Bengals Banter: PLAYOFFS
by jsl413 on Dec 28, 2009 9:21 AM EST
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PrintAs you may or may not be aware, the Bengals have clinched the AFC North and will be going to the playoffs for the second time this decade. While it is not ideal to only make the playoffs 20% of the time, that rate under Marvin Lewis is almost certainly one of the best for any coach in Bengals history. Chad Johnson needs just over 70 more yards to break 10,000 on the career - I'd love to see him finish that off this season.
Without further delay, here are the major stories from the internets about our playoff-bound Bengals.
- Here's a question for you: Who would you rather play if the first round, Denver or New York? Or Baltimore? Or Pittsburgh? What a convoluted playoff picture in the AFC.
- Post-game quotes from Bengals.com.
- Coaching through tragedy, as Clark Judge points out in his weekly "judgements" column, doesn't Marvin Lewis have to be a coach of the year candidate? I mean, I think we all know he has flaws - like calling timeouts - but this team was 4-11-1 last year and has suffered immensely off the field this year, yet continues to stick together and perform. That's worth something, right?
"No [Gatorade] shower, no hat," Lewis said. "We want to earn another hat. There are two more to earn. It's a little different atmosphere than it was a few years ago (2005). This group knows there are more of them."
- James Walker talks about AFC playoff scenarios. I'll admit, I'm a little confused by the whole thing. I just know I'd rather see Denver and NYJ make it than Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
- The Cincinnati Enquirer's game day photo gallery is exceptional this week.
- All of our favorite writers from the Enquirer's sports page contributed recapitulations of the Bengals triumphant effort over the Chiefs that secured a playoff berth. Joe Reedy, first, gives his thoughts, pointing out that it took a 4th "Cardiac Cat" drive to seal the deal.
- Paul Daugherty says this Bengals squad is more mature than the 2005 club that lost Carson Palmer on its first offensive snap in the Wildcard round. They have to be after the tragedy they have faced as a team this year. Do you think any other team in the NFL is as familial as the Bengals? These guys really have each others' back. Daugherty praises Dhani Jones (maybe we should do that a bit more around these parts, I heard his name a lot yesterday) and concludes that the Bengals are "good."
Speaking of good, how far does "good" get you in the playoffs? I gues what I'm asking is, do you think this team can win the Superbowl?
- Chick Ludwig recaps the emotions that Bengals fans have endured nearly every Sunday afternoon this year, but reminds us that we're capable of getting hot and running the playoff table.
- Joe Reedy also featured Cedric Benson's record-setting efforts this year. 6 100-yard games. Talk about turning a career around. Mike Brown the Redeemer, we have to give you credit.
- Chris Henry is still close to our, and the Bengals' thoughts and hearts. CNati.com's Paul Dehner revisits Henry's impact on the Bengals victory over the Chiefs yesterday.
- Dehner also focuses on Leon Hall's bounceback week. If the guy has an achilles heel, I guess it's his height. But I still think he's one of the best in the NFL. My Pro Bowl Ballot on the defensive side goes something like: Domata Peko, Leon Hall, Dhani Jones, Johnathan Joseph. What do you think?
- Here's the always-phenomenal CNati photogallery of the week.
- C. Trent Rosencrans notes, among other things, that the Bengals have been flexed to Sunday night against the Jets. One thing this means is that if the Patriots win during the day, the Bengals probably rest players in the evening contest because the game becomes meaningless. I'd expect that, if the Pats close down #3, we'll send out starters for a quarter or two to work on some things in a live game, then shut it down until the post season.
- Dehner points out that despite first-half problems rushing the ball, and despite the Chiefs persistent and predictable run blitz, the Bengals ran the ball with Cedric Benson 20 times for 99 yards in the second half. It wasn't pretty or all too consistent, but we've got to give Ced props... again.
- Finally, to conclude this behemoth of a Bengals Banter, here's C. Trent's thoughts on clinching the playoffs and his recap of the game.
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Give me Denver
Who doesn’t want another shot at these guys? Of the four teams you listed I think that New York is the most questionable, but that tipped pass still has me writhing in my chair. They are a good team, but we’ll have to beat good teams eventually to get to the superbowl, so we might as well get it started in the first round.
And I agree that the last team I want to face is Pittsburgh or Baltimore. Beating any team three times in one year is a huge challenge.
This is our year!
Off topic...
It just hit me that the Bengals are about to reach into an era where college and rookies don’t really remember the supersuck 90’s. The last 7 years have been, for the most part, competitive and this year has been a quiet yet impressive season.
you may now resume your normal reading, already in progress
Gnight, Slim
What does the NFL have against the Bengals?
They move a 1PM start to a night game one week before the playoffs. Costs the Bengals a half a day of prep. They’ll probably schedule the Bengals for a Saturday game in the first round.
