If it wasn’t clear enough, it certainly is clear now. The Bengals have problems on offense.  The hand wringing and hair pulling have come to a new intensity since the Vikes game.

So what is the problem?

1. Lack of a deep threat.  Although this is a common complaint, I don’t see it as the problem.  Although the loss of Chris Henry (a veteran receiver) hurts, he wasn’t a huge factor in the offense up until his injury (he was our #4 receiver, caught 12 balls in 8 games with 2 TDs, granted he had a gaudy 19 ypc, but take away his one 73 yard catch and his longest catch is 20 yards and his average drops to a pedestrian 13.5 ypc)—make no bones, Slim is nice to have-- but not something that makes me think his loss accounts for the offensive falloff.  Moreover, there is nothing that says the guys we have at WR could not be a deep threat if we chose to use them as such. Clearly, Chad can do it, and probably the two fastest guys on the team are Andre Caldwell and Quan Cosby.  So I don’t think the loss of Henry is the problem, which moves me to….

2. Bratkowski.  We all know that Bratkowski loves to slug it out in the trenches and hates passing. Except for the seasons 2006-2007, when he passed all the time and never ran the ball.  In other words, I am pretty confident that Brat is aware of this thing called a passing game.  It seem like a lot of folks think that there is some sort of “passing game switch” which Brat just seems to refuse to flick—having a good passing game is as simple as wanting a good passing game—just throw whoever out there, have them run deep patterns, and start chucking it down field—it will eventually work.  I don’t think it’s that easy.  I am not arguing that Brat is the most creative OC in the world, and I agree that some play action on 1st down might make a little sense every now and again.  Also finding more creative ways of getting guys open and concealing our play call would be good (that pass to Ochocinco on the fake reverse was great—more stuff like that) But the offensive problems are deeper than that.  There is no conspiracy or secret play book that he is waiting to dust off in the playoffs.  In my opinion, Brat is actually doing decent with what he has to work with—which leads me to…

3. Palmer.  Palmer’s done right? He’s hurt, can’t make a pass, etc.  Again, I don’t think so. I know he’s got a bad thumb which is a bit of problem, but Palmer looks more mobile and healthier than he has in years.  Granted sometimes his passes are a little off, but I would explain that in two ways.  One, his timing and chemistry with Coles and Caldwell just isn’t what it was with Housh. Two new receivers compared to one seasoned veteran that had years of experience with Palmer doesn’t add up.  The other is…

4. Lack of passing options beyond our WRs.  Now we’re getting warm.  We all know we have no TE.  At least with the moving of Coffman to IR, we can’t engage in the self torture of wondering why he isn’t on the field.  What deprives us of a deep threat is that teams can play a cover 2 and match up easily with our personnel. On a running downs, it’s pretty obvious, we send in an extra lineman and pull out a WR. (Stack the box, cover two).  On passing downs, we pull one lineman and the RB and put in two WRs.  (Nickel package, double team Chad, blitz a LB) Talk about telegraphing your play.  With a TE and RB that are pass catching threats, you can get those mismatches that are the basis of a good passing offense. When Palmer was in his prime in 2005, we had Kelly and Perry and could flood the field with guys that are bigger and/or faster than the opposition and defenses had no idea whether we were running or passing on any given down. We can’t do that right now.  Which leads me to the deeper problem…  

5. The offensive line. Ooh, it’s getting hot in here. For the past several years our offensive line has been in decay. It became obvious in the years 2006-2007 when our running game began breaking down and Palmer was getting sacked more. Last year it was atrocious. We seem to be on an upswing, but our line is still weak.  In 2004-2005, Palmer inherited an offensive line packed with top round draft picks and that had played together for about 3 years.  This offensive line is mostly 1-2 year guys, many of whom have never started before this season and are cast offs from other teams.  Our one first round pick is just getting integrated into the line. Anyone who was paying attention at the beginning of year should have known that our offensive line was the source of potential problems. I will concede that Alexander has worked wonders with running game. By using jumbo and unbalanced packages, he has been able to out muscle opponents and to open up holes for a resurgent Cedric Benson.  However, jumbo packages don’t work on 3rd and long. Although Dennis Roland in motion is cute on a running play, I don’t want to see him in the flat (although he may be better than Coats.) The Bengals seem okay on quick slants and curls which only require Palmer to be in the pocket for a second, however, any passing play that requires development past a couple seconds and that pocket is collapsing faster than Obama’s approval ratings.

