Good morning Bengals Nation! It's Wednesday which means everything is downhill from here. The first half of the week is over and everything will hopefully be smooth sailing from here on out. That's the optimistic view for the day. Now if you're feeling more like a negative Nancy then just think, things could be worse. You could be in Cleveland. And let's face it, Cleveland doesn't have much of anything going for them right now. The Browns played to their usual standards, the Cavaliers are off to a decent start (3-2), but that will change by the time the NBA season ends, and well the Indians haven't done much to improve their team from last season.
Alright so instead of beating a dead horse by saying how much the Bengals have impressed everyone from around the league with their performance during the regular season I think it's time to do something a little different. In my lifetime the Bengals have never won a playoff game, but I honestly believe that could change Saturday as they take on the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs.
If the Bengals defense repeats their performance from the first 57 minutes for an entire 60 minutes then they have a legitimate chance of winning. Actually, if the defense can repeat its first half performance where they held Houston to a field goal then that would be great. For once the second quarter wasn't the doom of the Bengals. The defense can't fold in the final two minutes. They have to be able to overcome any mistakes that they make.
The Bengals held the Batman and Robin duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate to 108 yards on 23 carries. Now that's not terribly impressive, but if you take out Tate's 44-yard dash from the first quarter then the Foster/Tate combo only managed to run for 64 yards on 22 carries. That's an average of 2.9 yards per carry. Overall that's an impressive performance from the Bengals run defense. Also the Bengals kept the Texans running game out of the end zone which is also going to be key on Saturday.
One improvement that the Bengals defense will have to make is covering the tight end along with the rest of Houston's receivers, but especially that pesky tight end Owen Daniels. During their first match-up Daniels burned the Bengals defense for 100 yards on seven catches. Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter was the nail in the coffin for the Bengals defense. Walter was left wide open for the game winning catch as time was winding down. Cincinnati's pass defense will have to step up their efforts on Saturday. The entire defensive unit can't afford to implode during the final two minutes of the game.
So if the Bengals defense can manage to contain the Texans offense then a win is more than possible for the Bengals. But it's going to take a lot of focus from the defense and very few mental lapses as well. Otherwise the Bengals will have to wait until next season to attempt to get a win in the playoffs. But hopefully the Bengals will ruin the Texans first playoff appearance in franchise history by handing them a loss.
Alright here is what you may have missed or overlooked from Tuesday.
0 recs | 37 comments
I know I said it before
but I believe that Andy being from the area will have an impact on the game…If it was me, and I was coming to Cinci for a playoff game……sheeeeett…you better believe I would be going all out for all my friends and family who would be there……whodey….2 days and a wake up baby….
ticalcaldwell - January 4, 2012
Off topic. I am curious. If there a poster who calls himself MrBungle
I don’t remember seeing a post from him. I suspect he is simpley passing himself off as a Bengals fan over at the Raiders board. If he is a fan he isn’t much of one IMO.
I must admit that though I generally revile smack and trolling I do make an exception as far a thre Raiders are concerned. Those guys over ther are the bottom feeders of the NFL fan base as far as I am concerned and I am afraid I bruised some vaginas over there. The love them some Carson Palmer. I am not surprised – he fits right in in the land fo fruits, flakes and nuts. I have never seen as big of a bunch of Nancy Boys anywhere else.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
Yo Einstein. You can click on someone's name to see their blog membership.
It might keep help you occupied between your inane anti-CP rants. I guess trashing an ex-Bengal rather than discussing the upcoming playoffs makes you a good Bengals fan in your eyes.
You are making Bengals fans look like idiots more than anything else over there.
Seriously man, you need some work on your writing. As a Bengals fan, your pathetic trolling over there makes me cringe. Nancy Boys? Bruised vaginas? Really?
MrBungle - January 4, 2012
can someone ban this guy
inane anti-cp rants……huh…Is this Carson?…get out here and dont come back…your trolling on your own teams site…..your name says it all….
“As it is, I am currently waiting for my 99 weeks to end before entering the job market again.”
Dont take out your frustrations on this sites bloggers…get out of here
ticalcaldwell - January 4, 2012
Ya that 99 weeks comment wasn't satire or anything.
I’m not sure how pointing out ludicrous anti-CP rants on a Raiders blog equates with “taking out frustrations on this sites(sic) bloggers” but whatever floats your boat. You are definitely entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.
I’m sure why you think you can have me banned. I don’t think I have ever said anything anti Bengal unless you think sticking up for CP somehow makes me a Bengals hater. You are JungleJohn are ones trolling another team’s forum all the while making normal Bengals fans look like complete idiots. Sorry, but not every Bengal fans hates CP with a passion like you and JJ obviously do.
BTW, Mr Bungle is a rock group so yes my name does say it all if you are into alternative rock.
