The Bills have been inconsistent, but that front 4 allows them to 'play back' on defense.  They are the only team that hasn't stacked the box against us.  Maybe the Browns (and Weeden) would have done more against the Bills if not for the same old story of dropped passes -  http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/9/24/3383552/browns-bills-cleveland-wide-receivers-greg-little-josh-gordon

The Bengals won more games last year (9) than Cleveland won in 2010 and 2011 combined.  Schedule has to be the last thing concerning Browns fans about what is determining the outcome of their games.  The team is bereft of talent required to compete for four quarters.  The Browns' best game was against Baltimore, and they only played two quarters of decent, NFL football.

The Browns have already lost today.... so for now, GO BENGALS!

The shots of Cincy tonight during the game are beautiful.

Went to the game last night.  The Steelers fans were even worse than I expected, and the women were a disgrace.  Last thing we see pulling out of the lot last night is a 25 year-old female Steelers fan with her pants around her ankles taking a dump next to her car, making no attempt to hide what was going on.  She could have at least gone between cars but instead went in full view of the cars cuing to leave.  Keep in mind there was a port-o-john not 50 feet away. 

The Bengals are all but done.  The only reason I won't scoop dirt on 'em just yet is because the division is so weak this year.  The AFC North hasn't been this weak in a long time and Pittsburgh isn't appreciably better than the Bengals.  Expect Baltimore and the Steelers to drop games all season long.  10-6 wins this division handily and both AFC wildcards will be 9-7 football teams, so the Bengals have hope.  Not much more than that, though.

 

Dalton is a problem.  His mistakes are killing this team, and even in the team's wins against Jacksonville and Washington, he made mistakes to make the game closer than necessary.  The way he bumbled that pump fake was almost a pick six in itself just by poor field position for the defense to work with.  This team looks like it's being dragged down by its quarterback instead of elevated.

 

Jay Gruden is yet another example of a coordinator that knows his stuff but isn't getting the job done, but because he's shown flashes, he gets a lifetime pass.  The Bengals have another coordinator that has been hit or miss lately, they call him Zimmer.  I guess that's the way you get gashed in the run game all night and get away from the only thing that's consistently worked offensively which was Green-Ellis in the same game.  Two coordinators who can't make up their mind.

 

Why not force that Pittsburgh secondary to cover somebody deep without groping them?  What happened to playing time-of-possession football?  They get away from the power formations in the 2nd quarter after a few negative things happen in the game and stick to 7 yard patterns the rest of the night.  Is that what you drafted AJ Green for?  Gresham was targeted 3 times tonight if my memory serves me.  Stop trying to prove that your battery of #4 receivers (Binns, Whalen, Tate) can keep teams from doubling Green.  Wear out the other team's every-down linemen in the run game so that when you run five and seven-step drops, you only have to worry about the blitzers and pass rush specialists reaching paydirt.  Marvin Jones going down was big.  He is the #2 receiver that they need to get in there and leave in there because he can run past people and caught a lot of balls in college from bad QBs.  None of these other guys can outside of Hawkins, and he's a slot guy.

 

Dalton and Gruden are crushing this team.  The Bengals offense should be yawning thirty a game.

 

Zimmer's personnel decisions has gotten better with his LB's.  Lawson has been playing a lot less and that's a wonderful thing to not have to see a 6'6'' linebacker jogging to the pile after missing his assignment every other defensive down.  What Mike hasn't done is managed his secondary talent well.  You need to play bump and run on Brown and not only did he not put a bump and run corner on him in Hall, but he stuck with Adam Jones who was playing too far off and isn't the best tackler.  I know he was afraid that Wallace would put a double move on Jones and streak for a crowd-silencing touchdown, but instead Antonio Brown dices his defense underneath and keeps the chains moving, keeping his average defense on the field, making them look below average.

 

Moral of this game: If Dalton's play doesn't improve and the team misses the playoffs, the team should draft a quarterback in the middle of the first round and trade Dalton.  Teams get maybe 60 offensive snaps a game on average.  One or two are going for turnovers by the QB plus another three or four tipped balls, usually a combination of the two, you're giving away almost a tenth of your snaps.  You're also giving the other team points and great field position.  This team beats Pittsburgh and Cleveland with a better quarterback and is only looking up to Houston for supremacy in the conference.

