The Monday Touchdown: Merry Christmas From the Bengals Edition
by Jason Garrison on Dec 27, 2010 6:45 PM EST
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PrintThe Bengals did it. They took all the hope that the San Diego Chargers had about going to the playoffs, killed it and then danced on its grave. Not only did the offense look better than it has throughout the entire season, but they did it without the biggest name players on their roster -- Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson stepped up big time, especially Simpson, and allowed Carson Palmer to have the best game of his career. Too bad it wasn't on TV.
Here's the seven things that stand out to me after the Bengals took down the Chargers 34-20.
Thing I Know One: Simpson had a career game.... by a lot.
Before Sundays game against the Chargers (who came into the game boasting the best pass defense in the NFL) Simpson had three catches in his three year career. Those three catches went for 38 yards and none of them were touchdowns. On Sunday, Simpson had six catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. He finally showed all of us (or would have if the game wasn't blacked out) what coaches have seen in him over the past couple years when he just soaked up money and a roster spot. He's fast, he can jump, he can catch and, finally, against the Chargers he put it all together. It's very possible that Simpson just saved his career in Cincinnati.
Thing I know Two: Carson Palmer will be Cincinnati's QB in 2011
Considering that the Bengals have effectively eliminated themselves from the Andrew Luck running, I don't think there's any doubt that Palmer is going to stay right where he is next year. Maybe the Bengals draft a Jake Locker or Ryan Mallet in the 2011 draft but even if that's the case, I don't see Palmer going anywhere.
Thing I know Three: Carlos Dunlap is the real deal
He's had five straight games with a sack now. He's making a case to be named in the top two or three defensive rookies in the NFL. He was definitely one of the biggest steals in the 2010 draft.
He's still a rookie.
How is going to be next year with a season of experience under his belt and an off season of workouts? Is he Cincinnati's Dwight Freeney or DeMarcus Ware? It's too early to tell if he's going to be that good but at least I'm not saying no.
Thing I Know Four: A Chad-less win won't help him stay in Cincinnati
First we lost Terrell Owens, then Chad Ochocinco. If you told me that the Bengals would move the ball through the air against the Chargers' top ranked passing defense with Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson before the game on Sunday, I would have laughed in your face and then driven you to the closest mental hospital. Simpson showed us all why the Bengals kept him around and Caldwell didn't fail to impress either.
Ochocinco has stated that he would like to stay in Cincinnati next season but the combination of Simpson's game against the Chargers and the fact that the Bengals have fallen into the A.J. Green area of the draft may cause the Bengals to let Chad walk after the season is over.
Thing I Know Five: The Bengals need a new kicker
I'm assuming that Mike Nugent may get another shot next season but I think it's fairly clear that Clint Stitser isn't going to get it done in the long term. He's fine for now because the Bengals don't have a reason to spend any more money on a kicker but I doubt he'll be around after next week.
Thing I Know Six: Rey Maualuga is going to be the man
By the man, I mean eventual defensive captain. Even though I've always been a huge supporter and fan of Dhani Jones, I have the feeling that his job in Cincinnati is coming to an end and probably sooner rather than later. If that is the case next season, I think Maualuga will likely move into the middle linebacker position, which is where he probably belongs anyways, and could even become a new defensive captain.
I think Dhani Jones has been great in Cincinnati and I'll continue to root for him no matter where he ends up (unless it's Pittsburgh) but I also think that Maualuga is the defensive player that the Bengals will build their future on. Hopefully, he's up to the challenge.
One More Thing I know: A sweep of the Ravens will be a spoon full of sugar for some terrible tasting medicine
The Bengals have a chance to finish the season with a 5-11 record. That's not even close to being as good as I would have liked their record to be. In fact, if it was up to me, the Bengals would be undefeated from here to eternity. Even when the end of the world came, the Bengals would find a way to win. The Bengals would have a record of infinity-0 and the end of the world would be 0-1. Unfortunately, I don't control such things... it's probably better that I don't.
I know that the difference between 4-12 and 5-11 is very small but 5-11 sounds better and become 5-11 would require the Bengals to beat the Ravens which is always a bonus. If they win, they would destroy the Ravens' chances at winning the division -- again... bonus.
So, even though it may drop them out of the top-five draft picks in the 2011 NFL Draft, I would welcome one more win due to the fact that it would be against Baltimore.