MrBungle - January 4, 2012
MrBungle as I have said elsewhere. There are two types of people I hate.....
People who are intolerant and hateful to others just because they root for another team.
And Raider fans.
I also have a strong distaste for people who desert their team mates just because they find the going tough and things not going their way. It is like going into battle and when you have a shooting engagement finding your squad leader moving to the rear while his squad is taking hits. Disloyalty, for me, is one of the greatest sins a man can commit. Carson did that. What you see as acceptable I find dispicable. Yes, I do hate Palmer. But it isn’t for no reason. You say you don’t blame him for wanting out. Well, nobody wants to be in a hard situation and it is natural to wish things were different, but a man, a real man, toughs it out and remains loyal to those to whom he has mad a committment thru thick and thin.. There is no grey area here. It is black and white. Carson deserted his team mates while they were down and is nonrepentant. That in my mind makes him a coward, a quitter and non worthy of any consideration as a man. Yes, I do hate people like that. I hate them with an incredible passion because they leave hurt and tribulation in their wake while they go on to fulfill their own selfish motives.. No, I do not wish him well. I don’t speak for anyone else. I speak only for myself.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 5, 2012
Lets agree to disagree on this one.
You feel that CP quit on the team while I believe that he simply got frustrated with the way MB was running the team and being a scapegoat for the team’s failures. You can use the corporate workplace as an analogy to Carson’s situation. If your manager turns out to be a complete dbag and mismanages his subordinates, you aren’t going to stick it out with the company just because you have a few co-worker buddies over there. You are going to start looking for a new job. Also, getting garbage dumped on your lawn probably didn’t help matters out any.
Look, I can see where you are coming from and, for the record, I am not a Raiders fan. Also, the Bengals are bigger than just one player.
MrBungle - January 5, 2012
"the Bengals are bigger than just one player."
Now, but not in the past. Well, that’s not entirely true either. In the past it was Palmer and Ochocinco and many other “ME” players.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 5, 2012
One final comment and as for me this discussion has come to an amiable conclusion
In a corporate work place if you have a contract you can’t just quit. There is also a team aspect in a sport that doesn’t exist to nearly the same extent in a corporation. Also, the garbage on his lawn story has been proven to be a myth. In a coropration others are usually glad to see you go as they see it as a chance for everyone else to move up. Like I said, I only speak for myself. I, as a man, place a particularly high value on loyalty and the respect for keeping your word. Those are my values. I respect others peoples support of him as their business, but for the life of me I cannot understand it. A ll is well that ends well and it is ending up well for the Bengals but Carson got way better than he deserves IMO only. Like I said. That is just me.
I try hard to be a good guy, but I am flawed. I wish I were perfect, but I am not. I wish I were smarter, but I am not. I wish I could rise above by severe distaste for the Raiders fans, but I cannot. They, as a group are the lowest common denominator in all fandom. Add CP to the mix and that organization becomes a perfect mix of lowness that for me is unrivaled in all sport. Is that an unreasonable attitude? Yea, I admit it but that does not change the way I feel. CP and the Raiders deserve what they get and I hope they never win another game. Other than stuff surrounding the Raiders – I am a pretty happy and reasonable guy. At least that is my opinion of me – other’s may vary.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 5, 2012
Glad to see that there are no hard feelings
I can see how one particular fan base might rub you the wrong way. For me it’s Lakers’ fans simply because most of them tend to be bandwagon types. I admire someone who values loyalty and commitment and I can understand why you have an issue with CP, who in your eyes, possesses none of those qualities.
Football has a knack for bringing out emotions from otherwise decent logical men. I just want you to realize that just because I support CP it does not make me any less of a Bengal fan than you or anyone else who hates CP. I do not comment too often and thus am not familiar with most of the commenters here at CJ. But judging from your last two comments above I see now that you are knowledgeable and reasonable so forgive me if any of my prior comments crossed the line. Also, kudos if you have ever served in the military.
MrBungle - January 5, 2012
Its all good MrBungle
JUNGLEJOHN - January 6, 2012
lol and a
joeb69 - January 4, 2012
+1
joeb69 - January 4, 2012
I think someone may have asked this question
but what do my fellow cinyjungle brethren think about trading a first round pick for Forte?? I think it would be sweet…pending a physical of course..and we have some picks to play with….plus…Forte doesnt have a huge contract to deal with…
ticalcaldwell - January 4, 2012
I like Forte. He seems to have the combination of speed and power that we are missing.
If we could get him for a 1st he would be an upgrade and probably less expensive than Benson. He is also a known quantity.
