...everyone has one or two and they all pretty much suck. That being said, since everyone else is chiming in on their post-season hopes and predictions, I will do the same.

What are our offseason priorities?

1. Keep the defense together. The biggest favor we can do Andy Dalton is keep our defense in the top-5 range. This means shelling out some cash to keep Nelson, Sims, Rucker, and Jones. We may not get all of them, but we should sure take a strong run. We should also look at extending Thomas Howard.

2. Improve the running game by:

3. Upgrade the secondary. You should sign free agents for the present, and draft for the future. Clements is on a two year contract, Jones is injury prone, and we hope that Hall be ready for the start of next season. We need another shut-down corner to partner with Hall for the future. It's a passing league, and you must have good CBs or get eaten alive.The Bengals should use one of their first 3 draft picks on a shut down corner. There are 4 "round 1" worthy CBs coming out this year. We'll get one of them.

If the Bengals can do these three things, I would call the offseason a success. Positions which I didn't mention that come up in a lot of threads are safety and WR. Although I'm for adding depth at all positions and if a diamond falls to us we should grab it, I don't see these positions as being priorities.

On the safety issue, our priority is to re-sign Nelson. If we do that, we shouldn't have to look elsewhere for a safety. Mays and Sands should be given the opportunity to fight for the other starting job and I don't see any problem with signing some journeymen free agents for depth. Our defensive scheme doesn't feature the safety, it's built around our corners and if we get our shut down corner, we should be okay.

On the WR issue, a common argument is that we need a #2 "deep" option to take the pressure off of AJ Green. I disagree. We have a #2 option, his name is Jermaine Gresham. With Shipley coming back, we should be okay at WR. And yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see us come back with basically the same receiver corps. Obviously, "Baby" Hawk and Whalen will be given every opportunity to win spots, but I don't see us spending any serious money here on free agents. I know that may be a little disturbing to folks but here is the logic. This past year, we were running a new offense, with a new QB, and a new coordinator without the benefit of a true off season. Our offense was designed to be pretty conservative/vanilla and clearly Dalton was instructed to throw the ball away when in doubt. This kept the turnovers down, but it also hurt his numbers, the secondary receivers numbers, and our offense generally. I imagine a much more imaginative offense last year that maximizes Gresham's potential as a receiver. Also, keep in mind that Dalton doesn't have a strong arm--this isn't a Carson Palmer led offense, where you have one guy streaking down one side line, another down the other and a third doing a deep crossing route. It's dink and dump. If we are going to help Dalton's passing, we don't need a "deep threat," we need another underneath threat that will pull defenses up and spread them out and if they are stupid enough to leave some space downfield for Green, then Dalton should throw him jump balls to his hearts delight.

Although it wasn't the outcome I would have liked, I had a great time at Sunday's game. I was fortunate enough to have fantastic seats, 3rd row, 50 yard line right behind the Bengals bench. I was pleasantly surprised to find more than a few Bengals fans braving enemy territory to come to the game. I even met Bruce Gradkowski's dad--he was sitting across the aisle from me (coincidentally, his family lives about 4 blocks from me, but I had never met them before). I have attached a few pictures to share. Heinz Field is a good place to see a game--enjoy and Who Dey!

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

Smart kid.

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

Steelers driving.

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

The view from the Riverboat we took to the game.

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

I call this one--"What the heck is going on out there?"

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

Bengals with the ball.

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

"See that? Don't do it again!"

via goffchile.files.wordpress.com

Discussing where the party is after the game.

Due to a Steeler's bye week, I actually got to watch a Bengals game--for the second week in a row. Unfortunately, living in Pittsburgh, that is rarity.  What is even more rare is to be surrounded by people who are rooting for the Bengals. That was the scene for me yesterday.  Steeler Nation, for their own reasons, were pulling for the Bengals and suffered a similar, although not nearly has heartrending, disappointment at the failed comeback. However, it was interesting. Typically, being the lone Bengals fan in a sea of black and gold, I draw a lot of curious stares, puzzlement, and derision.  However, after two consecutive weeks of watching the Bengals, the "vibe" in Steeler nation, at least my little corner of it, seemed to change.  I heard comments like "That Andy Dalton's really good," "You guys are going to be scary good in a couple years," and even one comment "The Steelers may make the Super Bowl this year, but after that, they are in trouble" (referencing the rise of the Bengals). Of course, I still get the stock "It's the Bengals, you'll find a way to screw it up"--but less often. 