I know the league wants a Jets win so the New York market is in the playoffs. So I hope Kitna, Scott, Simpson, A Smith etc. kick ass.
Did I say Kitna?
I’ve been asleep for a couple years.
Problem is I don’t even know who the backup quarterback is.
by Evil Monkey on Dec 28, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Playing the late game is an advantage
It will allow us to know whether there is anything at stake for use. If not, we rest our starters.
by AB on Dec 28, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Won't matter...
Who knows when we’ll play in the first round anyway. Will it be Sunday? Will it be Saturday? Late game? Early game?
I don’t think it’ll make much of a difference in the end. Tuesdays are game planning days anyway and Mondays are weightlifting days and films. Everything likely remains the same.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 28, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
If NE wins Sunday
Why would we even bother to play anyone that matters against the Jets? I mean we should just let JT play out the motions, throw it to Caldwell, Simpson, and Cosby. Maybe hand it to LJ 20-25 times. And just go through the motions. The jets have to go all out to secure a playoff birth at home against us, then the next week we beat their tails off at home.
My three favorite things in the world in no particular order: My wife, sex with my wife, and The Cincinnati Bengals
by Kabash on Dec 28, 2009 12:30 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Not to mention
That is one more week Peko, Crocker, B Scott, and anyone else who has nagging injuries can rest up for said home playoff game with the Jets.
My three favorite things in the world in no particular order: My wife, sex with my wife, and The Cincinnati Bengals
by Kabash on Dec 28, 2009 12:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Cincy game moved screws the Steelers
Congrats on winning the AFC North, the Bengals clearly owned it. I am just pointing out that The NFL moving the cincy game to SNF means that cincy will have nothing to play for if NE wins, which the Steelers all but need to happen to make the playoffs. If this happens ,Baltimore beats Oakland, which is likely, and the Steelers win, then our hopes rest on Cincy beating the Jets. The only thing the Jets will be playing for is determining which team as the 4 seed they play. If they win then they play Baltimore…not great. If they lose, then they play the Jets. Cincy will rest their starters, and possibly lose, thus eliminating the Steelers. If Cincy played at 1 like they were scheduled to, then wouldn’t Lewis play hard and win the game?
typo sorry
I meant the only thing the bengals play for**
Me too…I’ve put up some stupid stuff before, too (inferring that we beat Denver in Week 1 comes to mind…).
by TheWalrus1971 on Dec 28, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
better hope Houston beats NE then!!
w/e u have more to worry about buddy, miami will not be a cakewalk.
oops, typo
The only thing the Bengals will be playing for is**
Vested interest to lose
Let’s face it. If NE and Balt win, which they probably will, and if Im you guys, then I want Cincy to lose..Losing will entail:
1) resting your starters
2) playing the jets not the ravens
3) eliminating the steelers
It’s not fair…the flex schedule should put a more relevant game in the 8:30 time slot…dallas/philly, pittsburgh/miami, NE/houston..etc. They chose the Jets/Cincy game bc the NY audience is large and ratings will be high. That’s the bottom line. No Steelers in the playoffs unless Oakland wins, or if Lewis plays his starters hard. But, why would he?
They choose the Jets game
because it was the only game where a playoff spot would have the best chance of being on the line. Dallas/Philly was not moved because both teams are in the playoffs. Pitt/Miami and NE/Houston were not moved up because by the time there game at night would have rolled around, they (pitt, miami, houston) could have already been eliminated from contention. You knew they would put up one of the two games that were win and get in, which left Bal/Oak or Bengals/jets. The jets game could be more competiive because with NE loss we have a chance at the three seed, and even with a NE win we still have an outside chance of winning. (see fanpost) This was the best game avaiable to move.
I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.
outside chance..
the strength of victory tiebreaker is what NE has over cincy, and it will be known as the game is the last game of the NFL season, if cincy can get the 3 seed with a win or not. There are 7 teams that must win for cincy to get the Strength of Victory tiebreaker over NE. I won’t go into who they are, perhaps you already know, but likely that won’t happen…and yes, you will rest your starters. It’s unfortunate. I think 3 AFC North teams in the playoffs would be cool. But, undoubtedly, this flex scheduling will do in the steelers. Unless NE loses, then, they’re toast anyways.
resting the starters
is the key here. Intentionally losing to create a matchup wouldn’t be as wise; shouldn’t it just motivate the team you are indirectly disrespecting? Not only that, putting yourself in the #4 seed when the #3 is available (NE over Hou on the road isn’t a lock) will likely send you to the Colts after they’ve had a bye…
That said, if NE wins, I agree with you: the Jets play the Bengals backups for most of the game, and probably move on.
