SB Nation User Blog: Vman in Germany

Bengals Need to Win at Browns' Expense

Vman in Germany — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:24:56 -0000

The Bengals have long been the victims of some mid-season beat downs at the hands of divisional foes. Wounds that had salt poured into them Sunday after Sunday in the past. Embarrassments that have left fans scurrying for the exits before their pregame tailgating induced buzz had worn off. Lopsided losses that often freed couch potatoes to hit some of the those dreaded items on a normally long "honey do list".

Now, finally the Bengals have the opportunity to exact some revenge on a three legged dawg limping into town. There must be a relentless assault on a down and out team in the hopes of turning every TV set screen in the northeast corner of Ohio black by half-time.The formula seems simple, don't let up! If anyone has any empathy this week they need to chuck it out the window.

If for some reason you have a soft spot for the Browns, then the Bengals can do Cleveland fans a favor. They can create a situation where the only perceivable option for their ownership is to fire the loud mouthed crybaby Eric Mangini. He is desperate to find anything to hang his hat on, and I for one would love to see him eat it. Bengals have been mercilessly throttled by division foes in the past and they need to pay it back in full.

So with last weeks debacle behind them. It's time for the Bengals to come out and polish off the divisional schedule with a resounding win. It's time to bring the fans back to a sold-out Paul Brown Stadium for a long afternoon of cheering. It's time to keep those football loving fans on the couch where they belong. Get them out of holding purses or sitting on benches at the mall on this Thanksgiving weekend. The best bargain on any Bengal fan's list this weekend should be a Bengals win at the Browns expense.

The Bengals "One Team One Fight"

Vman in Germany — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:45:17 -0000

The Bengals are now entering a period in their schedule that will provide the greatest mental test of the year. They are about to embark on three weeks of games that they should win. The Raiders, Browns, & Lions are a combined 4-23 fighting for the first pick in next years draft. A position most Bengal players should remember from last year's debacle. Hopefully they will draw on that experience to keep them from falling into an over confident trap.

The other side of this coin is that these three teams will see what a difference a year can make. Watching players, that in their own recollection, are the misfit players of the NFL. The players that have been given a chance to prove themselves. Playing together, "One Team One Fight ", for what many have consider to be, a second rate NFL franchise. The difference maker now will be how well the Bengals dispatch the teams that they should beat in the next three weeks.

The first nine weeks of the season has been full of nail biting must win games and the Bengals have shown up in spades. The downside of these battles is that the Bengals are now a little beat up physically and perhaps ripe for an upset. The challenge ahead is to keep the focus, come out and soundly beat lesser opponents. Create opportunities to rest players they will need for two difficult road games against the Vikings and the Chargers back to back.

When a team is losing the coach is often to blame. When a team is playing well the credit usually goes to the players. Congratulations goes to Marvin Lewis and his staff. The team is playing inspired football, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Watching the Bengals play the last two weeks makes it evident that this is the most motivated team in recent franchise history. This team must only stay the course, a course that is heading toward a division crown.

It's Carson Palmer Time!

Vman in Germany — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:09:46 -0000

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

2 months ago: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (9) is pressured by Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Cincinnati. Houston won the game 28-17. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

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It's time to take a look at Carson Palmer through the first 6 weeks of the season and talk about one of the most frustrating aspects of this season. Palmer has 1375 yards (229 yards per game). Of those yards 816 are first half yards (136 yard avg) and 496 second half yards (48. 6 yard avg). An eye popping 267 of the second half yards are in the last 2 minutes. Palmer also only has 40 total yards passing when the Bengals are leading. What's the frustration? It is the play calling!

Cedric Benson gets his props, he is having a great year but right now the Bengals need to throw more. At halftime I look at Palmers numbers and think; "great Carson is going to have 300+ yards and the Bengals are going to roll this team". Then the second half starts and the passing game goes dormant until the last two minutes of the game. The running game cannot shoulder the load for 60 minutes. The Bengals are wasting the weapons that could blow the doors off some of these close games.

