It has been a long time guys. I wanted to thank you all for reading this blog and helping me along the way. Currently, I have been writing for a couple other sites that you guys should check out. Unfortunately, a lot of my time and best writing goes to them. Any support you can give me and my articles on those sites is greatly appreciated. I am trying to get into this crazy business and it would definitely help if others showed their support threw likes, tweets, and g+'s. I will still be updating this site periodically, but I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been posting. You can check out the other sites at:
http://bengalsarmchairnation.blogspot.com
http://redsarmchairnation.blogspot.com
http://stripehype.com
and to just read my stripe hype articles:
http://stripehype.com/author/melpayne/
You can also follow me on twitter for updates to articles or general Bengals information at:
@melpayne54
Or my Facebook page at:
The Growl - Cincinnati Bengals Fans
Thanks again, everyone! Who Dey!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Anderson Out, Gilberry In
Everyone who watched the game on Sunday took a collective sigh when once again, another injury stopped the game for the Bengals Defense. This time it was backup DE Jamaal Anderson laying out on the field. This is an area where we are already very thin. It wasn't very encouraging either, when he had to be carted off of the field. After the team doctors had a chance to look at Anderson's leg, it was determined that he tore the quad tendon just above his right knee. The Bengals wasted no time getting him on the season ending Injured Reserve list, so that they would be able to sign a replacement immediately. That replacement is coming in the form of Wallace Gilberry by way of Tampa Bay. We seem to really like their guys as of late, with Faine being picked up just a few weeks ago to fill in at Center for Cook.
So Bengal fans, meet your new Bengal:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 275 lbs
College: Alabama
Gilberry started his NFL career with Kansas City in 2008. He stayed with them until the 2011 season, playing in 54 games which included 1 postseason game. He played in every game from 2009-2011, racking up 14 career sacks (he is pictured above sacking Brady, causing a fumble), 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 5 passes batted down, and 46 tackles. Gilberry was released by the Chiefs following the 2011 season and was signed with Tampa Bay to begin 2012. He started the season with the Bucs on the inactive list and was just released on Friday. Which was a good thing for the Bengals, since another one of the already ravished DE's went down.
The Bengals also hope to get Dunlap back from injury this week. He has been out with a knee injury since the 1st preseason game of 2012 against the Jets. Dunlap has been back to practicing with the team and seems to have recovered well enough to get back into the game. This is also a relief for Michael Johnson who has had to play 90% of the snaps in games, making him too tired to pass rush when it is needed in the fourth quarter. If Dunlap does make it back off of the injured list, that will give the Bengals 4 healthy DE's in Geathers, Johnson, Gilberry, and Dunlap. With the Defense playing the way that they are lately, anything helps. Let's see what you got Gilberry! Who Dey!
So Bengal fans, meet your new Bengal:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 275 lbs
College: Alabama
Gilberry started his NFL career with Kansas City in 2008. He stayed with them until the 2011 season, playing in 54 games which included 1 postseason game. He played in every game from 2009-2011, racking up 14 career sacks (he is pictured above sacking Brady, causing a fumble), 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 5 passes batted down, and 46 tackles. Gilberry was released by the Chiefs following the 2011 season and was signed with Tampa Bay to begin 2012. He started the season with the Bucs on the inactive list and was just released on Friday. Which was a good thing for the Bengals, since another one of the already ravished DE's went down.
The Bengals also hope to get Dunlap back from injury this week. He has been out with a knee injury since the 1st preseason game of 2012 against the Jets. Dunlap has been back to practicing with the team and seems to have recovered well enough to get back into the game. This is also a relief for Michael Johnson who has had to play 90% of the snaps in games, making him too tired to pass rush when it is needed in the fourth quarter. If Dunlap does make it back off of the injured list, that will give the Bengals 4 healthy DE's in Geathers, Johnson, Gilberry, and Dunlap. With the Defense playing the way that they are lately, anything helps. Let's see what you got Gilberry! Who Dey!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Is A Win A Win?
Is a win a win? Sure it looks good on paper. It moves your team to the top of charts. They are celebrated by sports writers and announcers. The fans cheer their heroes. But is a win always a win? In the case of yesterdays Bengals home opener against the Browns, that answer is no. The Bengals came away with a victory of 34-27. They held the lead the entire game. It was their first win of the season, but it was not a win for the whole team. I have heard people split down the middle. For those fans that follow their team, but not football as a skill sport, the win is great. They were dancing in the streets. In fact, my fellow Bengal fan that joined me at Paul Brown Stadium last Sunday was ecstatic about the team's victory. On the other side of the split, are fans like me and maybe you. I left the game disappointed, concerned, and frustrated out of my mind. Which side are you on? Are you satisfied with the win because it is a win or do you want more from your team?
