I had to wonder just how much people are willing to stick with the Bengals this year. Many are sick and tired of losing -- award for the most obvious statement in sports history. And in fact, this season, more than any other during the Marvin Lewis era, Bengals fans are wondering just how much this reflects a generation of Bengals football that fans would rather forget, or help motivate them to become bitter as hell. Either situation is not only justified and understood, but characteristic of human psychology. There are times that I want to go through the same rehearsed arguments, when I realize that sometimes we should just move on game-by-game and enjoy the season as best we can. It's not about tomorrow nor is it about next season -- those will come in time. It's about doing what we do best. Cheering the team on a weekly basis. That is, if you have the energy in reserves to accomplish such an act.

In the long run, Bengals football has absolutely no resolve forecasted. Many ponder the draft as a stepping stone -- an argument and a general feeling of hope cemented each season. In many cases, the draft doesn't assure any resolutions. This offseason will include some of the beefiest (depth of those available) free agents we've seen in years. Many star players may find themselves available in free agency simply because the powerhouses of the NFL can't keep everyone.

Does free agency matter as a Bengals fan? You have to wonder when the team gave Willie Anderson, Levi Jones and Bobbie Williams contract extensions when Eric Steinbach was already scratched out from the team's 2007 roster before the 2006 season even started. You have to wonder their big-picture thinking cutting Brian Simmons and letting Marcus Wilkins and Kevin Kaesviharn -- among others -- sign with other teams. While they certainly weren't superstars, they were positive contributors to the overall picture.

Either way, there really is no reason to believe this team will take the 2007 roster and reshape it to a form of competitive balance this team enjoyed in 2005. Not with this recent historical trends. Some part of me realizes there's a look in Marvin Lewis' eyes that demand a complete personnel overall. That, in my honest opinion, will be the only way this team will rebound towards progression. Otherwise, we'll be stuck in a cycle of regression -- something fans would just as well forget.

So back to my week-to-week, game-by-game, mind set. This Sunday. Who practiced, who didn't and who's out?

Marc Bulger is out. The Rams won't have cornerback Eric Bassey (knee) or tackle Rob Petitti (concussion). Quarterback Gus Frerotte (right shoulder) is doubtful while wide receiver Brandon Williams is questionable.

For the Bengals, Willie Anderson is sitting while Madieu Williams (thigh) is questionable missing an entire week of practice. Speaking of practice...

Cincinnati Bengals

St. Louis Rams

DNP - Did Not Participate in Practice
LP - Limited Participation in Practice
FP - Full Participation in Practice
IR - Placed on IR.

This week, Ryan Van Bibber (Rams blog) and I sat back and realized how much we relate as fans of our disappointed teams. Many of the same issues plaguing the Bengals are hurting the Rams. So instead of chatting about what to expect Sunday, we reflected our teams.

Josh: One of the more intriguing debates in Cincinnati, with the Rams, is the 2004 draft. If you remember, the Bengals gave their 24th pick to the Rams for a 26th pick and a 4th round pick (#127). The Bengals picked up Stacy Andrews -- currently the starting right tackle for the injured Willie Anderson -- for their 4th round pick and Chris Perry for their first pick. It's intriguing because of what we know now -- the Bengals were going to pick up a running back. Instead of picking up Steven Jackson, the Bengals wanted the second pick from the trade and decided on Chris Perry. His injuries are well noted as are Jackson's accomplishments in such a short period of time.

Ryan: That's kind of interesting that you bring that up. All year and the year before that and the year before that... critics have hammered the Rams for the lack of success through the draft; Jackson's one of very few players left from the Rams drafts since 1999. That trade's a good reminder that the team didn't totally throw away opportunities in the draft. The writing was on the wall that we would need an understudy for the great Marshall Faulk and Jackson was picked for that role. If only we had an offensive line to open more holes for him, we might have seen so much more out of him this season. I'm sure that would have made the memories that much better for Bengals fans, huh?

Still, I understand why the Bengals didn't feel the need to draft him then as Rudi Johnson emerged. How's Rudi doing nowadays? Does second fiddle status to Watson loom in his future?

Josh: There's so many unknowns with Bengals running backs. Kenny Watson is a true third down back. Blocks and receives exceptionally well. While he's playing well for the injured Rudi Johnson, he's not the feature back. On IR this season is Chris Perry and Kenny Irons. Perry, we know, is too fragile to become the feature back. Kenny Irons, the Auburn running back expected to become the feature back, shredded his knee early in preseason.

Rudi isn't well. In the offseason before 2006, Rudi decided to change his body and reduce his weight. It also significantly lowered his running power. His legs, once the size of trees, have slimmed. His body mass that benefited him between the tackles no longer exists. He's just about done. Speaking of which, has Jackson returned to 100%?

The weather Sunday is expected to have rain with temperatures around the mid-50s. I noted that the Rams, since 2004, are 8-15 outside.

Ryan: Jackson is as healthy as he's going to get this season, and it's safe to say that he is near 100% anyway. That silk wall of an o-line isn't making it any easier for him though.

Well, the home dome used to be a real advantage too, but the Rams needed five tries before they could get a win there. This is one season where the splits can't hide the general crappiness of the team.

Holt has 29 receptions for 285 and 1 TD in five games outdoors this season versus 43 receptions, 659 yards, and 5 TDs in 7 games under a roof this season. That, obviously, is a concern for the Rams, but Bennett and McMichael could factor heavier into the game plan. That is of course assuming there is some kind of cohesive game plan among the offensive geniuses running our team.

Which reminds me that the split I should really direct your attention to is the Rams' second half play. The Rams have led at the half in six games this season - no small feat in and of itself - and hung on to win three. Through all 12 games, we've been outscored 192-66 in the second half. A big part of that problem is the offense unable to maintain possession through a variety of reasons, turnovers, penalties, poor execution, etc. Inside or outside that's one area that needs to be addressed. Speaking of inconsistency, I saw that Football Outsiders was pretty critical of Palmer's week in, week out performance and cited his inability to make throws against Pittsburgh last week.

Josh: Palmer is having some issues right now stemming mostly from an ineffective rushing offense, a musical chairs offensive line and the lack of wide receiver depth. While Chris Henry was suspended, the Bengals didn't have that #3 guy to free up Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Palmer's game against Pittsburgh was a bad one. Add that game with the game three weeks ago against the Cardinals where he recorded a career-high four interceptions.

And it's not just those games. His supporting cast, lack thereof, has raised the pressure on Palmer's shoulders forcing him to make impossible throws -- many of which are on third-and-long putting him on pace for a career-high 20 interceptions this season. We learn about people during controversy and adversity. And while Palmer is one of the league's best quarterbacks, a gifted technician with a sound mind, a class act, he's been challenged from fans and the media to step up and win us these games -- supporting cast or not.

