Gameday and Open Thread: Rams AT Bengals (Game #13)

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 11:37 AM EST in Game Log

Game: St. Louis Rams (3-9) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
Series Leader: Series tied at 5-5
Streak: Rams, past three
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 0-1. Linehan: 0-0
Broadcast: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Pat Summerall, Brian Baldinger. SIRIUS: 114 (St.L.), 107 (Cin.). DirectTV: 705
SB Nation: Turf Show Times
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Showers (30%) with a high of 49 [Weather.com] (note: I live about 20 minutes North of Cincinnati and it's pouring)
Uniform: Black
Rams at Bengals Primer
Today: I won't be blogging today. But will be around.
Inactive/Out: T Willie Anderson (knee), QB Marc Bulger (concussion), CB Eric Bassey (knee) and Rob Petitti (concussion)

Bengals win 19-10.

Notes:

Dexter Jackson was a man. He blitzed and dropped Steven Jackson several times for lost yards. He also picked off a pass and forced a fumble.
Carson Palmer failed to throw a touchdown in back-to-back games. It's the first time he's done that since games #2 and #3 to start Palmer's career.
Rudi Johnson, in two of the past three games, has performances of 88 and 92 yards rushing.
Speaking of which, Rudi beat Steven Jackson by one yard rushing.
More on Bengals defense. Take out the 54-yard run and Steven Jackson rushes 17 times for 37 yards.
More on the Bengals defense II. In two of the past three games, the Bengals defense didn't allow a touchdown (Tennessee, St. Louis). They've kept the opposing offense from scoring double-digits in three of the past five games (Rams, Titans, Ravens).
More on Bengals defense III. The Bengals have a streak going on right now. Since giving up 176 total rushing yards to the Bills, the Bengals defense haven't allowed the opposing team (not just the runner) to gain 100 yards on the ground in four of the past five games. Since Buffalo: Baltimore (66 yards rushing), Arizona (50 yards rushing), Tennessee (61 yards rushing), Pittsburgh (101 yards rushing), Rams (88 yards rushing).
More on the Bengals defense IV: The Bengals forced the following results on drives: Punt, punt, punt, missed FG, fumble, punt, punt, punt, FG, interception.
Kenny Watson touched the ball nine times for 58 total yards.
DeDe Dorsey rushed four times for 81 yards.
The Bengals offense had balance. They passed 29 times against 33 rush attempts. Add three if you want for Palmer kneel downs.
More on balance. The Bengals rushed for 193 yards while Palmer passed for 189 yards.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh's eight receptions gives him 96 for the season. Still on pace for 118.
Palmer's distribution. Of Palmer's 21 completes, T.J. Houshmandzadeh (8) and Kenny Watson (6) combined for 14. Chad picked up 60 yards on two receptions while Chris Henry, Antonio Chatman, Jeremi Johnson, Reggie Kelly and Rudi Johnson had one each.
Isaac Bruce: Shutout.
Third downs. The Rams had 13 third-down plays. They only converted three (23%). The Bengals converted 50% of their third downs -- 7/14.
Bengals dominated time of possession: 32:28-26:32.

Other Status Reports
Bengals. Questionable: S Madieu Williams (thigh)
Steelers. Doubtful: QB Gus Frerotte (shoulder). Questionable: WR Brandon Williams (ankle)

PERSONNEL UPDATE: Madieu Out, Chinedum Ndukwe STARTS! Rams start Brock Berlin at QB.
Two guys got their first NFL start Sunday and the Bengals hoped it work to their advantage when they gave rookie safety Chinedum Ndukwe the nod on a day the Rams opted to rest Marc Bulger and start Brock Berlin. The changes were announced as a dark downpour cascaded on Paul Brown Stadium, a weather pattern matching the bleak records of the 4-8 Bengals and 3-9 Rams. The FieldTurf, covered by a tarp until the officials ordered it off at 10 a.m., looked good with no puddles. [Bengals.com]

Bengals starting free safety Madieu Williams is inactive, and rookie Chinedum Ndukwe will get his first NFL start. Other Bengals inactives: wide receiver Marcus Maxwell, cornerback David Jones, linebacker Jim Maxwell, right tackle Willie Anderson, tight end Nate Lawrie and defensive end Frostee Rucker. [Enquirer]

Starters: (not official)

(D, Doubtful... Q, Questionable)