After an inconsistent start to the season last Monday night in Baltimore, the offense really stepped it up this week. Andy Dalton made more precise throws. You could tell that was something he and the receiving corp worked on last week in practice. He did still overthrow his receivers a few times on the long balls, but overall it was a drastic improvement. Now if we can get him to improve week after week and stay consistent with his throwing habits, we will be in good shape for the season. For Dalton to throw those tough on-target passes, though, the line is going to have to continue to get better at protecting him. This week, they were a little less together against the defensive line of the Browns, allowing the quarterback to be sacked a total of 6 times. If that is happening against the Browns, wait until we play the Steelers. The schedule is not an easy one this season and that includes our own AFC North opponents. So this line is going to have to get better. The inexperience combined with the youth on the Offensive Line for the Bengals is bound to improve with more playing time together in game situations. They aren't horrible, but they need to step it up. On that same note, Green-Ellis had another great game. No fumbles and 75 hard fought running yards. In my opinion, he could have gotten to triple digit numbers on the ground if the line could have held their blocks better. If he is already doing that well on his legs, imagine what he can do behind an improved line. He joined the receiving corps this week with 3 receptions for 30 yards. Speaking of the receiving crew...they came to play on Sunday. Dalton spread the ball around and the fans were finally able to see what everyone was raving about with Tate and Binns in training camp. Tate came up big with 71 yards and a touchdown, Binns had 66 yards, and Green got in the mix with 58 yards and a touchdown. No wide receiver was more mesmerizing than Andrew Hawkins, though. The young receiver had 2 receptions for 56 yards and his first NFL touchdown of his career. He had an impressive 51 yard catch and run that still has fans talking. He is really stepping up since Shipley's departure and looks to be the new safety net for Dalton. He has good field vision and is quite possibly the best current receiver for yards gained after the catch on the team. Gresham also got in the mix with 37 yards. If it needs to be noted that Baby Hawk is great after the catch, then I think it needs to be noted that Gresham is not so great after the catch. When he actually does catch the ball, he looks like a big, awkward kid going through a growth spurt that doesn't know how to use his body yet. He just sort of dangles for a moment like a big oaf and then falls. This is a large, strong man. Why can't he push through one guy for even one extra yard? What's Eating Jermaine Gresham? In a league where TE's are starting to rule the air, he is going to need to learn to run, catch, and be more confident with the pigskin. Currently, he has been a disappointment. I know a lot of you will hate me for saying that. He has a ton of fans. Please note, that this is the NFL and a guy is only as good as his last play. And Jermaine's last play looked like a 12 year old 6 footer that still can't use his legs or arms. In the spirit of our friends at ESPN, "C'mon Man"!
While the offense improved drastically, the defense remained the same. They somehow managed to allow even more yards this week than the disturbing game in Baltimore where they deteriorated before all of our eyes on national television. They gave Baltimore 430 yards and Cleveland 439. This cannot continue throughout the season. If the offense wouldn't have played the way they did and if PacMan didn't "nom, nom, nom" his way to a punt return for a score, then this game would have been a lot different. This is not a defense we can lean on. Hell, this is not a defense we can win with. They were the sole reason this win was not a win. Instead it was a scary reminder of how this season is going to end up if this defense isn't better. Unfortunately, I don't see a bright spot for them either. The Bengals Defense was spoken highly of all over sports before the season started. I was at camp, I saw the preseason games, they looked good. People said they were going to silently make their way to the top of the NFL rankings. Instead, they are very loudly making their way to the bottom of that list. The line allows run after run after run. They got no pressure on Weeden, who looked like crap last week against the Eagles and had a stellar rating with no interceptions in the Jungle. They couldn't hold them on a third down and they allowed them to score 27 points. The backfield, wait, do we even have a backfield? Mays sat out and Miles took over his spot and was pretty much a non factor the whole game. Nelson, the teams interception leader from last season, was barely even mentioned. Newman led the team in tackles, but you would never know, Clements was barely there, and does anyone know what is going on with Leon Hall. These guys blew coverage, they tackled poorly, and guys just weren't where they were supposed to be. Hall just really sticks out to me. He has got to go. We need to upgrade him immediately. Even his post game interviews anger me. I know we are waiting for Kirkpatrick to heal, but even when he does, he isn't going to be up to game speed. He is a rookie, has barely practiced, and certainly hasn't played in any kind of game situation since college. There has to be a better option and it has to be now. If not, we can all say goodbye to a winning season, the playoffs, and our dignity. The ship is sinking and the defense forgot the raft.
If you like to talk about the Bengals and want to stay up to date on current team information, like my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/cincinnatibengalsfans
After an inconsistent start to the season last Monday night in Baltimore, the offense really stepped it up this week. Andy Dalton made more precise throws. You could tell that was something he and the receiving corp worked on last week in practice. He did still overthrow his receivers a few times on the long balls, but overall it was a drastic improvement. Now if we can get him to improve week after week and stay consistent with his throwing habits, we will be in good shape for the season. For Dalton to throw those tough on-target passes, though, the line is going to have to continue to get better at protecting him. This week, they were a little less together against the defensive line of the Browns, allowing the quarterback to be sacked a total of 6 times. If that is happening against the Browns, wait until we play the Steelers. The schedule is not an easy one this season and that includes our own AFC North opponents. So this line is going to have to get better. The inexperience combined with the youth on the Offensive Line for the Bengals is bound to improve with more playing time together in game situations. They aren't horrible, but they need to step it up. On that same note, Green-Ellis had another great game. No fumbles and 75 hard fought running yards. In my opinion, he could have gotten to triple digit numbers on the ground if the line could have held their blocks better. If he is already doing that well on his legs, imagine what he can do behind an improved line. He joined the receiving corps this week with 3 receptions for 30 yards. Speaking of the receiving crew...they came to play on Sunday. Dalton spread the ball around and the fans were finally able to see what everyone was raving about with Tate and Binns in training camp. Tate came up big with 71 yards and a touchdown, Binns had 66 yards, and Green got in the mix with 58 yards and a touchdown. No wide receiver was more mesmerizing than Andrew Hawkins, though. The young receiver had 2 receptions for 56 yards and his first NFL touchdown of his career. He had an impressive 51 yard catch and run that still has fans talking. He is really stepping up since Shipley's departure and looks to be the new safety net for Dalton. He has good field vision and is quite possibly the best current receiver for yards gained after the catch on the team. Gresham also got in the mix with 37 yards. If it needs to be noted that Baby Hawk is great after the catch, then I think it needs to be noted that Gresham is not so great after the catch. When he actually does catch the ball, he looks like a big, awkward kid going through a growth spurt that doesn't know how to use his body yet. He just sort of dangles for a moment like a big oaf and then falls. This is a large, strong man. Why can't he push through one guy for even one extra yard? What's Eating Jermaine Gresham? In a league where TE's are starting to rule the air, he is going to need to learn to run, catch, and be more confident with the pigskin. Currently, he has been a disappointment. I know a lot of you will hate me for saying that. He has a ton of fans. Please note, that this is the NFL and a guy is only as good as his last play. And Jermaine's last play looked like a 12 year old 6 footer that still can't use his legs or arms. In the spirit of our friends at ESPN, "C'mon Man"!