I know many people don't like the injury excuse for a team's futility. The Bengals have seen two running backs, five linebackers and a large contingent of their special teams players fall to injury. I'm sure Rams fans know injuries as well.

Ryan: The injuries have only added to the confusion Rams fans experience. Obviously, the decimated offensive line has hurt us quite a bit. I don't know that it's even worth looking up how many different line combos the Rams have used this season, close to a new one every week. The effects are showing up everywhere, most notably in the health of our quarterbacks. The really perplexing thing about the injuries has been the responses from the defense and the offense to key injuries. When Leonard Little went down for the season, I think we all pretty much assumed things were going to get ugly, but lo and behold, the defense had their best games of the season when Haslett used it as an opportunity to use a 3-4 set up with Carriker and the beast known as Will Witherspoon as attacking DEs. Conversely, there's been almost nothing but disappointment that the offense has failed to adapt in a similar fashion to the injuries. It's like two different teams.

It's amazing how much you find out about coaches in their response to injuries, isn't it?

Josh: The Bengals are a weird bunch. While a majority of their injuries has come from the defense, the Bengals offense is the one that's been the most inconsistent. Right now, the defense is playing a four-game stretch that we haven't seen in nearly six years. On offense, Carson Palmer, without much help around him, has turned in two of his career's worst performances in the past three games.

I have to admit, and I'm playing the role of Bengals-homer here, that if it weren't for the plane wreck that is the New Orleans Saints, I could make the case that the Cincinnati Bengals are the NFL's most disappointing team. While injuries played the biggest role, the Bengals just haven't been able to avoid adversity that comes with a losing team. And in a lot of ways, I think the Rams and their fans can relate.

As for Sunday, this game could be a fun one. There's no pressure on either team. No playoff implications. Both teams can unleash and have fun. If there's a silver lining for Sunday, it's games like this.

Ryan: Inconsistency? Disappointing? Unable to avoid adversity? I had to double check your email address to make sure you weren't a Rams writer too. I think we can definitely relate.

I do have a theory on injuries to offense and defensive players. First, let me state for the record, I'm no expert, so this is just my own musing and nothing more. However, I think defenses can cope with key injuries better than offenses. Defenses have the luxury of reshuffling their players and adjusting their lineups, something they do from possession to possession anyway. On the other side of the ball, the more players you lose, the more limited you are in what plays you can make. The obvious example is the quarter back, but the tattered rags the Rams have sewn together for an o-line this year make the point too. Of course, it's necessary to mention that the better the coach and the coordinator the better units adjust to injuries.

The Rams, many would argue, have actually gotten more conservative on offense in the wake of a throwaway season. The theory being that Linehan's concern about his job security has made wins even more precious, thus sending him into "don't lose" mode when they get the lead. Oh such dramatics! I am looking forward to this game, because it could be a real shoot out, the kind we Rams fans used to covet back in the Turf Show days. Then again, it might not.

Josh: Agree on the injury front. One or two players on offense go down to injury could have a larger impact than more defensive players going down. Good point.

Cincinnati fans and media have completely changed their perception about Marvin Lewis. Whereas he was considered a savior of sorts, he's now being questioned if he can ever get this team back to the playoffs. And while Mike Brown said that Marvin Lewis is safe, many fans are determined to see Lewis fired.

Is Linehan's future with the Rams pretty much done?

Ryan: In reading your site, I notice the offensive coordinator is taking some heat too.

Good question about Linehan's future. For most of the season, that's been a given, but now there's enough talk under the radar that he's saved himself with a few wins and a bevy of injury excuses. Personally, I think they need to move on, and the injury epidemic allows Linehan to save some face in his post-Rams job search. (There have already been rumors that he's a candidate for the Washington State vacancy.) Still, I'd put the odds on Linehan being fired (or some other more amicable arrangement) at 85%.

Josh: Since 2001, Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has been the source of many frustrations. In recent seasons, that frustration includes, but not limited to, the lack of a balanced offense. Carson Palmer is a tremendous talent. In terms of technician and talent. He's truly in the top class of pocket quarterbacks with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. While their supporting class is much better, the idea of a pass-only offense can not exist with any team other than the Patriots -- and that's because they have the league completely confused with their spread offense. Bratkowski's play calling has always been suspect because he employs a high-paced offense whereas he maybe should tone it down some. When the team falls behind early, he panics barely running the ball.

I have to ask. Watching Kurt Warner in Arizona, do you find yourself reminiscing? I only ask because the Rams were an amazing team several years ago -- if only for a few seasons. Back then, it seemed that they, like the Patriots today, were the class of the league. It's interesting to me. The 2001 Super Bowl, where the Patriots beat the Rams, was like a passing of the torch for NFL supremacy.

Ryan: Warner gave fans here plenty of headaches too. It seemed like he always dropped the ball or made bad passes at the worst possible time. The Rams are fine with Bulger at QB, it's the supporting cast of characters that have been the problem. His injury issues this year have all resulted from really, really poor blocking from the retreads on the offensive line in front of him. And the Rams front office has had a huge problem, since that fateful passing of the torch, with keeping their productive players and finding suitable replacements. Just look at the impact guys like London Fletcher or Grant Wistrom have had after leaving the Rams. I could rattle off a long list of names here, but those two sum it up nicely.

Predictions for Sunday's game?

Josh: If I were a betting man, I'd be poor as a dog. I think the Bengals offense will rebound but I'm still slightly concerned about the passing defense. I'm thinking shootout. You?

Ryan: Well, with Rams CB Tye Hill out, I'm less optimistic about our prospects. I think if Palmer and his receivers have any rhythm at all, the Bengals will win. I've predicted lots of shootouts this season only to see the Rams put up less than 20 points. I'm terrible at predictions.

Josh: And the Bengals defense has been playing better. Fortunately for Rams fans, the Bengals are playing at a high level of inconsistency.

This week we rambled some numbers

This week's primer against the Rams.

It feels like this season won't end. There's little to look forward to and wins are becoming scarce -- the Bengals have lost 10 of their past 13 games. The city of Cincinnati is revisiting the culture of losing again and no one is, nor should be, taking it well. Many find their targets of blame. Most point towards Mike Brown -- the favorite target taught to us as children. Many blame the coaches for being too predictable managing games poorly. Few point their fingers directly at the effort and pride of the players. Who knows. It is what it is. And the Bengals are 3-7 with the realization that the team's only anticipated story-line being a high pick in the NFL draft.

Did you know: Marvin Lewis has a career 38-36 record as head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. It could be worse. San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan has a career 13-29 record.

