I get the impression that these are the roster battles:

RB (1 spot available and only keep 4 this year) Herron vs. Leonard vs. Peerman. My guess is Peerman makes the cut.

TE (1 spot available) Charles vs. Cochart. My guess is Charles makes the cut.

WR (2 spots available) Binns v. Whalen vs. Hawkins vs. Tate. My guess is Binns and Hawkins make the cut.

OL (2 spots available) Bell v. Boling v. Hudson. My guess is Bell and Boling make the cut.

DL (1 spot available and keep 10 this year) Sims vs. Harvey. My guess is Sims makes the cut.

LB (1 spot available) Rey vs. Burfict. My guess is Burfict makes the cut.

Secondary (2 spots available) Miles vs. Iloka vs. Sands. My guess is Sands and Iloka make the cut (as does Newman).

Safety is definitely a need, but I think the Bengals are playing it smart by waiting for the market to settle on Reggie, or for that matter waiting for the market to pick up on Reggie. It doesn't look like any team is all that interested in paying Reggie what he wants. As much as I would like the Bengals to sign Reggie and move on from Crocker, I have a feeling that there is something else at play here. For example, if the Bengals happen to sign Aaron Ross tomorrow after his visit, that would leave them with Hall, Ross and Clements at Corner. Odds are Clements would settle in as the nickel bank, which he played a lot of during 3 WR sets. Clements also has the size to match up against some Tight Ends. It's possible that the Bengals may sign a corner or draft a corner in the 1st round and play Clements as a hybrid nickel back/free safety. Bengals may also be looking at Mark Barron in round 1 which would explain why they haven't aggressively pursued Nelson (although two phone calls in two days is as aggressive as the Bengals get at times).

I think the more important signings would be Anthony Collins and Manny Lawson at this point. Collins is invaluable as a backup tackle. He deserves to be paid sufficiently. Manny played up to standards in his first year in the system. He's young, can guard tight ends to a certain extent, he's respectable against the run and he can get after the quarterback. Let's get those two signed.

Ross has potential and can bring some playoff experience to the secondary. He's very inconsistent but worth a look. Bush and BGE are also definitely worth a look. No reason to argue that they have no breakaway speed, neither did Benson. We need a back that can convert a 3rd and 4th and one. Benson could not.

Don't know much about Jacob Bell, I would like to see them look into Hutchinson, Steinbach, Gallery, Jake Scott. They may have some left in the tank. Otherwise, it makes too much sense to at least draft DeCastro or Glenn if they are there at 17.

If the idea is to stay positive, then utterly dominating the worst team in the league based upon 2010 standards is enough to keep me positive.  As much as anyone would like Andrew Luck on their roster come 2013, I do not believe the Bengals are the worst team in the league this year.  Are they a playoff team? By all indications: No.  However, the Bengals are young, and they can be dangerous.  Let's not forget that this defense is two years removed from being a top 10 defense.  In 2009, the Bengals swept the division with a Carson Palmer that was far from impressive.  If the defense can recapture that same form, and Andy Dalton can manage the game without turning the ball over in every way possible, then this team can win some games.  Three weeks in, it is safe to say that Dalton offers the Bengals the best chance of winning a game.  Gradkowski has hardly been impressive against second and third string defenses.  I prefer to see Dalton step in to the pocket more frequently and target the outside wide receivers, but if the short game continues to move the chains then I have no objection.  Regardless of what many have said, I have been impressed with the offensive line in both the passing and running game.  Turnovers have been killing them, but you can't deny that this young offense has talent.  Defensively, how can you not be impressed with how the Bengals have stopped the run thus far.  The secondary has to step up, but the good news is that this secondary has seniority when it comes to the defense so I wouldn't be too concerned with the early preseason struggles.  Hall and Clements offer plenty of experience, Crocker is serviceable when healthy, and Nelson has been better than all of them this summer.   If the playoffs ever even enter the equation its because the defense has returned to its 2009 form.  Anyway, a win is a win, and I don't care if the Panthers are in worse shape than the Bengals are, but this is definitely a win that can guide this team in a positive direction.  I look forward to seeing how this team responds against the Colts.