So what is to be done? Unfortunately, many of the Bengals problems lay in the “personnel” category and therefore aren’t fixable in the immediate.  The line will get better and I think Palmer will get more chemistry with his receivers, but no TE is going to magically appear and progress will be slow. 

There are some things that are correctable and if attended to, will allow the Bengals a deep play-off run.  I do think the Bengals have to come up with ways to conceal their play calling and mix it up a little. But I think with our personnel, there are pretty severe limits. But that’s not the real issue. First and foremost, we are a defensive team. We have a great defense, not elite just yet, but getting there. So we can win games by keeping the score low and winning the field position battle. Like it or not, we are a running team. So I say ram it down their throats—4 yards in a cloud of dust. That approach will work-- if you only have to gain 10 yards to get a first down. However, once its 1st and 15, we have a problem. The Bengals are ranked 29th in penalties, averaging a little over 7 a game.  When you are trying to win with ball control and field position, false starts and penalties on kick returns will kill you. It stops the clock, almost ensures a third and long, and you end up having to drive 80 yards instead of 60.  This is something which is self-inflicted and it must stop.  When the Bengals only have to get ten yards for a first down, we actually do pretty well. Watching us against Minnesota was case in point. Our first few drives, our offense was moving the ball, but somehow we ended up going backwards due to penalties. On the one touchdown drive, however, we didn’t commit a single penalty.  Not a coincidence.  Additionally, we need to improve our turnover differential and that mostly lies at the feet of the offense.  Our offense isn’t going to score beaucoup points, but one way to even things out is by making sure we don’t give the opponents any extra chances and making the most of the ones we have.

It’s been an exciting year, and I’d love to see the Bengals get a home playoff game and win one or two and make it to the Big Show.  I think they can do it by improving their offensive efficiency through eliminating penalties and turnovers.

I thought you all would appreciate the Post-Gazette headline today is "Bungles No More" with  a picture of Fanene dragging down Roethlisberger.  All I can say is there is a quite a bit of incredulity here in Pittsburgh.  At the very least, the local media is conceding that the Bengals are in the drivers seat for the remainder of the season.  Personally, I enjoyed sitting at the local watering hole sucking down beers and cheering for my Bengals. Even though the game was close and really could have gone either way, I was proud the way the Bengals played--hard nosed and never giving an inch.

A few comments on the game.  This is the first time, in a long time, I have seen a Bengals defensive line able to get pressure on a QB with just four guys rushing.  I give a lot of credit to the DBs, because they made Roethlisberger wait, but he knew he could only wait so long before Fanene or Geathers or Johnson was on him.  And thats the way you beat Roethlisberger. With the exception of Ndukwe's interference call, the defense played smart, strong, and within themselves across the board. 

The offense obviously struggled at times against a premier defense, but they moved the ball when they had to. Most importantly, NO TURNOVERS. The Steelers have made a living off of defensive touchdowns--not yesterday! Palmer was able to push the sticks on some quick outs to Coles and Ochocinco. Both played real well making some difficult catches.  And also, NO TURNOVERS!  Leonard, again, was able to get by Farrior on a crucial third down and Scott was somehow able to squeeze through some non-existent holes to make a decent gain in important situaitions. It wasn't pretty, but that last drive was great.  And did I mention....wait for it..... NO TURNOVERS!

Man, are we deep.  It's great when guys like Morgan Trent, Bernard Scott, and Brandon Johnson can step up and make big plays. This is the biggest difference I see this year. We have an actual NFL football team from top to bottom.

Looking forward. The Bengals have a mixture of cupcakes and playoff contenders.  The Steelers have mostly cupcakes plus the Ravens twice, which means the Steelers are still in the running and the Bengals can't let down. The Steelers could win out, which means we can afford only one more loss. Let's make it happen guys. WHO DEY!