Did you know II: The Bengals have played 266 total regular season games since Paul Brown died on August 5, 1991. They are 93-173.

One player that sits in the fans crosshairs is Chad Johnson. Why, you ask? I mean, Chad's having a Chad Johnson like season. He's on pace for 95 receptions, a career-high 1,500 yards receiving and five touchdowns. His 19 20-yard-or-more receptions is more than any season, already, since recording 20 (career-high) in 2003. He's on pace to record 83 first down receptions -- a career high beating 2005's 74. He's catching 60% of all passes thrown his way -- second highest percentage of his career.

Stats at Football Outsiders.

He's recording several numbers that rival season-highs. So why do we go after Chad? Is it effort? I think that point is justified. Is he making an ass of himself on the sidelines with Palmer and Marvin? I think that point is also justified. Do the stats show critical drops on third down? No. Stats Inc., records Chad having five total drops this season -- Houshmandzadeh also has five. Somehow, that number feels a tad bit low.

Did you know: Dhani Jones leads the team with 3.5 stuffs -- tackles in the backfield or the line of scrimmage. Three players are tied for second most -- Bryan Robinson, John Thornton, Domata Peko.

Did you know II: Robert Geathers leads the team with 2.5 sacks.

Marking trends: Take Chris Henry's numbers and chart them for a full season: 96 receptions, 1,440 yards and eight touchdowns.

Even so, the side-story this season is the discussion whether Chad will be in Cincinnati next season. And to be fair, it wasn't discussed with any regularity until Chris Mortensen brought it up on ESPN's NFL pre-game show.

Also this week:

• We examined if Palmer's regression this season was just an aberration -- just a bad season. There are definitely other variables included with Palmer's season. But we focused just on our still-studly quarterback.
• We also examined why the Bengals can't run the ball anymore.
• Is it play calling? We charted trends.
• The team finally moved Robert Geathers back to defensive end against the Cardinals. He resumed his sack-master role by dropping Kurt Warner 1.5 times. Was that a bad move by the team or what by putting Geathers at LB?
• Bengals/Titans primer.
• A favorite topic at CincyJungle.com is debating the real necessity of the NFL's replay system. We reexamined.

If you were to ask a Bengals fan how far removed they are from that feeling of total disappointment in the 90s today, you'd get a reaction that would challenge the Age of Helplessism (those years). Many are making the Marvin Lewis has become the Dick LeBeau arguments. Like 2002, the Bengals have the worst scoring defense in the league. The difference between 2002 and 2007 is that this year's defense has given up two more points per game. This year, the Bengals are on pace to give up 488 points -- 32 points more than 2002.

Of course then you're asking, why the 2002 comparisons. Believe it or not, to me, that was the low point of the Bengals franchise. And it showed during a 30-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on ESPN's Sunday Night Football. And again, I wondered if we found another franchise low point after being embarrassed on Monday Night football against the Patriots and allowing Chad Pennington and J.P. Losman to have Pro Bowl caliber numbers while surrendering a touchdown pass to Marshawn Lynch.

It's now to the point that many Bengals fans expect the team to lose. And not in the waning moments of the game. Here's a brief template of games this season. Bengals defense allows other team to score, a lot, and the Bengals offense is stuck forcing plays that are just not there.

Is it injuries? Yes, of course. Many say that injuries is no excuse. I believe that if injuries weaken your talent, then it's justified to blame injuries for your horrible record.

Is it character and lack of leadership? Yes, of course. While this team has tons of talent, you don't see anyone stepping up to take control of any game. Mostly, it seems, just whining, shouting and admittance of being a horrible football team. Of all the money makers on this team, none are playing the role of team leader. That's been my reasoning for bringing up Palmer this year, which caused some people to go into a frenzy. But that argument could be used just as easily with the head coach.

What's worse is that many of my posts have shifted in attitude. Whereas I predicted the season, wearing my Willie Anderson jersey, to be well above .500, I know now that they are two losses away from another non-winning season. Two losses that will likely come this month.

Who's #3? Who is the Bengals third leading receiver? Glenn Holt with 14 receptions. Reggie Kelly is fourth with 11.

Neither team seemed intimidated by the spotlight - in fact, both teams brought their A-game.  I was personally struck by the contrast between the Bengals and the Colts/Patriots.
- TarZander on the differences between the Bengals and the success of the Colts and Patriots.

Lewis refuses to believe that he needs to alter anything he does. I understand that you want to stay true to what you think works. But, if you don't have the players, then you have to alter your approach to the players you have.
- Sledridge on Lewis' Monday Press Conference after 33-21 loss to the Bills.

Have something to say? Create an account and start a new diary. If it's good, then we'll promote it as a feature op/ed.

Now that Anthony Schlegel is out against the Ravens, the Bengals will have at linebacker:

1. Landon Johnson
2. Rashad Jeanty
3. Dhani Jones
4. Robert Geathers
5. Corey Mays

Also on that post, we listed the defensive players drafted by Marvin Lewis. Here's a quick summary. No defensive players drafted in 2003 remain. Of the three defenders drafted in 2005, only Jonathan Fanene is playing -- Pollack injured, Thurman suspended. Between the 2006 and 2007 drafts, only Johnathan Joseph currently starts without the assistance of another player injured -- Leon Hall started with Joseph injury and suspension.

The golden draft was 2004. Of the seven defenders drafted that year, four have started at least 10 games in their career with at least one start this season.

As soon as Henry was reinstated, he was caught with another accusation -- minimal reaction.

Earlier this week, I posted a piece, via Titans insider, that listed the available free agents on defense. Did you notice that eight defenders were once Bengals? They are (comment if I missed one):

1. Carl Powell
2. Dan Wilkinson
3. Kenderick Allen
4. Matthias Askew
5. Ed Hartwell
6. Lamont Thompson
7. Keiwan Ratliff
8. Tory James

Tells you how much our defenders are wanted by other teams.

After the Bengals lost 33-21 to the Bills, we analyzed the first half of the season | The Morning After.

The Ravens and Bengals are finding company competing for the most disappointing team in 2007. We previewed the game in this primer.

A nice change of pace is seeing Rudi Johnson listed as probable with the likelihood that he'll get the start. While many will demand Kenny Watson get the bulk of the carries, he too is listed as probable after suffering a concussion against the Steelers last Sunday. This team is at its best when Kenny Watson is available on third downs. He blocks, catches and powers through the line of scrimmage on draws. Of all the crap this season with the Bengals, Watson has been a bright spot. Even winning a FedEx Player of the Week award. With all that said, Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis, acknowledged that Rudi, Kenny and DeDe Dorsey will split time as a committee.

