Bengals Early Bird Special: Are You Ready For Some Football?

Good morning Bengals Nation! You know the drill! So why not mix it up today? Instead of just going with one normal size cup of coffee, find the largest cup you have and fill it up 14 times. And instead of only one doughnut this morning go with 18 dozen donuts. Also don't worry about being late to work this morning. Why sweat the little things? 

It's finally Friday, which means it's finally the weekend. And what does that mean? FOOTBALL! And plenty of it. Certain teams will be seeking their first victory (and won't succeed, I'm referring to the Colts). I know some argue that the Colts are poised to finally break into the win column, but I'm not convinced that that will happen this week against the Bengals.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Colts will manage to scrape out a couple of wins, but I don't think they will be able to beat Cincinnati. The Colts' offense and defense have looked shaky all season. Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs they blew a 17 point lead and ended up losing 28-24. Also the Colts have allowed 400 or more yards of total offense the last three weeks. I don't know if that will change this week. It all depends on which running game shows up for the Bengals.

We have already seen what Andy Dalton is capable of, however the running attack has been inconsistent beyond belief. Dalton is capable of leading the Bengals to victory. He has demonstrated his ability to throw the ball down-field and put up points on the scoreboard, even if he waits until the fourth quarter to do so. It's the Bengals running game that has killed them. In a season where the Bengals are supposedly going to rely more on the rushing game, it would appear as if Benson and company didn't get the memo. 

So, on Sunday if the Bengals ground game decides to show up to the stadium then I can easily envision them winning by a comfortable margin. But if the running game is there physically and not mentally then I can see the game going to either opponent. Only time will tell which team shows up ready to play.

Alright here is a look at what you may have missed or overlooked from Thursday.

• Check out our weekly podcast.
• If anyone is curious about the Bengals Super Bowl XLVI odds, well here is an update on their odds from Bodog.
• Despite his struggles with consistency Cedric Benson is still the primary back. Many fans have questioned why Bernard Scott hasn't received more carries. And Scott is looking to get more carries.
• While it has been a new trend for 2009 draft picks to flop, Andre Smith has been on the rise this season.
• Heading into week six here is a look at what is going around the AFC North.
• It would seem like a logical move for the Bengals to implement a two-back system in order to save some wear and tear on Cedric Benson, however he doesn't buy into two-back systems to save his body.
• Cincy Jungle's week five MVP is......check it out for yourself.
• Bengals legendary offensive lineman Anthony Munoz offers his two cents on Andrew Whitworth.
• On Sunday against the Jaguars, Bernard Scott scored the go-ahead touchdown for the Bengals in the fourth quarter. In celebration of his second career touchdown Scott hurled the football into the stands. That throw cost him $5,000. Note to self don't throw footballs into stands.
• For all of you statistical junkies here are Andy Dalton's numbers out of the shotgun and during blitzes. 
• Hey as if we didn't already know this, or at least couldn't figure it out on our own, Mike Brown offers nothing in question regarding the trade deadline and Carson Palmer.
• Now that the nominations are in for the Caption Contest it's time for you to cast your vote! Hurry before it's too late.
• Even though we are only five games into the season, the Bengals 2012 opponents have been announced.
• TiqIQ has a new feature of "Pick Your Price" for Bengals tickets. Tickets on the 50-yard line for $10? I don't think that's unreasonable.