What will happen to Dalton if the Bengals get the first pick in the draft????

It looks like they've been targeting Bruce at Qb since Gruden was signed months ago.  They could've used the 2nd round pick on another position, let every free agent leave, tank the year, and grab Luck with the first pick.

With that being said, I don't know if Dalton is the answer, but I'd like to see how he looks in the preseason, because the way things are going, the Bengals are going to have a difficult time with a relatively easy schedule this year.

First off, I still remain optimistic about this year despite what has happened thus far.  A team can go on a run at any time and believe it or not there is enough talent on this team to make a run.  Even though the schedule will only get harder I have to believe that this team can make at least one run this season and it has to be large enough to win the division.

However, if this season were over today, and I was Mike Brown, I would have to fire Marvin Lewis.  Lewis brought stability (for the most part) to this team during his tenure.  He returned this team to the playoffs twice, removed this team from the losing seasons we were so accustomed to, and was a stand-up guy.  Lewis' contract is up and if he's not going to make a change at offensive coordinator the only way to get rid of the offensive coordinator is to bring in an entirely new head coach.

I'd also prefer it not be Mike Zimmer.  Although Zimmer was beyond great with what he did for the defensive unit last year, the defense definitely took a step back this year.  They haven't been able to stop anybody.  Teams have been moving the ball all over the field this year and although they haven't let up too many TD's it comes down to field position and Zimmer hasn''t been able to get it down.  Not to mention that the defense has played way too soft in terms of applying pressure in both of Zimmer's years.

This team needs an entire change in philosophy, especially on offense.  The fact that the team has taken the reigns away from Bratkowski and going no-huddle offense means that this team has no confidence in Bratkowski's playcalling ability.  Why he hasn't been removed yet is beyond me.

Hoping for a change this year and next.

Where has Reggie Nelson been?  I haven't seen him on the sidelines, haven't heard a word about him on the field, haven't seen him on the field, either on defense or special teams.  What happened to this guy?  I haven't checked the inactive lists, mainly going by what I see on the field, so has he been inactive?  I think he's very talented and can only help in the secondary.

Let's hope that this so-called Boys and Girls Club is filled with kids toting "Knicks" jerseys.  That way LeBron will not only let down the millions of New York fans out there if he doesn't go to NY, but he will get a first-hand look at the sad faces of a bunch of New York Knicks kids.  Gotta hope.

Nothing makes sense anymore.  Why hold a press conference from Connecticut if you are staying in Cleveland?  Why hold a press conference in New York's backyard if you aren't coming to New York?  Why would such an egomaniac like Lebron decide to play basketball in "Wade County"?  Why would Lebron sign with Chicago with Boozer when he could've done the same with Bosh?  Why is New Jersey and LA Clippers even in the conversation?

Why?

Go after Bosh right off the bat.  I find it hard to believe that Lebron does not have his mind made up already.  This recruiting trip just seems like one big ego trip to me.  My opinion is that he stays in Cleveland or goes to Chicago.  Wade is gonna stay in Miami.  Amare is going to either Miami or Chicago and is injury prone.  Boozer is not a max player due to his age and injury history.  Dirk will likely stay in Dallas.

That leaves Bosh and Joe Johnson as the most attractive options, aside from Lee, and I don't view Johnson or Lee as max players either.  I'd give them 70-80% of max money.   Now Bosh says he is waiting to see what Lebron does but that's because I dont think he expects to be the first option among New York, Chicago and Miami who will all likely be reaching out to Lebron immediately.  And Chicago can't go after Bosh realistically until July 8.

So my point is why not go after Bosh first.  Lebron has known for two years that the Knicks are after him.  Bosh may fall for the red carpet treatment.  Send the actors, comedians, musicians and celebrity chefs after Bosh.  Make T-shirts and mayor messages for Bosh.  If Bosh comes, maybe Lebron will come.  If Bosh doesn't come, go after Joe Johnson and Lee.  Or sign JOhnson and pull a sign and trade with Lee.  

