via mit.zenfs.com

Without a doubt, Brown has overnight turned this franchise around and headed in the right direction.  Here's my argument.

Brown was right several years ago when he protested the agreement, that notoriously turned into an UGLY fight between Millionaires and Billionaires.
Brown gave Marvin a new contract and changed the rules of engagement between the two of them.  Marvin subsequently fired Brat, and Hired young upstart Jay Gruden (...and there was much rejoicing)
Brown stuck to his guns on the draft.  We pretty much knew AJ Green was a lock.  Dalton.  I won't give him all the credit here, but he certainly didn't stand in the way of these picks.

Read on.

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So yeah, I glommed this idea from another SB Blog, Arrowhead Pride.  It's an enjoyable read, so kudos to the author

My take on all of this and what it means to me, if you care.

via a.espncdn.com

I tend to be an obsessive-compulsive kind of guy.  If I develop an interest in something, I tend to go overboard.  Sometimes it's a good thing, such as when doing my artwork, or "volunteering" to coach my kid's Pee Wee football team.  When you watch some other poor father try his best but clearly has no clue on the basics of the game, it's time to man up and step in to help.  After you spend 3 long nights scouring the internet for coaching pee wee football drills, you begin to realize the important part is you participating in your kid's life, and letting them have fun and not even realize they are learning at the same time.

Now, I like to write, too.  But I fail the basic criteria to be a writer here because I honestly don't have time to commit to writing every day, or a similar schedule, but it doesn't stop me from being able to participate.  I'm a moderator here, so watch your sorry asses! ;-), and I'll always give my 2 cents.  The most I did was during the mock draft this year.  I had the Pats and that was a lot of work.  (note: my picks were all awesome.  (anthony castonzo, brooks reed, muhammed wilkerson, clint boling.  The NFL should be happy Bilicheck didn't see my picks.

But look, I really like being here at CJ, and having a laugh, feeling the pain of being a Bengals fan, and sharing the little joys we get, and someday, like the Great Pumpkin, the Bengals will rise from the pumpkin patch and shower the faithful with gifts, toys and candy.  I don't have a local bar to go to with other Bengals Fans.  I don't have a break room with guys who even know names like Finley or Boling.

However, one person at AP said it best for me:

I'd never get my Chiefs fix talking to locals, living out of market

It’s 565 miles from my house to One Arrowhead Drive. I’d go batshit insane(er((est))) without my daily Chiefs fix from AP.

So it’s definitely therapeutic in that sense.

The Chiefs and I have mutually agreed on this decision and although I look forward to continuing my career, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Kansas City.

by TRSChief on Aug 17, 2011 8:10 AM EDT reply actions  

I enjoy being able to talk about my beloved/hated Bengals with other Bengals fans, and feel the sense of community.  I am in New York State, and Bengals fans are few and far between here.  So realize that we are here for on main reason, our Bengals Fix.  Also realize I can only take so much discussion about Carson Palmer and Mike Brown too.  I really like it when others stay positive in the face of doom.  Just because everyone else in the country thinks we suck and have no chance, it doesn't mean WE have to continually bash our brains out about the negatives.  If Mike Brown is your mortal enemy, then man up and do something about it other than just ranting on blogsites.  Create your own and have at it.  Print some tee shirts up.  Be a contributing factor to unseating him from his throne. Fly a biplane over training camp with a banner for Mike Brown to read.  Hey, Kadaffi is holed up in Tripoli, so anything is possible.

Here's to being able to ride the Bengals Rollercoaster for another season!

I posted this as a response but thought it worthy of a post of it's own.

The question of the moment is what free agent Offensive Guard is our best option?

To me, we need to be on the hunt for an older guy who has the skills, hopefully someone that's been a Pro Bowler once or twice, that is being pushed to the curb to make room for a rookie or 2-3 year guy.

My vote is for BRIAN WATERS

via www.nflgridirongab.com

and here's why:

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It's a couple of  hours into Christmas Eve morning.  You watched some cartoons because there's no school.  You spot the dog-eared copy of the Sears Toy Catalog over by the half-eaten bowl of Cap'n Crunch and you decide to go through it one last time just to see if there are any awesome amazing toys you need to add to your list  before the big day arrives.  Lo and behold, there it is, on a page you've perused a million times!  Your "Must Have" present!

Instead of your dad being there, it's Mike Brown.  He says in a tired crackled voice after shoveling the driveway "Son.  I'm way to tired to get it myself.  Here's my checkbook, get what you want, just keep it under the cap.."