Agreed
I don’t think Marvin and Co. are looking at matchups. It all comes down to whether the 3 seed is at stake or not.
by AB on Dec 28, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly
Once the Pats win, Cincinnati will be locked into the 4th seed regardless of the outcome of their game. There would be no reason to play the starters, unless they want to feel out the Jets for a little while.
by newyorkjeffs on Dec 28, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Paris is hot?
I have better noses made out of carrots on a snowman! If you think she is hot you need to raise your standards.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
missed the point, John
She says “That’s hot”, regardless of whether I think a herpes laden vagina is hot or not.
Gnight, Slim
Well Grover I have been accused.............
of being the sharpest knife in the drawer. But that being said I am all for keeping America beautiful so I say ban all pictures for Paris Hilton.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
OOPS, I meant to say not been accused.
In other words I can be dull sometimes especially regarding sarcasm.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
On a seperate note
I can’t believe the Jets will slip in the playoffs over some good teams like Pittsburgh, Denver and Houston. They are a 7-9 team that will end up 9-7 because their last 2 games are against second stringers. While it improves our chances to win a playoff game for the first time in decades, it still waters down the playoffs. Look at when we went 8-8 a few years back. If we played our last 2 games against backups, we would have been 10-6 and in the playoffs. Pure BS!
I totally agree.
You could’ve gotten in three years ago for sure with a win against the Steelers. The last two years haven’t been kind to you. However, a win and you would’ve been in 3 years ago against the Steelers who were defending champs and playing for pride. This time, for the Jet’s, it’s win and you’re in against a team that (likely) won’t be playing for anything except to determine if they wanna play the Jets or the Ravens in the first round. And I’ll take the Jets anyday. Super gay…
Sour Grapes
Come on. The Jets had nothing to do with the Steelers losing to the Raiders, Chiefs, and Browns. Denver losing to the Raiders. The Jets beat Houston heads up. Every team gets lucky bounces and unlucky bounces, but at this stage everything earned. Jets were down 5 points to the messiah Manning when he came out. That game wasn’t over yet.
by newyorkjeffs on Dec 28, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I want the Ravens or Steelers!!
We need to get over this fear of these guys. If there were a way I would like to see us play both of them one after another. This team thrives on emotional challenges. Beating the lesser team have no glory factor. This team has only played badly in 2 losses. The Texans and Vikings. That is going to happen. We play our best against the teams that get our emotions on a high level. Both the Steelers and Ravens do that. Bring them on. Bring them on twice. Bring them on three times. I have confidence that they will be no harder to beat than anyone else. The Ravens are not intimidating anymore. The Steelers and Ravens D will probably be the easiest to score against of anybody else we will meet. The 3rd victory would be so sweet that it outweighs all of the risks for me. Beat either of these teams a third time and both will just have to shut up. If we lose, so be it. We will have faced our worst fears and there is something to be said for that. Win or lose. I promise you that you will be treated to the game of the year if it happens. Big challenge but what in the hell do you want out of life other than the challenge. Facing challenges is the only think in life worth living for. No more luke warm existance. Heaven or hell for me.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
Guys, I think those 8-8 seasons did something to this guy.
Rock ON, JungleJohn!
I just have to agree with some of the other guys, though, that beating ANY team, whether it’s the Ravens, Steelers or whomever, three times in a single season is very, very hard!
by TheWalrus1971 on Dec 28, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. So is taking a 4-12 team and sweeping the division. I don't want it easy but
They are the easiest teams for us to beat IMO. I still don’t understand why everyone is scared of these guys. They have the weakest defenses of anybody in the playoff picture in the AFC. Our D cab handle their O better than their D can handle our O. We would not be playing who they used to be – we would be playing who they are. I say meet them in the parking lot. beat them down and end this "Bungle " thing once and for all. If we lose at least we can hold out heads up. I tire of all of this sulking.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
I know you guys are rolling your eyes but tell me where I am wrong.
Baltimore and Pittsburg have the weakest defenses of all of the playoff contenders – especially the Jets. The Jets also have a RB who is probably the best one we will face this year. I say Baltimore and Pittsburg are easier games. Plus our team will be highly charged to win and when we are we are very good. I don’t want to hear about how Ben will throw for 500 yds. He cannot do that against our secondary and with Peko and Crocker back I don’t see a big running performance either. Baltimore’s D isn’t dominate – our’s is better. Flacco only has one WR to worry about and that is Mason. Washington, well we know all about Washington. Come on.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
Bring us on indeed.
I would be all for Cincy playing hard and beating the jets who don’t deserve to have 2 games handed to them to make it. Then Cincy will have baltimore most likely. With Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincy, and NE in wildcard weekend, that would clearly be 4 tough teams. But the Jets? Cincy losing to the Jets gives them a vanilla Cincy/Jets rematch the next week and you will trounce them. That wouldn’t prove your worth as much as say, beating Baltimore : )
I'm not about...
to feel bad about winning a playoff game against a team with a lower perceived quality than a team that didn’t make the playoffs. A playoff win is a playoff win.