POS.	Projected
QB	Palmer
RB	R.Johnson
FB	J.Johnson
WR	C. Johnson
WR	Houshmandzadeh
TE	Kelly
LT	Jones
LG	Whitworth
C	Ghiaciuc
RG	Williams
RT	Andrews

POS	D
LE	Geathers
DT	Thornton
DT	Peko
RE	Smith
WB	D.Jones
MB	L.Johnson
SB	R.Jeanty
SS	Jackson
FS	Williams
CB	Joseph
CB	Hall

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Comments

Rams have ball

...and it's pouring. http://www.local12.com/content/weather/pd12/default.aspx

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:02 PM EST reply actions

wow...

Berlin gets hit in the mouth and the pass goes six miles into the sky. Torry Holt adjusts and comes back to the pass. No Bengals defender, it seems, say the flouter.

Next play, Berlin fell down and Dhani Jones and Justin Smith record the sack. Gooooooood start.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:04 PM EST reply actions

First series for defense.

Floating pass while QB gets hit, almost picked -- Torry Holt instead. Berlin gets sacked by falling down. Berlin threw an awful pass with Marvin White being the closest defender. Nice start by defense by way of bad weather for an inexperienced QB.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:06 PM EST reply actions

3rd and 2... lost 6 yards

Wanna guess? Rudi Johnson gets the handoff on an off-tackle to the left. Eric Ghiaciuc gets owned, OWNED by his guy. Almost like Ghiaciuc wasn't even there.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:10 PM EST reply actions

Need a new Center

This is happening way too often is seems. It's one of the major reasons why our rush offense isn't good.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

On first 10 for the Rams second series

Dexter Jackson blitzed off the edge, unblocked, and dropped Steven Jackson at the 1-yard line. After gaining 9 yards, Berlin hit Holt for the sure first down. It's called incomplete, but it seemed like Holt caught the pass and fumbled. Dhani Jones recovered the should-have-been-fumble. Rams punt and the Bengals have the ball.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:14 PM EST reply actions

Bengals defense (first two drives)

Three and out.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:15 PM EST reply actions

DEDE DORSEY -- 20 yards on 3rd-and-6

The situation, third-and-six. The Bengals handed the ball off to Dorsey in the most unpredictable play in Bob Bratkowski history. Dorsey hits the line and spins out of a few tackles and picks up almost 20 yards...

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:19 PM EST reply actions

Blown up screen and pass interference.

Bengals ran a screen to Watson on the left. #52-Draft sniffs it out and Andrew Whitworth was way late getting there. Third down and Palmer slings a pass to Antonio Chatman. #51 is called for the pass interference around the one-yard line. 1st and goal...

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:20 PM EST reply actions

Two false starts... Ghiaciuc

Eric Ghiaciuc called for a false start on first-and-goal at the one. I'm telling you. Not a fan at all of Ghiaciuc. Bobbie Williams called for the first one.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:21 PM EST reply actions

BENGALS TOUCHDOWN (Rudi Johnson run)

Palmer handed off on a stretch-like run to the left with the POA around the left tackle. Rudi patiently worked around the bodies and scored standing up. Bengals up, 7-0.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:22 PM EST reply actions

Bengals first two possessions

The Bengals definitely have the weather in mind. Palmer has completed both his pass attempts -- one went for -4 yards on a screen pass. They've run eight times.

Rudi - 5 rushes, 6 yards, TD
Dorsey - 1 rush, 19 yards
Watson - 1 rush, 4 yards
Jeremi - 1 rush, 2 yards

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:26 PM EST reply actions

Third Rams possession

Fumble on end around lost three yards. After that, Berlin completed a pass to McMichael. Johnathan Joseph whiffed on the tackle. Almost like he wanted nothing to do with the tight end. Then Steven Jackson (eight rushes, 18 yards) misses the third-and-one conversion while Landon Johnson made the stop submarining the RB. The Rams picked up the first down handing the ball to the full back.

End of the first quarter.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:34 PM EST reply actions

Bengals third possession

Who would have thunk that through the first quarter, Carson Palmer would only have five yards passing and the Bengals having a 7-0 lead?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:38 PM EST reply actions

First three plays on drive

Go incomplete (very high and erradic pass to Chad), eight-yard pass to Chad on the left (still very high) then first down pass to Antonio Chatman.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Palmer...