Although statistically gaudy, this wasn't Andy Dalton's best game by a long shot. He looked more like a rookie than he had in several weeks, but even with that the Bengals hung on like tigers to one of the best teams in the AFC, on their turf.  Were there lot's of mistakes? Hell yeah. Dalton made some really poor throws, receivers seemed to be unable to catch balls that hit them in the hands, our secondary isn't very good without Leon Hall, and our offensive line totally collapsed when we needed them most. Even with the miscues, the Bengals statistically dominated the game, but we failed to make the big plays when we had to.

Nevertheless, the Bengals are very close to being a very good team.  I don't know whether we will make the playoffs or not. We still are very much in it, but we need to win more than we lose from here on out--10-6 may do it, but 9-7 won't.  I'll be thrilled if they do, but I can't say I'll be too disappointed if the don't, considering I figured we'd be lucky to win 4 games.

Although it's fun to speculate about next year's draft, even at this early date, what is exciting to me is that we don't have any major holes which can't easily be filled either through the draft or free agency. We are close, very close.

It takes a special person to be a Bengals fan.  I’m not saying this because I’m a Bengals fan and I think I’m special, it is because I am convinced it takes a different mentality to become and,  most importantly, to stay a Bengals fan.  I was born in Cincinnati but haven’t lived there in over 25 years.  I realize there are many ex-patriot Bengals fans out there, but not that many that live in Pittsburgh. In fact, I may be the only one (I’ll put it this way, I have yet to find another in 12 years).  I feel that gives me a unique perspective and I have reflected on it at CincyJungle multiple times (here and here) 

Why are Bengals fans special? For better or worse, we suffer from some sort of post-traumatic stress that has yet to be classified in the DSM.  I don’t mean to say we are crazy, at least no more crazy than any sports fan(atic); but  we are a special kind of crazy.  Our crazy is a result of cheering for team that gives us great hope one second only to crush those hopes the very next, yet nevertheless, we stay dysfunctionally loyal.

Always a Bridesmaid…

It starts with what I call “Bridesmaid syndrome.” The Bengals have had the fortune to play in what is arguably the toughest division in the AFC, and possibly football—the AFC Central/North.  In 45 Super Bowls, our division has been represented 11 times and we have won 7.  So, collectively, we get there often, and when we do, we usually win.  It’s a division with deep, long time, rivalries—rivalries over past owners/coaches, state battles, geography, and simply a history of slugging it out. The only other division that is comparable to our’s in success and intensity of rivalries is the NFC East (10-8 in Super Bowls and a long tradition as well.).

In this division, the Bengals aren’t the worst, but we have never made a sustained run at being the best.  The Bengals went from expansion team to contender very quickly in the 1970s, but no matter how good those teams were, the Steelers always were just a little bit better. The Bengals experienced their greatest success in the 1980s going to two Super Bowls, yet falling both times, ironically, to a former assistant coach.

For the first two decades, the Bengals were always the bridesmaid, never the bride.  Fans suffered through watching our division rival, the Steelers, battle through the AFC Central and then win multiple Super Bowls.  All the time we told ourselves, “Next time, it will be us.”  And then, when we did make it to the big dance, we lost, but we reassured  ourselves, “We will get their again, and next time we will win.” We had our ups and downs, but regardless, it was always realistic to say, “A playoff appearance and possibly a Super Bowl run is just a year or two away.”

And then the lost decade.

In 1990, the Reds won the World Series and the Bengals won the division.  A year later, Paul Brown died and Mike Brown took over operations. Soon thereafter, Mike fired Sam Wyche, Anthony Munoz played in his last Pro-Bowl, and the Bengals slid into an abyss.

Honestly, my memory of the ‘90s Bengals is somewhat hazy, primarily because there wasn’t much to remember but also because it’s too traumatizing to recall. We had some good players, some great players (Dillon, Francis, and Pickens to name a few), but never any good teams.  Sadly, it isn’t the good ones we remember as much as the busts,  Klingler, Akili Smith, and Ki-jana Carter.  What’s more disturbing is the endless trail of nameless and faceless starters that didn’t belong on an NFL roster.   No plan to win, no reason to play here, no leadership. Nothing.

The lost decade was particularly cruel for Bengals fans like myself, who had grown up with in the 70s and had come to expect a basic level of competition from the team.  I think it’s harder to cheer for a team that one expects to be good, but continually disappoints, than one that you don’t really have any expectations for at all.  This is really the core problem of “Bengal-fan Syndrome.” We have been good in the past, and we are in a division with similar size cities with similar markets which routinely outperform us. Why not us?