I’m sure you held back some excitement last year because you won the Super Bowl against the Cardinals who were only 9-7 during the regular season. It only felt like you’d won half a super bowl, right?! :-) And, man, it would have been even better if the 11-5 Pats were in the playoff field too! That SB ring just feels a little lighter since the Pats missed out on the playoffs and you beat the “lowly” Cardinals in the big game! Right!?! :-)
by AB on Dec 28, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It wouldn't matter to me if
We beat CLE, KC, BUF, and STL as long as our coaches and players are hoisting the Lombardi Trophy up after the Super Bowl, I don’t care who we beat
My three favorite things in the world in no particular order: My wife, sex with my wife, and The Cincinnati Bengals
by Kabash on Dec 28, 2009 5:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
trounce?
JETS = #1 total yard defense in the league.
JETS = #1 total scoring defense in the league.
JETS = #1 running game in the league.
TROUNCE???
by newyorkjeffs on Dec 28, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
I don't see the Jets as an easy team to beat. They scare me more than our div rivals.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
I am not afraid of any of the potential wildcards EXCEPT
Houston… that was a team that manhandlled us at home. I would much rather face the Steelers or Ravens than the Texans. Also, I say we really want the 3 seed. We barely lost to SD and that was without Peko and Crocker… I think those two make all the difference in a rematch… even in their house.
yeah i do agree here
should the pats lose (who are only 2-5 on the road this year), i hope lewis rolls the dice a little. I don’t like cincy’s chances against the colts. And hey, if the Patriots beat the colts, which is possible, and we beat SDG, that would give cincy homefield in the championship game.
I have thought all season
That the Houston game was largely a emotional drop-off game following Zimmer’s wife dieing and The Bengals using all of their emotion beating Baltimore. I would like to see Houston again and play a better game against them.
I'm torn...
First, my apologies for a long post. :)
At this point, I could really care less who we play first or throughout the playoffs. All of the possible playoff teams are extremely good in at least one area, and as we all know, any team can come out winning in the end. I think that’s been proven many, many times this year by nearly every team in the league.
I would definitely enjoy seeing the Steelers and Ravens seasons end next Sunday…just because it’s the Steelers and Ravens. But at the same time, like others have mentioned, I would like to see a third game between either of those teams and the Bengals. Both teams would be fired up like no other at game time and you could expect one hell of a great playoff game. And with a chance that the Bengals could beat one of those teams for a third time in a year would simply be amazing. It would really show how far the team has come this year. And the home crowd at Cincy would be going even more nuts if we played either team. Sorry Pittsburgh and Baltimore fans, but the Bengals owned your teams during the regular season. A third win during the playoffs is not a far cry for the Bengals.
However, I would really like to see a rematch against Denver. Hopefully show them that we could have gotten that win in week one. I think the team and its fans would be just as much fired up against Denver when compared to Pittsburgh and Baltimore this year. And at the same time, I think the Bengals would take the game.
As far as the Jets go, they do worry me. If we lose this coming Sunday in NY, then that’s one thing. Starters may not be playing much, etc. But having to play the #1 defense and running game in the league a week later in the playoffs is what bothers me. Just not sure if we could put up many points against the Jets, and you never know how Sanchez will be during the playoffs in his rookie year. Could be ugly or possibly cruising down the field. And even though it’s the playoffs and it’s a huge time, I still think the players and fans would come out much more pumped up against Denver, Pittsburgh or Baltimore. In whatever way the wild card works out….who knows now. Though, depending on the NE game, I would definitely like to see the Bengals win this Sunday, become 11-5 and have a chance at the third seed.
It’s crazy stuff, but at least us Bengals fans don’t have to rely on our team winning and one or two other teams losing in order to enter the playoffs. Ultimately, my wish is for Houston to beat NE, Denver beat KC, Baltimore beat Oakland and Cincy beat Jets. That’ll put us in the third seed vs. Denver and NE vs. Baltimore. If that route is taken, then there is even a chance we could play the Texans in the first round again. And, personally, I don’t like that scenario. But again, any team has a chance to make it to the big game. This is a professional league and every team has their strengths and weaknesses.
Come on Sunday and show us what we’ll be up against! Go Bengals!
I'd rather the Steelers than the Ravens.
Ravens gave up one of the games w/Lewis’ dipshit hit and the PI penalty on 4th.
Bengals beat the Steelers straight up.
Gnight, Slim
Anybody can beat anybody on a given day in the playoffs. They are all good.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
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