The complete status report for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Out: T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), LB Caleb Miller (back)
Questionable: DT John Thornton (neck)
Probable: WR Chad Johnson (ankle), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), S Herana-Daze Jones (shoulder), DE Justin Smith (hamstring), RB Kenny Watson (head)

BILLS

Doubtful: QB Trent Edwards (right wrist), LB Leon Joe (back)
Questionable: WR Sam Aiken (hamstring), DE Ryan Denney (foot), S Jim Leonhard (calf), TE Ryan Neufeld (thigh), CB Ashton Youboty (ankle)

In review...

Brian Galliford (Buffalo Rumblings) and I chatted via email for a few days about Sunday's game. Check out Brian's blog -- one of the best in the "Nation" -- and my responses to his questions.

We asked several questions this week. If anything, to generate debate.

We asked if we should lower our expectations of Palmer. And I got plenty of emails calling me crazy, cuckoo, loco, nuts, screwy, lunatic, maniac, wacky, disordered, disoriented, bonkers, with one lawyer calling me non compos mentis. My reasoning is that for the past three plus seasons, I gave Palmer the "godly" tag -- he can do no wrong. Man to man, I thought Palmer went uncompared. But that argument is quickly lost because the Bengals do not win games with any level of consistency. Take out 11-5, the Bengals are 26-29. And no, I never blamed Palmer for this -- which many thought I did.

My point was about winning. Palmer does a great job quarterbacking this team. He puts the offense in position to score. My content is that he hasn't become that player to strap his team onto his back winning football games. How many games were lost on last-drive interceptions?

There's also things you have to take note and, perhaps, become concerned about. Palmer is ranked 15th in the AFC converting only 39% of his third down pass attempts. On third and three-seven, Palmer has converted only 10 first downs on 26 pass attempts (38.5%, 15th in AFC). He's converted nine first downs on 26 pass attempts (34.6%, 8th in AFC) on third down and eight or more.

I also understand that T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson combined for eight passes dropped -- four each, tied for second most in AFC. I also understand that there's little consistency with the line's personnel -- even though Palmer has been sacked only 3.8% (10/265) of his drop backs. Of quarterbacks with 200 pass attempts or more, Palmer's sack/pass attempt ratio is 6th best in the NFL.

I also agree Palmer is hampered by questionable play calling, lack of a rushing offense and an absent #3 wide receiver. The excuses are there to why the Bengals aren't winning and Palmer is hardly to blame. Still, the team doesn't win and we're still lacking that one guy to rise up and win games for this team.

Yes, it's a team game. Others aren't performing. But quarterback isn't like any other position. Quarterbacks are gifted, or cursed, with a huge percentage of the team's fate. Brett Favre, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are three examples (two of whom that sport less than successful rushing offenses) that if you remove them, then their respective teams are average. That significant drop doesn't happen at any other position. Their quarterback's performances are every bit the reason why they're winning, convincingly. Conversely, unsuccessful quarterbacks doom their teams more times than not -- several exceptions apply, obviously.

Also...

I also asked, do you have problems with teams running up the score -- in response to the Patriots.

Is selfish ever a good thing in the NFL.

Is Marvin Lewis' game management filled with indecision?

Finally...

Bengals primer against the Bills.

What Kenny Watson did against the Jets, is two-fold. You can't bench a guy that recorded 130 yards rushing, three touchdowns with a FedEx Ground Player of the Week award. If you did, it brings the negative discussion of favoritism with earnings being the primary justification to start someone. On the other hand, the old argument that you don't lose your starting job because of injury, will seriously be challenged.

Thinking ahead: There are four running backs generating four different questions heading into 2008.

Will Rudi Johnson be the feature back he used to be?

The general consensus after 2006 was that Rudi Johnson's production went downhill fast. The numbers do not generate the impression of sudden degradation. But he wasn't the same running back that set franchise season-rushing records in 2004 and 2005. His touchdown production was there. In the past three seasons (not including 2007), Rudi Johnson's 36 rushing touchdowns is fourth to LaDainian Tomlinson (63), Shaun Alexander (50) and Larry Johnson (46).

The last time Rudi Johnson missed games because of injury was the first three in 2003 recovering from a quad strain. This season, he's sat two of the past three games with limited work (four carries) against Kansas City. His touchdown production, even if he returns to form, is likely to drop dramatically.

Running backs in the NFL have a moment in their careers where they hit a brick wall. It's not just degradation. It's a moment they suddenly become useless. The beating and pounding accumulate to a point that their career drops so far from their peak, that they're hardly recognizable. It's just the nature of the position.

One has to ask: Has Rudi Johnson hit that brick wall?

Is Chris Perry doomed for a career plagued by injury?

Chris Perry was a big reason for the offense's success during their only playoff run during the Marvin Lewis era. It wasn't just his production though. He was a great out for Carson Palmer under pressure. Only Rudi Johnson (360) had more touches than Perry (112). A quarter of his rush attempts resulted in first downs (15/64). The guy has a threat to make defenses account for his 5.4 yards per touch (rush and receive).

That was one season. Perry has played two others.

In what I believe was a move to pressure Rudi Johnson to sign a contact in 2004, the Bengals drafted Chris Perry. Sitting the opener (Jets) after suffering a hamstring injury in the final preseason game (Colts), Perry played two games (Steelers, Browns). Then he suffered a sports hernia in practice and didn't see the field again that season. After 2005, we thought of Perry as a threat that would repeat 2005. He started 2006 on PUP with ankle and knee injuries. After playing six games, Perry dislocated his right ankle against Cleveland and didn't see the field again that season.

He's still waiting to be removed from PUP in 2007.

Perry has the talent. But the question is similar to Chris Henry, with much different scenarios. Is Chris Perry dependable enough?

Is Kenny Irons destined for the Ki-Jana Carter fate -- or the Carson Palmer miracle?

I only offer that analogy for one reason. Ki-Jana Carter in 1995 dislocated his knee cap during preseason in his rookie season, essentially ending whatever potency his career would project. He went from running back of the future drawing Emmitt Smith comparisons to situational running back. During his rookie season this preseason, Kenny Irons tore his ACL in his left knee.

Luckily, Irons fate has yet to be known. Medical advances have leaped so much that Carson Palmer tore his MCL and ACL in January '06 and didn't miss a game -- or a beat -- the following season. Hard work and medical magic helped Palmer recover at an astonishing rate surprising nearly everyone. More encouraging, Irons only tore his ACL and has nearly a full season to recover. The book on Irons has yet to be written. But Carter still weights on the mind until forced otherwise.

Is Kenny Watson our best running back, injured or not?