While the offense improved drastically, the defense remained the same. They somehow managed to allow even more yards this week than the disturbing game in Baltimore where they deteriorated before all of our eyes on national television. They gave Baltimore 430 yards and Cleveland 439. This cannot continue throughout the season. If the offense wouldn't have played the way they did and if PacMan didn't "nom, nom, nom" his way to a punt return for a score, then this game would have been a lot different. This is not a defense we can lean on. Hell, this is not a defense we can win with. They were the sole reason this win was not a win. Instead it was a scary reminder of how this season is going to end up if this defense isn't better. Unfortunately, I don't see a bright spot for them either. The Bengals Defense was spoken highly of all over sports before the season started. I was at camp, I saw the preseason games, they looked good. People said they were going to silently make their way to the top of the NFL rankings. Instead, they are very loudly making their way to the bottom of that list. The line allows run after run after run. They got no pressure on Weeden, who looked like crap last week against the Eagles and had a stellar rating with no interceptions in the Jungle. They couldn't hold them on a third down and they allowed them to score 27 points. The backfield, wait, do we even have a backfield? Mays sat out and Miles took over his spot and was pretty much a non factor the whole game. Nelson, the teams interception leader from last season, was barely even mentioned. Newman led the team in tackles, but you would never know, Clements was barely there, and does anyone know what is going on with Leon Hall. These guys blew coverage, they tackled poorly, and guys just weren't where they were supposed to be. Hall just really sticks out to me. He has got to go. We need to upgrade him immediately. Even his post game interviews anger me. I know we are waiting for Kirkpatrick to heal, but even when he does, he isn't going to be up to game speed. He is a rookie, has barely practiced, and certainly hasn't played in any kind of game situation since college. There has to be a better option and it has to be now. If not, we can all say goodbye to a winning season, the playoffs, and our dignity. The ship is sinking and the defense forgot the raft.
If you like to talk about the Bengals and want to stay up to date on current team information, like my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/cincinnatibengalsfans
Friday, September 14, 2012
Heeeee's Baaaaaaack
With just two days until the sold-out home opener against the Browns, the Bengals are hitting the gridiron hard to prepare for another AFC North showdown. Coming off of an ugly loss against Baltimore last Monday night, the team knows this week they need to show up and get a win in front of their home crowd before people start counting them out as the Bengals of old. I, myself, am excited for this game to see what they can do. I am keeping my fingers crossed, like the rest of Who Dey Nation, that the Defense's performance was a fluke last week and they were just having first game jitters. I am also hopeful that the offense, though not as ugly as the defense, can step it up in crucial moments and make those catches.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis stands to have another great game against the Cleveland Browns this week, maybe even breaking into triple digit yards in rushing. Which is something, I know, in New England wasn't possible with their passing attack. I have been praising him all offseason since he was picked up and then last week, as he was the one guy who really came to play in Baltimore. Today, will be no different. I will admit, I was slightly nervous about him, even though I knew we was a good back. Not because of performance, but because of endurance. Let's face it, the Pats don't use the run often. Who needs it with future Hall of Famer Brady under center and 800 Tight Ends? So, with the Law Firm coming to Cincinnati and his number of touches becoming significantly more, I was concerned with the stamina issue. He is not used to all that action. It was even more nerve racking with Scott out and the non-existent running game in the preseason led by Leonard. As we all saw though, he was a work horse last week and I think this week will be no different. Expect him to be a huge threat this week to the Cleveland Defense.
There is another running back on all of our minds too this week. His name is Trent Richardson and though he was plagued with injuries during the offseason and he is just a rookie, with the way our D is playing, he has the ability to ravage us. He wants to do just that this week too. Richardson is coming in with a chip on his shoulder because of some words exchanged between him and Bengals MLB Maualuga. Maualuga said that Richardson didn't do anything "spectacular" in his NFL opener last week against the Eagles. Whether or not Maualuga meant it like that, which some are saying he meant it as he will probably do better this week, the Browns RB is mad and wants a piece of Rey and the Bengals Defense. "When somebody wants to talk mess, I mean, hey, that's them. I let my game speak for itself, so if they want to see how mad I am, or how upset they got me about the comment, you'll see Sunday," Richardson told The Cleveland Plain-Dealer. He went on to say, "He's right, I haven't done anything yet. Hopefully this weekend I can give him a little flavor of what I'm supposed to come into the NFL with, so I think stuff like that is funny. It's very encouraging." To Mr. Maualuga and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals Defense, I would like to encourage you to keep your mouths shut until you play a good game. Hopefully, these words will amp us up and we will defend the Rey Maualuga comment. My fear is it will just amp up the wrong side.