As most of you know, at least those who have read my posts, I live in Pittsburgh, and as far as I can tell I am the only Bengal fan in the city. At least the only one that is "out" as they say.  There may be more of us, perhaps as many as 1 in 10, but Pittsburgh society simply does not accommodate my alternative sports fan lifestyle. Yes, I eat runny chili over pasta and like it--and I will do it in public in spite of your glares.  Do you think I enjoy watching your kind eat pierogies in your Polamalu jersey? And yes, I've always had the sneaking suspicion that those who are the most critical of the Bengals are really only questioning their love for the Steelers, but until the Bengals win a Super Bowl, my people will never be free....

Nevertheless...

Last night as the Pens got their lunch handed to them by the Bruins, I walked into my local sports bar, of course to welcomes of "Hey Cincinnati" (that's me)--looking forward to seeing yinz this weekend, its gonna be a helluva a game."  Of course, last game, I brazenly donned my Bengals gear and cheered for my team as they pulled out last minute victory--earning my stripes in multiple ways.  I do have a bit of swagger now when I walk into my local sports bar, I revel when I am asked "What no jersey today?" And, I get warm inside when, quietly,in a casual aside, a Steelers fan leans over and says--"Hey, I think your Bengals are pretty tough this year."

Mike Tomlin recently called this game "big"--thanks for the newsflash Mike.  Yes, its big--big for the Bengals, for Bengaldom, and big for me. A Bengals win will earn me some serious Steeler fan hatred and more importantly respect.  I need it, I want it. Yes, I started this season cautiously optimistic about the Bengals (as I usually do) think that we might win 9 and fight for wild card spot, now caution has gone to the wind--this team could seriously win 11-12 games and a title in the NFL's toughest division.  By winning this game, the Bengals make it very difficult for anyone to catch them and secure themselves as an elite team, beating the Super Bowl champs twice.  Yes, I want this...bad.

Having watched every Steeler game this year, I will give you my quick breakdown on the Steelers. Keys to victory to the Bengals

On Defense

• Collapse the pocket.  The Steelers have turned into a pass first offense but Ben Roethlisberger gets sacked, a lot. Why? Because he holds on the ball way too long trying to make a play. The bad news is, he is big and can move and often makes that play, which why the Bengals need to have a controlled pass rush that collapses the pocket and gives  him now where to run.
  
• Keep your coverage.  How does Ben make those plays? Because when he rolls out, DBs drop their coverage to stop him from scrambling and he'll chuck the ball 40 yards to a nifty Mike Wallace (who runs a scorching 4.28/40) and he's gone. Cannot let that happen. When he his scrambling, he is still throwing the ball, make him throw it into coverage and its interception city.
  
• Play tough and smart. Should go without saying, but the Steelers don't miss a chance to get physical (just ask Keith Rivers) and the Bengals shouldn't either. Make them earn every yard.

On Offense

• Protect Palmer. The way the Steelers D controls a game is through blitzing and pass rush. Palmer is deadly when he has time. The fate of the Bengals offense hinges on our line vs. their blitz.
• No turnovers.  The Bengals have had their share of turnover problems. Palmer has thrown some untimely pics, Chad getting stripped, etc. We might get away with those mistakes against lesser competition, but not the Steelers. They will make you pay.
  
• Ball control passing.  The Bengals were super effective against the Ravens with quick slants and ball control passing. It should work against the Steelers as well. It will loosen up the blitz and set up Benson for another 100 yard game. 

WHO DEY!

Just caught this on yahoo.  I guess the Bengals don't have the character to keep their good season going and its Odell Thurman's fault (well and Chris Henry's, Rey Maualuga's, Tank Johnson's, Bernard Scott's) In other words we are just one late night drinking binge from collapse. What? No props for Cedric "party boat" Benson? What? What?

If I were to question the Bengals ability to sustain this season, I would focus more on the weaknesses of the team on the field than whether or not Bernard Scott might pick a bar fight.  I suppose it isn't surprising, the Bengals are the poster child for the "bad NFL team"--partially deserved I suppose, but pretty lame as well.