Here's one thing about Kenny Watson that's very respectable: he's by far the team's best blocking running back. Now, Watson is essentially pushing Rudi Johnson out of the way in the court of public opinion. It's simple. Watson is producing. Rudi isn't. If there was a leading candidate to start 2008, based on 2007, the answer is obvious: Kenny Watson. But most of you already know of Watson's successes stepping up this season.

Irons and Perry are hurt. There's nothing they can do about that. Rudi Johnson's production has dropped. His running style has shifted beyond his talents. Kenny Watson has caused the knowns and unknowns at running back to become chaotic. He's the biggest variable right now in the backfield. All things considered, with the talent at running back that we have, it's not a bad deal to anticipate next season.

Why the hell are you talking about next season? Alright, let's go to the next game and review this week.

Steelers/Bengals

The status report for both teams.

Cincinnati Bengals
Out: T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), LB Caleb Miller (back)
Doubtful: RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring)
Questionable: WR Antonio Chatman (hamstring)
Probable: S Dexter Jackson (hip), WR Chad Johnson (ankle), LB Corey Mays (hamstring)

Pittsburgh Steelers
Out: DE Aaron Smith (knee)
Doubtful: S Ryan Clark (abdomen), CB Bryant McFadden (ankle)
Probable: LB Clint Kriewaldt (shoulder)

This game will determine the entire season.

I really don't believe this game is about the rivalry. It's beating the division leaders and saving the season. If the Bengals win Sunday, they are one game out -- realistically saving their season with critical offensive talent coming back from injury and suspension. If they lose, then the Bengals are realistically looking at playing spoilers. It's bad that a game of this importance has to come so early in the season. But the chance is there. Even though no one is giving them that chance to win.

Done be funny right der dar, Uncle Dad Fattie.

Thanks, Dave.

The return of Chris Henry, soon.

The speculation is that Chris Henry is on the path towards readmitance. Chancellor Roger Goodell, orgasm-ing with his international homies, still has to approve reinstatement. But the general assumption with Henry returning to practice this week is that he's well on his way to returning November 11 against Baltimore and letting Henry practice so early was a sign of good faith.

The trade of Chad Johnson is a bad argument.

Word got out that Chad Johnson is being shopped by the Bengals front office. That word has yet to be verified after Chris Mortensen started the controversy last Sunday on ESPN's NFL Countdown. Fans are frustrated. The media won't let it go. By Chad's admission, teammates don't understand and he believes there's truth to the trade rumor.

Regardless. If you trade Chad Johnson, you send our offense backwards. For most teams, that's acceptable because the team is more balanced. We're the furthest from balance as it gets -- like the separation of billions of light years . We have no reason to believe a high draft pick will result in any defensive help. Chad Johnson is the team's best offensive player not named Carson Palmer. T.J. Houshmandzadeh benefits. And Chris Henry is too undependable to translate into a trusted player.

There is no good that comes out of trading Chad Johnson unless you plan on rebuilding the infrastructure of the team's philosophy. We are offensive heavy. We lose that advantage losing Chad with a dramatically reduced chance to do much of anything. Rebuilding is one thing. Trading him simply because people are frustrated with him expecting to get defensive help is believing this team can acquire said defensive help. Think of it this way. What talented and play-making defensive player has been drafted in the past five drafts that's playing this season? None that hold close to the same value for the defensive unit like Chad Johnson does for the offense.

I respect anyone that makes the argument. I just don't agree that trading Chad will solve anything. Chad Johnson is one of the most productive players in the NFL. He's hardly the problem the Bengals are facing right now. Once the team wins, this fades away into the file "we're ticked off, so we need to blame the problems on one of the team's best players." But I do concede that the problem could be an issue of lockerroom chemistry. But we really don't know that right now, do we?

Fantastic Four Against the Steelers
Primer Against the Steelers

Josh, what's up? Why didn't you include a fantastic four report against the Jets?

The reason I didn't include a Fantastic Four report against the New York Jets this week, is because the Bengals have played the Jets once when all four players were on the roster. Before the 24-31 loss against the New York Jets during 2004's kickoff weekend, the two teams collided on December 16, 2001 when Vinny Testaverde went 17/28 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. When Corey Dillon recorded 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns and Akili Smith had his career game -- 4/6 35 yards (kidding). When guys like Brandon Bennett, Darnay Scott, Curtis Keaton and Ron Dugans were Bengals. Those names still seem fresh on the mind, don't they? But it was six years ago and the culture of the Bengals has dramatically changed since then.

The Bengals lost, 14-15, in 2001, but led the game at start of the fourth quarter, 14-3. The Begnals' first touchdown, a one-yard Corey Dillon touchdown run, lasted 20 plays, spanned 81 yards and eliminated 12 minutes off the first quarter. After John Hall kicked a field goal with 18 seconds left in the first half, the Bengals -- on the second possession of the second half -- went on a 13-play, 87-yard drive consuming 7:54 off the clock taking a 14-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Jets scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter failing both two-point conversions to win the game late, 15-14.

Of the fantastic four, Chad Johnson (two receptions, 13 yards) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (one reception, five yards) were the only ones in the NFL at the time.

Flash Forward: The 24-31 loss during kickoff weekend seemed closer than it was. At the time I wrote for BengalsZone (old post here). Here's some of the comments I made in that game.

• The Bengals defensive line was man-handled all afternoon allowing Curtis Martin to come four yards short of 200. I don’t know what’s worse, the Bengals embarrassing performance on the defensive front, the routinely missed and overrun tackling performance by Nate Webster, or abuse Chad Pennington put on the secondary
• Nothing encouraging came out of the debacle, and the only reason the score wasn’t worse than 31-24 is because Carson Palmer and the receivers looked like veterans against a hurt secondary.
• Pre-season sensation, Caleb Miller, took a step back while playing against a first team offense. Nate Webster, probably the most over-hyped middle linebacker of the bunch, flew into blockers with his head down...

It's true, I called Miller a "pre-season sensation". What was I thinking? Well, nothing. Pot hurts the brain kiddies.

Remembering Carson Palmer's first start. Opening Weekend in 2004 against the Jets was Carson Palmer's first career NFL start. I said after the game:

Little did I know at the time, it wasn't a plan to get rid of the ball quickly. We've come to learn that Palmer just reads the defense that quickly.

The fantastic four in that game. Palmer and the Bengals were left with a first-and-ten at the Cincinnati five-yard line with 3:48 left in the game down by a touchdown. Rudi started the drive with a 16-yard run behind Eric Steinbach. After a 3-yard run by Kenny Watson, Palmer completed a 30-yard pass to Peter Warrick. At the Cincinnati 49-yard line with two minutes left, Palmer tried to squeeze a pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The pass was intercepted by Erik Coleman -- a rookie safety also in his first NFL start -- giving the Jets the win sealed after a 12-yard Curtis Martin run with just over a minute left in the game and no Bengals timeouts.