The Marvin Lewis Era

One might call the 1990s a “rebuilding” phase for the Bengals, just as one might call  the Ministry of Truth an objective source of information.  There was nothing in the ‘90s that one would call a “rebuild,” the 1990s were a decade of destruction.  The destruction of a team, a franchise, and an idea—the idea that the Bengals were an organization dedicated to winning the Super Bowl.  This is what Marvin Lewis inherited.

It was not until 2003 that the Cincinnati Bengals began to rebuild; but just as “rebuilding” is misnomer for the 90s, it is also a misnomer for the 2000s.  When I think of a team in a rebuilding year, I think of a team that has at least a plan for a team. What is required is to fit the parts to the scheme.  Mike Brown had not only razed the house that his father built, he contaminated the soil with a decade of neglect. What was required was more than a rebuild, it was a resurrection.

Say what you will about Marvin Lewis, but he very quickly brought us back to bridesmaid status.  I know that this isn’t good enough, but it is certainly better than what he was handed.  Yes, it’s a particularly cruel version of our 70s status simply because the “spectre of the 90s” is still haunting us. Every good season (2005, 2010) brings hopes of an impending Super Bowl, the slightest downturn heralds the nightmare of the ‘90s. In some respects, Marvin Lewis has been a victim of his success, success which has unrealistically raised expectations (looking back on 2005, I see it more as a fluke which may have slowed the rebuilding of the team).  This is the emotional roller coaster of being a Bengals fan and it’s hard to get fans of other sports franchises to understand—our wounds are deep.

Where to now?

As I indicated above. I live in Pittsburgh and have for about 12 years.  It’s a nice city, people are friendly, food is good, drinks are cheap and the women are…well I’ll just leave it at that. In my neighborhood, I’m simply known as “Cincy” and have earned the respect of many a die hard Steeler fan for my football knowledge and unswerving loyalty to my team. Despite this, I often feel I am the rough equivalent of a unicorn--a Bengal fan living in a city where there such a creature only exists in legend.  When I tell people I’m a Bengal fan, I get a lot of funny looks, perplexed faces, and the obligatory “Huh? (nervous laughter once they realize I’m not joking)...Why?”  I always respond, “Well that’s where I’m from and they’re my team.” There’s usually an awkward pause (sometimes it takes yinzers a moment to register the fact that not everyone is from Pittsburgh), but most people get it. After all, that’s why they are Steelers fans, right?

Of course, I get my fair share of ribbing and I grow weary of having to explain the franchises failures, again, and again, and again. The question I get asked most frequently is “Don’t you get sick of cheering for a loser?” It’s a tough question to answer. On the one hand, the answer is obvious, “Yes, I wish the Bengals would win.” Of course, that’s not really the question they are asking. The question they are really asking is “Don’t you get sick of cheering for the Bengals?,” The implication is that being a Steelers fan is somehow better. I’ve reflected on this and yes, being a Steelers fan is “better” in the sense that it is easier. It’s easy to cheer for a team that is set up to win and where rebuilding efforts last a couple years, not decades. And yes, Steelers fans, God love them, have had it pretty easy for the past 40 years; but that’s what makes me crazy, a true fan(atic) if you will. I don’t cheer for the Bengals because it’s easy, I accept the adversity as part of the package—Bengals fans are like Job—Satan (in our case Mike Brown) keeps testing our faith but we never waiver.

As usual, I hope the Bengals do well this season, but it’s hard to be too optimistic.  It’s hard to imagine how our offense will be any good this year. We have an offensive coordinator with limited NFL experience, a QB and #1 receiver with no NFL experience, our WRs are young and unproven, and our offensive line is experienced and unproven.  Not a recipe for success.  We can hope that our running game bails out the passing game and our defense bails out the offense, but that’s a lot bail money.  If anything, I hope that this team becomes a team, not just a bunch of guys wearing orange and black.  Not to make this piece a defense of Marvin Lewis, but I do think that Marvin's rebuild is getting closer to finished, I just don't want to see another Mike Brown operated wrecking ball before it's done.

Who Dey!