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Nice Article
I agree with you…Jerome Simpson had a great game but a game doesn’t make a career nor does a season define a career; so it will be nice to see how he progresses next week into next season. Carson will definately be back in CIncy next season; not that TO isn’t effecting his judgements on the field …Carson had one of the best games of his career…Carlos Dunlap enough said…he is the man and him and Michael Johnson will be beasts for years to come..As for Chad well lets save money for JJO and just draft AJ Green..I think we keep Nugent he likes kicking in Ohio and will be cheap to keep around. I absolutely 100% agree with u about Rey Maualuga he is a beast and should be our Defensive Captain alot of passion comes from him..And Beating Ravens will complete a great Holiday for me and get me hyped for the offseason and draft…..Definately Great Thoughts!!!
This situation sucks.
We could drop all the way to number 9 with a win next week. Even though that sucks, of course we want to win for two reasons;
1. You never want to lose.
2. It’s the Ravens.
I just want to get a beast like Fairley, not the #9 guy.
"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428
I'm still less concerned about the draft pick change, as compared to the change in scheduling.
DEN & BUF sounds much better than MIA and OAK/SD.
OAK/SD would be a tough one no matter who it ends up being, and MIA is probably going to be better than BUF.
Browns could make this much easier and just beat PIT.
Not too worried about that one.
Considering we’ll make up the win differential by sweeping the division against next year.
/shades
Joe Reedy: "Supposedly Marvin could not find his flag to challenge the call. I am not kidding. #bengals"
Consider this
Last year the Bengals got Jermaine Gresham with the #21 pick. There’s PLENTY of talent out there at positions where they need help. You don’t have to have the #1 pick, or even the #2 or 3 or 4 pick to find talent in the NFL draft.
This is our year!
by Paul Cannon on Dec 28, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
yep
look where M. Oher went and look where Andre went. Sure wish we had taken Oher with the Ravens later pick.
"When you chart (the plays) and see where it broke down there was no common theme to it." - Bob Bratkowski
One thing is for sure....
The conversation of whether or not Jerome Simpson being a bust is not closed. It was a game away from being official but he ripped the door off the hinges! I’ve been a Simpson hater, and I hope he’ll continue to shut me up!
by cabech984 on Dec 27, 2010 8:33 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Just read Lewis’s Monday transcript,and he said Ocho might play Sunday,in your mind,your hopin Lewis is just using that as a “decoy” to keep teams from watching tape on the “Young Guns”,cause if its not,and Chad plays Sunday,I think Lewis is smacking the Bengals one last smack before hes shown the door,I think at this point you got to see whats really going on here,the reason Carson was so good in his last game,he doesnt have the Ochos an Owens chewin on his ears,that was the most exciting game I have seen the Bengals play in years,Carson and the vets was feeding off the Young Guns energy,and it was fun to watch,you see,Carson can be Carson,and not try to force things just cause Chad and Terrell going off on him to get the ball,did you see them run back to the huddle,and run to get in position without crying about the play before,it was exciting to watch the future Bengals play,get some Safeties in here and a stud #1 draft pick and lets get this train back on track,the next coach wont have to overhaul this roster,just needs to bring in a good coach (sorry Zimmer,your not the next head coach,scroll back to the Buffalo game my friend and stop bringing old injured prone players back in your day Dusty Baker Zimmer,you dont owe them anything and we shouldnt have to pay to see it),I wouldnt mind Kubiak from Texas as a OC and maybe John Fox as HC,I liked what I seen Sunday,and by reading Lewis’s comments,so did Mikey,so lets get excited by watching the future Sunday,cause when Carson doesnt have a earache from the gruesome twosome,hes actually a pretty good QB.
I actually think I want Chad to play.
We need to figure something out about whether this option should be picked up. Is he going to step into a role and run the routes he’s supposed to run, or is he going to be a team cancer and keep doing his own thing? It’s time to find out if he fits in with the direction this team is going, which is moving towards an offense where Carson spreads the ball all around. This game is big for Chad too.
"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428
Why???
So let me see,your ok to bring back Chad to take another year away from these guys that have already been here 3yrs,that would make one sit another year and only have one more year left to see the youth and you really think Chads gonna be here after next year regardless if the option is picked up or not,and also,did you see how Carson is a totally different QB when hes not got Chad crying in his ear to force a pass to him,sorry salad,dont see the logic in bringing back Chad whatsoever,Chads out for Chad,he’ll throw you and me and any other under the bus to foward his career,think how he acted a couple years ago,I for one wants to see team effort like we seen Sunday,instead of a embarrassing Chad crying and Whit screaming at him to shut up,and a coach that kisses him,theirs no crying and kissing in football and putting yourself before the team,I cant wait to see how the next team deals with him,and we get the team spirit back in here,cause like I said,Carson can be Carson when he can concentrate on whats in front of him then drama ramas crying every play and have to force something,you seen it Sunday,if that doesnt tell the tale on why this team was so different,its as plain as the nose on your face,less drama and players that run to the huddle,get in position,and excited to play,I’ll take that over all the Ochos and Owens every Sunday brother!