 

The Bengals only have one above average corner right now.  Dre Kirkpatrick playing in two weeks will give them a real boost back there.  Having him cover Brown and Hall on Wallace would have made a real difference last night.  Mike had some drops, but for the most part he was shut down by Hall.  A more steady presence to cover Brown would have led to more 3 and outs and more mistakes by Ben trying to make plays that aren't there.  Dre not participating in the first seven weeks has had a real impact on their 3-4 record.  Kirkpatrick can cover Josh Gordon, Terrence Newman cannot.  If Gordon is covered last week in Cleveland, do the Browns win that one?

 

Now I'm really sure that Marvin was talking to his coaches when he said they were not decisive enough.  Game on the line and you take exactly one shot down the field to Green or anybody else in the final three possessions?  You forgot BenJarvus was on the team for two quarters and rediscovered him with six minutes to go in the game?  Gruden really drives me crazy.  The Bengals need to let that guy go coach elsewhere this offseason.  I'll take consistency out of my OC over the fireworks he teases us with and then puts 'em back in the shed until the next hot-weather holiday.

So where is all the excitement?  A 4-0 streak isn't generating any discussion?

I didn't want to jinx them after City Blights accurate insight. ;-)

Think Chad Johnson will be a Bengal again?

I didn't want to jinx them after City Blights accurate insight. ;-)

 

Haha, they have rebounded nicely.  This is a true team, and last week vs. San Diego proved it.  That was a Steelers-ish victory where the better team makes up their mind that they're going to play 60 minutes of football, whereas the other guys can't wait for quadruple zeros to hit the scoreboard.

 

Dalton still needs to play better.  There have been three wide-open TDs in the last two weeks Green should've had that Andy has airmailed out of bounds.  The running game has made this a complete team and when they run behind Zeitler, they get chunks.  I expect better chemistry with Marvin Jones this week against Dallas, but that depends on Andy hitting guys while they're still streaking, as opposed to when they've already been open for fifteen minutes.

 

Marvin is a different coach with this offensive group of players.  He trusts them more than he ever did Carson and Chad.  He routinely goes for it on fourth down, something he NEVER did in previous years.  Lewis went from one of the most conservative coaches in the league to a Les Myles clone.  Says a ton about the change in culture among the players and their heightened level of accountability.

 

Gruden still drives me nuts despite the team scoring 30 or more in three of the past four.  Last week in San Diego in the second quarter, they were on the Chargers' one yard line and tried a play action pass.  What the hell is Green-Ellis on the team for?  Hand it off, and if he doesn't get in, run it again on 4th and half a yard.  If they don't get the TD, line up your defense and make them run the length of the field.  The score was 10-7 Chargers.  Didn't understand that at all.

 

I'm taking it one game at a time even as a fan, but this has the look of a team that'll still be playing come late January.  They are physical, they rush the passer, and they're great in the red zone.  Those are the elements of a team that can execute in make-or-break moments in close games.

 

People wonder why many people don't follow the Bengals much anymore. It's because of stuff like today's game. Why not run the time off the clock near the end of the game when leading? They just kept passing and passing. The Bengals need a new coach period.

^ More evidence of Jay Gruden's inconsistency that leads to Bengal mediocrity.  BenJarvus started the game with what's turning into his patented strong-side run between Zeitler and Smith, going for a huge chunk of yards.  Gruden promptly forgot all about his feature back until it was too late to run the ball consistently because the offense never established it. 

 

Why was Gruden giving Leonard carries?

 

When the Bengals were up 19-10, Jay was trying his absolute hardest to THROW for six instead of taking the yards where they were easiest to obtain, which was on the ground.  Even with 5 minutes to go and no momentum, Gruden still thought it fit to permit a quarterback that had been terrible to throw to receivers that were no longer fitting their job description of receiver of the football.  The impact an offensive coordinator can have on a game is enormous and I simply don't trust Jay with that kind of responsibility over the long haul of a season.  His ego may interfere with logic too often.

 

 

A win Sunday the Bengals make the playoff's.

 

 

 

What happens if they lose to Pitt, beat Baltimore, and those two win against Cleveland and NYG? Does Pitt get the nod because they beat us twice?