Taylor Mays' punishment finally came down today from the NFL for his helmet to helmet hit in Baltimore. He has been ordered to pay a fine of $21,000.00 for his indiscretion. That is a lot of coin, at least to me and you, for a bad tackle. So hopefully he learns his lesson and can bridle his intense playing and hard hits. I like that he is so enthusiastic and makes these guys pay for the yards they make, but he has to keep his head up. This is why he injured two of our guys in the preseason. Another player occurrence to note this week, is LB Thomas Howard. He tore his ACL in practice on Thursday and is now declared out of the season. The team has moved him to the Injured Reserve list. This is a big hit on the D-Line. With this season ending injury, the Bengals have went back and re-signed LB Roddrick Muckelroy, who was with the team during the preseason. He had a good camp and did well in the preseason games. People thought that he would make the 53 man roster, but the team went on the side of youth with Burfict instead, leaving Muckelroy for the waiver wire. He was not eligible for the practice squad. Hopefully, he can help in filling our gaps. Lewis, however, has not named a starter at the position. So we will see, where he is used, if at all.
My prediction for this week's game is:
Cincinnati 17
Cleveland 10
What do you think of that prediction? Too high, too low? Reversed? I had originally thought we would blow them out, but while writing this, I started making myself nervous. So I will go with a sensible score and just hope that we are on the side of winning. After watching and listening to this past week's post game press conferences and locker room interviews, though. I wasn't that impressed. Besides for a few guys, it seemed like a lot of blame placed on bad officiating. There were even defensive guys that said they did what they were supposed to, they just came up short. Some of these guys seemed extremely off the mark all night. I want more seriousness, anger, or something. Sure they took blame to an extent, but aside from 3 guys, they didn't even seem that mad. I want them to be fired up and take full responsibility. Dalton did more than most, but he still thought officiating took away their momentum. I don't know what I wanted to see, but what that wasn't it. The two guys that really just said it came down to bad playing were Whitworth and Green-Ellis. Whitworth knew the line did their job but the offense just missed on key plays, to which I agree. Green-Ellis looked down right angry in his interview. Which makes me really happy because he knows what it is like to be a champion so maybe he can get these other guys in the right mind set to rip the Brownies come Sunday.
In other stadium news, the Bengals sent out a fan code of conduct today. Obviously, there are those fans that drink and get wild and there are naturally those that don't. When they get unruly, I get the jerk line. I have been on both sides there. Several times, I am sure my friends and I should have been called on, and when I was sober, I was completely annoyed at the idiots around me. So, this I understand. They are saying now, that they are also going to fight against excessive standing. Aside from preseason, I have not gone to a game where people did not stand the whole time. It is just what you do. They said some fans can't stand the whole time. That I get, but you have to know when you buy a live a game ticket that it is going to happen. I just don't know how or why they are going to police this. Is standing really hurting people that much.
Enjoy Sunday's game whether you are watching it at home or the rocking Jungle! Let's get the W! Who Dey!
BenJarvus Green-Ellis stands to have another great game against the Cleveland Browns this week, maybe even breaking into triple digit yards in rushing. Which is something, I know, in New England wasn't possible with their passing attack. I have been praising him all offseason since he was picked up and then last week, as he was the one guy who really came to play in Baltimore. Today, will be no different. I will admit, I was slightly nervous about him, even though I knew we was a good back. Not because of performance, but because of endurance. Let's face it, the Pats don't use the run often. Who needs it with future Hall of Famer Brady under center and 800 Tight Ends? So, with the Law Firm coming to Cincinnati and his number of touches becoming significantly more, I was concerned with the stamina issue. He is not used to all that action. It was even more nerve racking with Scott out and the non-existent running game in the preseason led by Leonard. As we all saw though, he was a work horse last week and I think this week will be no different. Expect him to be a huge threat this week to the Cleveland Defense.
There is another running back on all of our minds too this week. His name is Trent Richardson and though he was plagued with injuries during the offseason and he is just a rookie, with the way our D is playing, he has the ability to ravage us. He wants to do just that this week too. Richardson is coming in with a chip on his shoulder because of some words exchanged between him and Bengals MLB Maualuga. Maualuga said that Richardson didn't do anything "spectacular" in his NFL opener last week against the Eagles. Whether or not Maualuga meant it like that, which some are saying he meant it as he will probably do better this week, the Browns RB is mad and wants a piece of Rey and the Bengals Defense. "When somebody wants to talk mess, I mean, hey, that's them. I let my game speak for itself, so if they want to see how mad I am, or how upset they got me about the comment, you'll see Sunday," Richardson told The Cleveland Plain-Dealer. He went on to say, "He's right, I haven't done anything yet. Hopefully this weekend I can give him a little flavor of what I'm supposed to come into the NFL with, so I think stuff like that is funny. It's very encouraging." To Mr. Maualuga and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals Defense, I would like to encourage you to keep your mouths shut until you play a good game. Hopefully, these words will amp us up and we will defend the Rey Maualuga comment. My fear is it will just amp up the wrong side.