So there you are.  With Mike Brown's Checkbook and the balance is $46.8 million.  What free agent whirlwind do you get?  Here's mine:

• Matt Leinart (HOU) - he's good enough to start, and worlds better than our backups.  He would be a good one to have in camp helping Ginger err Dalton get ready for the NFL.
• Mike Tolbert (SD) - OMG.  You want power smashmouth RB?  Tolbert SMASH!
• Tyson Clabo (ATL) - Clabo will push Andre Smith out of his way in practice and tell him to fetch him some Gatorade while he lines up at RT.  Mower gets engaged.  RB's have a clean path to the Endzone.
• Evan Mathis (CIN) - I know what you're thinking, punk.  He won't play for Cincy anymore.  Wrong.  I got this check here for you Evan, and there's more zero's than Pearl Harbor in 1941.  I think he's a good, underplayed OG and as good as any free agent available.
• Adam Vinatieri (IND) – yup.  He's 85 years old. And can still kick the crap out of a football.  I'll take him. 
• Haloti Ngata (BAL) - Pricey, but worth it.  Especially when he gets trotted out on Sundays in Baltimore.  Ohh Yeah.
• Johnathan Joseph (CIN) – Here's your check.  Thanks for playing.
• Roman Harper (NO) - we need safety help bigtime.  I gotta spend all Mike Brown's money before he recovers from shoveling.  Harper should have been in the Pro Bowl last year.
  

Ok, so I got some guys we need.  Plug this baby in and lets play!

In case you've never heard it, or remember the lyrics, take a listen while you read my post.

Kenny Rogers Lucille (via VinylCountryMusic)

You picked a fine time to leave us, Lucille!

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This post is completely non-sports related.  Well, in a way it is relevant, because I deal with it every time I'm here at Cincy Jungle.

It's been bugging me to the point where I had to hop up on the soap-box.  There's something odd going on here that isn't on most other blogs here in the Sports Blog Nation, and maybe this is the perfect timing to address this, before it's too late.  Before the draft gets here.

Cincy Jungle is overweight.  I'm not talking about Josh, or the collective of the readers, but this blog is big and slow.  For all the Andre Smith jokes we make around here, we may need to look at the man in the mirror, wait, I'm not going to quote some freakin Michael Jackson song.  Allow me to provide some evidence.

There's an entire nation of Sports Blogs out there.  We are but one.  However, this happens to be the only one that causes my scroll mouse to creak.  Give it a try.  Scroll around a little.  Up and down.  Come on fatty, you can do it!

Big deal you may say.  Maybe it's just my computer is a little bit tired I thought.  Sure, I can play Call of Duty on it, but maybe it's just me, I don't know.  So I took a peek around the SB.

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Well hey, at least during this Mock Draft I'm in.  My pick for #17 is up for review and ridicule over at Cincy Jungle: http://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/3/16/2053145/2011-cincy-jungle-mock-draft-the-new-england-patriots-select#comments

I've been trying to do my homework so if you have any thoughts on the next couple of picks and can explain why they make sense, I'm all ears.

The Pats have an amazing number of picks this year, so it's going to keep my busy trying to make the appropriate choices.

Thanks!

UpStateMike

I'll say this right up front: it's got to come down to the coaching staff.

It's obvious Zimmer doesn't have this problem, but that may be because Marvin is essentially a Defensive-minded coach.

Now, if that is true - anyone want to argue that? - then you look to his opposite on the Offense: Bratowski.

There are things going on that are so painfully obvious that it hurts.  In fact, it is hurting this teams performance.

Already this season we have so many examples of this.  Here's my talking points.

via cdn0.sbnation.com

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via prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com

 *#*#*#*#*#

If you watched JT O'Sullivan's performance on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, then you know for certain he should never, ever, never-ever be allowed to take a snap as a Cincinnati Bengal, ever, ever, again.

I decided to take a stab at looking at the free market and figure out if we actually have any viable free agents out there that would be an immediate upgrade (Andre Smith as QB would be an immediate upgrade, but you get my meaning) as someone able to take the reigns should Carson have to leave a game.


Barring QBs that still have a team jersey and paycheck, at least until the 53 man cutdown day arrives, here's our picks:

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Katie Blackburn
NFL fans had a rare opportunity to watch Katie at work on last year’s Hardknocks series on HBO, where she tackled the challenge of getting first-round pick Andre Smith into training camp. As the daughter of Cincinnati Bengals GM/owner Mike Brown (and granddaughter of the team’s founder, Paul Brown), Katie certainly had some advantages when it came to getting her NFL career started. In no way, however, was her Executive Vice President position simply handed to her. A Harvard Law School graduate, Katie is a tough negotiator who is also well-versed in the ways of the football industry, and it is her hard work and knowledge that have poised her for success in the NFL.