On third and six at the Rams 9-yard line, Palmer tries to squeeze a pass to Chad between two Rams defenders. Problem is you couldn't fit a sheet of paper between the defenders. Bartell had his hands on the ball and started running but dropped the pass. Nearly picked.

Bengals lead 10-0 after Graham FG.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

DeDe Dorsey

Screen to the right. Then BOOM. 45-yard gain. Foot speed just obliterates the Rams defense. While running down the right sidelines, Dorsey pulled away from the Rams defense while Antogwe had the angle. What a great job by Dorsey. Two plays, 64 total yards.

Then on, third and two, Dorsey picks up another 14 yards.

Make that three touches, 78 yards.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:47 PM EST reply actions

The 45-yard screen...

...is being considered a run because the pass didn't go forward.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals rush offense -- 9:50 2 Q.

Through 9:50 in the second quarter, the Bengals have rushed 12 times (against 7 passes) for 102 yards rushing.

Dorsey - 3 rushes, 78 yards
Watson - 2 rushes, 12 yards
Rudi - 7 rushes, 10 yards, TD
Jeremi - 1 rush, 2 yards

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:52 PM EST reply actions

Love Rudi -- please reduce his carries.

Been a big fan of him. But isn't it time to start dropping his carries some? The way Dorsey has played recently and Watson having a career year, what in the world does it take for Bob Bratkowski and the team to think about running the ball without Rudi Johnson?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

Rams fourth offensive possession

Steven Jackson picked up 54 yards on a run to the right. Dexter Jackson had the beat for a stop at the LOS. Instead, Jackson broke the tackle. After about 50 yards of Marvin White trying to tackle Jackson -- who was slugging White in the face like Floyd Mayweather -- Jackson finally fell.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:54 PM EST reply actions

Missed FG

OK, evidence that the Bengals defense has completely reversed their perception. The 54-yard pick up by Jackson was something we're typically used to. What happens after that, is usually the opposition scores. This time? Missed 40-yard FG. Pushes right. BENGALS DEFENSE HOLDING THE SHUTOUT!

Something else to note here. Deltha O'Neal was being blocked on the 3rd-and-16 near the right sidelines on a screen pass to Jackson. O'Neal, playing physical, shed off the block and dropped Jackson. Nice play by O'Neal.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

Palmer throws pick

On first down, the first play of the Bengals 4th possession, Palmer hits T.J. around the first down marker. T.J., as it seems (no replay yet), just dropped the pass and the Rams defender grabbed it while the ball sat motionless in mid-air. Like some Matrix stuff man. Anyway, whatever.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Rams 5th possession

Nice play by Leon Hall. While he was being blocked on the left by Holt, Hall shed off the block and dropped Steven Jackson looking to turn the corner off the edge. It was great contain by Hall -- who I think, after starting slow, is very impressive.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:02 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for the Play by Play

Yo, when the Bengals are all you got to make time go by, it sucks that they suck, but it's better than nothing. Anyway, just another day in Baghdad. Freaking I've been here for 4 months and have always been able to surf cincyjungle while working. No longer. They must have figured you out because the site is not blocked as a blog. Dang. So, I can only get on by using my own computer and super slow connection. Oh well. I got a Bengals Christmas stocking from my wife today, so all is well in the world.

So, let's see the Bengals pull out some December wins (which would be unusual in and of itself)! I would like to see some more DeDe myself. It's going to be crazy what we do at RB next year.

WHO DEY! (dare we root for the Steelers just once?)

by DUVols on Dec 9, 2007 2:05 PM EST reply actions

No

We don't root for the Steelers. Ever. :-)

Good to have you Vols. While I'm not describing the actual plays like earlier in the season, I hope I can still provide an idea of how the game is going...

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

JACKSON FUMBLES. BENGALS FOOTBALL

Dexter Jackson, a man playing with attitude today, did what he does a lot. Coming off the edge on a safety blitz. Berlin, not calling off the play or even noticing Dexter, tried to hand off to Jackson who got SMOKED by Dexter. The hand off was never made and the Bengals recover. YES!!

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:06 PM EST reply actions

Rams 6th possession

After Bengals go three and out with ANOTHER lost yardage by Rudi Johnson, and after Steven Jackson picked up eight yards because the Bengals defenders are slipping off the tremendously talented running back, Dexter Jackson did it again. Timing the snap count now, Jackson blitzed through the line and dropped Jackson for a one-yard loss.