What needs to be done? The Bengals need a fresh mind running the offense. Bratkowski is stifling this team with conservative and often predictable play calling. How about a first down play action fake? How about using the threat of Benson for a few big yard plays to Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco down the field. Maybe some screens to slow down the pass rush and give Palmer a little more time in the pocket? Palmer only has 20 completions over 20 yards this season, Benson could run for 1800 yards this season if Palmer could double that output.

The bottom line is the Bengals need to throw more. Let Palmer run an abbreviated no huddle for one game, similar to the Sugar Huddle Offense the Bengals ran in the Boomer Esiason days. When Palmer starts having 300 to 350 yards a game the Bengals will start winning by touchdowns, not field-goals. The Bengals need to start jumping on teams and driving nails in coffins with the passing game. The Bengals need this and Cedric Benson needs this to stay healthy for the entire season. It's time to see a blowout win, and it's time for Palmer to have a breakout game!

Bengals Defense Front & Center

Vman in Germany — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:35:47 -0000

For this week lets put the Bengal offense on the back burner and bring the defense forward. The Bengals must make a statement this week with their defense. The defense is now sitting at a respectable 11th in the league and is the highest ranked defense in the division base on points allowed per game. So what are the keys to victory for the defense?

The first key is containing the Ravens run attack. The Ravens have been able to field a pretty balanced attack. The Bengals must shut down Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. The Ravens have almost 500 total yards rushing with 6 TDs in 4 games, McGahee is averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga must neutralize the speed game of the Ravens run attack with some sideline to sideline speed. But it will take penetration by the defensive line to stop Rice and McGahee in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage.

If the Bengals can force the Ravens into more passing situations you have to like their chances. Joe Flacco has 3 pics, 1 fumble, and 5 sacks. Putting pressure on Flacco and shutting down Derrick Mason could lead to a big afternoon for Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers. If Carson Palmer and the receiving crew can get points on the board and force the Ravens to play from behind fans might see a few more turnovers going the Bengals way.

Finally turnovers, any comparisons between this years Bengals team and the team from 2005 should have an asterisk. The Bengals in 2005 were +24 with 44 takeaways to 20 giveaways. In the first 4 games of this year the Bengals only have 2 interceptions & 2 fumble recoveries. The Bengals are -2 in the takeaway/giveaway department so far this year. The bottom line is the Bengal defense needs to create and produce more turnovers. Turnovers rattle young quarterbacks, create scoring opportunities, and demoralize opponents, all of which the Bengals will need this Sunday.

Cribbs Sheet for Sunday

Vman in Germany — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:17:23 -0000

It was a good Bengals win last week, but now it's time to get ready for a trip to the Dog Pound in Cleveland. While it is evident there is not much bark or bite in the pound this year a few items should not be overlooked. The Bengals must put their foot on the neck of the Browns from the opening kickoff and leave it there the whole game. A talented kick & punt return man, a hungry QB with something to prove, and a desperate coach can always be dangerous.

The first order Sunday should be keeping Joshua Cribbs in check. The Bengals special teams can reduce the Browns scoring threat by 25-50% by not kicking or punting the ball to him. Fans have seen the Bengals get burned on special teams in the past and we don't want that achilles heal to return. Cribbs had a 67 yard punt return for a TD in the season opener against the Vikings but has been quiet the last few games. The Bengals will need to keep him silent this week as well. The Bengals rookie punter Kevin Huber will be tested this week with his ability to use his foot to neutralize Cribbs on punt returns.

The second potential threat for the Bengals is Derek Anderson at QB. If Eric Mangini names Anderson the starter for this week's game the Bengals defense could get an unexpected test. A week of getting 1st string reps coupled with having something to prove. What better motivation than to show the world, especially Browns fans, why he should be the starter in Cleveland. With Jamal Lewis coming back from an injury that kept him out last week the only hope the Browns have hinges on what they can do in the air. If Mangini is looking for a spark this week, it is evident that Anderson is his best hope at providing one. Quinn will only benefit by being benched and the Browns don't have anything to lose.

The Browns have their finger on the panic button already. Mangini's term in Cleveland could prove to be the shortest in Browns history if he can't get a grip on this team. Poor performances, embarrassing defeats, and an unruly locker room could leave Mangini begging Bill Belichick for a job by Christmas. After a big victory last week Bengal fans will get the opportunity to see if this team can stay focused. My bets are on Marvin Lewis finding a way to keep this team motivated en-route to a convincing victory on Sunday.