Otherwise, do not spend money for the sake of spending money to satisfy the fans.  I will be much more satisfied with remaining under the cap for another year, developing players and making another free agent run in the future when Curry comes off the books.  

No knock on Jermaine Gresham, but if the Bengals draft him with Earl Thomas, Dez Bryant or even Taylor Mays on the board, I will be extremely disappointed.  I understand Graham is the top TE on the board, but it seems like an awful waste of a first round pick to take a tight end with moderate blocking skills and two prior knee surgeries and install him in an offense where the tight end is rarely utilized.  I also understand that many say that with the addition of Gresham maybe Bratkowski will start utilizing the tight end more, however I see this highly unlikely considering Bratkowski's track record with Tight Ends.  

Draft a tight end in the later rounds and if not try and resign Kelly who likely be the starter if that scenario plays out.  Go for an impact player such as Thomas or Bryant if they are available.  If not, lets get Taylor Mays and let him roam the middle in Zimmer's defense.

Let's do this Brown, Lewis and Co.

It looks like Richie Incognito is coming in for a visit on Monday (meaning today).  So maybe talks with Bobbie Williams aren't going so great.  Incognito is young (only 26) but I'd still rather have Bobbie.  Either way it appears the Bengals may not go for Iupati if he is there in the first round.  I would prefer a defensive player to be drafted rather than a TE.  So keeping my fingers crossed.

It was a terrible way to go out, but in perspective this was a team that swept the AFC North, held onto the division and finished with an overall winning record.  Looking back, I would never have expected this to happen.  For that I am happy.  However, now with the Bengals division champs, comes great expectations.  I expect to repeat as division champs despite a much more difficult schedule and I expect to make the playoffs next year.  But this team must go through a "rebuilding" process, as in "rebuild" the offense.  And more importantly....

1.  ADD TO THE DEFENSE.  This is a defensive football team.  As much as I would like to see the offense improve, I would like to see the defense improve that much more.  Use the first round pick on DEFENSE.  Draft a defensive lineman, tackle or end, I do not care.  If there are no defensive lineman worthy of our pick, then please use the pick on a safety or linebacker.  We all saw what happened when guys like Odom, Peko, Roy and Rey went down.  Our defense has "some" depth but the overall defensive play really declined.  You can never have enough defensive players.  We need even more depth along the defensive line, linebacking corps and secondary.  

2.  FIRE BRATKOWSKI.  The overall offensive philosophy has to change.  That doesn't mean I think we should become a pass-first team again, because it is clear this is a run-first offense.  However, the passing game is atrocious, and quite frankly pathetic and difficult to watch.  Obviously, Palmer is not the same, but this year he came off SEASON-ENDING ELBOW SURGERY.  Now comes thumb surgery, but I expect him to be much improved next year.  We need a more imaginative play-caller.  There was not one screen pass the entire game.  There were zero WR screens and zero HB screens or shovel plays.  There was only 1 quick slant that I could remember.  We need a change on the offensive side of the ball.  In years past when the defense wasn't ranked highly the defensive coordinator got the boot.  The offensive side of the ball has been towards the bottom of the league for the last 2 years and Bratkowski should take the fall.

3. DRAFT OR SIGN A WR.  I love Ocho but he won't be around forever.  Overall, he had a respectable year and expect the same next year.  Coles is over the hill.  Caldwell is fine but nothing more than a 3rd down option.  Simpson is a bust as far as I know.  I wouldn't waste a first round pick on a WR but I would take another in 2nd or 3rd round.  Instead of drafting a WR, I think it would be a good idea to just sign a WR in free agency that actually has some playing experience.

4.  DRAFT OR SIGN A GUARD.  We need a guard who can play left now or play right in the future.  Bobbie Williams is getting old but he had a great year.  Whitworth is solid wherever he plays tackle or guard.  They need to have more consistency at right and that can be solved by either playing Roland or Smith the WHOLE game.  Again, you can never have enough depth at the offensive line position.