What happens if they lose to Pitt, beat Baltimore, and those two win against Cleveland and NYG? Does Pitt get the nod because they beat us twice?

 

Yes, head to head record is the first tie-breaking procedure: http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures

 

The Bengals need to step up and beat Pittsburgh.  As of right now, they control their own destiny.

 

The second tie breaker is division record, so even if the Bengals beat Pittsburgh, then lose to Baltimore, and Pittsburgh wins their last game, the Bengals are out.  They need to win both games to make it easy.

Baltimore wins the AFC North if they win one of their two games. Cleveland can feel like a professional team for once if they beat the Steelers. Then Bengals are in if they beat the real Browns er, Ravens.

What happens if they lose to Pitt, beat Baltimore, and those two win against Cleveland and NYG? Does Pitt get the nod because they beat us twice?

 

Yes, head to head record is the first tie-breaking procedure: http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures

 

The Bengals need to step up and beat Pittsburgh.  As of right now, they control their own destiny.

 

The second tie breaker is division record, so even if the Bengals beat Pittsburgh, then lose to Baltimore, and Pittsburgh wins their last game, the Bengals are out.  They need to win both games to make it easy.

If the Bengals beat Pittsburgh, the Steelers are out. The best they would finish is 8-8. The Bengals would be 2 games up with one to play. Bottom line beat Pittsburgh.

Accomplished!!! Next step is win a playoff game.

Who Dey!!

New England pummelled Miami today.  Houston finished their late season collapse of losing three of their last four games by losing in Indy today. 

 

Meaning the Bengals will travel to Houston to face the reeling Texans instead facing the Patriots.  Things worked out pretty well today for the Bengals.

Bengals Bengals Bengals... If only they can consistently beat Pittsburgh and Baltimore. If only they can actually win playoff games.

 

I love seeing them win, but I have little faith.

I went to three games this year.  The pick in the 4th quarter was the highlight of the year.  It almost made up for the fights in the stands and all the other crap that was going on at the Pittsburgh game. 

 

Oh yeah, the low point of the year was seeing some Pittsburgh chick taking a #2 next to her friend's car in a gravel lot. 

Dalton is average on a good day.  Bengals will stick with him for one more then he'll be replaced.  I'd like to see them bring in a vet to compete with Andy in camp.  That way, if Dalton retains his job but stinks it up, coaches will be empowered to bench him with confidence.

 

Center, RB, safety and LB are their biggest needs by far other than QUARTERBACK.  The team found two starting LBs in undrafted rookies Lamur and Burfict in last year's draft, which says a lot about the improved scouting of the Bengals.  Thomas Howard comes back from IR next year, so let Maualuga go, slide Burfict inside, and draft/sign a couple backups.  This team has few holes, that's why Dalton being terrible stands out so much.

 

Oh, and Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden can go too.  I've been saying since late last season that he is overrated.  This offense has weapons, and contrary to what the pundits say, the Bengals have a #2 WR in Marvin Jones.  Even without Jones, they still have Hawkins and Gresham (despite yesterday's drops).  Put Sam Bradford on this team and they probably beat Denver next Saturday.  People forget the Bengals had a lead on Denver in Week 9 in the 4th quarter and that Peyton comeback was aided with some ticky tack penalties and five missed tackles on one play, which statistically is unlikely to repeat itself.

 

You need a QB with an accurate deep ball when you have receivers like Green and Jones.  They run free down the sideline as often as the Jags lose games.  AJ is being wasted right now.

I went to three games this year.  The pick in the 4th quarter was the highlight of the year.  It almost made up for the fights in the stands and all the other crap that was going on at the Pittsburgh game. 

 

Oh yeah, the low point of the year was seeing some Pittsburgh chick taking a #2 next to her friend's car in a gravel lot. 

 

Hah!  I work at a bar near Cleveland Browns Stadium, and I have to say nothing brings out a trashier crowd than having the Steelers in town!

Pittsburgh fans really are like Juggalos. 

 

"American Juggalo," A Film By Sean Dunne

^^ Agree that Dalton seems to be near his ceiling.  If he doesn't get better, they are stuck in this position.  I'd rather not waste the next three years of AJ and a good defense.  I think Sanu may be a better number 2 than Jones, but either way, they should have plenty of weapons.  Get some help in the secondary, get some additional LB help, and the defense is in good shape.