Taylor Mays' punishment finally came down today from the NFL for his helmet to helmet hit in Baltimore. He has been ordered to pay a fine of $21,000.00 for his indiscretion. That is a lot of coin, at least to me and you, for a bad tackle. So hopefully he learns his lesson and can bridle his intense playing and hard hits. I like that he is so enthusiastic and makes these guys pay for the yards they make, but he has to keep his head up. This is why he injured two of our guys in the preseason. Another player occurrence to note this week, is LB Thomas Howard. He tore his ACL in practice on Thursday and is now declared out of the season. The team has moved him to the Injured Reserve list. This is a big hit on the D-Line. With this season ending injury, the Bengals have went back and re-signed LB Roddrick Muckelroy, who was with the team during the preseason. He had a good camp and did well in the preseason games. People thought that he would make the 53 man roster, but the team went on the side of youth with Burfict instead, leaving Muckelroy for the waiver wire. He was not eligible for the practice squad. Hopefully, he can help in filling our gaps. Lewis, however, has not named a starter at the position. So we will see, where he is used, if at all.
My prediction for this week's game is:
Cincinnati 17
Cleveland 10
What do you think of that prediction? Too high, too low? Reversed? I had originally thought we would blow them out, but while writing this, I started making myself nervous. So I will go with a sensible score and just hope that we are on the side of winning. After watching and listening to this past week's post game press conferences and locker room interviews, though. I wasn't that impressed. Besides for a few guys, it seemed like a lot of blame placed on bad officiating. There were even defensive guys that said they did what they were supposed to, they just came up short. Some of these guys seemed extremely off the mark all night. I want more seriousness, anger, or something. Sure they took blame to an extent, but aside from 3 guys, they didn't even seem that mad. I want them to be fired up and take full responsibility. Dalton did more than most, but he still thought officiating took away their momentum. I don't know what I wanted to see, but what that wasn't it. The two guys that really just said it came down to bad playing were Whitworth and Green-Ellis. Whitworth knew the line did their job but the offense just missed on key plays, to which I agree. Green-Ellis looked down right angry in his interview. Which makes me really happy because he knows what it is like to be a champion so maybe he can get these other guys in the right mind set to rip the Brownies come Sunday.
In other stadium news, the Bengals sent out a fan code of conduct today. Obviously, there are those fans that drink and get wild and there are naturally those that don't. When they get unruly, I get the jerk line. I have been on both sides there. Several times, I am sure my friends and I should have been called on, and when I was sober, I was completely annoyed at the idiots around me. So, this I understand. They are saying now, that they are also going to fight against excessive standing. Aside from preseason, I have not gone to a game where people did not stand the whole time. It is just what you do. They said some fans can't stand the whole time. That I get, but you have to know when you buy a live a game ticket that it is going to happen. I just don't know how or why they are going to police this. Is standing really hurting people that much.
Enjoy Sunday's game whether you are watching it at home or the rocking Jungle! Let's get the W! Who Dey!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Don't Drop The Soap...
In the Cincinnati Bengals case last night (Monday September 10, 2012...remember this date forever), the team didn't need to drop the soap, they were laying on the shower floor helpless! So, in honor of the passing of our dignity and pride, let's take a moment of silence.................................................
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In case you missed it or your brain tucked it away to never be found again, the score for the opening game of the season, on Monday Night Football, in front of a national audience was:
Baltimore 44
Cincinnati 13
But don't fret Bengals fans, not only was it as bad as it looks, it broke some records for the team. Here we go: The Defense gave up the most amount of yards since December 2010 when the Saints got 436 on the Orange and Black, The Defense gave up the most points since November 2010 when the Bills hit the boys with 49, The defeat was the worst ever for Marvin Lewis as head coach of the Bengals on opening day, Oh, yeah, and one more. Here's a good one, Ed Reed became the NFL's All Time Leading Interception Return Yard Leader!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
So, let's start with the positives of the game. I know, after an ass whoopin like that in front of God and all creation it doesn't seem that there would be positives. But there are always positives my friends. So positive #1) The Offensive Line, filled with rookies, inexperienced players, and a man that was just selling insurance last month, held up well. This is definitely a surprise for people. Everyone thought if we struggled it would be here. However, Faine, didn't miss a beat and looked like he had Andy Dalton under Center his whole career. Zeitler got beat one time, when the game was already out of reach. Andy, for all of the inexperience really stayed safe in the pocket. Sure we were pressured here and there, but we were playing the number one D in the league. Positive #2) Andrew "Baby Hawk" Hawkins really stepped his game up. He was targeted often and was able to get some good, effective yards after the catch. I think his size might be an upside because he is so elusive and hard to get to. Positive #3) BenJarvus Green-Ellis got 91 yards rushing off of just 18 carries and a TD. This is very encouraging. He put out a lot of effort and made the tough yards, carrying guys if he had to. He didn't put the ball on the ground and he scraped for more and more every down. In two showings against this unrunnable Ravens D last year, Benson only rushed for 92 yards with 29 carries. People keep wondering if we upgraded and why we didn't pick up Bush. Well here is your answer. The Law Firm is quick, just as tough, has a nose for the endzone and hasn't fumbled ever in his NFL career. Well, that, and Bush was overweight when they worked him out. So the Law Firm also does not eat fast food. Positive #4) It is only week one. I know it left an ugly taste in our mouths, but there are still 15 more games to play. We lost week one last year and probably will again, so let's just dust ourselves off, get back on the horse and pray Leon Hall learns to cover!
