Open Thread: NFL Early Games
by Kirkendall on Nov 22, 2009 12:09 PM EST
62 comments
Happy, happy Who Dey friends. Today is the third time this year that the Bengals have played a game outside the 1PM time slot. I know, it screws up our gardening schedule, but we'll manage. The Bengals are in Oakland today and will play the Raiders. The latest news is that Cedric Benson is likely to sit while Larry Johnson will get significant playing time. We'll see.
In the meantime, there's 1pm games coming up. Here's where we talk about those. One game of interest is the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens. If you're in the Cincinnati area, this is the CBS game. Pittsburgh is in Kansas City and I know one of us will be able to see that game to tell us what it was like to see the Steelers fall to the Chiefs.
Anyway, bring all discussions of football -- including a mediocre college Saturday. Bring it on.
62 comments | 0 recs
Are the Bengals Super Bowl Contenders?
by Jay McDonnell on Nov 20, 2009 9:00 PM EST
in Analysis
46 comments
Now hang on before you completely beat me to a bloody pulp questioning what kind of moron I am. I know and understand that it is week 10 of the season with 7 more games to go against some formidable opponents. Anything can happen, from a sudden rash of injuries to complacency. But there is aura in the air for us Bengals fans that can be as contagious as the Swine Flu. My wife, who knows football so well half of the men in her office won't hesitate to talk the game with her, proclaimed that if the Bengals beat the Steelers, "they are going to the Super Bowl!" Yes, that is a direct quote.
Now I don't want to start any unnecessary Super Bowl hype for the Bengals, but having swept the teams considered contenders for the division title, a certain level of expectation may be placed on this accomplishment. My wife and I both know that there are still seven games yet to be played and anything can happen to include a meltdown that might leave them out of the playoffs. Given past history of ineptitude, why should anyone even consider the Bengals a contender when they play in the same conference as the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, who are considered the class of the league? But let's take last season for instance. Perennial NFL laughing stock Arizona Cardinals, a franchise considered by many the worst in Pro Sports history, not only won their division for the first time since forever, showed that even perennial losers can have a streak of good luck and get to the Super Bowl. As a team, there may have been areas of concern; they still made the title game and nearly won it.
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Bengals struggle in California; Benson "doubtful" to play against Oakland
by Kirkendall on Nov 20, 2009 11:24 AM EST
in Analysis
19 comments
Californeya has the internet gold rush. So the Bengals have broken several trends this year. They've swept the Steelers for the first time since 1998. Dating back to last year, they've won five straight road games for the first time in franchise history. With a win over the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals will go undefeated in the division for the first time in franchise history -- they've won five divisional games in only six seasons (2009, 2005, 1996, 1990, 1989, 1984).
Another trend remains. Games on the West Coast. Specifically, in California. The Bengals have lost 26 of 35 regular season games in California. Dating back to 1992, they've won only one of ten games. The Bengals history in California is terrible enough that if you take the Bengals all-time record and remove regular season games played in California, the Bengals all-time winning percentage jumps ten points. (Note: I'm a South Park junkie).
Larry Johnson could play Sunday. C Trent Rosecrans writes that Larry Johnson "said his first practice as a Bengal on Wednesday went smoothly, and he's just happy to be practicing." This is important because it's believed that Cedric Benson will miss Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Joe Reedy writes that "Benson did not practice for a second straight day, meaning that it is unlikely he will play on Sunday at Oakland." To be honest, I'm interested to see what Johnson can do behind this offensive line.
Moving on...
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Larry Johnson signing could indirectly challenge Cedric Benson causing post-apocalyptic scenario
by Kirkendall on Nov 19, 2009 11:51 AM EST
in Analysis
41 comments
The biggest question I had with the Larry Johnson signing was team chemistry and lockerroom cohesiveness. Some will disregard the whole idea that chemistry and cohesiveness are critical components for success on the field. But that's fine. My knowledge about NFL lockerrooms is admittedly limited. Others who claim it's overrated probably have sat on one of the wooden stools in front of a locker, watching players interact with each other, jotting notes for their conducted experiments with white lab coats, bunsen burners and beakers. I can't compete with that. So I elect not to try.
However, since the over-rated aspect of chemistry and cohesiveness translating to better success on the field hasn't actually presented substance, I'll continue with my belief. A happy lockerroom is good. A tension filled lockerroom is bad. Kind of like work. You have those people. Idiots. Nincompoops. Those annoying jerks that make you drink in so much excess that you mutter things like, "I... (sigh).. gtttn... tiii (sigh)... of... yoour (sigh)... crap" and steal your women. At least so I've heard.
But the speculation will take form. The worry? How does Cedric Benson react to the move? Admittedly, even if he hates the move, some measure of professionalism must be observed here. There's no reason to believe this move is personal, and I don't believe he thinks of it that way. Though, speculation comes in many forms. Ranging from taking quotes at face value, to interpretation quotes on the best possible angle.
The quote from Benson:
“Oh, I didn’t know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat or anything. I really have no feelings about it,” Benson said after Wednesday morning’s walkthrough. “They made a move they felt they needed to do, and that’s fine with me. It’s not going to affect me in any kind of way. Whatever happens from here on, I can guarantee you I’ll definitely be making the best of it.