Three Weeks of Heaven or Hell?

Vman in Germany — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:08 -0000

The next three weeks will be the telltale time for the Bengals. "Gut check time" is often overused but somewhat fitting. The first chapter in this three part saga is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overcoming the Steelers is not just a physical battle but a mental battle. I am not sure that the Bengal players believe they can win the big game. The talk of Ward hitting Rivers is ridiculous, if we have a linebacker who is afraid of a wide receiver then the Steelers are already cooking in the Bengals kitchen, even before the first snap. Where are the Ochocinco guarantees for victory? Where is the smack talking?

The Bengals need to develop a little swagger. The outcome of the Steelers game will carry over into the Browns game. Taking a big divisional victory on the road will undoubtedly spur the confidence to handle a weak Brownie team on their home turf. Quinn & company could easily be getting a knockout blow after licking their wounds from a Baltimore Ravens butt whooping this weekend. A loss this weekend by the Bengals could be that flicker of light that motivates the Brownies & plummet the Bengals into yet another year of despair.

The final piece of the three week puzzle will take place in Baltimore in three weeks. A game that will be billed as either a "clash for league dominance" or "the must win game" to keep the Bengals competitive within the division. The divisional hierarchy will be determined by the end of week five. What position will the Bengals be in? Will they be looking up, or looking down?

The Bengals could easily be sitting on top of the AFC North Division in three weeks. But there is an equal challenge that must be met! That is the challenge that Bengal fans have to motivate their team this weekend at home against the Steelers. The Steeler fans that will be in attendance must be drowned out with the chants of "WHO DEY". This weekend is the opportunity for fans to rally to help put the Bengals on the winning trail into the following two weeks of divisional road games. Will we have three weeks of hell, or three weeks of heaven? We all deserve a slice of the latter.

It's Twitter Time

Vman in Germany — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:27:39 -0000

by Stew Milne - AP

8 months ago: A reporter takes a photo of his computer screen with his cell phone after learning through realpatriots twitter feed, that the New England Patriots traded their 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft to Baltimore for a 25th pick, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, April 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

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The new season is here and the fun is about to begin. It's Twitter time! Being a traditionalist in terms of how football is played, I am curious to see the impact of Twitter. What happens when injury updates are posted within minutes of a player reaching the sideline? What impact would a disgruntled receiver's comments have on a quarterback if messages are posted and read throughout the game? Could a game plan be tipped via the internet as the game plays out? Finally should the Bengals employ a "Twitter coach" in the coaches booth to monitor Twitter for possible advantages as they are reported and posted in real time Twits?

We have seen technology creep into the NFL. We have witnessed the development of instant replay with some positive outcomes. Play calling through the use of helmet radios that have greatly reduced the impact of home crowds and the noise created by rabid fans. Improved sideline and booth communication with radios, phones, and sideline faxes. Teams must be technologically savvy in todays NFL.

Perhaps I am giving technology to much credit in today's NFL. I can't help but feel that we are going to see yet another chapter written with the increasingly popular instant messaging. Good or bad it is here and believe it or not it will impact the game on levels we do not expect. Networks bring the game into your living room via television and webcast. Twitter is going to take people to the game. A fans thirst for instant instant team information will drive this new revolution to a fever pitch of popularity and change the game.

Should Carson Palmer Play?

Vman in Germany — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:42:48 -0000

What is the true value of preseason games to established players? There is much discussion on whether or not Carson Palmer will play against Indianapolis in the final preseason game. Does he need the playing time against a third string defense? The only people on the field at this juncture that really care to be there are the players that need one last big play to show their worth. The last ditch efforts of a defensive player for the Colts sitting on the bubble could be a hit on Carson Palmer that endangers the Bengals season.

It is my opinion to leave Carson on the bench. He has worked with his receivers in practice and knows the speed of the game. The timing between him and Ochocinco, Henry, & Coles will be there. If anyone needs any more arguments against key starters playing in preseason I suggest looking around the league. Matt Cassel is the arm that the Kansas City Chiefs are banking on but his knee is going to keep him sidelined. Brett Farve and his rumored crack rib, not to mention the stupidity of him throwing blocks in preseason.