5.  NEW KICKER.  Unless Graham comes back at a very respectable price (LARGE LARGE DISCOUNT).  That means he should be paid at the median price or lower (between 16 and 32 on the kicker scale).  

6. DRAFT OR SIGN A QB.  Carson is still the quarterback for now, but we need one for the future.  I would not mind seeing the team draft a QB in rounds 2 or 3.  Also, I would not mind seeing the team sign a veteran QB who can manage a game in the event that Palmer gets injured or a QB who can actually advise Palmer in certain situations.  Clearly, O'Sullivan is adequate at best.  We need someone like AJ Feeley or Billy Volek.  Someone like Jason Garrett when he played.  

7.  SIGN A VETERAN TIGHT END OR RESIGN REGGIE KELLY.   Foschi and Coats were season fill-ins.  Apparently, Coffman is another project a la Jerome Simpson.  I do not want the team to draft a TE.  This position will not resurrect this offense and it is not worth it to draft a guy like Gresham who didn't even play this year.  Sign a veteran.  If all else fails, resign Kelly.  If Kelly played this year the tight end position would not have been a concern at all.

I do not live in Cincinnati nor close to Cincinnati as I live in New York but the home crowd MUST play a factor in this game.  One thing I hate seeing during home games is home-field BOOs.  I know most fans are not satisfied when the Bengals run, run, pass, punt but this is the playoffs, the home crowd has to be on their game as much as the players do. Please be loud for the sake of this franchise.  I would like nothing more than to see the Jet fans around here hang their heads in misery, especially Rex Ryan.

Last night's game was a sight for sore eyes, but one thing came out of it...manage the clock (as the Jets did) and you will win the game, especially considering that both teams have been offensively challenged in the passing game.  Bottom line, the Bengals and Jets have a strikingly similar game plan...run the ball, avoid turnovers and let the defense win the game.  Mind you, the Bengals played with their B+ squad last night for two and a half quarters, so I expect the clock management to be a lot more balanced this week, but now is the time to really focus on what has worked well all year long.  I am all for letting Palmer air it out and put the offense on his shoulders but honestly he has not done that all year long and I do not expect him to do that now, not to mention it will likely be brutally cold again in Cincinnati this week.

The Jets will blitz all day long regardless of whether we go no-huddle or not, therefore when we do pass Palmer must get rid of the ball quickly.  Now would be the perfect time to follow the Mark Sanchez quarterback theory and incorporate safe throws into the game plan.  Throw some WR screens, RB shovel passes, RB screens, quick WR slants, 5 yard curls.  Anything to get the ball out of Palmer's hands immediately.  As for the running game, I agree with some past posters, run it right up the gut and off the guards.  With Jenkins out of the middle for the Jets, they have become somewhat soft up the middle, especially if David Harris does not play.  

I am anxiously nervous for this one, as we all know what happened in 2005, but if this team gets it together I truly believe they can go on a run.  But they must manage the clock.  It's all about calling efficient plays.  Carson has not looked good dropping back and searching the field.  Play the yard game, 3-4 yards per play whether running or passing and we will get first downs.  I want to see long, tiresome, boring drives in this one.  I don't care if it isn't pretty, it will get the job done. 

It looks like the Bengals will square off with the Broncos in the first round of the playoffs.  The Broncos play the Chiefs at home to finish out the season and I do not foresee them losing that game which would solidify the #5 seed.  As much as I would like to see the Bengals beat the Jets in New York I do not want to risk a major injury to any of our core players.  Let the bench gain some playing experience and let's get ready for the playoffs!

The Bengals basically dominated their first matchup with the Broncos but the offense stalled after they crossed mid-field just about every possession except for their last in that game.  I like this matchup and cannot wait for a rematch.  I'd like to see the Bengals put together a complete game and finish off the Broncos this time.  NO last second miracles!

Still no word on the activation of Simpson.  It looks like Quan Cosby benefits the most with this move.  Let's see how it plays out with Simpson, who the coaches do not trust according to Joe Reedy.

Purify is free to join the practice squad at this point.  Shaun Smith was signed to take his place of course b/c it is still a "numbers" game as Marvin puts it.