“The offensive playbook here can be tricky, so it takes a little bit to get adjusted. But Larry’s all right,” Benson said. “He’s a professional and a great player at that. I’m sure whatever adjustments he has to make, or if he gets a chance to play, I’m sure he’ll make the best of it.”
Personally, I took the quote at face value. I had no reason to suspect otherwise and that's why we didn't mention it on Wednesday. Then again, I'm not there. Maybe while he was talking, Benson was flinging boogers at him with his back turned. "Hey, since when did put yellow polka dots on our practice jerseys? Awesome!" Chad says in passing.
Paul Daugherty question it on The Morning Line Thursday morning. "Ced Benson was not pleased with the LJ move. It wasnt just what he said yesterday, but how he said it. Even as M. Lewis has said repeatedly that #32 is the guy, you could tell Benson was more than a little hissed." Definitely boogers.
Cnati's Scott Priestle writes, "Cedric Benson did not bother to put on a happy face Wednesday. He insisted he has no opinion about the Bengals signing former Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson, but his body language suggested frustration."
The Associated Press' Joe Key writes, "After a light morning workout, Benson didn't have much to say about the Bengals' decision to sign Johnson. Told that he didn't appear to be thrilled with the move, Benson smiled."
Then again, you have to consider that even if Benson isn't happy, or as he subtly put it, "didn't know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat," that you love the kid for his ambition. Now it feels like it he might be challenged with Johnson. Running back controversy? I doubt it. But based on people's competitive nature, the idea that Johnson is sitting patiently behind Benson does challenge him.
Now he's even more motivated. Now, with a weak three game stretch, you know Benson is going to kick some ass and not bother taking names because he's going to beat the crap out of the letters that compose the names too. Don't agree?
"Most of the time, you hold your fate in your own hands," Benson said. "I'm not letting up in any aspect of what I do. I expect to continue to be the No. 1 guy, and if not, I'll make it that way."
At this point, you can only grin like giddy fans grin.
41 comments | 0 recs |
Oakland will start Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback against the Bengals. Yes, that same Bruce Gradkowski in 2006
by Kirkendall on Nov 19, 2009 9:55 AM EST
in Game Previews
12 comments
The date was October 15, 2006. The weather was a warm 77 degrees at kickoff, with light winds. The game featured the 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals and the 0-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, was making his second NFL start. With Cincinnati leading 13-7 and 4:21 left in the game, the Gradkowski led Buccaneers offense takes the field. After converting a first down, Tampa Bay lined up at the Bengals 32-yard line. What happened next is bound to be etched in the memory of many Bengals fans. Since I got the way-back machine out yesterday for our Chris Henry piece, I figure, why not reference an old entry during Cincy Jungle's first year in existence.
But the bigger controversy was Justin Smith's roughing the passer. Smith wrapped up Bruce Gradkowski, who lowered his head, hitting the ground with the top of his helmet. Gradkowski lost the ball and I put my arms up thinking this game was over. But since Smith tried to tackle the quarterback - which is illegal - the Bengals were penalized 15 yards; Tampa Bay scored the winning touchdown a few plays later.
I understand the idea of protecting helpless children, women and quarterbacks. Let's be honest though, hard knocks are what injures quarterbacks; not being rolled onto your head or the extension of arms. A cornerback, safety or linebacker, with a full head of steam, will devastate a Quarterback's body (Google the Ohio State Buckeyes and Drew Stanton... or Chris Simms). It took until this off-season to make a rule that defensive players couldn't shred the knee of a quarterback. Smith's sack was minimal in scope to the health of the quarterback but monumental in scope to the game.
The penalty not only pushed the Buccaneers to the Cincinnati 25-yard line, but Cincinnati lost a fumble recovery which would have likely sealed the game. The Bengals couldn't stop the offense after that, even though Tampa Bay was forced to make a third-and-13 conversion -- which they did on fourth down when Gradkowski completed an eight-yard touchdown pass to Mark Clayton. Game over.
Peter King wrote at the time, "... HORRENDOUS roughing-the-passer call in Tampa, giving the Bucs good field position as they drive, with a Toledo Rocket at quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, to try to beat the hanging-on-for-dear-life Bengals at the Pirate Ship." And Justin Smith said at the time, "That was the ballgame," Smith said. "There was no whistle call, nothing like that to stop the play. I didn't slam him (or) pick him up. He doubled over, went down and fumbled the ball."
Why bring all of this up, you ask? For one, I can. For two, the Bengals will be seeing Gradkowski again this weekend in Oakland.
The Oakland Raiders benched former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell on Wednesday, handing the starting job to journeyman Bruce Gradkowski for the foreseeable future.
Coach Tom Cable made the announcement of the change following practice as the Raiders (2-7) prepare to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cable said this was not a temporary move, that his plan is to stick with Gradkowski.
"I don't want to be like that," he said. "This is where we're headed and what we're going to do. He'll take this team and go with it."
