Archive for November, 2010

In an article for NFL.com’s Blog Bllitz I explore the success the Bengals offense has had with Bernard Scott and the team’s failure to use him more. I’ve been saying since last year that Scott needed more playing time, but he’s still only getting a few offensive touches per game. Here’ s an excerpt from the story. I’ll keep you posted once the article is published. Bernard Scott is Cincinnati’s most explosive player. The second-year running back is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 7.3 yards per catch. And yet, he’s only had 28 offensive touches in 7 games, a [...]

ProFootballTalk.com is passing along news that San Diego Charger Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman is about to be cut. After having zero sacks in the past two games, Cincinnati should take a look. Merriman might have lost a step, but his feet could still be quicker than what the Bengals currently have. And he’s far from a model citizen, but when has that stopped Cincinnati before? The team needs help – and fast. The lights will soon be out on the Bengals season.

Didn’t we hear all last year about how the Bengals are a run-oriented team now? Weren’t we told that smash-mouth football was the way to win in the AFC North? And weren’t we told all through the off-season that the offensive line was built to run block? I’m pretty sure that I didn’t just make that up in my head. That’s why I am looking for someone to explain this little item from a recent column from Joe Reedy: During the run of the five straight three-and-outs, the Bengals passed on all five even though two of them were two yards [...]

According to Vegas.com, Pittsburgh is a 4.5-point favorite heading into next Monday’s game at Cincinnati. I actually expected it to be a bit higher, but the Steelers’ 20-10 loss in New Orleans probably shaved a few points off  the top. Even though the game has lost its cachet with Cincinnati struggling, it’s still tremendously important for both teams. The Steelers need to avoid two straight losses and the Bengals need to find something – anything – positive to build on. New Orleans showed that Pittsburgh is susceptible to the pass, but I fully expect Cincinnati to over-commit to an ineffective [...]

The NFL is normally a fantastic product that we can’t get enough of. But yesterday’s Dolphins-Bengals game was about as enjoyable as a snifter full of ipecac. Honestly, that game was painful to watch. Both offenses were abysmal. Miami could have put up 40 points if they were it not for some inexcusable dropped passes. They had to settle for FGs 5 times (normally a perfect recipe for a L). And they could have had 4 picks if their secondary had any hands at all. But our Cincinnati ThreeAndOuts were not to be outdone. After starting out with 15-play scoring [...]

Ready…Aim… I’m usually an optimistic orange Kool-Aid kind of guy. But today’s display of public incompetence in Cincinnati’s 22-14 loss pushed me far right, as militant as my brethren at WhoDey Revolution. And I’m ready for a revolt. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski should be the first go. Now. Most 13-year-olds playing Madden have enough sense to stick with what works, or at least re-visit it from time-to-time. The Bengals offense had its best drive of the season to open the game, converting four third downs and marching 86 yards for a touchdown. Carson Palmer was efficient and effective in the [...]