via i.a.cnn.net

While reading an article with Charlie Weis saying that he will be returning to the NFL, I began to ponder if Marvin Lewis will consider firing Bob Bratkowski and bringing in the offensive guru Charlie Weis. When I googled Charlie Weiss and Bengals a suprise tweet came across my way. Former Bengal John Thorton  retweeted:  "Classic! RT @jamesmthomson : Keep an eye out for Charlie Weis slipping his resume under Marvin's door." This got me thinking do the Bengals pull another great  move signing Weis most likely at a lower price due to his ND contract? Do you think Weis's offensive strategy would be better for this team or for the worse? Although I hate Bratkowski I'd have to say I like how our running attack has developed. So the question is should Marvin Lewis pursue Weis as a replacement for Bratkowski? Would this be a good or bad move for the Bengals?

via www.bustedplay.com

There is a solution to our kick return problems, Aside from Bernard Scott  we have no explosive kick returners, which boggles my mind that The Bengals did not pounce on the Jet's Pro Bowl Kick Returner Justin Miller. Why have we not scheduled him for a work out? It would be a perfect fit to bring Miller in as a kick returner, and with B. Scott most likely out this weekend we need to take a chance because even before Caldwell's infamous fumble he was already last in the NFL in YPR [yards per return].He has already worked out for the Browns. Do you think we should sign Justin Miller?

Although we were all sure LJ would be excited to get his revenge against KC he is already letting it be known via Twitter and Facebook: 

"Gonna gallop all over the Chiefs. Cleat prints on the chests. Mud in the face masks."

He also tweeted: 

 @ToonIcon: Me and Ocho Cinco!?!? " Come on Son!!!!"

I understand that  how he feels, but the media is going to run with this one.. Does anyone think anything will come of this? Any thoughts or opinions on LJ's recent comments?

OCNN Has just reported via twitter Larry Johnson has been signed.

Ocho Via Twitter:

OCNN BREAKING NEWS: Larry Johnson hasn't signed with the Bengals, when and if it does happen ill tweet the ROC is n building."OCNN Beaking News--the ROC is in the building, I repeat the ROC is in the building."  "Ocnn. Breaking News--the ROC is in the building, I ain't talking about Jay Z either, true followers know the news I'm breaking<--POW"

via www.nflgridirongab.com

It's time to put things in perspective and give out my week 6 grades after  the Texans game. I want  to hear what you guys think, whether you agree or disagree and what needs to be done for us to improve over this somewhat embarrassing loss.

• Secondary Grade: C

Analysis:  

After the loss to the Houston Texans yesterday I noticed two significant plays. Leon Hall would have made a great INT against Andre Johnson but dropped it  due to the impact from the ground.  Johnathon Joseph also dropped a possibly  a TD INT return. Our secondary made plays but didn't follow through on them. Although Matt Schaub shredded and the Texans our defense for nearly 400 yards, I do not completely blame the secondary aside from the blown coverage by Chris Crocker that led to a Jacoby Jones TD. I am not upset with the play of  Leon Hall & JJ.. Most of Andre's yardage came on the 59 yard screen pass from the beginning of regulation in which Leon Hall was not matched up against him, Plus Andre Johnson is arguably the best receiver in the NFL he's going to get the ball without us having pressure on Schaub. I'm only giving them the benefit of the doubt due to the 2 dropped INTs and Crocker's INT before the half

• LB Core Grade: D

Analysis:

I am more critical of our LB coverage and midfield coverage mainly with Owen Daniels and the underneath routes ran by Walter and the coverage against the screen. Although they were great against the run they were absolutely murdered against the screen and by Owen Daniels. It seemed like most of 'Schaub's critical passes where easily made due to faulty LB coverage. Our LB core as a whole has to improve their coverage. The middle of the field seemed more open than a prostitute's legs yesterday. The LB's where better against the run this week, but the thing is Houston was passing more than the run. Where was the LB Blitz? We have work to do here or Greg Olsen is going to get off next week.

• D Line Grade: C-

Analysis: 

The only reason the D Line gets a C is due to the fact that Peko and Odom go down early. Peko and Odom are the best players on the D Line. In the beginning of the game Schaub was pressured and Fanene and Pat Sims where able to manage 2 sacks, but the rush was not the same without Odom and Peko.

• Running Game Grade: C-

Analysis:

Cedric Benson is not the problem, but there is a lack of creativity coming from the Offensive Coordinator. Stop characteristically running up the middle every 1st and 2nd Down. We also had a total of 17 rush attempts, so I can't completely blame Benson.Where was Bernard Scott? he must be spelled with Benson, He is a change of pace back, who can give us a deadly combo of Smash & Dash. When are we going to see Bernard get some outside runs? Screens? Wildcat Formation? Cedric Benson  can also get some type of screens or use in the passing game. I understand we want to pound the ball but we don't have to just have runs straight up the middle, Benson has some great field speed and vision. Also can we atleast get one reverse to Caldwell? Why the hell would you call a running play down 11 in the 4th quarter with not much time left? No Creative Plays at all.