Even if Chad and Palmer come back for their Swan Song, it seems that both have abdicated their roles and team leaders (perhaps some will debate if they ever were, but that isn't the point).  So who do you see as being the next generation of leaders? We have a young team on both sides of the ball.  Is it going to go down to the next vets in line? Are there younger guys that are ready step up.  It is going to be a lot to expect the rookie class to do it out of the shoot.  Whitworth and Benson? How about defense? D. Jones may be back, but possibly not. Geathers and Odom? Rey and Keith?

Lewis is always talking about our "identity"--who is going to be the face of the Bengals?

What does the hiring of Jay Gruden mean for the Bengals offense? What will our "identity" be? It seems relatively clear, given Lewis’s X and O dinner with Brad Childress, his expressed desire to have a power running game, and the hiring of Jay Gruden, that the Bengals are moving towards a West Coast style offense with a stronger emphasis on the run than typical West Coast (Buccaneer style). So looking at the team we have now, what does that mean?

My initial reaction is that this, more than anything else, may explain why Carson Palmer wants out. I know Gruden was hired after Palmer’s demand, but it’s clear that Lewis had an idea of what he wanted for next year long before that. Unfortunately, Palmer’s skill set is best suited to a downfield passing attack with 5-7 step drops to let the routes develop. He’s not a West Coast style QB. The WC passing attack is more about precision and timing and when it’s "not there" buying time with your feet. This is clearly not Palmer’s forte. His strength is reading a defense, making an audible and picking an open spot 15 yards downfield to throw to (more like Peyton Manning). Keep in mind, I’m not making the case that we should dump Palmer, given the situation I think it’s best we keep him-- he’s the best QB we have for the foreseeable future--but I can’t help but feel that we are moving towards a post-Palmer offense and he knows it. (Lefevour and a draft pick for the future?)

What other personnel changes may be necessary? The strength of the West Coast offense is that you have a lot of players on the field who can fill multiple roles (rush, receive, block), therefore making it difficult for the defense to know what’s coming, forcing them to spread out and cover larger portion of the field. Formations with double tights, TEs in the backfield, RBs that can line up in the slot and are just as comfortable catching passes as rushing and FBs that can pick up a blitz and catch are common.  WRs tend be quick, rather than fast, and sure handed being able to take a hit after the catch.

I think we are covered at TE. Gersham certainly has the skill set to play in almost any scheme and would make a great WC TE. He can line up anywhere, he can catch, and his blocking is improving.  Coffman could work in the scheme and I think Kelly (if he’s back) would do fine. Additionally, the Bengals signed Garret Mills, a FB/TE hybrid with good hands.  He would be a good fit assuming he sticks around and Kelly retires. I would not be surprised if the Bengals sign/draft some more TEs/H-backs, particularly if Kelly decides not to return.  

At RB, Scott would make a good West Coaster.  He can turn the corner, has good hands and can get free in the open field.  Benson is less of a good fit but I think still could work. If we want a power running version of the WC, Benson would work as a between the tackles guy and he has decent hands.  I question is ability as a blocker/picking up the blitz. We will definitely need another pass catching RB. Leonard or Peerman would both be adequate.  Also, a FB (perhaps 2) that can catch is a must.  Pressley could fill one of those roles, he’s a good blocker but I’m not sure of his pass catching ability.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals draft/sign several FBs in the offseason.  Additionally, I suspect the Bengals will go heavy RB/FB (carrying 5 instead of 4) and light at WR (only carrying 5 as opposed to our usual 6). 

We have some question marks at WR, given the lack of experience, however, I am willing to "roll the dice" on who we have.  All of them could work in the system, but we don’t really know that since we haven’t seen it. Caldwell played the spread in college and can carry the ball on reverses.  Shipley will make a good possession receiver in any system. Basically, we are looking at Chad, Jordan, Rome, Andre and a draft pick/possibly Cosby/possibly journeyman.  I’m ok with that.

And of course, the line.  We need a better one regardless of what offensive style we have.  I’d like to see us draft a C/G like Pouncy or Wisnewski to shore up the center of the line. Having some "true guards" rather than converted tackles is more appropriate for the West Coast which often utilizes a moving pocket and quick screens.

