Archive for December, 2010

Here are my questions heading into the Baltimore game Sunday, answered by Matt from the Baltimore Sports Report. 1) Will Baltimore be missing any key players? The most notable name on the injury list is Todd Heap. He suffered a hamstring injury a few weeks back and has missed the past two games. It is looking more likely that he might return this week since he has fully participated in practice. Otherwise, you are looking at KR David Reed, S Tom Zbikowski, LB Taveres Gooden being Doubtful or even Inactive. The biggest unknown injury happened last week when long-snapper Morgan Cox suffered an [...]

Matt from the Baltimore Sports Report gave me a list of questions for Sunday’s Bengals/Ravens game. I put on my Bengals Stormtrooper outfit, blared “Welcome to the Jungle,” and then did an Ickey Shuffle before answering them. (Actually, I did none of that, but I should have). Here are Matt’s questions and my answers. 1) That was a surprising win for the Bengals last week against the Chargers. What went right for them? Carson Palmer had the highest passer rating of his career, even with Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens on the sidelines. Receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell made some [...]

I’m back after a holiday hiatus and a bout with the stomach flu (I think I watched one too many Bengals games this season).  Anyway, after another win in which Cincinnati’s youngsters played an important role, I’m on board with John Thornton, who believes the Bengals need to go forward with a youth movement. JT didn’t say it, but I will. That means Chad Ochocinco needs to go. Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson looked significantly faster than the T.Ocho duo on Sunday, and both players carry smaller price tags and smaller egos. I fully expect Chad to have a monster [...]

I’ll keep my reasoning brief, in order to promote more discussion. Here are the candidates I’d be lining up to replace Marvin Lewis. This, of course, assumes that I’m a Bengals owner and the team is my Tinkertoy. The last metaphor, I believe, is wonderfully appropriate. 1. Mike Zimmer – Tough-guy and a disciplinarian. The team is devoid of discipline, not talent. And Zimmer should also help to re-sign the talented cornerbacks. 2. Jeff Fisher (if he’s fired) – A proven winner with discipline of his own. 3. Jon Gruden – A local guy who has already won a Super [...]

I haven’t watched the T.Ocho show because, well, I have a life. But unfortunately for Joe Reedy, part of his job is to watch it for sound bytes. One of those items jumped out at me. With the Bengals going nowhere this season, Chad was asked about his pull to try to keep the T.Ocho show together on the field. In his answer came this comment: “I think changes are going to be made in the organization and the chances that are going to be made are going to be real significant.” Grammar aside, I am intrigued. We all recognize [...]

As this season limps to a close, I’m ready to start debating the major changes that the Bengals are facing. We all have opinions, and we would all love to steal Mike Brown’s title of G.M. (And honestly, could we do worse than him?) So let’s have a little fun and play G.M. Your first assignment as G.M. is, of course, to address the need at head coach. He sets the tone for the team. Here are some options to consider.

I know I have a soft spot for orange Kool-Aid, but I started thinking today (and then my head hurt and I had to lay down). It’s entirely possible that the Bengals might have the most enticing talent of all the available NFL jobs this offseason. Think about that for a second. Carolina will probably need a new coach. San Francisco might too. Cleveland and Miami could also be open. But if you’re a coach waiting for the phone to ring, would you take any of those jobs over Cincinnati? Think about it.

A month ago, I was ready to begin arguing that the Bengals need to take a stud D-lineman with their first pick. However, I have been absolutely impressed with the breakout performance of the young D-linemen: Dunlap, Atkins, Michael Johnson and — brain fart not withstanding — Pat Sims. These guys have reminded us how much fun defensive pressure really is. Thanks guys. I hope you all are teammates in stripes for a LONG time. Combining these guys with Peko, Brandon Johnson, Joseph and Hall gives Zimmer (or whoever the DC is next year) a great core to work with. [...]

Here are a few hits after the whistle has blown on Cincinnati’s 19-17 win over that ugly stepsister up north. 1. This was a preview of next season. There was little T.O. and a only a small dash of Chad Ochocinco and the offense looked okay. Cedric Benson made a nice case for keeping him around and the offensive line looked pretty good for once. The young defensive line continues to impress with two more sacks from Carlos Dunlap, who could become a force if he stays motivated and out of trouble in the offseason. 2. Jerome Simpson made an [...]

Congrats to the Bengals. After an 18-game pre-season, the Bengals put together a solid game in most areas of the game. No dumb penalties, no self-inflicted wounds. I had forgotten what that was like. Who knew that a good performance from the offensive line to open up holes for the running game, a defensive line that can get pressure on the quarterback, and an occasional big play was a formula to win? Oh, that’s right, WE DID!!! Welcome, Mr. Bratkowski, thanks for joining us. This is by no means a vindication for Bob. One TD in 6 trips deep into [...]