Carson Palmer

Rudi Johnson

Chad Johnson

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Setting up this weekends game.

During the week, NY Landing Strip blogger, Mark Risola sat down with me. We bantered questions back and fourth. My questions in bold.

1. Is the push to start Kellen Clemens a result of his talent or the demand to bench Pennington?

It is a combination of both. Chad has lost his arm strength, and he really does not fit into this system. With a re-building line in front of him, they need someone who can scramble (Clemens) and can stretch a vertical game to open up the running routes (Clemens). Chad is still a great QB in this league, but Clemens should start as a result of his talent and bench Chad because he doesn't fit this system.

2. Of the five games the Jets have lost, three were within one possession. Other than the 24-point loss to the Patriots and the 10-point loss to the Giants, what's the one consistency why the Jets keep coming short in close games they lose?

The problem is they can't finish and they can't get in the end zone. Chad has had the ball in his hands with the opportunity to win and hasn't been able to get the job done. His lack of arm strength and an aggressive defense has forced Chad to rely on short passes, and all the Jets were able to do is kick field goals.

3. Who's your MVP thus far into the season?

That is a tough one because no one has really played too great. I would have to say though that D'Brickashaw Ferguson has been playing excellent, holding down the left side of the line and helping to protect the fragile Pennington. He has held down the likes of Jason Taylor, Osi Umenyiora, Aaron Schobel, and Jevon Kearse to hardly any big plays in the backfield.

4. The situation is four-and-goal with the Jets offense at the opposing team's eight-yard line. This the final play of the game. Being down by four points, you must score a touchdown. What do the Jets do and who's the "go to" guy?

Haha this sounds oddly familiar to the Jets- Eagles game last weekend. First of all the Jets should have not tried the QB sneak on third down, and they should have allowed Thomas Jones to pound the rock in on fourth down. As for your situation, I say the the Jets would run a play-action setting up Cotchery across the middle, and have Baker drop into a soft zone in the back of the end zone. Coles would run a post into the corner of the end zone, so Chad could hit Cotchery down the middle for the go ahead touchdown.

5. Obviously going 1-5 is disappointing. However, was this season thought to be a rebuilding year from the start?

Yes, it was. Everybody in the media was hit with the smoke and mirrors of an easy schedule. The truth was the Jets schedule was ridiculously easy, and everybody bought into the hype. This is year 2 of the re-building, and that includes a shaky offensive line, an average QB, and a defense in the midst of a change from the 4-3 to a hybrid 3-4 scheme. They are still about a season and half and two drafts away from really competing, and if you look at history and see it takes most franchises 3 years to set up the foundation of the re-building before they are good.

All thanks go to Mark for taking the time out to discuss. My responses at NY Landing Strip.

The Wounded Keep Limping. When the status report came out Friday night, it wasn't a surprise to see Antonio Chatman, Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller offically out. And I so called Chatman sitting. That leaves four wide receivers for Sunday -- Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Glenn Holt, Skyler Green. Courtney Roby was a mid-week signing and might see playing time. Chad's ankle limited practice this week.

Rudi Johnson's hamstring prevented him from practicing this week. Marvin Lewis will make a game-time decision on Rudi Sunday afternoon.

Willie Anderson, the toughest SOB on the team, is listed as questionable. He said Thursday he's playing. Why is he tough? Some claimed that Willie could miss a full month with a foot that's bothered him since training camp. So far, he missed Chiefs week with a 50% chance of playing against the Jets.

Linebackers. With Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller out again, and Corey Mays (doubtful) missing a full week of practice, the Bengals will be dangerously short of linebackers. The good news is that Rashad Jeanty practiced all week listed as probable. His likely return helps big time.

All that said. The biggest news coming out of the Bengals camp is the expected long-term conversion of Robert Geathers from passing rushing defensive end to outside linebacker. The move was primarily in response to the lack of talent of the remaining linebackers available.

Personally, I'm not a big proponent of this move. Against the Chiefs, he lined up at linebacker in pass coverage, covering a hall-of-fame tight end. I called that move last week the dumbest yet. Furthermore, taking away a defensive end that recorded 10.5 sacks last season to fill in at linebacker, doesn't make sense. Likely, he'll rush the quarterback on third down. However, you could count the number of times Geathers played linebacker on one finger in his career. You're converting a multi-million dollar defensive end into a mediocre inexperienced linebacker. It could be a great decision if he adapts well down the road -- and generally, I'll hold judgment on the move. But I've never been a fan of taking a good player at one position and downgrading his talents at a position he's never played before. Best example to date: David Pollack.

Marvin. Not a whole lot of people are defending our head coach right now. The loss to Kansas City drew a lot of ire from fans and the media. I tried my best to promote a defense of Lewis without actually defending him -- I think he's making some unsound judgment calls.

Confused. Why, with the video of Porter's ambush on Levi Jones, is the NFL Chancellor sitting on his hands? I know why? Because Porter isn't a Bengal.

Primer against the Jets

Even though Rudi Johnson is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Bengals.com says that Marvin Lewis will decide around gametime if he plays or not. Typical cloak and dagger stuff. And with Kenny Watson preparing the week like he's going to be the starter, the Bengals desperately need a big rushing game if they're going to get back on track this season. As a team, they've recorded rushing yards of 55 (Baltimore), 137 (Cleveland), 84 (Seattle) and 57 (New England). For comparison's sake, the opponents have gone 107 (Bal), 226 (Cle), 102 (Sea) and 173 (NE). The Bengals haven't scored more than six rushing first downs yet while three opponents have had seven or more rushing first downs.

Who won't play this weekend is Cincy Jungle favorite Willie Anderson. The four-time Pro Bowl right tackle will see his 116 games started snapped against the Chiefs. Stacy Andrews, the guy replacing Anderson, was only 18 years old when Anderson last missed a start in a 24-7 defeat against Jacksonville (week 17) in 1999. In that game, Jeff Blake completed 13 passes for 23 yards without a score but two picks. Darney Scott and Carl Pickens combined for five receptions for 52 yards receiving. Michael Basnight rushed for 86 yards on 10 carries. For the Jaguars, Jay Fiedler completed 28 of 39 passes for 317 yards and a touchdown. Jimmy Smith recorded 14 receptions for 165 yards with Keenan McCardell picking up nine passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Fourth Quarter: The Bengals defense has allowed 10 points in each of the first four games this season in the fourth quarter. For comparison's sake, the Bengals offense has scored a total 27 points. However, the second quarter is the worst for the defense having given up 45 points.