Have the Bengals turned the corner? Always cautious I'm taking it one week at a time---not because I'm waiting for Chris Henry to pull a gun, but because the Bengals, although have proven a lot, still have more to prove and not the easiest schedule to  prove it.  The Cardiac Cats are great, and its comforting to know the team knows how to win the close ones, I would find a lot more comfort if we could demonstrate we could put a team away early and keep it that way.

And if we do win the Super Bowl, we know its going to be one hell of a party---bring your kevlar swim trunks!

Being a Bengals fan in Pittsburgh is tough.  But today is a good day.  Typically, when the Bengals play the Steelers I watch the game at home, alone, occasionally with a bowl of Cincinnati Chili, and stand witness as the seemingly inevitable outcome materializes--another heartbreaking loss to the Steelers.  It comes in so many different forms they are impossible to recount, but Bengals fans know my pain.  My decision to stay at home has been largely based on the reality of being a Steelers fan in Pittsburgh.  Its actually impossible to cheer for another team in Pittsburgh--people just don't get that there are other teams in the NFL which may actually have fans.  The shock and dismay of seeing another teams colors inevitably turns to anger and mockery.  But what did Nietschze say?  What does not kill me makes me stronger. 

My first major experience going out in public as a Bengals fan was in 1999. I was fortunate enough to get tickets to Three Rivers Stadium and watch the Bengals shock the Steelers, essentially eliminating them from a potential playoff spot.  With my family, we quickly fled the stadium, justifiably fearing the worst.  Since then, there hasn't been much to cheer about.  I poked my head out once again during 2005--dressed in Bengals garb I went to a large sports bar, only to watch the Bengals beat the Steelers up and down the field in every category, save the most important one--the final score.  And then again, I went to a big playoff party later that season, only to watch the Bengals shred my heart more viciously than Kimo Van Olhoffen shredded Palmer's ligaments. 

Since then--seclusion.  The Bengals were clearly on a downturn and the Steelers on an upswing, and there is no point in being a masochist. But this year, something came over me. Call it a gut feeling, an instinct, a premonition, or stupidity.  I once again donned my Bengals garb and headed to my local sports bar to watch the game.  I now feel I have some understanding of what it means to be a homosexual in a fundamentalist family or white Democrat south of the Mason Dixon.  Coming out is not easy. 

Of course a few of my friends already new, perhaps more suspected, but it was a quite shock to the regular patrons of my local watering hole.  A Bengals fan in their midst.  After the initial outrage and reprobation subsided, I was greeted with a mixture of respect (Man you've got balls wearing that in here!) and pity (You're a Bengals fan? I'm so sorry).

And as the game unfolded, in seemingly predictable fashion (Bengals make a few good plays, can't capitalize and seem inept at crucial moments--why do I break out in sweat during extra points?), I suffered the slings and arrows as I usually do.  What I have discovered, however, is that being a Bengals fan in Pittsburgh gives you a thick skin, there was no insult that could be hurled, no off color remark that could be uttered, no joke that could be made which I had not heard a thousand times--and I sat in quiet dignity as I watched my Bengals go down to what appeared to be a painful and inevitable defeat.

But then something happened in the second half, Jonathon Joseph picks off an errant Roethlisberger pass and returns it for a score, and the bar went quiet, save for the sound of two hands, clapping--is that  me? And I sensed fear in the room. But I've been through this before, the Bengals are bigger teases than my prom date and I've come to learn not to expect much.

And then, in the fourth quarter, came the drive.  With time ticking away and the Bengals down by five, they have a chance to win, all they have to do is score a touchdown against one of the premier defenses in the NFL.  Simple enough.  And again, I sat in quiet dignity, hopeful, but still with a pit in my stomach.  The sticks move, but 4th down  comes like the sunrise, predictably, but always too early. But the sticks move again and.....4th down again!? Leonard catches a pass seven yards down field when we need ten (how typical!) but manages to fall forward for the first down (This is the Bengals isn't it?)....and time is ticking away....

And then, out of a haze, Andre Caldwell (TJ who?) is in the endzone, with the ball...am I dreaming? Just another nightmare? There was still time on clock! No lead is safe! What fluke will hand this game back to the Steelers? And lo and behold, the Steelers f#%$ up, running off 12 seconds on a silly attempt to run back a kick. Roethlisberger's last past flies helpless and I sit, in quiet dignity enjoying a much deserved win. 