See there were positives, I didn't disappoint did I? So now for the negatives. I am not going to number these. Mainly because it is depressing, but also because the D is to blame for 99%. Okay, so before blaming the D, let's start with Dalton. He was over throwing guys the whole game! These guys are tall and their arms are long, but we aren't dealing the Green Giant here man! I didn't even count his over throws because I was too angry. There is no reason for this. He needs to settle down and try to be more accurate. Also, if Green is double teamed...he isn't your guy. I am going to chuck it up to first game of the season jitters, but if this continues the next couple of games, Bengals fans should definitely be concerned. He seems like a nice a guy, but Palmer did too. Last year, more than a few of his completions were because the receivers went and got the ball for him, not because he made it easy with accuracy. I like him, but I would also really like to win. So, again, let's just chalk it up to jitters for now, but let's get to work on it. Now for the rest of the rest of the 500 negatives: Defense, Defense, Defense...We were supposed to be so awesome here. Everyone thought we would be in the top 5 talk this season. At least up front. Nope, I am not even sure if we can be included in the top 32 discussion at this point. I played the Bengals D last night in Fantasy Football and got -1 points. Really guys?!? Leon Hall got beat all night. He even dropped what should have been an interception. I don't know if he isn't really fully recovered from his injury last season or if he just can't keep up anymore. It was not pretty, though, and he should take a lot of the blame. Taylor Mays...let our offense get yards, don't help their offense get yards. This guys likes to hit and he likes to hit hard, just ask Maualuga and Burfict. He, however, still needs to keep his head up and not knock people out with helmet to helmet. This is exactly what he did in the Green Bay preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium and it can't keep happening. Fifteen yards is fifteen yards, that they didn't have to earn. And the line, well, Ray Rice didn't seem to have a problem with that.
Now, hopefully, the highly touted D can see you still have to work. It is not going to come easy. There is a goal line to protect if we are ever going to win or get anywhere. I don't know what the mental breakdown was this game. Maybe it was the coaching, maybe it was the players, probably it was both, but it has to get better. I am sure Zimmer is going to beat these guys up this week, which is obviously necessary. If I am this upset, I can only imagine how embarrassed he is.
But, it does get better Cincinnati. Next week we have those beloved Brownies from up north. Hopefully we bottle up this embarrassment and frustration and unleash the fury on them. However, I don't want to get too high if we do beat them. They are still just the Browns. We have a tough schedule this year, so from this game I am looking for confidence, not gloating. Not to mention, it may not be as easy as we think. Their Defense played Mike Vick and that Philadelphia Eagle offense really tight and should have come away with the win if it wasn't for their offense being so bad. Weeden had a horrible first showing at QB, right down to getting stuck under a giant flag! I will post the video below because watching this flag debacle never gets old:
Oh Brownies how your silliness makes my heart chuckle with delight. Who Dey!!
One more thing before I go tonight...Carson Palmer Lost!! Not only did he lose, he was booed at home in Oakland! Sorry, Suckers! Who Dey!!!!!
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
In case you missed it or your brain tucked it away to never be found again, the score for the opening game of the season, on Monday Night Football, in front of a national audience was:
Baltimore 44
Cincinnati 13
But don't fret Bengals fans, not only was it as bad as it looks, it broke some records for the team. Here we go: The Defense gave up the most amount of yards since December 2010 when the Saints got 436 on the Orange and Black, The Defense gave up the most points since November 2010 when the Bills hit the boys with 49, The defeat was the worst ever for Marvin Lewis as head coach of the Bengals on opening day, Oh, yeah, and one more. Here's a good one, Ed Reed became the NFL's All Time Leading Interception Return Yard Leader!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
So, let's start with the positives of the game. I know, after an ass whoopin like that in front of God and all creation it doesn't seem that there would be positives. But there are always positives my friends. So positive #1) The Offensive Line, filled with rookies, inexperienced players, and a man that was just selling insurance last month, held up well. This is definitely a surprise for people. Everyone thought if we struggled it would be here. However, Faine, didn't miss a beat and looked like he had Andy Dalton under Center his whole career. Zeitler got beat one time, when the game was already out of reach. Andy, for all of the inexperience really stayed safe in the pocket. Sure we were pressured here and there, but we were playing the number one D in the league. Positive #2) Andrew "Baby Hawk" Hawkins really stepped his game up. He was targeted often and was able to get some good, effective yards after the catch. I think his size might be an upside because he is so elusive and hard to get to. Positive #3) BenJarvus Green-Ellis got 91 yards rushing off of just 18 carries and a TD. This is very encouraging. He put out a lot of effort and made the tough yards, carrying guys if he had to. He didn't put the ball on the ground and he scraped for more and more every down. In two showings against this unrunnable Ravens D last year, Benson only rushed for 92 yards with 29 carries. People keep wondering if we upgraded and why we didn't pick up Bush. Well here is your answer. The Law Firm is quick, just as tough, has a nose for the endzone and hasn't fumbled ever in his NFL career. Well, that, and Bush was overweight when they worked him out. So the Law Firm also does not eat fast food. Positive #4) It is only week one. I know it left an ugly taste in our mouths, but there are still 15 more games to play. We lost week one last year and probably will again, so let's just dust ourselves off, get back on the horse and pray Leon Hall learns to cover!