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Add it up any way you want; it keeps equalling Pro Bowl Year for Carson.

via media.scout.com

Remember this cute kid in gold and red?  Well, get ready for #3 to return to being the best in the league.

Carson Palmer's reign as the Bengals QB and biggest toe has been a bumpy journey.  Ask any fan, and they'll tell you he hasn't had it easy at any point in his career.  2010 is no exception to this, but unlike any other year - even the mythical 2005 season, things have never been so perfectly lined up.  Hell, even the Chinese calendar proves this is going to be the year of the Tiger.  The Bengal Tiger to be specific.

How can I say such things?  Well read on.

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We all know that we won't get any sort of favoritism from the press.  ESPN will never pick us to win.  NFL Network will only show short clips of TDs and Ints because they have to.

Well, here's my projection of what kind of quotes to expect before every game.  Just so you're ready.

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Before you begin thinking I'm getting a kickback for what I'm about to say, I definitely am not!  Hell, I'm not even an official writer here.  Just a fan.  But I do know a little about website ads.

Josh and the others probably would not even think about writing this, but I will for them.  It's painful to ask your fans and followers to do things like this.  No one likes a shill.  However, do everyone a favor and just click on the sponsor ads you see here.  NO, NOT LADYHANDBAGMALL.  You know, the Acai berry "news anchor" chick we all want to do perverted things to. Those ones.

Those sponsors support this blog, and you don't have to buy anything, sign up for anything, listen to time share sales pitches, nothing.  Every so often just click on them and then leave.  website ads are all about the click through traffic.  It lets them know their ads are positioned correctly and people are "interested".  Even if you are not, just do it.

We all know this site ROCKS.  Lets help them out a little bit.

- My 2 cents.

There are several players that every so often I will see mentioned but there's rarely any banter about them.  So I thought we could discuss something other than how awesome our plethora of targets for Carson Palmer are (hopefully) going to play this year.

No,  I really would like to get a good update about a couple of guys.  Here they are in no real order:

via www.raiderfans.net

#1 - ANDRE SMITH!

Woah now, big fella.  Easy there.  I honestly don't even remember more than a handful of plays he was in on in 2009.  Unlike the many handfuls of chicken wings and pork ribs he has probably put down into the void since the end of the season.  Does his contract still state he has to weigh in at under 400 lbs, or was that just for year one?

Well, whatever.  I talk trash about someone's weight, but maybe I shouldn't throw stones.  Regardless, are we to expect him to be ready to go?  Has his broken foot given him any more issues?  What the hell has he been doing?

#2 - REGGIE KELLY!

My heart sank as the life-force of the Bengals O was sucked out of the team.  At least that's what HBO wanted me to believe.  He really cares about his Bengals Comrads and wants Chase Coffman to do really well.  But then his ankle was gnawed off by a ferrel poodle or something like that and we have not heard from him since.  Now, it's early May and the dude isn't signed up.  Reggie?  Where's the love?  Didn't you say you'd be back next year?  Well, it's NEXT YEAR NOW.  Are you gonna sign or not?  Did you honestly think you were going to get more than the league minnie for being a blocking TE that broke his old ankle before the season even started?  REALLY?????  I'm hoping you make a huge come back.  But don't make Brat beg for you to return.  Didn't you watch Hard Knocks last year?  They will fire your ass like they did Pressley, just because they thought he was Elvis.  I don't know what that means either.  But seriously big guy, that sound you hear is the door closing on your NFL career.

#3 - CHASE COFFMAN!

Hey.  Speaking of Tight Ends that didn't catch any balls last year.  Well....we're waiting.  Make us proud, son.  Did you learn how to block yet?  Did you study and stuff?  Did the first round pick wake your ass up?

#4 - ???!!!!

Don't we need someone to kick the ball?  Yeah, I think we kind of do.  There's that whole thing that starts games and after you score and then there's that part where you need to make a field goal.  Do we even have someone that can do this?  (Put your hand down, Ocho).  If we do have some guys, are they any good?

#5 - CHAD JOHNSON

Hey Chad.  Didn't you make a bet that if your ass got beat you'd change your name back to Johnson.  What's going on with that?  Hows the dancing going?  I have not watched any of it, so can you update me on that?  What's up with that dating show too?  You date 85 chicks, and marry one of them?  I really don't watch that crap either.  Did you need some cash or something?  Also, are you feeling a little pressure this year to produce big numbers?  Everyones ok with you and your celebrations, we get it's all playful good natured and whatnot.  Now you just have to actually make some TD catches that win us games.