• Passing Game Grade: D+

Analysis:

Dropped catches killed us, turnovers from inefficient Tight Ends are unacceptable. Carson Palmer played fairly good his receivers just dropped balls. Where is Chris Henry? Where is Chase Coffman? We are not utilizing our weapons, we should be able to go 4 or 5 wide on passing plays. Chase Coffman must be activated immediately if you are scared for protection purposes use packages where he isn't require to block. We cannot have 3rd down drops.Theres no room for Coles dropping 3rd down 4th quarter passes. Last year we suffered converting on 3rd down and that absolutely killed our offense. To many stupid penalties from the line also killed us as well. We have to play more mistake free football. There is no reason we should not have shredded Houston's suspect pass defense this is why we get a D+.

• Blocking Grade: C+

Analysis:

Penalties,Penalties,Penalties. Too many false starts and holding calls. The o-line would have received a B- for not have having these brain freezing penalties, and lack of holes opened for Benson.The great news is that only 1 sack was allowed and it came from UC product Connor Barwin. Mario WIlliams was held in check which was very impressive to see, we just need to get these mental errors our the way.

• Overall Grade vs. HOU: C-

Analysis:

We have to be ready for the screen plays as a defense next week because there is no doubt after watchin film from this game I Bears will be using it. We have to generate a better pass rush, If we don't acquire a DE via trade I look for Michael Johnson to fill the void. We also have to make sure our LB's cover Greg Olsen  he is one of Cutler's favorite targets. We must follow through on turnovers, they can impact the game drastically and Cutler will take his chances, we have to blow it up in his face. On offense we need to utilize our weapons and call more creative plays, spell Benson and Scott and see what it produces, Get Coffman and Henry involved, our offense has some crazy weapons..use them, O line needs to stop having mental lapses, and we need to play like we are the better team. If we can make these adjustments (which I'm sure Zimm will, I don't know about Brat) then we will end our next game with the W.

 

via d.yimg.com

After seeing TE Daniel Coats drop 2 heart wrenching TD catches, I sat on my couch thinking, Chase Coffman would not have dropped those passes. Although I know Daniel is an excellent blocking Tight End, catching is NOT his forte. I feel as if Chase Coffman could be a very valuable weapon in our offensive arsenal minus his abismal blocking as showcased on Hard Knocks, he can be used in packages with the double Tight End formations or even have him line up in the spread as he did in Missouri. The question is when will he be ready? Will he even see the field this season? If he will not be activated who will be our receiving Tight End? It was evident that Carson showed great disappointment with both of Coat's dropped passes. So the question I present to you is when will Chase Coffman be given a shot and activated?

Unless you've been in a cave these past couple of games you have noticed that our offensive line is very solid and has played exceptionally well in protecting Carson. With Andre Smith poised to return either this week or 2 what do we do? Do we take a risk in throwing him out there without playing in the preseason at the risk of Carson taking hit? What would be the best scenario to incorporate Andre into the O-Line without him stirring things up? He would definitely make the already beasty Cedric Benson even more of a beast, but will he struggle in protecting against the pass? I say if he's healthy we need to get him some experience in the Brown's game or any other weak opponent..but at the same time I'm a little worried about maintaining the chemistry.. I definitely wouldn't throw him in against Baltimore.. Anyone else have any suggestions of what we should do with Andre the Giant?

via alt.coxnewsweb.com

Great win yesterday I swear on the final drive I almost had a heart attack

I'm excited for the season, next week should be another victory, but we cannot have another upset

We need to make a serious statement that we are indeed a great team..the next game should not even be close..

Anyone else notice keiwan ratliff on the steelers yesterday? LOL

Anyways great win and we must focus on the Browns instead of looking at the Ravens matchup already

Is it just me or besides yesterday doesn't it seem like the Ravens defense has been uncharacteristically giving up huge amounts of points?

Maybe now we can get some national recognition..

I think we have yet to see how good we can be without play from chase coff,an, bernard scott and Andre Smith..

Our line has looked very solid without Andre so will we be better with or without him?

Anyways just looking for  to share some thoughts.. going to buy my gf a Maualuga jersey

WHO DEY

I'm currently in College at FAMU in Tallahassee, Florida

its suck because I usually have to go to BW3's where there is for sum crazy reason a weekly gathering of Steelers fans, they even have their tables reserved on the big screen every week. I'm from Cincinnati so it sucks that I have to go to sports bars to watch the game. I planned on gettin NFL sunday ticket but my roomate decided to choose Comcast over Directtv.. Does anyone know of any other possible way to be able to watch the games on Sunday's or is BW3 Steeler Central my best option?