See there were positives, I didn't disappoint did I? So now for the negatives. I am not going to number these. Mainly because it is depressing, but also because the D is to blame for 99%. Okay, so before blaming the D, let's start with Dalton. He was over throwing guys the whole game! These guys are tall and their arms are long, but we aren't dealing the Green Giant here man! I didn't even count his over throws because I was too angry. There is no reason for this. He needs to settle down and try to be more accurate. Also, if Green is double teamed...he isn't your guy. I am going to chuck it up to first game of the season jitters, but if this continues the next couple of games, Bengals fans should definitely be concerned. He seems like a nice a guy, but Palmer did too. Last year, more than a few of his completions were because the receivers went and got the ball for him, not because he made it easy with accuracy. I like him, but I would also really like to win. So, again, let's just chalk it up to jitters for now, but let's get to work on it. Now for the rest of the rest of the 500 negatives: Defense, Defense, Defense...We were supposed to be so awesome here. Everyone thought we would be in the top 5 talk this season. At least up front. Nope, I am not even sure if we can be included in the top 32 discussion at this point. I played the Bengals D last night in Fantasy Football and got -1 points. Really guys?!? Leon Hall got beat all night. He even dropped what should have been an interception. I don't know if he isn't really fully recovered from his injury last season or if he just can't keep up anymore. It was not pretty, though, and he should take a lot of the blame. Taylor Mays...let our offense get yards, don't help their offense get yards. This guys likes to hit and he likes to hit hard, just ask Maualuga and Burfict. He, however, still needs to keep his head up and not knock people out with helmet to helmet. This is exactly what he did in the Green Bay preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium and it can't keep happening. Fifteen yards is fifteen yards, that they didn't have to earn. And the line, well, Ray Rice didn't seem to have a problem with that.
Now, hopefully, the highly touted D can see you still have to work. It is not going to come easy. There is a goal line to protect if we are ever going to win or get anywhere. I don't know what the mental breakdown was this game. Maybe it was the coaching, maybe it was the players, probably it was both, but it has to get better. I am sure Zimmer is going to beat these guys up this week, which is obviously necessary. If I am this upset, I can only imagine how embarrassed he is.
But, it does get better Cincinnati. Next week we have those beloved Brownies from up north. Hopefully we bottle up this embarrassment and frustration and unleash the fury on them. However, I don't want to get too high if we do beat them. They are still just the Browns. We have a tough schedule this year, so from this game I am looking for confidence, not gloating. Not to mention, it may not be as easy as we think. Their Defense played Mike Vick and that Philadelphia Eagle offense really tight and should have come away with the win if it wasn't for their offense being so bad. Weeden had a horrible first showing at QB, right down to getting stuck under a giant flag! I will post the video below because watching this flag debacle never gets old:
Oh Brownies how your silliness makes my heart chuckle with delight. Who Dey!!
One more thing before I go tonight...Carson Palmer Lost!! Not only did he lose, he was booed at home in Oakland! Sorry, Suckers! Who Dey!!!!!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Hut Hut......
Sunday is almost here...Football all day! I have been waiting for this weekend all year. Last week was great with the start of college, Wednesday was a taste of things to come with the NFL Kickoff, but this weekend is where it is at! Saturday college, Sunday NFL Football all day and all night, and then the greatest day of all for us Bengals fans...Monday night Football Baby!! We are going to go to that Dirty Birds Nest and burn it down! Whooo! Who's with me?!?
This is also a very exciting time for the Bengals because the team is poised to sell out its first home game! Anyone who went last year when the team played the 49ers, knows that aside from the lower bowl, attendance was very spotty. This year they said they are only a couple of 1000 seats off from being sold out. Which is a plus, not only, for home team advantage but also because everyone who doesn't buy tickets will actually be able to see the team play on their local CBS affiliate. So I encourage everyone who reads this blog that can get to the stadium on Sunday to get there! Not to mention, if you know anyone with season tickets, you should hit them up to get cheaper tickets at their cost. The Bengals really want to sell this game out so that was the new offer to STH's. Let's do this Bengal Fans! Let's rock out the stadium and flush out those Brownies for the Battle of Ohio on September 16! Who Dey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The official injury/inactives report won't come out until 90 minutes before game time. However, for those of you dying for knowledge, the current reports out there say that Dunlap has not practiced with the team, but has been doing his own drills on the side. It appears, though, that with Marvin's no practice, no play rule he will be out still on Monday night. Carlos is saying he is ready to play though, so he intends on finishing rehab and hopes to be re-evaluated to play. All signs point to no though. He is still suffering from his sprained knee that he suffered in the first preseason game against the Jets. Also, Jason Allen, has yet to practice after the quad injury that he suffered. Donald Lee was limited in practice, but is expected to play. Aside from that, no other reports have surfaced as of yet. I suppose to keep Baltimore guessing.
Here is the rest of the injury report leading up to today, not including today's practice. Remember nothing at this point is set in stone and this is the unofficial report. Nothing will be official until Monday afternoon:
Player POS INJ Thurs Pract. Fri Pract.
Jason Allen CB Quad Did Not Participate Limited Participation
Andy Dalton QB R. Bicep Full Participation Full Participation
Carlos Dunlap DE Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate
Robert Geathers DE Knee Full Participation Full Participation
Jermaine Gresham TE Knee Full Participation Full Participation
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Knee OUT OUT
Donald Lee TE Thigh Limited Participation Limited Participation
Bernard Scott RB Hand Did Not Participate Did Not Participate
Dan Skuta LB Head Full Participation Full Participation
This is also a very exciting time for the Bengals because the team is poised to sell out its first home game! Anyone who went last year when the team played the 49ers, knows that aside from the lower bowl, attendance was very spotty. This year they said they are only a couple of 1000 seats off from being sold out. Which is a plus, not only, for home team advantage but also because everyone who doesn't buy tickets will actually be able to see the team play on their local CBS affiliate. So I encourage everyone who reads this blog that can get to the stadium on Sunday to get there! Not to mention, if you know anyone with season tickets, you should hit them up to get cheaper tickets at their cost. The Bengals really want to sell this game out so that was the new offer to STH's. Let's do this Bengal Fans! Let's rock out the stadium and flush out those Brownies for the Battle of Ohio on September 16! Who Dey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The official injury/inactives report won't come out until 90 minutes before game time. However, for those of you dying for knowledge, the current reports out there say that Dunlap has not practiced with the team, but has been doing his own drills on the side. It appears, though, that with Marvin's no practice, no play rule he will be out still on Monday night. Carlos is saying he is ready to play though, so he intends on finishing rehab and hopes to be re-evaluated to play. All signs point to no though. He is still suffering from his sprained knee that he suffered in the first preseason game against the Jets. Also, Jason Allen, has yet to practice after the quad injury that he suffered. Donald Lee was limited in practice, but is expected to play. Aside from that, no other reports have surfaced as of yet. I suppose to keep Baltimore guessing.