It probably makes more business sense to keep Chad
Why pay him 3.5 million to leave? They might as well throw in the extra 2.5 and have some depth on the roster at WR. I mean, Reggie Wayne eventually replaced Marvin Harrison – hell, they even played together (probably a concept that would shock Brat).
This is our year!
by Paul Cannon on Dec 28, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
Dont agree
you can also look at it as saving the 2.5 towards maybe resigning Joseph or Ced,hey,I dont want to see Chad screw up the growth of these guys,you guys cant see how that pushes another year of no growth and Chad acting up,I mean why cant you see the big picture here,Carson was at peace with himself and not pressured to force anything to a cryin Chad,or a team drama free,and players excited and other players feeding off positive energy,surely you seen how different the team looked,and if your all about the money to him,sign and trade him,its a win win situation for both sides,but please dont say stunt the growth of younger guys over money to bring back such a drama rama that can careless about this team,just looks out for himself…I cant believe no one other me got excited watching that game,and wanna go backwards on the youth just to see a Chad act up another year,as Chad would say “Child Pleasee”
Why can't we have 3 receivers?
Simpson should have been on the field with Chad a long time ago if last game was any indication. He could have played the Chris Henry role if nothing else – 2 catches a game for 50 yards (think Mike Wallace)
And what happens if Simpson gets injured? Then you’re stuck with Caldwell as your #1 or a rookie if they choose to draft one. That makes no sense to me at all.
This is our year!
I'll admit that if we want everyone on the field having Chad may not be a good idea.
Simpson needs to be in the #1 or #2 role. Bumping Caldwell to the slot would be a decent idea if we didn’t already have Shipley there, but the slot position is already taken. There isn’t room for all four of these guys.
"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428
I would like Chad to stay also!!!!!
I wasn’t aware that Chad was such a problem for Carson and cried for the ball at all times… if Chad can alter the entire game by crying for the ball and forcing Carson to throw to him, don’t you also think that is an issue with the Quarterback as well? If Carson can’t handle that, how will he be able to handle an entire defense rushing in to hit him every play? i think the crying for the ball part is just blown out a bit by media and everyone latches on, Carson probably doesn’t even care. I always thought he wanted the ball to make something happen for the team, not himself because he likes to compete. I happen to like Chad and imo, i always thought he did a lot for the team. He does a lot of ticket buying for fans and charity work, but since he also has a personal life and is very vocal(twitter, dwts, the show no one watches), it is necessary to say he doesn’t care about anyone except himself and he throws people under the bus? i thought he just got threw under the bus last week? Chad has made the Bengals fun to watch, i enjoy the attention he brings to the Bengals. Ask any non-Bengal fan to name a few players and he is bound to be one of the first or few that they do know. Love or hate him, he brings in fans, not the lack of wins and makes the games more exciting for myself.
If he showed up to voluntary workouts I wouldn't mind him having his shows and stuff.
But when that stuff interferes with football you have a problem.
"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428
thats all that matters
As long as other people can tell you who Chad is ,that is good a enough reason to bring him back?
We all love Chad too. Chad does great things for people in the city and has been a great player, but that doesn’t warrant bringing him back. At some point all things end, and him buying a few tickets or his playful attitude in the locker room doesn’t win games.
He has been a great teammate and I can’t remember a time he threw anyone under the bus. I hate to think of the team without Ocho , but it’s a young mans game and Chad is no longer a young man .(in football years).
Using the arguments you posted, we would keep Chad tilll he’s 90 years old.
I love Chad, but it’s time to move forward not stay in neutral.
sorry
my post was just a reply to him being a cancer and throwing people under the bus, not as much the only reason for keeping him. i just dont agree that every mistake any player makes is because Chad is loud and shows off. Chad still draws double coverage, not every single down but he does do it which frees up someone else to pass to besides 85. Why can’t we use a receiver that is still productive and still have young players also? with T.O. gone, there is already an open receiver spot, caldwell is not the one imo. He shows up when the defense lets him. he could prove me wrong and i hope that he does but 1 game does not give enough grounds to roll with some new talent and dump current players. Has anyone every heard of matt moore? i know he is a qb but still, he looked pretty good last year and carolina cut jake (the more i continue using this example, the worse it sounds) and look how well that worked out. Simpson had a good game, and if he can continue to do it, i would love for him to take the #1 spot, slide chad over and keep him. i stil think T.O’s yards are due to Chad just as much as his own effort.
CANCER!