The only quarter the Bengals have an advantage is the third quarter (29 points scored, 21 points allowed).

Quarterbacks and touchdowns: The Bengals, in three straight games, have allowed the opposing quarterback to throw for three touchdowns or more.

Interceptions: Hey, positive here. The Bengals defense has scored at least one interception in each of the first four games.

100-yard receivers: The Bengals defense has allowed three 100-yard receivers this season: Braylon Edwards (146 yards), Kellen Winslow (100 yards) and Randy Moss (102 yards).

Disabling Injuries: Ahmad Brooks have been listed as doubtful since Seattle-week and has been very limited in practice, if at all. Caleb Miller's back has bothered him since injurying it against Seattle. He's been listed as doubtful ever since with no practices under his cap. Both injuries suffered by both linebackers have taken other players out for the season.

Would it be outside the realm to suggest that we won't see either player again this season? Who knows.

Keeping Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene around seems pointless. Chick Ludwig, while questioning the team's decision to use roster spots for Rashad Jeanty and Ethan Kilmer, says of Rucker, "Frostee can't melt soon enough" questioning his durability and constant benching by way of injury.

Combine injury and the perception of the Bengals having a soft defense, it could give Larry Johnson his first break-out game of the season.

Opposing rushers: The Bengals have allowed the opposing team's feature back (the one with the most carries in respective games) to rush for 509 yards with two touchdowns. In the last three games, the Bengals have allowed 432 yards rushing to the feature back for a 6.2 yard per carry average.

The Chancellor's Reich In Full Throttle: Clearly, I'm not impressed with Chancellor Roger Goodell's process of suspending players. That came to the front this week when the Chancellor suspended Bengals cornerback Johnathon Joesph one game. Reader, Tom Blogical points out Odell Thurman's fight on his NFL ban.

Chancellor Goodell in September: "We looked at everything," he said. "Is he doing things that are part of the program? He wasn’t, in some cases." Really?

NFL Spokesman, Greg Aiello about the league's policy in conjunction with federal law: "We have operated our program successfully for almost two decades and are fully confident that our policies are consistent with the law," he said. Yet, here you are.

The difference is between the abuse of alcohol and the act of receiving treatment -- which falls under the disabilities act which the NFL could be violating.

The fight against Odell Thurman isn't the only issue that the feds are involved with the league. In mid-September, Chancellor Goodell and NFLPA puppet, Gene Upshaw sat in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding the treatment of retired NFL players. Why?

(note: careful reading the above article, however. It's very unbalanced against the retire players claim)

Two years ago, the NFL was grilled by Congress over the issue of steroids.

Setting the stage for Kansas City

Primer
Chatting with Arrowhead Pride
Arrowhead chatting with Cincy Jungle
Fantastic Four and all-time record against Chiefs
Analyzing the first quarter of the season
Examining the remaining three quarters of the season.

Heading into Monday Night's game against the New England Patriots, the Bengals infirmary is filling up. The typical three are out -- Rashad Jeanty, Ethan Kilmer and Tab Perry. Rudi Johnson was added to that list. On Friday, the Bengals downgraded two linebackers -- Ahmad Brooks, Caleb Miller -- leaving only one linebacker likely to play that was here during training camp -- Landon Johnson. Dhani Jones, Anthony Schlegel and Lemar Marshall were signed during the season and are the bulk of our linebackers Monday.

People say that all teams deal with injury. Still, the injuries suffered on defense, specifically at linebacker, has put this team behind the eight-ball. I'm hoping, as hope can be, for the win. Realistically, we appear to be a few pieces short to win the upset. If this team stands a chance to win, the Bengals offense will have to go Cleveland-crazy scoring well over 40 points. Is it possible? Of course. Anything is. Heading into Monday's game, it seems very unlikely.

Injury report

Keiwan Ratliff was let go. Ohio connections in New England.
Is it too late for Cincinnati in 2007?
Primer against New England.
Bengals all-time record on MNF.
Bengals all-time against New England.
Fantastic Four against New England.
Points of Interest: Marvin Lewis Press Conference.
ESPN Deportes to air MNF game.
NFL Players of the Week -- Week #3.

This week in review was a misappropriation. Over the week, I came to discover I was in the minority. I didn't fault Lewis for his critical press conference performance. I let it go as a head coach still ticked off after Sunday's performance responding to questions demanding obvious answers of who to blame. He was the target as a bad guy -- he should be held completely responsible -- after converting a non-issues into a hot-topic.

Marvin Lewis should be fired?
No joke. There are fans that promote this. They write in caps. They speak in random musings. They talk about Lewis' inability to make the playoffs in three seasons. They talk about how Lewis hasn't built that GREAT defense.

But what worries me with this thought, is what happens next? Does Mike Brown search? Or does Katie Blackburn hold her objection card like before and hire a good one? Does the team go after an established NFL head coach, or a college coach? Or an inside job that promoted such incompetence in recent memory. No one knows. All that's cared about is firing Lewis. The rest is secondary.

It's not whether or not the Bengals should fire Lewis in the anti-Lewis crowd. The question should go one further, "What do you believe should happen next?" Go ahead, you have all season to think about it. If that's all you want to think about.

Fire Chuck Bresnahan!
And hire who? The Bengals have had little stability with defensive coaches. Sometimes you have to acknowledge that it's not the system that hampers the Bengals defense. It's the talent. And I'm not saying they're short on talent. Many players have talent in their own right. And I still believe that injury is a valid excuse over a lack of talent or the system -- look at linebackers. Two starters could be players that were without a job.

Note: I don't believe in status quo, but a week 2 performance in 2007 shouldn't dictate the entire future of this team.

Fiscally thinking
When you have so much money tied into the offense, you're limited on defense -- and fatally hampered on special teams. That gives the defense run-of-the-mill guys that are affordable at their position. And those second team defensive players, players that allow the salary cap to remain friendly, are those that play on the league's worst special teams unit.

Think of this concern also. Landon Johnson and Justin Smith, arguably two of the team's better defenders, are unrestricted free agents next year. Contracts also expire for Madieu Williams, Bryan Robinson, Keiwan Ratliff and Rashad Jeanty. The largest "deal" is Smith's $8.644 million franchise contract. He will likely play with another team in 2008 considering Smith and the team failed to agree on any long-term deals. Williams could command decent money, but I would put my money on that he sticks around. Robinson and Ratliff would only be signed if they failed to find a replacement. I have no idea about Landon though.

That's all rubbish anyway. My point is that if this defense struggles now with defensive talent that's affordable, then 2008 will probably be status quo.