I have been noticing there are alot of people and fans that have lost faith already not only in the Bengals, but in Marvin Lewis, Carson Palmer and our entire organization. I AM NOT ready to immediately give up on the Bengals based on one game, stuff happens but the important factor is to see how the team responds in Week 2.

Yes I am frustrated

Yes we were clearly the better team

Yes there were some bad play calls made

Yes Coles looked horrible

Yes the defense should not have given up that "fluke" pure luck play

But at the end of the day we're 0-1 and this game could be a lesson learned by the Bengals to never let an inferior team stay around during the game and what adjustments need  to be made. Many great NFL teams have lost on "flukish" last minute plays..we'll be OK.. we're not the Browns..

Game 1:

2 Minute Drill: The hurry up offense was spectacular and Carson Palmer orchestrated a spectacular drive and Bob Bratkowski made some great 2 minute calls. (cant say much about his other decisions)

Offensive Weapons:

-Andre Caldwell has shown yesterday that when healthy he can deepen our WR and his hands in that game were reliable

-Cedric Benson shows he has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with his total yardage numbering 108.

-Brian Leonard looks like he can be a HUGE WEAPON for us this season, he made some nice plays and he looks like he can give us some smash mouth football plays.

Offense:

I do not understand why people are comparing this offense to last year's offense. We actually where able to run the ball and pass the ball and Carson wasn't being pounded play after play. The offense had an effective drive early and  would have scored a field goal in an early drive when we drove down the field, but with a new LS and new place holder thats bound to happen until they develop a stronger feel for each  other.

-Carson Palmer missed the last couple of pre season games and still passed for 247 yards. How can you expect the offense to mesh knowing he would be coming into the game rusty and off of an ankle injury? Plus in my opinion his interceptions where not his fault..Champ Bailey made a great play on the football with the deflection, Ocho should have fought for what I perceived was a catchable ball. The 2nd int was a hail mary so that really shouldnt reflect his play.

I WILL NOT BLAME CARSON PALMER.. Look he's not Jake Delhomme...Jake Delhomme has superior  OL protection compared to Carson and he make bad decisions his self so he is to blame. People wonder why Carson has began to struggle from 05-09 its because the Bengals had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. people give to much credit to these great QB's in the league without aknowledging their offensive line. Not saying our 2009 Bengals line sucks, bc as of yesterday the don't so far, but in 05 He had one of the best if not the best RT in Willie Anderson Pro Bowl LG Stud Eric Steinbach Levin Jones (before the injuries) Stacy Andrews a decent C in Rich Braham.. When Carson had this great line he was one of the top QB's in the NFL, Rudi Johnson was one of the best RB's in the NFL. My key point is you can't say Carson's play has deteriorated.. the Offensive Line has.. unless your are a scrambling QB. . even Tom Brady, Peyton Manning would find it hard to make plays with no Probowl Caliber Lineman.. Look at their O Lines.. I can guarantee you there is atleast one pro bowler..Name one Pro Bowler on our line...

Defense: The defensive play was stellar excluding the last play. Antwan Odom has 2 sacks in 1 game vs. his 2 sacks in a whole season.

- We have BIG HITTERS something we desperately needed (i.e. Roy Williams, Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers)

- Our secondary kept Brandon Marshall in check

- Roy Williams didn't hurt our pass defense

- Ray Maualuga looks like he is going to be a hard hitting force to be reckoned with this season

- We had great rotation within the Defensive Line

-Johnathan Joseph played stellar against Brandon Marshall and made a HUGE play which should have been revied

O Line:

An Unproven offensive line with new starters minus Andre Smith looked better than our O-Line last  season. Green Bay's 3-4 defense will give a more accurate look of how our Offensive Line will be.

Laverneus Coles:

-Of course he is going to struggle before he is comfortable and finds his place in this offense after being in the Jets Offensive System for years. He's a vet i'm confident he will adjust and become an intrical part within the offense, If not we still have Henry and Caldwell who are more than capable of playing his position.

OCHO CINCO IS BACK

- Not only is Estaban back he is not bitching after the loss and he  has returned to the old Chad, made some great plays against Champ

IT'S ONLY 1 GAME PEOPLE!!! You never really know who are going to be the good NFL teams until around Week 6 or 7. The 2007 SUPER BOWL GIANTS  started their season 0-2. If the offense continues to struggle and the Bengals begin to actually lose by their own will and not a "miracle" then it is the time to panic. Right now we need to be focused on Green Bay and making our adjustments to come out with a W.