Can no one see that Chad and TO are cancer and they cause problems!! Playing him next week is so ridiciously stupid, i want to scream hearing some of you wanting him to play. Its time to rebuild, for Carson to not have a whinning big mouth screaming for the ball. Carson the last two weeks has looked amazing you want to know why! 2 things:#1 We have had an identity, run first! With the Browns we torched them against the chargers not so much, but like the colts say “we dont have to be great at running the ball, just good enough to keep the defense honest” All that running opens up the pass game. #2 Carson didnt lock in and throw the ball to someone that is double or triple covered!!! Maybe its not Chad and TO’s fault that carson locked into those guys, but the reality is he does, and if we are keeping carson these guys need to go ASAP! another comment WTF would we want John Fox! are you serious!!! wow!! I am high on two guys Jason Garrett from Dallas and Jeff Fisher from Tenn. what do you guys think of those two??? #1 pick Farley really!! Do you not have Peko, Geno, Pat Simms, and Fannenne. Lets beef up some positions we actually need! My three needs for the Bengals not in any order: QB-Locker or Mallet, WR-Green, Julio Jones, or even a guy in the 2nd like Blackman and a Safety!!! I would draft Patrick Peterson! He is the best Corner in football and he can replace JJo or Hall which ever one we dont keep after next year as well as he can play nickle and I think if you make him a safety with him speed, body and ball hawking he could he all-pro there in 3 years plus he is a return guy and I think he is the best sure thing in the entire draft!!!! what do you guys think!!!!
You had me until you said not to make Zimmer HC.
And then did it solely based off of one game. And the only two old, injury-prone players he’s brought in thus far are Odom and Roy Williams. Sure, veterans who help our team but we need veteran presence, even if we’re mostly dominated by younger players. People are allowed mulligans in this league and Zimmer has a starting DLine and secondary on the IR.
Then you said Fox as HC, which is also pretty much a no, as I see him very much like a second coming of Marvin without any of the control.
Joe Reedy: "Supposedly Marvin could not find his flag to challenge the call. I am not kidding. #bengals"
by Doc Scratch on Dec 28, 2010 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
Well..Smoke On This Doc..
I said i wouldnt mind Fox,I have already said who I wanted,but I dont think Gruden is comin now since more openings have come up and he can get more money,I really hoped we can get a real coach in here instead of cordinators,Zimm and Lewis are good cordinators,but not a good HC,arent you tired of “cordinators gone bad”?
Yep.
But you better get used to them because Mikey’s not gonna shell out the money. I’d take Zimmer over Fox, Zimmer can at least motivate players.
Joe Reedy: "Supposedly Marvin could not find his flag to challenge the call. I am not kidding. #bengals"
by Doc Scratch on Dec 28, 2010 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Mikey
hasnt been bad the last few years,and hes about gave Katie most of the power now,he knows his legacy isnt much,but hes not responsible for X’s and O’s,and you gotta admit,the stuff on mis alianments and bad substutions and silly stuff that should of been cleaned up in preseason wasnt,its time to move out the old and move in a new direction,obv you cant stay pat…its time to move on.
who's responsible for bringing in players
who are injured (Bryant), who have to switch positions (A. Smith, R. Malaluga, any number of TEs that now find themselves playing FB/H-back), A. Collins, M. Johnson.
"When you chart (the plays) and see where it broke down there was no common theme to it." - Bob Bratkowski
dont forget Tank..
he has been injury prone and Zimm got him a new deal,just more Dusty Baker Syndrome we can do without.
it's posssible.
Zimmer is the highest paid assistant coach in the NFL. That says MB likes him and if MB likes him nothing is out of the question!
Who do you think we will get here? The best we will do is get some unknown or unproven coach. No respectable coach will play for MB.
Doc give us name
I would like to hear some names on HC,because i dont think much as some think on roll over on this roster.
Hue Jackson?
Schottenheimer from the Jets? But I really think Marvin is staying and Brat is promoted. We get another OC. This is what I have a feeling on b/c MB knows he needs someone with a football mind to help Katie pick players and such. He’s been around for a long time and they trust him a lot or he would’ve been gone along time ago. MB said there will be some changes (if you believe the letter someone said he wrote) and we know Katie is got one of the reins. I figure that this was the year (11’) that Katie takes the other rein with MB still in the passenger side. Therefore he will have to give someone an “assistant GM” job over football personnel but not operations. He’ll do half of what a GM does, as an “assistant GM” does.
If this doesn’t happen next year it will in the near future. Just my opinion..
Schottenheimer from the Jets
I live just outside NY and I have no choice but to watch all things Jets.
Schottenheimer is hated here, just as much as Brat is hated in Cincy!
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