I would like to see the Bengals make a move at safety though, b/c Crocker is all sorts of banged up and although I like Tom Nelson, I don't see him being a consistent performer down the stretch.

It is very evident that there should be NO super bowl talk or even playoff talk for that matter until the Bengals get the job done week in and week out.  The Bengals have to go to work.  Period.  This was a major letdown against a below average "offensive" team (the Raiders defense is very underrated).  The only encouraging outcomes of this game was that the Bengals should have won again and the Steelers lost.  As for the disappointing, the Bengals showed yet again that they consistently play to the level of their opponents which is bad news considering the Browns and Lions are up next.

Defensively, the Bengals were fine.  A couple of missed interceptions, but they covered up fumbles when they were there, and batted down some big passes at the line.  They didn't get to Gradkowski enough but held him in check for most of the game (on a side note I cannot stand Gradkowski...the guy celebrated like he won the superbowl after every Raider point went on the board).  The Bengals had trouble on 1st and 2nd down in the second half, giving up 4-5 yards a carry but held on strong on a lot of 3rd and 1's.  Can't blame Trent on that touchdown, it was just a good pass to his back shoulder, but the defense played way too soft on that 4th down to seal the game.  Overall, the defense put us in a position to win.

Offensively, this game was a nightmare or a Bratkowski as I like to call it.  Once again, Bratkowski was inconsistent in his calls.  They came out firing on the first drive and Palmer was on a roll.  The second touchdown drive was run, run, pass all the way to the get go.  Fortunately, we converted 3rd downs to get the score.  The rest of the game was a foggy haze as the story usually goes when Bratkowski has any type of lead.  It was run after run which put a damper on Palmer's early success.  And the O-Line fell apart at times, opening no holes and letting Greg Ellis get to Palmer.

I don't want to diminish our running game, but save it for the tough battles (Steelers, Ravens).  There comes a point when you need to let your best player win the game, especially against the sub-par teams.  Bratkowski has to let PALMER win those games.  He is the best player on the field, hands down, yet it seems that the Bengals never let him be the best player.  Instead, they put the ball in the hands of a rookie, a 3rd down fullback/halfback and a blocking fullback when the game was on the line.  No disrespect to Scott, Leonard and Jeremi who have all had fine games/years, but I trust Palmer more than them, hell I even trust Larry Johnson in that spot.  

So why run the ball to JEREMI JOHNSON to put the game away????  He maybe has 5 offensive touches all year long (including a few dropped passes).  The disheartening aspect of this run was that the offense was moving the ball on that drive and then Bratkowski gets so conservative that he runs his run-blocking fullback????  I accept the  fact that there is no chance Brat lets Palmer win the game for them, and instead will run the clock to zero, but we have THREE running backs on the roster.  GIVE THE BALL TO LARRY TO SEAL THE GAME.  Bratkowski is wayyy too out of touch with the game.  It seems that he tries to be so unpredictable that he calls plays for players with no offensive ability (Jeremi, Coats, Foschi) and at the most inopportune times.  Brat gets away from what works best during every game and thats why the offense stalls out for 2/3 of the game.

 They are sooo frustrating to watch but the fact of the matter is they are still 7-3 and have the division lead.  With a 7-2 start come high expectations from the media and fans which only puts more pressure on them.  They need to come out with the same fire they bring against the Steelers and Ravens every week.  Terrible terrible terrible loss, but as long as the Steelers lose, it becomes somewhat although not completely acceptable.  I just hope they beat the Browns who always give them trouble.  As usual, they should.

At this point, you have to give the benefit of the doubt to Marvin and Mike Brown.  The Bengals were criticized for picking up Benson, taking back Henry, signing Tank Johnson, keeping Chad, etc.  I mean, come on already.  The Bengals are 7-2 right now, and every one of those guys have been critical to that success.  Not only that but when Tank went down for a few weeks, people were itching for him to come back and add to the depth chart.   Not to mention how many people were upset with Henry going down.  These were two guys that nobody wanted the Bengals to take.  Now they sign Larry Johnson and its the same old story.

