sleeved white tee. His claim to fame is probably being an extra in the movie "Over The Top." RAVENS WIN
Actually, the guy in the middle with the Sports Steve hat has a website dedicated to.......himself as Sports Steve, local celebrity.
Cheerbabe Tussle: I did it!!!! We discussed the fact that the Ravens have male cheerleaders when the Bengals played the Ravens in week 1. It took me 9 weeks to get over that fact, but I looked at the Ravens website this week, and the male cheerleaders are gone!!! I am taking full responsibility for this incredible turn of events. Who said that I have done nothing with my life? Just look at the Raven cheerbabes to see my mark left on society. To celebrate, here is a collection of Ravens cheerbabe photos including the most famous of all Ravens cheerbabes, Stacy Keibler.
Little known Ravens fact: In another segment of “Sometimes people are smart and sometimes people are dumb,” the Ravens have had many stellar drafts over the years. The first of the big steals was in 1996 when the Ravens used 2 first round picks on Jonathan Ogden (4th) and Ray Lewis (26th); Just for reference, the Bengals took Willie Anderson(10th) while the Rams took Lawrence Phillips(6th). The next major steal was in 2002 when the Ravens took Ed Reed(24th), while division rival Cleveland took Willie Green(16th); Again for reference, the Bengals took Levi Jones(10th).
Riding high off past draft successes, the Ravens took Terrell Suggs with the 10th pick of the 2003 draft, again a great pick. However, later in round 1 of that year, the Ravens decided they needed a QB for the future. They traded their 2nd round pick that year, and the first round pick of the next year to the Patriots for the right to draft Kyle Boller(19th). After being traded again, those 2 picks turned out to be Ken Hamlin and Vince Wilfork. Every team in the NFL would be willing to trade their backup QB for Hamlin and Wilfork.
Moral of the story? Let’s hope the Bengals get the 10th pick in this year’s draft as it seems to have a good history for the AFC North. Recent AFC North 10th picks:
Willie Anderson
Duane Starks
Chris McAlister
Levi Jones
Terrell Suggs
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Bengals Mid-Year Diagnostic
With eight games in the books, we have enough information to be able to decide what kind of team the Bengals are this year. But don’t make me tell you, let’s let Carson Palmer throw his two cents in: “We’re not a very good football team.”
You get points for understatement, Carson.
Too bad we don’t seem to be getting points doing much else.
So, it’s half way through the season, we’re sitting a 2-6 and don’t have much hope for the playoffs. What do we do? The way I see it, we have four options.
Holding Onto Hope With the Tips of Our Fingernails
This one is sure to leave you with a worse kicked-in-the-nuts feeling than you have now, unless the Bengals actually run the table. Then, you can lord over everyone else at the playoffs tailgate that you are the only person who didn’t give up on the team, and therefore you’re the only one who deserves to be at the tailgate. And you’d be right.
Fill ‘er up Tank Job
As disgusting as it sounds, one option is to start cheering for the Bengals to lose. In effect, you’re cheering for a higher draft pick, an easier schedule next year and for the powers that be in the Bengals front office to be forced to shake things up and do something different. Now, all three of those outcomes are desirable.
But I can’t get over the idea of anyone actually cheering against the Bengals. Not when we still play the Ravens and the Steelers. Would you want to cheer for Ben Roethlisberger and Kyle Boller?
I don’t think you can call yourself a fan and root for the tank job, but that’s just me.
One Game At A Time
This is the way I’ve cheered for Reds games over the last few decades. I just want the Reds to play well in the game I’m watching, because anyone can win a game. Making the playoffs is out of the question, but I can root for a win that day.
This is kind of like ignoring the forest and focusing on one tree. Unfortunately, with the way the Bengals are playing, taking it One Game At A Time still means we’re going to be watching a lot of duds. And in baseball, a watching a crappy team means you get 2, maybe 3 wins a week. The Bengals will be hard pressed to win three more games over the course of the next 8 weeks. It’s a different dynamic when you play 1/10th the games.
Just Walk Away
Give up, start selling your tickets, and focusing more energy on your fantasy team. I think you have to turn in your black and orange stripes if you take this route. Earn them back next year by hosting lavish tailgates at both preseason games.
One nice corollary to this approach is that there are a lot of families who can’t afford season tickets, but would be willing to buy your tickets for one game. But I can’t say that allowing someone to take their young children to a losing Bengals game is something you would do to a friend.