Man of the day award today: So far, goes to Dexter Jackson.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:08 PM EST reply actions

After picking up one first down -- Rams punt

After Antonio Pittman picked up seven yards, Jonathan Fanene swatted down the second down pass. Then Berlin while getting hit, threw a floater to the right sidelines intended to Bruce. Rams punt.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Miller Lite Commerical

The best series of commercials this year, in my opinion, is the Miller Lite "dude" commercials where all that's said is different variations (aren't variations different?) of dude.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:15 PM EST reply actions

Bengals one-minute drill

With less than a minute in the half, the Bengals go...

- Seven yard screen pass to the right for Watson.
- Then six-yard pass to T.J.
- Bengals call timeout #1.
- 16-yard pass to Henry -- slot left running a fade route.
- Then Palmer passes to T.J. for an 11-yard gain over the middle. T.J. FUMBLES. Watson jumps on the loose ball. T.J. has some brittle hands today. Either dropping a pass that went for INT or a fumble.
- Bengals call timeout #2 with :28 left.
- Palmer, while falling down, completes a pass to Watson. Nice job by Palmer to get rid of the ball with his legs tied together. Only went for a few yards. While the clock rolls, Palmer completes a short pass to T.J.
- Bengals call timeout #3 with :03 left in the half at the St. Louis 43-yard line.
- On the final play of the half, Watson picks up a bunch of yards. Didn't matter. Bobbie Williams was called for holding. Half time.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:22 PM EST reply actions

Rudi Johnson through one half

Rudi's horrible performances continue. While you can't attach the entire blame on Rudi, the numbers are just as pathetic as they've been all season. I say that because other running backs are having success. They're finding holes and gaining yards. Rudi? He can't make guys miss. He can't squeeze away from the first tackler. Awful.

Rudi: eight carries, nine yards, TD.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:24 PM EST reply actions

Jeremi Johnson...

...has two carries for 4 yards -- a season high. The last time Jeremi Johnson had two carries or more was the 13-7 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night football -- another rain soaked game.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:27 PM EST reply actions

Carson Palmer and the offense.

...is pretty pedestrian. Not entirely his fault. The rain is torrential. His incomplete passes, if they're not high, are dropped.

With 16 passes attempts, Palmer completed 12 for 87 yards. T.J. leads the team with five receptions (93) for 29 yards. Henry and Chad (2 receptions, 23 yards), combined, are below T.J.'s numbers. But while he's doing better than the other Bengals receivers, he's hands are freaking me out.

Kenny Watson - six touches, 41 total yards.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:30 PM EST reply actions

RBs

It seems evident that with DeDe and Irons the bengals wont need to look at RBs.

I see CJ has been quiet today, he getting the double teams?

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 2:34 PM EST reply actions

Honestly...

With the camera angles always focusing on Palmer while the routes are being run, I can't tell. Palmer isn't really attempting to throw to him, so I'd assume he's being double-teamed. But again, I can't say that for sure. On the interception -- Palmer's second -- Chad was wide open while two guys went after T.J.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals defense

The defense shutout the Rams offense in the first half. Dexter Jackson has clearly played superior. Take out the 54-yard run, Steven Jackson has 11 carries for 27 yards. Jackson's 54-yard run accounts for just under half of the Rams total offense.

Berlin is throwing a lot of dink passes. Safe passes in the rain for a first time starting quarterback in the NFL. His six completes (on 11 attempts) only picked up 46 yards.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:36 PM EST reply actions

First Bengals drive -- Palmer throws INT for TD.

Well. I don't know. Rudi, with what seemed like a wide open hole in front of him, danced in the backfield anyway. He was tracked down from behind for a no-gain by a defensive lineman.

On the next play, picked off. Palmer attempted left to T.J. The Rams defender timed the route and predicted it perfectly. Expected it big time. He jumped the route and took it into the endzone.

Bengals still lead, 10-7. But the Bengals offense screws up the Bengals defense attempt at a shutout. Awful. I tell you, my frustrations with Palmer, while understanding those around him aren't playing at their peak, is rising. He's only as good as the guys around him. I suppose that's true with most players. Not the elites? I don't know.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:39 PM EST reply actions

Palmer

Looks like he didn't look, just a quick pass and the D did that corner blitz.