The guy was a former pro-bowler. He ran for 4.5 yards per carry last year on a terrible team, and he was dissatisfied with his team (as Chad was with ours for the last 2 years).  He is coming to a whole new environment, a rejuvenated locker room, and he has yet to be included in any kind of game plan.  If he acts up, which everyone should be hoping he does not, then he is gone, simple as that.

Until then, you have to give LJ the benefit of the doubt.  He wants to win, we are winning.  End of story.  The coaching staff will not put up with his antics.  Let him be a positive piece to the puzzle and give him your support.

If the rest of the team supports him, there is no reason why you should not.

I do not know what kind of contract Dede Dorsey has right now, but I'd love to see the Bengals go after him with the running back position battered right now.  The bye week will hopefully heal Scott and Leonard but if not, lets get Dorsey back in the orange and black.  I do not believe Dede is eligible for the practice squad, but I would like to see him make it in the NFL.  Another option could be Fui Vakapuna who was a powerful runner in college who could be brought back to the practice squad if anything.

Brat deserves his due.  I love to hate on Bratkowski but its hard to slight him on this one.  He made all the right calls yesterday, all the right "new" calls.  The Bengals offensive playcalling was entirely different this week.  A few Carson rollouts, some play action, quick screens and slants.  Everything we've been talking about for weeks.  Glad to finally see it.  It didn't hurt that Benson ran like a beast.  The O-Line push was tremendous, but Benson did it all.  When the middle was clogged he was outside, when he ran inside he punished the defense.  Plus, the O-Line has been very underrated when it comes to the pass protection.  They have done a solid job all year so far against some very good defenses.

The offense collectively deserved the game ball for this one (SEVEN STRAIGHT POINT SCORING DRIVES - WHO DEY), with one of their best performances since 2006, but the defense was no second fiddle.  I don't know where Frostee Rucker came from all of a sudden, but not only was he effective on the outside, but he was a dominating pass rushing force in the middle yesterday.  With the way Frostee played, Zimmer hardly blitzed, and there was still pressure all day long.  Glad to see that, especially since it allowed Peko to heal on the sidelines during this one for the most part.  Geathers was there and MIchael Johnson was mediocre (although the announcers confused him with Brandon Johnson who had a very respectable game).  Dhani Jones might have played his best game yet in the orange and black as he snuffed out every screen pass.  The secondary was on point with the Crocker and Leon picks (J-Joe should have had another one too).  

The Bears looked entirely outmatched yesterday which sure was refreshing.  This is the way it COULD be on most weeks.  Two more division games before we reach a winnable stretch.   Please Brat keep this momentum going.  Keep the playcalling exciting and NEW.  Keep the defense off the field.  Keep on winning.

Who dey.

The Texans DOMINATED on OFFENSE and DEFENSE, which is pathetic.  

The Bengals knew the Offense could get it going, but who knew the Bengal defense would make Schaub look like Brady and Peyton.  The Texans passed 2 out of every 3 plays easy, and Schaub had all day to complete each of his passes.  Not to mention the Texans practically converted a first down on every passing down.  The game consisted of continuous 15 yarders to Andre Johnson, monster screen passes to Slaton and wide open bootlegs to Daniels ALL DAY.  How could this happen?  I mean, the Bengals were rushing FOUR linemen all game.  Give me a break.  No pressure again.  Each blitz (I'd say 4 in all) were snuffed out by a perfectly executed screen pass to Slaton.  And worst of all, the Bengals bit on every play action pass that the Texans threw at them.  How could this happen?  The Texans barely ran the ball, and when they did they had marginal success, yet the Bengal defense played the run ALL DAY as if the Texans ran it down their throats.  Schaub THREW the ball almost EVERY play.  What kind of game plan did Zimmer have in this game.  The Texans are not the Ravens, nor the Steelers, the Texans PASS the ball.  That's what they do.  Send some pressure, play some man-to-man, and put a safety on Owen Daniels for heaven's sake.  