Back to Bresnahan. Who would you get? Do you really believe it's the system that's putting defenders out of place or mental mistakes? Furthermore, do you think rotating defensive coordinators would help? Yes? How? Sometimes you have to look at the overall talent before demanding the team fire its defensive coordinator. We did that once already and we're still at the same point we were.

You lose a game by 6 points allowing the other team to score 51 points and target Lewis' press conference? Most, if not all the media, took offense from Lewis' curt and condescending answers.

Asked if we'll see improvements on the field.
"You just wrote all about it last week. We were the '85 Bears a week ago. I tell the players all the time, don't try to explain it to you (media), because you don't understand it. And as I've always said, you're never as good as you seem to be after a win, and never as bad as you seem to be after a loss. So we just need to play football -- make our corrections and move forward."
[Bengals.com]

But look at some of the questions.

• The defense talks about making corrections, but when will we see it on the field?
• Two things you talked about earlier, finishing and consistency. Does it frustrate you when those two things don't happen?
• What in your mind is the biggest reason players make mental errors?

It's not that the press is asking bad questions, per say. It's that these questions prompt coach-speak. They invite obvious answers. And after losing the way they did, the head coach isn't going to be a vase of roses.

Eventually, the press spoke about Lewis' performance at a press conference for two days. He was a target in a game between a married couple. Lewis had to admit obvious answers -- mostly accepting blame -- while the press found a stand up guy in Chuck Bresnahan admitting the things that the press had sought all along.

"It's a frustrating deal, but put it on me. For some reason, we blew very simple adjustments that we did the entire offseason. There was nothing special in this game plan. To not execute, I take that personally, because I really believe the way you play is a direct reflection of the way you're coached."

Perhaps in hindsight, Lewis should have played nice to avoid the expected over-reaction. This isn't the last time the focus goes from game to press conference within this city. After this week, I think the Bengals lost against Cleveland, but I know that Marvin Lewis is pure evil in this city.

Linebackers are hurting... badly.
The linebacker position is taking another hit with Ahmad Brooks and Lemar Marshall listed as doubtful -- neither practiced this week. Curnutte says that Marshall has a "better chance at playing" than Brooks. Still, not encouraging. After the Bengals waived Andre Frazier (picked up by the Steelers), they signed Dhani Jones. Going into Sunday's game against Seattle, if Brooks and Marshall sit, that would leave Landon Johnson, Caleb Miller, Anthony Schlegel and Jones. Yikes.

Officially out: LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hamstring)

Henry's troubles: It was reported that Henry had a reportedly stolen car in his driveway. So far, little has come of it. Henry rented a car from Hertz but claimed they didn't receive the money for it and reported it stolen. Henry thought the insurance company was picking up the tab and hadn't.

But... "An officer spotted a car he did not recognize parked in the Cincinnati Bengal’s driveway, ran the license plates and discovered the car had been reported stolen by a rental-car company." I didn't realize that cops used powerful memory skills of car's make and models when passing by Bengals homes. More so, I didn't realize all cars in personal driveways required the cops to know that it should, or shouldn't be there.

Again, not much was made of it and I doubt anything comes of it. Unless the Mustachioed Man returns.

Sad, sad story. James Francis owes $905,000 in back child-support. Remember James Brooks? He had to pay over $100,000 in back child support for children of two mothers. The fire storm came when he claimed he was illiterate. The system failed him and he became the victim.

T.J., not Chad, is the best receiver on this team.

I agree. T.J revealed this offseason that he finished the last four games in 2006 with four cracked bones in his back. Saying T.J. is tough, would be an understatement.

Primer against Seattle

I've dove into the debate of what's better: College football or the NFL. Sometimes I take the high road and say, "why debate this?" It's football and they're great in their own regard. Some suggest that college football is nothing more than the NFL breading grounds. While I think there's truth to that, I also think that's false. Why? Because the level of enthusiasm by the players is viewed as the best part of college football. While I'm sure it's there, professional ball isn't viewed as having that attribute. But let's quickly (and I mean quickly) examine. They're completely different versions of the same sport.

For the NFL.

The level of competition is one injury away from having the worst team beat the best team. You're seeing the best talent in the world compete. There's a form of stability without having your entire team turnover every three years. Alternatively, that's a point that many college football enthusiasts love. You don't have stories of one brother murdered and the other brother setting up a fund only to have the NCAA say, NO! That's against the rules. There's a real possibility that any team can reach any extreme. The Bengals, in three years, went from the worst team over a 12 years stretch to making the playoffs. Look at the Saints and even the Chargers. On the other hand, look at the Raiders, who made the Super Bowl to suddenly become a lost franchise. Every team has the right to play for the national championship.

For College Football

Except for the bowl games, you don't have 20 minutes worth pregame "entertainment". The game is played at a quicker pace. The players are much more enthusiastic and the crowds are just as nuts. There's a lot more tradition and rivalry in college football. You don't have performance enhancing headlines. College football is a prime example of momentum allowing lesser teams beat the greater teams. The excitement level can break a hole through your home's ceiling.

Both have their points -- many of which I didn't examine. Both are great to watch. So I suppose in the long run, I again take the high road. But here's one major difference: I can watch any NFL game no matter who plays. In college football, I only watch my home teams and the highly ranked teams. And I don't suspect I'm in the minority on that.

Week in Review

The Cincinnati Bengals opened Monday Night football for the first time in franchise history beating division favorites -- the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 -- with the majority of the help coming from an unlikely unit. The Defense. I really believe there was no better script to open the season. The momentum this defense has could last several weeks while the offense gets their timing and rhythm down. Robert Geathers and Landon Johnson were nominated for AFC Defensive Player of the Week while Geathers won the GMC NFL Defensive Player of the Week.

However, some weren't 100% ready to sing the tunes of perfection. Especially on offense. Even one suggested that Carson Palmer needs to step up. While he didn't seem like the perfectionist we know, he still recorded a passer rating of over 100. Cincy Jungle reader TarZander believes it's Rudi that needs to step up (or through the hole) -- and you can't argue his points.

Antonio Chatman was cut last week because Nate Lawrie was a better fit with the week #1 game plan. After week #1, Lawrie was waived and signed to the practice squad while Chatman signed back with the team likely making his first appearance this weekend against the Browns (he's listed as probable).

Speaking of injury reports, you can see all of the reports here. Eric Ghiaciuc looks to be this weeks biggest question mark -- listed as doubtful. One player not showing up on reports is Levi Jones -- who Marvin Lewis says will "start at some point." What's up with Levi?

Against the Browns

While Chad makes promises of jumping into the dawg pound, we released this weeks Primer. Is there a correlation between the 2003 Bengals and the 2007 Browns?

Finally, the NFL had a great weekend proving it's getting more and more popular.