 

I am beginning to think it's time to cut ties with Gresham.  All the physical talent in the world, but he DROPS. WAY. TOO. MANY. BALLS.  Really difficult to win if you don't have a receiving option out of the backfield and/or a reliable TE.  We need a good 3rd down type back (think Darren Sproles) and a sure-handed tight end. 

I'm ready for the new season to start. Attended training camp earlier today. Highly recommend it. Here's a few pics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a few videos . . .

 

 

 

 

The second QB looked better than our main QB. But it's only preseason.

The second QB looked better than our main QB. Bit it's only preseason.

 

He played well, and so did JK Schaffer.

Wow, I came in here to say good game last night. Where is everybody?

Dalton looked pretty terrible last night, but at least he didn't throw any interceptions.  All and all I'm glad for a win, especially in prime time on the national stage, but the Bengals O is going to have to be a whole lot better than last night if they want to get to the playoffs, and actually do something when they get there.

Who's on the bench behind Dalton? Any retreads that might have some gas left in the tank?

 

I agree he did not look that great. The Steelers didn't look very good. Ben can still scramble but I think he is missing Wallace, there were a couple of  times he was sacked after he escaped but had no one to throw to.

 

Dalton missed too many open shots, especially in the first half. That should have been a 30-10 win.

Steelers have no hammer at RB, no Heath Miller, no play makers on offense.

Dalton missed too many open shots, especially in the first half. That should have been a 30-10 win.

Steelers have no hammer at RB, no Heath Miller, no play makers on offense.

 

And no offensive line.

Of course I started Bernard in fantasy week 1 and benched him for week 2 :(

It's a good day to be a Bengals fan. ;)

 

3 wins in a row against Green Bay.

 

The first team in NFL history to lead by 14 and be down by 16 and win.

Ha. That game was ridiculous.

 

Reds and Bengals were both satisfying today, though. Was fun to follow the games simultaneously.

I still can't believe we won that game yesterday. 

Dalton's pretty good. Lol

Yeah Dalton was absolutely awful and as always, losing to the Browns is an embarrassment - luckily the entire AFC North is horrible so an 8-8 record will probably still mean playoffs.

and as always, losing to the Browns is an embarrassment

 

Awww... you poor thang.  Keep your chin up, champ.  You still get to play the Steelers again.  :D  In the meantime, go cry in the corner with Adrian Peterson's daughter.

Who dey! Who dey! Who dey!

 

Dey was the Browns, their stifling defense and their hometown quarterback.

That's sort of a classless way to win.  We'll get to face the Bengals again, so you might want to hold back a bit.

 

Those photos from training camp are awesome.  The stadium and downtown looming over the training fields looks very dramatic.  I like it.

Who dey! Who dey! Who dey!

 

We took a busful from the bar to the opening game at Paul Brown Stadium.  Our section was at least 2/3 Browns fans, and at least half the rest were wearing Kentucky "2" jerseys.

 

A couple years earlier a fellow poster on a forum had come up with a comment based on the fact that the Browns have won league championships and the Bengals have not.

 

So when anyone in our section yelled "Who Dey!"  they got a "No Bod Dey!" in return.

That's sort of a classless way to win.  We'll get to face the Bengals again, so you might want to hold back a bit.

 

Those photos from training camp are awesome.  The stadium and downtown looming over the training fields looks very dramatic.  I like it.

 

And if they beat they can rag on us. Rightly so.

They can beat Green Bay and New England, but not the Browns. I have mixed emotions about this team right now. Defense is great but they need to figure out who they are offensively.

I'm afraid it all comes down to Dalton, unfortunately. 

 

On the plus side, I am feeling good about where they are in the schedule.  They're 3-2 having already played games against the Bears, Packers, and Patriots.  If I'm not mistaken, the Ravens and Browns still have all three of those teams left to face. 

Adam Jones found not guilty.

^ But he was found guilty of committing an awesome game-ending interception.  From http://stripehype.com/2013/10/07/adam-jones-game-clinching-interception-tom-brady-gif/