The offense was even worse.  Another game, another failure offensively.  The only time the offense ever moves the ball is on their first drive of the game and when Carson goes no huddle.  I can only imagine that Bratkowski only prepares for the first drive of the game.  After that it's run, run, incompletion or incompletion, run, incompletion.  The same predictable offense of years past.  SOOO FRUSTRATING TO WATCH.  That's why the games don't sell out right away.  Don't even get me started with the Tight Ends.  It's a shame that Kelly and Utecht are injured, because nearly half of Carson's throws would have gone their way.  How many times is Carson going to target Coats and Foschi???? Why aren't Coats and Foschi BLOCKING????  Where is COFFMAN???  Coats and Foschi are out there running routes EVERY single passing play.  Let Coffman, a somewhat talented, steady-handed receiver go out there and make some plays.  Coats and Foschi running routes are MUCH more of a liability than Coffman would be at this point.  Give me a break.  

Marvin better right this ship because Chicago, Baltimore and Pittsburgh are waiting in the wings.  Fire Bratkowski and put someone in who knows how to play call.  I can't bare to see this season go to waste.  The Bengals could easily be 0-6.  It's frustrating to watch the defense let up all those yards when they are supposed to keep us in games, especially since its a given the offense will go three and out every drive until the two minute warnings.

Come on Marvin.

I don't like to give Bratkowski credit but the offense looked rejuvenated and composed.  Brat's playcalling in the red zone was perfect this week which is a relief.  The run selection was also much improved.  Most runs were stretched behind the tackles which allowed Benson to break it outside when the middle got stuffed (as it did all game last week).  I'd still like to see the offense throw a bit more and be more creative, but boy does it feel good to see the offense help out this top 10 defense. Carson made two very poor throws directly to Woodson, but other than that, Carson stood in there and made some good throws under pressure.  Caldwell and Chad seem to be the go to receivers (but have to wonder what it would be like if Coffman were ready to take the place of Coats who dropped a catchable touchdown although he did basically convert that 3rd and 34).  All that aside, great effort from the offense.

The highlight is seeing the defense play this well.  The tackles get enough pressure up the middle and the ends deceivingly get to the QB without too much blitzing.  I know the defense has been dubbed "Blitzinnati" but I still don't see too many blitz packages.  I would LOVE to see more.  Rey Rey is a monster and Roy Williams brings the mean streak.  Crocker is talented but not a nickel back (I'd like to see David Jones play that role).  If it wasn't for the penalties and the interceptions, the defense would have pitched a shutout.  

Bring on Pittsburgh, but clean up the penalties.  I'm hopeful for a 2-1 start (although it should be 3-0 as most of you know).

The Bengals offensive playcalling is in complete disarray.  I understand their stance on establishing the run early and often and sticking with it, but at a certain point something has to give.  They went to the pass in the second half but no first half rhythm was established.  While many would consider the first half running numbers to be satisfying, Benson only had 55 yards on 15 carries.  Unfortunately, every running play is predictable.  The push up the middle was non-existent, wide ranging sweeps were not effective considering the broncos speedy ends, and worst of all is that the offensive line is considered to be a better run blocking unit than pass blocking.  Other than the drive which ended with the 2 consecutive sacks, the pass blocking looked fine.  Which raises the question, why not pass early and often and set up the running game instead of the other way around?

 Ocho, Coles, Henry and Caldwell, the so-called "4 x 4" relay team, should get the jump as soon as the clock hits go.  I understand that Marvin was fine with Henry catching the only ball thrown his way, but why was only one ball thrown his way.  It seems they sent Henry on only deep routes.  The man can catch the ball; send him on short, intermediate routes if need be.  Mix it up.  All four receivers can go deep.  All four can go short.  Get the ball to the playmakers.  Where are the quick slants?  

I'm tired of sitting through Brat's unimaginative playcalling and routine running calls.  When is Marvin going to let him go and move the offense in a new direction.  Leslie Frazier and Chuck Bresnahan couldn't cut it and look what has finally happened to the defense.  When will he learn that the same can be done to the offense?  Bratkowski never seems to be criticized.  Too much talent to go to waste.  Now is the time to make the move Marvin.