1. Palmer is not nor will he ever be a great sprint out, hit the 10 yard out pattern and if it’s not there, check down, and if it’s not there scramble for a few yards type of QB, not his game.
2. Palmer is at his best when he has the entire field to pick apart defenses and a solid offensive line to give him the time to drop back and do so, a la 2005.
3. Palmer remains a good QB and team leader, even when not playing “his game.”
4. Our offensive line is mediocre at best and does not seem able to give Palmer the time he needs to have to be like the 2005 squad or to open holes without going “heavy.”
5. Last year, most teams were expecting us to pass in the first half of the season and when we showed up with unbalanced lines they weren’t ready for it.
6. Once they adjusted, our offense struggled. 
7. Although the Bengals have more offensive weapons (TO, Shipley, and Gersham) it hasn’t changed the basic dynamic, we aren’t going to be a wide open offense best suited to Palmer.

Bengals will continue to be a grind it out, eat the clock, and barely outscore you type of  offense.  To win games, we will continue to depend heavily on the defense, primarily, and also on special teams. My hope is that we will simply become more efficient.  Namely, scale back penalties, increase our red zone conversions (keep the Nuge busy!), and reduce turnovers. If Palmer goes 20/35 for 220 yards and a TD or two with the occasional pick for the rest of the year, I’d be happy as a clam, because honestly, I think that’s about all we will need. What we don’t need is penalties, turnovers, and drives that eat 6 minutes but get us no points. It may not be “pretty” or flashy but we can win that way, even against the Colts, Saints, Packers, etc.

There’s no such thing as an ugly win or a pretty loss.  The Bengals have played two of the teams which most experts have predicted to be division winners and possibly AFC Championship contenders.  We are 1-1 (as are the Jets, Pats, Ravens, Chargers, and Colts).  On the road against the Pats, we let the game get away from us and watched as a valiant second half effort fall woefully short.  At home against the Ravens, we won a smash mouth struggle against a highly touted offense and certainly one of the premier defenses in the league. Of course, I would love to be 2-0 at this point, but looking at our schedule, I never believed that this was likely. 1-1 is not a bad place to be, particularly with a division win under our belt.  

I know there is lots of grumbling about the offense and its struggles.  Most are justifiable. We need to eliminate turnovers (a problem in the first game, but not the second), eliminate pre-snap penalties (a problem in the second game but not the first), and get better at sustaining drives (too many three and outs, although in both games, the Bengals won the possession clock).  

I do concur with the the memo from peko's ponytail  that Bengals fans may not have adjusted to this new type of football we have been watching since last year.  Low scoring, grind it out, win narrowly, but still win, type ball games.  I have often wondered about the collective psyche of Bengals fans, I think we suffer from some sort of post- (or ongoing) traumatic stress from too many heart breaking seasons.  Winning seems to cause more angst than losing.

That being said, there are legitimate concerns.  I, too, have come to question whether or no Palmer is the “elite” QB that we all want him to be (perhaps more accurately, I am not sure if Palmer is cut out for the type of offense we are running). I remain concerned about our offensive line. I have growing concerns about our offense schemes and game plans. And I really, really, wish we had a safety half as good as Troy Polamalu (did anyone see his goal line tackle on Young? Ridiculous!)

But again, we are 1-1 against two very tough teams--we can play with the "big boys" --and the internal optimist in me thinks that the offense is "closer than we think" to getting where it needs to be.   I think much will be decided on these issues in the next 3 weeks.  We play Carolina, Cleveland, and Tampa. Three teams, none of which are pushovers, but, which one would consider “mediocre” and probably not playoff bound.

When analyzing our schedule, I felt a 5-1 heading into the bye week was a realistic goal, and in fact, given the remainder of our schedule, a necessary achievement to give us a shot at the playoffs. I stand by that, but we will have to prove that we are “playoff material” by handling the next three weeks and not losing games which we shouldn’t lose.  It would be nice if we did it with style points, but I really don’t care as long as we get the "W."  

Who Dey!

I have become increasingly concerned about our kicking situation.  Never in the world did I think that Dave Rayner was going to be the best option for us at kicker.  Unfortunately, Mike Nugent can't seem to get on the field and I can't help but reminisce about the "good ol' days" of Shayne Graham.  Granted he choked a few times, but at least he gave himself the chance to miss those clutch kicks by hitting all the routine ones leading up to it.  My gut is telling me neither Nuge or Rayner will be on the final 53. If not them, then who?

I got to watch most of the game last night and I think Cincy folks did not, so I wanted to trot out some quick  observations on the game. 

Jermaine Gersham--this kid is going to be good and a god send to our offense.  He's lined up tight, he's in the tight slot,  he's in a wide slot, he's in motion, he's split left, he's in the backfield.  That's a lot of confidence in a rookie who's only  been in practice a week and a half. And he looked good wherever they put him.  Does he need to work on his technique? Of course. His blocking can improve and he runs straight up and down (one hit direct hit from a strong safety and that will change) but he is the 4-realz.

