Optimism - tempered by reality

The Bengals improved significantly (mainly effort and tackling) against the Ravens, but the Cardinals are going to be a tough out to keep the ball rolling.

I don't have too much to say about the Bengals' victory over the Ravens on Sunday.  The tackling was better, the effort was there, and the team made a plays in key situations (Leon Hall's interception at the end of the 1st half, Ndukwe/Smith's strip of McNair at the beginning of the 2nd half).  That said, the team couldn't drive a stake through the Ravens' heart when it had the opportunity.  By my count, Palmer only threw it in the end zone thrice.  The offense still lacks the killer instinct.  7 field goals are unacceptable, particularly when the opponent lacks its top three corners.  Also, Johnathan Joseph's embarrassing missed tackle against Mark Clayton was absurd for a first round pick.  (To call it a missed tackle is misleading, JJ failed to do anything resembling a tackle during that play).

Peter King is an idiot.  I've always known he's biased, but his comments about Chris Henry border on the insane, at minimum they illustrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the NFL.  Chris Henry is a dick - that is not breaking news - and we can't disqualify people from playing because we don't like their personality.  The incident at the parking garage failed to inspire any charges - is King implying that the Bengals suspend Henry for doing something that is morally questionable yet not illegal?  If the Bengals cut Chris Henry, another team would pick him up (and probably be praised for resurrecting such a talented player's career).  Talent begets multiple chances at reforming one's life - sometimes it works (Randy Moss) and sometimes it does not (Rae Carruth).  Peter King's argument would have excluded Randy Moss (among others) from staying in the league - yet King has praised Moss's leadership and talent this season.  Henry is young and immature and has paid more of a debt to the NFL than his predeccessors in crime (not Odell Thurmond, however, who takes the cake for absurd suspensions).  Give the kid a chance Peter, or are you hoping the Bengals cut him so he can end up on your beloved Steelers?  Why don't you report on BJ Sams' two DUI arrests that failed to net a suspension - or Najeh Davenport's wife beating work out regimen to prepare for Steelers' games on Sunday?  Oh, right, that would require you to be unbiased and balanced...

The Cardinals game scares me a bit.  I think the offense is the perfect foil to the Bengals defense.  The Cards have a talented wide receiving corps, a veteran, accurate QB, and a big tight end.  This is a combination that can really exploit the Bengals young secondary.  Justin Smith and the boys are going to need to get some pressure on Warner to stop that offense - a proposition which may be feasible due to the Cards porous O-line.  

Regardless, the key to this game will be the offense.  The Bengals need to score early and step on the Cardinal's throat.  I am sick and tired of opening drives petering out (like last Sundays).  Knock on wood.

Who dey.