So what am I going to do? I’m going One Game At A Time, but with each loss I’ll tell myself that we’re going to get better draft picks and an easier schedule next year. (I’m not even kidding myself that the Brown family cares enough to shake things up.) And with each win, I might take a quick peek at the standings and wonder what we could do if we win out.
How are you going to approach the second half of the season?
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You're not my boy Blue
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Two thoughts on the loss to the Bill’s:
2. We all feel like shit over the team this year, but we need to take small victories out of every game, and here is this weeks: Maybe, just maybe, this Bill's fan won't molest any kids this week.
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1. Everyone will agree that there are a lot of problems with this team, but no bigger than Blue Adams.
Blue has earned the nick name Johnny Pile On, and reminds me of the kid who never got any playing time in grade school and would dive on the ground in his first play do dirty up his uniform. As if a grass stain could cover up his shame or his Father’s disappointment.
In addition to his Father, Blue has let down the whole city by racking up 20 penalty yards trying to prove he was tough. These yards were back breakers because they both resulted in scores, and were only two fewer then our "feature backs" had all day.
My coaches taught me in pee-wee league that only pussies piled on.
2. We all feel like shit over the team this year, but we need to take small victories out of every game, and here is this weeks: Maybe, just maybe, this Bill's fan won't molest any kids this week. Last week I did a Google search for Bills fans just to see what we were up against and I came across this guy’s blog. Hopefully the Bill’s win will keep his mind off of small hinnies, or at least save his Star Wars cardboard woman from teaspoon sized presents being shot at her.
Labels: Blue, Megan's Law, Star Trek
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What I didn't like
Monday, November 5, 2007
Lets forget all about what I liked.
I hope Chad Johnson is OK.
At what point in a football career does a player forget how to tackle? The Bengals could have had many stops for no gain or loss but one or two players did not know how to wrap a guy up. None was more evident than the play that sealed the game when Lynch was stopped for a 2 yard loss, sandwiched in between 2 defenders, broke out of the grip, and busted a 55 yd score to essentially end the game.
The offense is not prolific. I am sick of hearing that, when we scored it was quick, sharp and effective. But when you get us to a 3rd down, our whole team begins to think about the punt. Wide receivers can't catch (i.e. Chad Johnson) and Rudi Johnson is either still hurt or does not remember how to hit a hole.
How do we give up almost 500 yds to one of the worst offenses in the NFL? JP Losman was benched for poor play and we made him look like the best QB in the NFL.
Some changes need to be made, I think Chuck needs to go and Marvin should take over the D. At the least it would show that the team and organization is not content with what is happening. We are moving backwards. No progress is being made.
I know Marvin, I know.
I hope Chad Johnson is OK.
At what point in a football career does a player forget how to tackle? The Bengals could have had many stops for no gain or loss but one or two players did not know how to wrap a guy up. None was more evident than the play that sealed the game when Lynch was stopped for a 2 yard loss, sandwiched in between 2 defenders, broke out of the grip, and busted a 55 yd score to essentially end the game.
The offense is not prolific. I am sick of hearing that, when we scored it was quick, sharp and effective. But when you get us to a 3rd down, our whole team begins to think about the punt. Wide receivers can't catch (i.e. Chad Johnson) and Rudi Johnson is either still hurt or does not remember how to hit a hole.
How do we give up almost 500 yds to one of the worst offenses in the NFL? JP Losman was benched for poor play and we made him look like the best QB in the NFL.
Some changes need to be made, I think Chuck needs to go and Marvin should take over the D. At the least it would show that the team and organization is not content with what is happening. We are moving backwards. No progress is being made.
I know Marvin, I know.
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Bills Steel Cage Questions
Thursday, November 1, 2007
This week we’re talking to buffalorumblings.com. They run a great site with some pretty good Bengals information featured.
What scares us about the Bills?
Comer Kai: Bills play hard. They want to win and they are playing at home. The Bengals have been playing like they don’t want to lose and it makes me nervous to play a team with heart. The first series could decide the game. Also, I’m worried about Leon Hall. You can’t give up on a first round pick, so he’ll be out there… but he is getting lit up. Teams have been picking on him all season and I expect nothing but the same this week. I don’t want to see Hall on an island with Lee Evans.
What scares you about the Bengals?