That's all I got for now.

The Coverage of the draft for this weekend was really great.  The excitement level built up to the point where I couldn't wait to see who some of these guys were that we drafted.

Yes, I ate donuts during the mock drafts.


But more importantly, I knew that there is only one real place for a Bengals fan to get summaries of our newest team members, as well as lively debates on the picks, AND links for as much detail as I would want.

I really don't mean to ass-kiss but we have something special here that adds so much for the fan as we get ready for PRACTICE!  I can't wait to see the vets face off against the rooks and see who fights for a roster spot.

You don't need me to introduce Santonio to any Bengals fan.  Whenever the Bengals played AFC North rival Pittsburgh, there are three names I preface with "F***in".  F***in Rothlesburger.  F***in Hines Ward, and F***in Santonio.  So when it was announced that Holmes was traded to the Jets for a Blocking Dummy and gently used Gatorade dispenser, you have to take notice. 

via cdn0.sbnation.com

While it may be very good news for us to help get us another AFC North crown in 2010, I don't like it one bit!

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Who says work related emails don't pay off?  Here's a very interesting take on NFL helmets from the eyes of a graphic designer.  His summary:  The Bengals have the best helmets.  Period.

Penalty! Unnecessary Blandness! Redesigning the Worst NFL Helmet Graphics BY Ken CarboneMon Nov 9, 2009 at 2:26 PM

The conservative columnist George Will once said football combines the two worst things about America: violence punctuated by committee meetings. As a designer who occasionally gets caught up in the fury of the game, I'd like to add graphic design to what's wrong with football.

With the help of Skycam I spend as much time enjoying the color, patterns and graphics that add to the spectacle of the sport, as I do enjoying a deftly-completed pass. Now that the Yankees have won the World Series and the season shifts from batting balls to banging heads, I've been musing about NFL helmet design. For inspiration (and some truly bizarre helmet design), I visited the Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Created centuries ago, these designs (left) are more about shock and awe than waging battle but are truly extraordinary.

Today's high-tech helmet with its wireless headset and polycarbonate visor has come a long way from the padded leather ones of yesterday. It not only serves its essential protective function but is also a gleaming sign for a team's brand. Yet in many cases the graphics are blunt and formulaic, usually involving slapping the team's primary logo on both sides of the helmet.

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The NFL named Bengals right end Antwan Odom the Defensive Player of the Week Wednesday after he

 tied a franchise record at Green Bay this past Sunday with five sacks in the Bengals' first win ever at Lambeau Field. The Bengals, who have compiled individual sack records since 1976, had seen such a performance only once previously, when left end Eddie Edwards logged five sacks against Cleveland in the 1980 finale.

Also Wednesday Tampa Bay picked safety Corey Lynch off the Cincinnati practice squad and the Bengals replaced gun with rookie cornerback Rico Murrauy. 

According to the Bengals' Odom press release:

 Odom produced 31 yards in losses with his five sacks of Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers. Two of his first three sacks helped push the Packers out of field-goal range, forcing punting situations, and midway through the fourth quarter, he pushed the Packers into a third-and-15 situation at their 28, with a punt the result of that drive.

 Odom also recorded two sacks vs. Denver in Game 1, and his seven-sack total leads by three in the NFL sacks race. Odom and Edwards now share the Bengals record for most sacks over any two-game span, as Edwards had seven over the last two games of 1980.

 Elias Sports Bureau reports this week that since 1982, when individual sacks became an official NFL statistic, no player has matched that total for the first two games of a season. The previous record for Games 1-2 of a season was 6.5, by Detroit DE William Gay in 1983 (Gay finished ’83 with 13.5).

via cdn2.sbnation.com

"Mmmmhmmm....that place has good ribs, but go over two blocks...see that church steeple?  Across the street is the best Waffles and Fried Chicken in town."

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Without getting into any sort of Sun Tzu tripe, one of the things I like about SB nation is to be able to check out what fans are saying about their beloved team, and gain better insight.  It's kind of fun to see others drinking Kool Aid this time of year.  But the point here is to learn who we face and how or if we can beat the tar out of them and get off to a good start this season.

There's a LOT of turmoil in Denver.

Coach Shannahan.  Gone.

Jay Cutler.  Gone.

Brandon Marshall.  Gone?