Here is the rest of the injury report leading up to today, not including today's practice. Remember nothing at this point is set in stone and this is the unofficial report. Nothing will be official until Monday afternoon:
Player POS INJ Thurs Pract. Fri Pract.
Jason Allen CB Quad Did Not Participate Limited Participation
Andy Dalton QB R. Bicep Full Participation Full Participation
Carlos Dunlap DE Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate
Robert Geathers DE Knee Full Participation Full Participation
Jermaine Gresham TE Knee Full Participation Full Participation
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Knee OUT OUT
Donald Lee TE Thigh Limited Participation Limited Participation
Bernard Scott RB Hand Did Not Participate Did Not Participate
Dan Skuta LB Head Full Participation Full Participation
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
They're Back
Wipe the sleep from your eyes football fans. What we have all been waiting for is finally here! The NFL Kickoff is just hours away. Every February, we all go in to hibernation, trying to hide our depression from our non understanding, significant others. We become scavengers, trying to dig up any taste of NFL news we can get. Well, scavenge no more, my fellow gridiron seeker. Our day has finally come! Our jerseys are finding their way out of the depths of our dark closets, we are dusting off our Sunday best, our beer is chilled, and the wings are marinating. Some of us are covering our faces tribal war colors, while others are gathering team themed rooms so not to taint ourselves with the outside world. That's right, we are back! Back to hope, back to thrills, back to fantasy, back to football!
In honor of our big day, I am going to offer up my predictions across the NFL. Though it is too hard to say what the actual end result for each individual team, I will try my best and rank them by division finish. Remember these are just my opinions and not to be taken as any more than that. I am not an expert, by any means. What do you think? Join in the discussion on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/cincinnatibengalsfans Or comment below. I know a lot of you are reading this, so let's get this conversation started. Agree, Disagree, Your own predictions?
This is going to really wow you too, because unlike Ryan Tannehill, a starting QB in league, I know all of the divisions and that there are only two conferences. Who Dey!
NFC
NFC North - Green Bay Packers 12-4
Chicago Bears 10-6
Detroit Lions 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 5-11
NFC South - New Orleans Saints 10-6
Carolina Panthers 9-7
Atlanta Falcons 9-7
Tampa Bay Bucs 7-9
NFC West - San Francisco 49er 10-6
St. Louis Rams 8-8
Seattle Seahawks 7-9
Arizona Cardinals 4-12
NFC East - New York Giants 10-6
Dallas Cowboys 9-7
Wash. Redskins 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9
AFC
AFC East - New England Pats 11-5
Buffalo Bills 9-7
New York Jets 8-8
Miami Dolphins 3-13
AFC West - SD Chargers 10-6
Denver Broncos 9-7
Tennessee Titans 9-7
Oakland Raiders 6-10
AFC South - Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 9-7
Jacksonville Jags 8-8
Indianapolis Colts 7-9
AFC North - Cincinnati Bengals 11-5
Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cleveland Browns 16-0...Just Kidding. That is pretty funny, though! 3-13
In honor of our big day, I am going to offer up my predictions across the NFL. Though it is too hard to say what the actual end result for each individual team, I will try my best and rank them by division finish. Remember these are just my opinions and not to be taken as any more than that. I am not an expert, by any means. What do you think? Join in the discussion on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/cincinnatibengalsfans Or comment below. I know a lot of you are reading this, so let's get this conversation started. Agree, Disagree, Your own predictions?
This is going to really wow you too, because unlike Ryan Tannehill, a starting QB in league, I know all of the divisions and that there are only two conferences. Who Dey!
NFC
NFC North - Green Bay Packers 12-4
Chicago Bears 10-6
Detroit Lions 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 5-11
NFC South - New Orleans Saints 10-6
Carolina Panthers 9-7
Atlanta Falcons 9-7
Tampa Bay Bucs 7-9
NFC West - San Francisco 49er 10-6
St. Louis Rams 8-8
Seattle Seahawks 7-9
Arizona Cardinals 4-12
NFC East - New York Giants 10-6
Dallas Cowboys 9-7
Wash. Redskins 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9
AFC
AFC East - New England Pats 11-5
Buffalo Bills 9-7
New York Jets 8-8
Miami Dolphins 3-13
AFC West - SD Chargers 10-6
Denver Broncos 9-7
Tennessee Titans 9-7
Oakland Raiders 6-10
AFC South - Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 9-7
Jacksonville Jags 8-8
Indianapolis Colts 7-9
AFC North - Cincinnati Bengals 11-5
Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cleveland Browns 16-0...Just Kidding. That is pretty funny, though! 3-13
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