Sure I drew a few glares and one tongue in cheek rant, but I was happy to weather it, and it was a good day to be a Bengals fan.

I am going to be joining Mike and Kirkendall on the CincyJungle team so I wanted to give a quick intro for myself.  I was born in Cincinnati and grew up there throughout the '70s and '80s. I was fortunate enough to see some good baseball and football. My dad was a season ticket holder going back to 1970, so Sundays at Riverfront were very much a ritual.  My earliest memories of Bengals football acrobatic catches by Isaac Curtis heartbreaking fumbles by Boobie Clark.

I currently live in Pittsburgh--which needless to say--makes life a little interesting for this Bengals fan.  I am used to being "very lonely" during Bengals-Steelers matchups and have become used to shaking my head, waiting for the day of vindication. Nevertheless, I do have a grudging respect for the Steelers and their fans--which makes me want to see the Bengals beat the tar out of them even more.

Good to meet everyone--and I look forward to helping out Kirkendall and the crew.

I went to the game last night anticipating a blow out.  Of course, the Bengals managed to dissappoint--rather than losing easily so I could get drunk without having to focus on the game--they turned in another agonizing loss.  The defense, despite not being able to put significant pressure on the QB, actually played pretty well.  They need to work on their contain a little, but they really didn't over pursue as much as they usually do against the Steelers and were pretty effective at stopping the run and jamming the passing lanes. 

Offensively, of course, the game was painful.  Fitz was effective on short timing routes, but in obvious passing situations, the protection was poor and Fitz was off.  He also suffered from Glen Holt's apparent inability to catch.  The running game--almost non-existent.  The Steelers special teams were the only thing that made our offense worth watching--we always had good field position.

Overall, I had fun--tailgated from about 6-8, got a few beers, shots of whiskey, jambalaya, and hamburgers in me before the game. Didn't get razzed too much for my Bengals jersey. One of the good things about being a Bengals fan this year is that you pose no real threat to the Steelers, so they kind of see it as a joke. Also, I wasn't the only Bengals fan at the game--

In fact, I met some nice fellows from Dayton who are going to Eagles concert on Saturday.

My tickets were good--40 yard line, 4th row upper deck--as one may be able to tell from this field shot--

And the Pittsburgh Steeler fans were in rare form, this guy fell asleep in the second quarter, woke in the third quarter, yelled "Boo!" then went back asleep.

And here are a couple of my buddies--

Overall a good time, but I would have loved to see a W.

I was able to finagle some tickets to the game tonite. Judging from the injury reports, it is looking like it could be a long evening for this Bengals fan.  In Pittsburgh, Steelers fans are pretty confident. Most of the news stories have been about possible retribution against Hines Ward rather than the possibility of a Bengals win. The best retribution would be a victory.  And you never know, the last Bengals game I went to at Heinz Field was a Bengals victory--2003. So hopefully I am good luck. 

In either case, it is going to be cold and I plan on getting drunk. Look for me on theTV!

Due to my crazy work schedule, this was the first game I have actually been able to watch. Since I only have read of the horror and not seen it, I'll post some thoughts.

I watched it in typical surroundings (for me), in the home of a Pittsburgh Steelers fan with my Bengals jersey on (Who Dey!).  This week was particularly interesting because the guy who was hosting was my buddy Tom, the head chef for Heinz Field (thanks Tom--the omelets, wings, and shrimp were great!). I tried to convince him to poison Rooney's food, but he wasn't in to it.

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I was cautiously optimistic going into this season.  Once again, on paper, the Bengals seem to have a reasonably talented team.  There were a few weak points—the defense was young and thin upfront, the running game was suspect---but I believed the Bengals did the things they needed to do to improve the situation.  I liked the Odom signing, drafting Rivers and Sims, and was willing to gamble on the RBBC of Johnson, Perry, and Watson.  I also thought that drafting Ocho Cinco’s and Housh’s replacements made a lot of sense (it was nice to see the Bengals front office actually thinking ahead).

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