Buffalo Rumblings: Carson Palmer. Buffalo has had trouble generating much of a pass rush this season - even amidst their recent success defensively - so Palmer should have ample time to find Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Sunday. The Bills' Cover-2 scheme will likely limit any big plays being made by Cincinnati, but Palmer will have an opportunity to use an intermediate passing attack to carve up the Bills underneath and control the clock a bit.
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What match up makes you feel confident in the Bengals?
Comer Kai: The Bills defense is about as impressive as the Bengal’s. And even though they lost to the Steelers, it looks like the Bengals offense is getting on track. This week Rudi Johnson is ready to go again so with Rudi power running up the middle and Watson dancing through the holes it should lead to a nice day on the ground against a young defense. It is a sure thing; if the Bengals run well, they usually score big.
What match up makes you feel confident in the Bills?
Buffalo Rumblings: I really like Marshawn Lynch running against a beat up Bengals front seven. Lynch, who as a rookie has by far been the team's most consistent offensive threat with 537 rush yards and 4 scores, has yet to break the 100-yard barrier in his rookie season. I fully expect that to change Sunday - the Bills will want to control time of possession to keep the ball out of Palmer's hands, so the team will likely once again lean on Lynch while taking calculated shots down the field against the Bengals' secondary.
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Who is the best (current) Bills player Bengals fans have never heard of?
Buffalo Rumblings: Linebacker John DiGiorgio. More commonly known as "that guy who replaced Paul Posluszny", DiGiorgio has quietly been one of Buffalo's best defenders over the past month. He's constantly around the ball - he ranks second on the team with 52 tackles and has also picked up a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery since taking over in the middle. He's not the most talented guy you'll ever see (nor the biggest), but the former undrafted free agent has been an asset, rather than a liability, for a young Bills defense.
Who is the best (current) Bengals player Bills fans have never heard of?
Domato Peko
This second-year pro played so well last year he (along with chicken wings and gravy) chased Sam Adams out of town. This year he has 20 tackles, with one pass defended and one fumble recovery despite playing a role that requires him to take up blockers more than make a play. His biggest asset is his extreme athleticism. In 2005 he had a 74-yard fumble return for a TD vs. Michigan that tied score in fourth quarter. The guy is 6-3 319. Look for his tuft of hair smashing into the line vs the Bills. He is one of the few bright spots on the Bengals defense to build upon for the future.
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Who wins the game and what's the score?
Buffalo Rumblings: No matter the opponent, Buffalo plays very well at home. They're 2-2, with wins over the Jets and Ravens and one-point (heart-breaking) losses to the Broncos and Cowboys. That trend is likely to continue this weekend with a Bengals team that can't play defense in town. Buffalo will have just enough offense and special teams to outscore the Bengals in a moderate scoring affair. Bills 23, Bengals 20.
Comer Kai: At some point the Bengals need to catch a break. This week is it. For a quarterback like Carson Palmer in his 5th year with receivers like the Bengals have; to not be able to go to Buffalo and beat the Bills is ridiculous. They are a rebuilding team limping with injury. The Bengals are a team with a limping defense but an offense of pro-bowl caliber players. They get ahead early this week and pound the ground game as the Bills try to catch up. And the Bills will almost catch up. But they wont. Bengals 28. Bills 27.
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If there was a steel cage match instead of a football game featuring one current player, who do you nominate?
Buffalo Rumblings: This was an easy decision to make - I'll go with our 6'0", 172-pound punter, Brian Moorman. Video evidence of Moorman's ability to take a hit has since been stripped from the Internet by the National Football League - they don't want the public to know just how bad-ass this guy is. Moorman is the one football player to make "wiry" a terrifying term. With a punting leg capable of roundhouse kicks that would make Chuck Norris proud, plus his resourcefulness and grit, Moorman would be a tough out for even the nastiest of defensive linemen in a steel cage match.
Comer Kai: Ndukwe. The 6-2 218 pound safety out of Notre Dame packs a huge punch—an impressive thing for the usual arm tackling Bengals defense. Check out the hit he lays on Calvin Johnson.
Two men enter one Safety leave.
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What scares us about the Bills?
Comer Kai: Bills play hard. They want to win and they are playing at home. The Bengals have been playing like they don’t want to lose and it makes me nervous to play a team with heart. The first series could decide the game. Also, I’m worried about Leon Hall. You can’t give up on a first round pick, so he’ll be out there… but he is getting lit up. Teams have been picking on him all season and I expect nothing but the same this week. I don’t want to see Hall on an island with Lee Evans.