If the Bengals bring their best game to Oakland, I don't see this as remotely being a problem. Cincinnati, I believe, is fielding the best overall team this year compared to the entire Marvin Lewis era. And the players are well aware of the implications of playing a 2-7 team. However, sometimes the football gods mix it up a little. And they did that weekend in 2006. When the 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals lost to the 0-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Practice Report: Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) at Oakland Raiders (2-7)
by Kirkendall on Nov 19, 2009 9:15 AM EST
in Injury
3 comments
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, we'll (TRY TO) update the practice/injury chart leading up to Sunday's game. The chart is pretty self-explanatory. If the player is listed as out, they're out for the game. If they did not participate, they didn't practice. If they were limited, then they only participated during a portion of practice (typically means missing 11-on-11 drills). If the player is listed as full participation, it simply means that they practiced fully and that the only reason they're listed is because injury was an issue the week before.
Practice
| BENGALS | WED | THUR | FRI |
| RB Cedric Benson (hip) | DNP | DNP | |
| S Chris Crocker (calf) | DNP | DNP | |
| G Evan Mathis (ankle) | DNP | LP | |
| LB Keith Rivers (calf) | DNP | DNP | |
| CB Johnathan Joseph (foot) | LP | LP | |
| RB Jeremi Johnson (chest) | FP | FP | |
| WR Laveranues Coles (head) | -- | LP | |
| OAKLAND | WED | THUR | FRI |
| LB Ricky Brown (ankle) | DNP | ||
| S Hiram Eugene (shoulder) | DNP | ||
| WR Nick Miller (shin) | DNP | ||
| WR Javon Walker (hamstring) | DNP | ||
| DE Greg Ellis (knee, shoulder) | LP | ||
| LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (ankle) | FP | ||
Oakland's practice hadn't ended by the time the injury report was released.
3 comments | 0 recs |
Chris Henry would "prefer to return to Bengals"; a look at how one year can change everything
by Kirkendall on Nov 18, 2009 2:46 PM EST
in Analysis
34 comments
To give you an idea of Chris Henry before the 2008 regular season, one could watch a few seasons of The Wire (one of the better shows I've seen in ages). Suddenly, something nailed him like a well placed punch of reality, which spoke to him: you have talent, you have opportunity, you have everything if you want it. Take it. It's yours. Henry listened this time. And after his latest trouble turned out to be nothing more than wasted time on a dropped lawsuit, the Bengals signed Henry to a two-year deal. Bengals fans were far more than skeptical. We were enraged in our classic, what the hell, moments. In fact, let's go back in time, shall we?
April 3, 2008. Henry released. Cincy Jungle headline reads: "Bengals release Chris Henry -- adios, idiot". Perhaps we were a little over-enthusiastic. But if anything described fans feelings regarding Henry at the time, that's close enough.
July 17, 2008. Henry's agent at the time said several teams were interested in Henry, including Cincinnati. We wrote:
There's no question about his talent. And though I'm not as weighted on the character bandwagon like many others, I do see the point that Henry's conduct has forced his limitation on the field -- i.e., suspensions. In a sense, you can't trust the guy. You can't trust him to remain clean with the constant threat of suspensions hovering over the team's head. That's simple dependability.
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Bernard Scott named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
by Kirkendall on Nov 18, 2009 1:44 PM EST
in Awards
6 comments
As if we didn't document Bernard Scott's weekend enough already, we've decided to pile on the mountain of awesomeness that is Bernard Scott. Every Wednesday, the NFL announces players of the week for offense, defense and special teams for the AFC and NFC. Carson Palmer won the award during his five touchdown day (aka, holy-freaking awesome day) against the Bears during week seven and Antwan Odom won it in week two after recording an impressive five sacks against the Green Bay Packers.
Add Bernard Scott to the list.
The NFL announced Wednesday that Scott won the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after recording a 96-yard touchdown return against the Pittsburgh Steelers and 206 yards on kickoff return. Scott is the first Bengals player named the Special Teams Player of the Week since Tab Perry in week 13 during the 2005 season, ironically enough against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 197 yards on five kickoff returns, including a 94-yarder that setup Rudi Johnson's one-yard touchdown run giving the Bengals the lead (31-24) with 7:57 left in the third quarter (run-on sentences for the win!). Scott is also the first Bengals player to record a touchdown on kickoff return since Glenn Holt on November 4, 2007.
Here's the award winnings for week 10.
AFC Offensive Player of the Week: QB Peyton Manning, Colts
AFC Defensive Player of the Week: Safety Mike Brown, Chiefs
AFC Special Teams Player of the Week: RB Bernard Scott, Bengals
NFC Offensive Player of the Week: WR Sidney Rice, Vikings
NFC Defensive Player of the Week: CB Charles Woodson, Packers
NFC Special Teams Player of the Week: P Hunter Smith, Redskins
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AFC North Standings
| W | L | T | PF | PA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
7 | 2 | 0 | 198 | 147 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
6 | 3 | 0 | 207 | 157 |
|
Baltimore
|
5 | 4 | 0 | 222 | 154 |
|
Cleveland
|
1 | 8 | 0 | 78 | 225 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 4:42 AM EST)
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