I saw run more DeDe! Eat that clock, and win this game. At least when it's not false starting, the OLine is protecting.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals second drive...

Stutter, spin, juke. That describes Rudi Johnson in the backfield on nearly every play. That explosion through the hole is gone. And while he actually picked up nine yards (doubling his game-total), I still don't see Rudi Johnson being the feature back anymore. I don't see why the Bengals keep putting him out there for the bulk of the team's carries. I suppose I'm just frustrated with him. Whatever.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Eric Ghiaciuc

Second false start. How does the center have two false starts?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

Screen pass to Rudi Johnson?

Who thinks these plays up? Rudi didn't shed the first tackler. One-yard gain.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Screens

I dont think those are the primary plays; just a bail out. DeDe's was effective. Why isn't he on the field all the time?

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

RE

I don't know. And I'm getting really irritated. Though Rudi did have a good drive -- finally.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals driving

Even though I'm bitching more than rain falling on Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals are moving the ball.

They are 5/8 on third downs in the game. Including two on this drive -- both picked up on T.J. Houshmandzadeh receptions. T.J. has three total receptions on this drive giving him eight today. Then Rudi picked up eight yards on third-and-three for another first down.

So, perhaps bitching about Rudi works. He's starting to run down hill more. Picking up larger chunks of yards.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

OLine

So much for OLine doing well; two botched plays. Rams practially lining up in the backfield.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 2:51 PM EST reply actions

RE

Are you watching too?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

watcing

You betcha. Longest I've been able to go into a bengals game for a while.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Awesome

Usually people that join me are those that can't see the game. I'm happy someone else watching gets to understand when I go into my rants what I'm talking about. Especially those moments when I curse and don't give an idea to anyone why I'm cursing. :-D

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

RE

False starts at home. Busted blocking scheme on third down leading to sack. Rudi having to deal with at least one defender in the backfield.

Yeap. When the O-Line breaks down, it breaks down big.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Rudi Johnson...

After going eight carries for nine yards in the first half, Rudi Johnson on the second drive of the second half, carried the ball six times for 26 yards. The play he lost yards on, as Skiles pointed above, Rudi had to contend with three defenders.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:53 PM EST reply actions

Rams possession -- quickly

Domata Peko! This guy is feast or famine. He makes plays. Makes them enough to be valuable. But there's times when he's just never noticed. Well, that would be the case if you couldn't find the guy. And of all the players in the NFL, Peko is the most recognizable.

Good job by the Bengals defense. They are playing as well as I can remember for the past few games. By far, the best stretch of defense during the Marvin Lewis era. People are staying home. Making less mis-tackles. Playing tough. I'm enjoying it. Good stuff defense!

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions

CJ

Wow, they've just been ignoring CJ to set up bombs like that. That was just a monkeying

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 3:01 PM EST reply actions

HA!

He cooked that defense, didn't he?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals offense

On the first play, Palmer drops back, play fakes and leads Chad Johnson -- covered by two people... covered meaning running behind Chad -- for a 52 yard gain. NICE. NICE. NICE.

Rudi picks up another four yards. This is the Rudi I remember. Pick up 3-4 yards here and there and falling down on each play. Then of course, he runs into a wall of bodies for a no-gain. Whitworth pulling saw the play go outside and blocked as such. Rudi ran inside.

Third-and-six, Palmer throws a mile over Chad Johnson's head for an incomplete. Stalling in the red-zone or throwing picks. Whatever. This has been the Bengals biggest problem all-season. The inability to finish drives.

Graham kicks his third FG of the game. Bengals lead 16-7.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:02 PM EST reply actions

Rams in the 4th Q

The Rams are outscored in the 4th quarter this season, 111-37.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:06 PM EST reply actions

Stormtrooper

Where's the bengal stormtrooper? That getup is made for weather like this.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 3:09 PM EST reply actions

RE

I think Skywalker finally took him out. I just never knew that Skywalker played for the Bills, Steelers, Browns, Patriots, Seahawks or the Chiefs.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

NFL Scores

Who else is jacked for the Patriots/Steelers game later? Luckily, we're getting that game rather than the Browns. Sure, it's the Steelers, but there's nothing better in the NFL -- when you're team is 4-8 heading to 5-8 -- then having a great match-up like this. This is precursor for a playoff game. Great NFL games pumps me up.