What scares you about the Bengals?
Buffalo Rumblings: Carson Palmer. Buffalo has had trouble generating much of a pass rush this season - even amidst their recent success defensively - so Palmer should have ample time to find Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Sunday. The Bills' Cover-2 scheme will likely limit any big plays being made by Cincinnati, but Palmer will have an opportunity to use an intermediate passing attack to carve up the Bills underneath and control the clock a bit.
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What match up makes you feel confident in the Bengals?
Comer Kai: The Bills defense is about as impressive as the Bengal’s. And even though they lost to the Steelers, it looks like the Bengals offense is getting on track. This week Rudi Johnson is ready to go again so with Rudi power running up the middle and Watson dancing through the holes it should lead to a nice day on the ground against a young defense. It is a sure thing; if the Bengals run well, they usually score big.
What match up makes you feel confident in the Bills?
Buffalo Rumblings: I really like Marshawn Lynch running against a beat up Bengals front seven. Lynch, who as a rookie has by far been the team's most consistent offensive threat with 537 rush yards and 4 scores, has yet to break the 100-yard barrier in his rookie season. I fully expect that to change Sunday - the Bills will want to control time of possession to keep the ball out of Palmer's hands, so the team will likely once again lean on Lynch while taking calculated shots down the field against the Bengals' secondary.
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Who is the best (current) Bills player Bengals fans have never heard of?
Buffalo Rumblings: Linebacker John DiGiorgio. More commonly known as "that guy who replaced Paul Posluszny", DiGiorgio has quietly been one of Buffalo's best defenders over the past month. He's constantly around the ball - he ranks second on the team with 52 tackles and has also picked up a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery since taking over in the middle. He's not the most talented guy you'll ever see (nor the biggest), but the former undrafted free agent has been an asset, rather than a liability, for a young Bills defense.
Who is the best (current) Bengals player Bills fans have never heard of?
Domato Peko
This second-year pro played so well last year he (along with chicken wings and gravy) chased Sam Adams out of town. This year he has 20 tackles, with one pass defended and one fumble recovery despite playing a role that requires him to take up blockers more than make a play. His biggest asset is his extreme athleticism. In 2005 he had a 74-yard fumble return for a TD vs. Michigan that tied score in fourth quarter. The guy is 6-3 319. Look for his tuft of hair smashing into the line vs the Bills. He is one of the few bright spots on the Bengals defense to build upon for the future.
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Who wins the game and what's the score?
Buffalo Rumblings: No matter the opponent, Buffalo plays very well at home. They're 2-2, with wins over the Jets and Ravens and one-point (heart-breaking) losses to the Broncos and Cowboys. That trend is likely to continue this weekend with a Bengals team that can't play defense in town. Buffalo will have just enough offense and special teams to outscore the Bengals in a moderate scoring affair. Bills 23, Bengals 20.
Comer Kai: At some point the Bengals need to catch a break. This week is it. For a quarterback like Carson Palmer in his 5th year with receivers like the Bengals have; to not be able to go to Buffalo and beat the Bills is ridiculous. They are a rebuilding team limping with injury. The Bengals are a team with a limping defense but an offense of pro-bowl caliber players. They get ahead early this week and pound the ground game as the Bills try to catch up. And the Bills will almost catch up. But they wont. Bengals 28. Bills 27.
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If there was a steel cage match instead of a football game featuring one current player, who do you nominate?
Buffalo Rumblings: This was an easy decision to make - I'll go with our 6'0", 172-pound punter, Brian Moorman. Video evidence of Moorman's ability to take a hit has since been stripped from the Internet by the National Football League - they don't want the public to know just how bad-ass this guy is. Moorman is the one football player to make "wiry" a terrifying term. With a punting leg capable of roundhouse kicks that would make Chuck Norris proud, plus his resourcefulness and grit, Moorman would be a tough out for even the nastiest of defensive linemen in a steel cage match.
Comer Kai: Ndukwe. The 6-2 218 pound safety out of Notre Dame packs a huge punch—an impressive thing for the usual arm tackling Bengals defense. Check out the hit he lays on Calvin Johnson.
Two men enter one Safety leave.
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