Geno Atkins--Perhaps the steal of the draft.  Granted he's been mostly playing against other teams second string but watching him chase down Micheal Vick. Niiice! He had all kinds of penetration and should be credited with an "assist" on Dunlap's sack.

Cedric Peerman--the fight for that last RB spot just got interesting.  Johnson looked servicable, but Peerman looked really good. He's quick and he can break tackles.  It's only one game's performance but I liked what I saw.

Andre Smith--Just like his pulled pork sandwiches--sloppy and burnt around the edges.  First game, out of shape, not up to "game speed," mental errors.  He's gonna have to get  better if our offense is going to improve.

Adam Jones--HUGE.  Just saying that he made 22 yard punt return does not do justice to that play. He called a fair catch, was interfered with, lost the ball, got it back, reversed his field and picked up 22 yards.  Super heady play.  So happy this guy is on our team.  Gives us depth at CB and in the return game with a veteran's sensibility.

Kickers--We need new ones.  Granted Nugent didn't have a chance, but I'm scared.

Overall the offense continues to improve. Lots of guys touched the ball and looked good. At times the offense seemed out of rhythm and there were way to mental mistakes and penalties.   Although there were a few misreads, one producing a really ugly interception, Palmer looked more confident in the pocket.  The good news is each week they have looked better and that Palmer to Owens 43 yarder was like a refreshing breeze while sitting in the shade of '05.

The Defense looked solid as usual. I would have liked to have seen more sacks, of course, but there was pressure to be had. The run defense was stout. There didn't seem to be much fall off when the second stringers came in.  All good signs. The injury to Wilson does hurt and puts us back to square one at the Safety position.  We have a lot of riding on Williams' health and Ghee's ability to develop into a reliable coverage specialist.

I had the good fortune to go to the Steelers-Lions preseason game last night. I don't know if it was televised or covered in Cincy, but I thought I'd give CincyJungle my quick assessment of the game. It was a good time and somewhat of an adventure as the stadium was struck by lightening. Immediately following all the players cleared the field faster than Andre Smith heading to the "fixin's bar" at the Golden Corral.  After an 1:13 delay game play resumed.

Leftwich started for the Steelers and played a little over a half.   He was workman-like as usually is.  It looks like he will be the starter game one barring injury or a major run by Dennis Dixon.  Overall, however, the Steelers first string offense was sluggish and their o-line was like a sieve. Leftwich had guys in his face constantly and got flushed or sacked several times. 

Mendenhall looked solid but not spectacular. He got hit in the backfield a lot (see above about the Steelers line) and coughed up a fumble.  The Steelers have some depth issues at WR but Wallace did get open deep once missing the ball on a questionable interference no call.  Arnez Battle caught a nice  pass and scampered for a 50 yard gain as did 6th round pick Antonio Brown who scored on a nice touchdown toss from Dennis Dixon.

Pittsburgh's defense looked good but suffered from the occasional breakdown.  Stafford threw a really bad interception deep in Detroit territory but otherwise able to find receivers and Jahvid Best played pretty well for a rookie once he got over the first drive jitters.  When the Lions first string took the bench it was 7-6 Lions.

The Steelers second stringers however looked really good. Dennis Dixon and Isaac Redmon stole the show.  Dixon is mobile and has a good arm.  This guy is going to be a player and extremely tough to defend.  Think of Michael Vick in his prime without the dog fights.  Redmon was consistently able to hit the whole quickly and break tackles.  Depth at running back  has always been a Steeler strong point and this year will be no different.

Although Roethlistberger was in pads, he did not play. I did see a few fans with T-shirts addressing his "antics."   One was a jersey with the number of seven and across the top, in lieu of his name it said "All my bitches take my shots."  I saw another with the awkwardly spelled "Rapelistberger"   Creative fans are the best. 

No I did not wear my Bengals gear to the game--that will come later when it counts.

The whole Cedric Benson thing has got me thinking, or more accurately re-thinking, about the issue of whether or not it’s reasonable for pro athletes to be held to the standards that they are by the public and media.  Of course, there are lots of issues that dovetail here.  Opinions are like Kiss albums, every one has one or two and they all suck, and that you can’t control. But isn’t it self-defeating to expect a 25 year old millionaire to be a “role model” just because he’s a professional athlete?