Preseason games are the time and place for young rookies, old has beens, and undrafted longshots to make their attempts to make a roster and show their worth. The Carson Palmers of the league do need the practice and conditioning that comes in preseason camps, but do they need the preseason game time? I argue no, but lets put it to the poll test.

Poll

Should Carson Palmer play in the final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts?

Yes but limited to 1 or 2 series

248 votes

Yes and for a full half

27 votes

No

162 votes

437 votes | Poll has closed

Premier Sports Journalist?

Vman in Germany — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:33:25 -0000

As an daily watcher of Sport Center and Headline Sports I have tired of what has become of sports coverage. A fan can tune in ten minutes late every telecast because that is when the real sports coverage starts. The first ten minutes is what could be call the "Tabloid Sports Segment". The most common headlines these days have very little to do with sports. There is to much emphasis being cast on the off field, off court, off course behavior of athletes.

Who really cares that Michael Vick is free to attempt a comeback. Is it really news worthy to spend ten minutes of an hour show discussing where and what system this social misfit will best fit in. How many DUI arrests and convictions have there been in the last year involving professional athletes. What about the sexual assaults and alleged rapes? There is a marijuana and steroid use headline almost daily. Why is Manny Ramirez more highlighted that Albert Pujols? And now we will undoubtedly see more Ben Roethlisberger's headlines than we could ever imagine.

In a society that almost thrives on following professional athlete's personal strife, one must wonder if negative publicity somehow enhances the marketability of the athletes. Michael Phelps is the only athlete I have seen in recent years lose an endorsement publicly. We see antics of athletes fueling a bad boy persona that makes the average American salivate for more. Where are the stories and headlines about what is good in sports? Who will restore our faith in the real stories of professional sports happening on the field, on the court, and on the course?

With the passing of Walter Cronkite "the most trusted man in America", I offer the question; who is the most trust man or woman in sports?" Who is the premier sports journalist in America today? Are there even any left?

Reality of Hard Knocks

Vman in Germany — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:29:35 -0000

In watching the Bengal's season of Hard Knocks on HBO I will be curious to see how our beloved cast of characters act in front of the rolling cameras. What version of reality will we see? Will it be a season of "Jackass"? a season of "Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? Or a season of "Survivor"? What might we see that none of us thought we would ever witness in regards to the Bengals. Are there benefits to filming our team through training camp? Which of these three comparisons do you think will emerge?

"Jackass"? This comparison has played out in the last few years. Childish antics, illegal activities, and needless pain have been the playbill for the productions we have become accustoming to seeing. This is the comparison everyone outside of Cincinnati most likely envisions seeing. Will this be a Bengals season where the team is left on the floor clutching their genitalia in pain why the world sits back laughing? Or will the team stand strong?

"Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? The Bengal version this preseason might very well be "Marv & Mike Plus Eighty". The reality being that this relationship ends in a divorce as well. Putting a family in front of cameras has turned disastrous for many reality families. Putting a team together in front of a camera that lacks a true identity could prove the same. Here's hoping those crazy kids can make it and the marriage lasts.

Might we see "Survivor"? Send a bunch of athletes to Georgetown Kentucky with only football gear and just maybe something magical will happen. perhaps the team will form tight alliances and forge relationships in order to find the elusive Vince Lombardi Idol? Bengal's Hard Knocks will either show that there are players willing to lead or a group of malcontents who will push this team farther into despair for their own personal game. Whoever could I be talking about, Twitter me after the final show has aired if you are still unsure.

Whatever reality is revealed on HBO we can only hope it matches a reality we all long for. If this shows only purpose is to expand the fan base and to sellout Paul Brown Stadium then we as Bengal fans have been sold-out. Here's hoping that the players themselves use this as an opportunity to not only showcase their athletic skills, but prove that they are indeed leaders. To exhibit team pride, fight for something greater than themselves, and to pull this franchise back to respectability. The term "school of hard knocks" is a term used in reference to overcoming adversity and pain to become something great. Here's hoping our Bengal players aren't playing hookie this year.