The Lions are beating the Cowboys, 20-14.
Buffalo over the Bills, 34-14. Damn. Damn. Damn. I do NOT want to face the winless 0-15 Dolphins. I pray they win one game.
Houston beating Tampa, 21-14.
Tennessee beating Jacksonville, 10-3.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:09 PM EST reply actions

HA!

The Rams are doing a great job picking up yards. They've picked up 25 yards in the past two plays with offensive hold and chop block.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:12 PM EST reply actions

2nd and 32

After Jackson picked up 12 yards on a dump pass, Berlin completed a quick pass to Holt for a minimal six yard gain. Rams punt. Defense baby. Still shutting out the Rams.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

Eric Ghiaciuc

Late snapping the ball. All four guys jumped the snap count while Eric Ghiaciuc didn't snap the ball. He thought it was two while everyone else expected the ball to be snapped at one.

What is that, four false starts? At home? This late in the season? Three on Eric G?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:19 PM EST reply actions

Beautiful...

Bengals line up 3rd-and-15. Palmer takes the snap and shovel passes to Kenny Watson for a 15 yard gain. It was beautifully designed. Whitworth pulled from left to right while Stacy Andrews drove his guy a mile backwards. Great job.

The refs measured, and it's a five chain links short. Go for it? No. We're up 16-7. Punt the ball and force the inexperienced QB to drive them.

OK, Marvin is challenging.

Either way, it was a nice play call.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:21 PM EST reply actions

The challenge

Lewis is challenging the spot on the field. Watson, it seems makes the yardage because he's laying and rolling on defenders. If anything, the spot is wrong. He's clearly passed yardage. Play stands. Bengals? Watcha gonna do? Punt the ball. Good call.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:24 PM EST reply actions

Challenging a spot???

I dont like that idea. Just punt it, and let the D play. Rams almost FUBAR it anyway.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 3:25 PM EST reply actions

Agreed.

The Bengals defense is still pitching a shutout and I don't see Berlin taking the Rams and closing their 9 point deficit.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

Blue ADAMS!

Bengals punt and the Rams return guy caught the ball with Blue Adams right there. His timing was flawless. While it wasn't a "jacked up" hit, Adams' hit did jar the ball loose in what seemed to be falling anyway. Rams recover. Have the ball at their own 13-yard line.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:26 PM EST reply actions

Bengals trivia...

When was the last time that Carson Palmer went back-to-back games without a touchdown?

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:30 PM EST reply actions

RE

OK, the answer: Not since career games #2 and #3 in 2004 has Carson Palmer gone back-to-back games without a touchdown.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

Soft

Looks like the Bengals are going with their soft D. NO FLAG??? on Intentional grounding???? LAME CALL

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 3:32 PM EST reply actions

Refs

Seem to be having a hard time. They wiped out the time out because the play clock was wrong. Then the Rams took it? I'm confused right now.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

Refs

It was a pretty well called game until that series.

by mskiles314 on Dec 9, 2007 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

Jonathan Fanene

Two tipped passes at the LOS. Well done.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:36 PM EST reply actions

Another Palmer fact

Palmer, this season, has six games with two interceptions or more. That's a career-high with most games with 2 picks or more.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:38 PM EST reply actions

Game clock killing drive

Rudi Johnson. Three carries, 25 yards. This is old Rudi-time. Clock killing monster!

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:40 PM EST reply actions

RUDI!!!!!!!!!!

Rudi Johnson rushes for 22 yards! He has 91 yards now on 23 carries. 47 of those yards on this drive!!

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:42 PM EST reply actions

RE

21 carries, sorry.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

More on Rudi

Two games ago, against the Titans, Rudi picked up 88 yards on 25 carries. Struggled against the Steelers -- but everyone does. So while I'm bitching about him constantly, man, his numbers, in two of the past three games, are actually good.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:44 PM EST reply actions

OK, now I'm nervous

The Bengals stalled on their clock-killing drive and there's over two minutes left in the game. Shayne Graham comes out on the field, with the potential to put the Bengals back up to two scores. Misses it and the Bengals could lose it....

Graham.. MAKES IT! 4 for 4 today.

Could be the clincher. We need it. The Bengals are holding onto their four season streak of not having a losing season.

by Josh Kirkendall on Dec 9, 2007 3:47 PM EST reply actions