They still have their beloved Champ Bailey though.  They build snow and ice sculptures of him all the time.

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While reading what seemingly was an irrelevant article about the NFC North, I found this little gem:

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While nosin around NFL.com I discovered this tidbit tucked away in the fantasy area.   Fantasy players, be bullish on Palmer, Ochocinco

QB Carson Palmer told reporters that this current Bengals team is as good as any he’s had during his seven years in Cincinnati.

This time of year is full of hyperbole, but fantasy owners should take notice.

“The mindset of the team, the amount of distractions is down and the focus is where it needs to be,” Palmer said. “As far as talent wise, this is probably the best talent we’ve had but the most maturity we’ve had by far. We’re where we need to be, we’re headed in the right direction.”

What Palmer is basically saying is that he’s happy WR Chad Ochocinco finally got his butt into camp, isn’t complaining about being traded and is instead concentrating on being the best receiver in the league. Not happy enough that Palmer will invite Ochocinco to move in with him, but still happy.

And here’s the secret, if you have followed along with our NFL.com chats: Ochocinco’s name is most mentioned when the discussion turns to best receiver in the league. Cortland Finnegan (chat) and Darrelle Revis (chat) were two guys who said Ochocinco was the best receiver in the league. I’ll take their word for it.

Palmer is ranked No. 11 in Michael Fabiano’s fantasy rankings, though that seems a little low. Really, Jay Cutler ahead of him? Cutler’s top receiver is “Stonehands” from Neccessary Roughness. Palmer has Ochocinco. Palmer also went in Round 8 of our “experts” draft. I grabbed Tony Romo in Round 6, but would probably feel better about getting Palmer in Round 8. Ochocinco went in Round 4 of that draft, just prior to my pick, and I’m still seething.

Update your boards and keep an eye on Palmer and Ochocinco — it’s going to be a big year in Cincinnati.

– ADAM RANK

During last night's weekly poker game, someone at the table makes a comment about Chad's "prediction" of the playoff dream.  While I had to agree with everybody there (Cowboys Fan, Patriots Fan,2 Bills Fans, Dolphin's Fan, Giant's fan) that a playoff berth is being extremely generous and very optimistic, I had to stick up for my team.

Then came the wager.

The Cowboys fan (btw he bets on sports regularly) says "OK, I'll bet you $50 that the Bengals can't finish .500"

My brain did some math, retracing dozens of posts and speculations from Cincy Jungle, and I took the bet.  The Bengals are 8-8 or better, I win.

Like every fan in preseason, the hopes and aspirations of how well their team will fare is high right now.  But being a Bengals fan is different.  We're less optomistic normally, or at least we are in the back of our minds.  I have been reserved talking smack, as the team needs to produce, but I just feel this year is different.  This year the Great Striped Pumpkin will rise out the Pumpkin Patch and be respectable.  In fact, I'd be just fine with 8-8, as we need to get out of the NFL doghouse and it's the only way to get over the thug jokes and the bungles monniker.

So, my question to you all, do you think I just gave my freind $50 or do we really stand a solid chance of being 8-8 or better?

LIGER

That thought just occurred to me.  I'm a little slow sometimes, and I've had my fill of the Ochocinco, Andre the Agent Killer, Bengals from OZ news.

I'm also contemplating drinking the Kool Aid.  In fact, I have my R.Johnson jersey on at work today, ready to take on all comers (aka Steelers Fans).

 What's the point of this post?  Well, I think that first, as Bengals fans we have had to put up with a lot of BS over the past 20 years since being a playoff team.  We put up with the Bungles jabs, and have to grit our teeth everytime we even SEE a Steelers fan.  Just seeing that logo makes me angry.

Secondly, The preseason is upon us.  And this preseason is different.  We actually have reasons to have hope.

Don't get too worked up by the press.  Don't feel you have to comment on every stupid tired Yahoo "article" about the Bengals.  Seriously... F-em!  Let it go.

I think it's good that we will be on Hard Knocks.  It will keep Ocho occupied.  He's already thinking about what he's going to say and how he's going to act.  The more he does that the less he'll be in the way.  I hope.  The plus side is that maybe all of the OZ prison jokes that have started will get old for everyone and they'll watch the show and realize this team is pissed and they are going to go out and want to dispel the Bungles attitude once and for all.

And if they don't realize it then, They just might take notice during the season opener.

Lastly, that season opener is a loooong way away.  Lighten up, Relax!  Have some fun.  I'd be happy with 8-8.  Estatic with 10 - 6.  Cloud 9 with a playoff game.

Thoughts?