The reason I add “just because he’s a professional athlete” is that we don’t seem to hold other entertainers to such a standard--and yes, professional sports are a form of entertainment. Of course, “standards” can vary, but if a music star gets in a bar fight, has promiscuous sex with fans, tears up a hotel room, and is later arrested for drug possession, their CD sales sky rocket. Pro-athletes? Controversy swirls and suspensions fly. And, ironically, as much attention that is brought to the missteps of pro-athletes, their arrest rate is actually lower than the general population, controlling for gender.

Keep in mind, I’m not defending any of these actions, I’m just pointing out a curious double standard as well as the misconception that pro-athletes are “out of control.”

Of course there are some obvious differences.  Pro-athletes are employees of the team and indirectly the NFL, whereas most actors and musicians are essentially independent contractors, negotiating deals in exchange for completion of a particular project (a movie/CD, etc) and NFL is obviously image conscious. But I don’t think is really the issue because if the fans didn’t care, I don’t think the NFL would either.  That was the reason that Ben got suspended for his actions despite not being charged with anything. Women are the biggest growing fan base in the NFL and Ben was caught multiple times being a tool-bag to his female following.  As much as I deplore the actions of Roethlisberger, (honestly, I live in Pittsburgh and I've never heard a female who met Roethlisberger who thought it was good experience), I did find the punishment curious and believe it to be more about PR than anything else.

Similarly, with Cedric Benson. The incident sounds like a relativey minor scuffle but I could see Goodell feeling pressure to "make an example"--particularly with a guy who has some "priors."

The most exciting thing about the position battles going on this year is what positions they are battling for.  It seems like just a few years back when position battles for the Bengals meant rookies battling with relatively unknown free agents for starting positions. This year’s position battles are between rookies, second year guys, and free agents I have heard of for second string spots or just to make the team—the log jam at WR, Adam Jones vs Brandon Ghee, log jam at DE, etc.

It speaks volumes about the team that Lewis and Co. have been able to build.  It’s a really good sign when a 10-6 team can bring back almost every starter plus most of their second string and still is pretty aggressive in free agency (at least more aggressive than the Bengals have been in recent memory)

I can’t help but think that Marvin and Mike seem to think that this is our year.   

There is a growing consensus that Marvin is getting more say in personnel decisions. I definitely agree and I think it is a very good thing.  

The Bengals have historically been an "offense first" team that builds around a star QB and a feature RB and we usually rely on the draft to fill those spots. Of course, we have had Palmer locked in for a while, but we have diverged from the pattern with running backs. Typically, the Bengals spend an early draft pick (no later than the 4th round) on a running back about every third year, sometimes more often.  We haven’t selected a running back in the first 5 rounds since Kenny Irons, who never saw the field in a regular season game (Bernard Scott is the only Bengal drafted RB, round 6).  Instead we have chosen to sign journeymen and cast-offs, with just as much success.  In recent drafts we have placed a greater emphasis on building the defense and the offensive line which is in sync with the change of philosophy. The Bengals have also shifted away from a “last one to score wins” approach to a “defense wins championships” approach.  The former, although exciting, is definitely a Mike Brown “get butts in the seats” style, while I believe the latter to be the mark of Marvin Lewis.

With regards to free agent signings, Marvin’s style seems to be to sign guys who have played for winners, and therefore know how to win, rather than just looking for warm bodies that play the right position.  The signings aren’t always the sexiest, but Lewis seems to place a high priority on veteran leadership, particularly on defense.

I am guessing the change may be related to the hiring of Zimmer.  I think finally Lewis, with the backing of Zimmer have the huevos to stand up to MB, and MB seems to be listening. 

According to this little tidbit the Bengals are unlikely to sign TO, and Bob Glauber from Newsday says the Bengals are regretting signing Coles and don't want to make the same mistake twice--signing an aging receiver to a contract bigger than he's worth. 

If such talk is true, it suggests that the Bengals are in the market for a free agent WR, but a younger one. Personally, I think the Bengals need to fortify the receiver corps. A draft pick makes sense, we'll see where Simpson is at, and Matt Jones is a crapshoot.

I think Marshall is unlikely, Breaston and Floyd are more likely and I think would work well, but both are restricted, which means they could be tough to get.  Dominik Hixon has  alot of potential, and how about  Kevin Walter--back in stripes?

Or do we just let the draft solve our problems?

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.