I also think Hillis would be a good option as his stock has dropped and I think his agent is responsible for most of his problems. He is also a legit ball carrying FB whio can block for whoever we put in the tailback position. We don’t really have a dual threat on the backfield. He can also move the pile in short yardage situations. Some may say he has an attitude problem but I have been reading up on him and I don’t think that is really the case.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
Hillis to Cincy?
I like this idea. I think his time in Cleveland is over. I don’t know about an attitude problem but somebody got to him after last season and told him that if he wants a long career in the NFL, he will have to stop giving 100% (hurdeling tackles, running up the gut, etc.) for a bunch of losers like the Clowns. Maybe some positive influence would bring back the exciting player that we witnessed in the 2010 season.
ochouno - January 4, 2012
Hillis is overrated IMHO
I like Forte but he’s a FA and I have a feeling they’ll tag him. He’s like 80% of their offense.
emeybee - January 4, 2012
I respect your opinion emebee, but if you go back and watch his 2010 performance
this guys is a load. Over rated – yea, I agree that he isn’t all many said he was but I can’t think of another FB who can both block and run like he does. I think we are well on the way to being real contenders this coming year and a power punch lining up along side Scott where the DL can’t really know who is going to get the ball can be a plus IMHO. As a feature back he does leave a bit to be desired but in his role he would be a real threat. Hey, I am not super high on the guys but I do think he can help us out in the power run game. Plus, I am sure he would love to stick it to the Browns a couple of times a year for the next three to four years. It is just a thought.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
First intelligent thing I have seen you write in 24 hours.
Keep up the good work.
MrBungle - January 4, 2012
He will be an FA
Why would you trade anything for him now? Plus, he will either get franchised in Chicago or will go somewhere for a huge payday.
steve henderson - January 4, 2012
We are going to have to pay to get what we need to get to the next level.
We need to get rid of the mindset that just good enough is enough. I am not a big college football fan so I don’t know the field but my initial study doesn’t reveal a RB who is that promising and availabele at #17 or later. But, I do admit that I am not expert in the college front.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
agreed
And with the cap mandates in the CBA Mike will have to spend big time. After resigning key FA’s and draft picks a lot will be left for UFA’s. I doubt the Bears will let Forte go though.
Jcon77 - January 4, 2012 via iPhone app
Agree on Forte
Just making an observation about how much he will get paid…doubtfully by us.
As for the draft, if Trent Richardson is not there at 17, Montee Ball or Polk in the 2nd are nice options.
steve henderson - January 4, 2012
I have heard about Ball and Polk. I will have to study up on them.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
No
Forte is a very good running back, but he has been injury prone and the shelf life on running backs is very short. I’d rather draft a guy.
I wouldn’t mind the Bengals to completely revamp the running back position. Neither Benson nor Scott have shown much this year. I wouldn’t mind signing a Michael Bush type back and then draft a back that can take it to the house on any play.
AWC71 - January 4, 2012
This
emeybee - January 4, 2012
What about this?
Trading the pick that we have next year from Oakland that is a 2nd that could turn into a 1st for a player, to help move up in this yrs draft, or more picks in this yrs draft.
Bigcatdaddy - January 4, 2012 via Android app
Isn't Forte a free agent? Just sign him, don't give up picks.
DTFCPDX - January 4, 2012
Running Backs
Id def take Hillis next year you can get him at a bargain. He would fit our scheme pretty well and can actually catch out of the backfield which would be good for dalton.
Chuckg129 - January 4, 2012
Agree with Hillis…but no way do I trade a 1st round pick for a RB…there are way too many in the upcoming draft….
Bdub14 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
i don't think we woulnd need to trade anything for him because Hillis is a free agent, right?
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
Yes, Hillis never signed with Cleveland after asking for a big contract. He wanted 8-10mill....
and the Browns wouldn’t come close enough to that.
The Van Buren Boys - January 4, 2012
yea i think that would be over priced for the back we need
im with drafting a guy that can be just as good…
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
He is damaged goods. He won't get more than a 5 mill offer IMO
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
NO HILLIS
we need speed guys…seriously…Hillis….huh…he is like a white Benson that hits hard….come on guys…Hillis…and he has an attitude…We need speed….speed…speed
ticalcaldwell - January 4, 2012
+ 1
Speed with good hands.
Bigcatdaddy - January 4, 2012 via Android app
ticaldwell, I don't want him as a feature back. I want him as a genuine FB/HB guy
He is a hellacious blocker and he can also carry the ball very well. He isn’t fast but he is fast for a fullback. We have speed. Scott is fast. Now if we can find speed and power – forget Hillis, and go get him. I just don’t think Richardson will fall to us. I would sign him to a 3 year 15 mill contract with incentives. Running behind Smith or Whit and a newly aquired stud G 3rd and 1 or won’t be a big problem. How many of those did we whiff on this year and what did that cost us? Think about it.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 4, 2012
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