29 Aug 2006
Here's a feeble attempt to keep things in perspective.
Last night's Bengals game was easy on the eyes. A pleasure to watch; relaxing, fun, all the superlatives one longs for after a hard day's work. What couches and cold beers were originally intended to compliment. Carson seems like David Hasselhoff cruising around in Kit, just like old times. Our offense purrs with him at the helm and defenses don't appear to be giving it their best efforts against us.
But it's still the preseason, and it's still a shitty Green Bay team. I don't expect any of the Bengal's preseason opponents so far to have winning records this season. Indy will be great, but the fourth preseason game is always a dressed up practice and can't be used as any team barometer. Point is, we haven't faced a good team at its full strength yet; not even close. Still, we're the best team in the AFC, and probably all of football. Forget perspective.
I think Cincinnati would go 9-7 with Anthony Wright starting all season. He's played better than average, and frankly, that's all I expect from a back-up. Our offense is an arsenal of cluster bombs and bunker busters and missile-defense kill vehicles and all that other lethal shit. No defense can match up, none of 'em, and we have two of the top 5 defenses in our division. With Carson's wherewithal and his arm, we'll go at least 12-5.
The defense looks faster than I've seen under Marv (or anybody else, I guess) and that's reason enough to cultivate Super Bowl aspirations. Big Sam looked mobile enough for me and the defensive ends have been noticeably speedy. Bryan Robinson has been most impressive. He played D tackle last year, made the switch to end and looks five years younger. Thornton is everywhere, Geathers looks fast, Peko and Rucker have shined (although Frostee's been injured). The secondary is tackling better, the LB's are filling the run gaps. The system is working on defense. I would, however, like to see the corners, particularly Joseph play tighter on the underneath routes. I understand avoiding the big play is the main emphasis, especially when coaching rookies, but I'd kinda like to see him go for a pick and get beat for a big play in the preseason, just to know how it feels so he can avoid that stuff when it counts.
There's plenty of reason for optimism around these parts today. Steeler fans aren't feeling particularly comfortable right now, and Baltimore and Cleveland fans have just thrown up in their mouths a little. When have you ever felt so comfortable about an approaching Bengals season? Like I've said all along this off season, we'll be fine
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Week 1 Preview
08 Sep 2006
Week 1 preview
Category: Sports
So I know the season started last night with those bastard Steelers punking out the chump-ass Dolphins, and that I'm late with my season preview, but who cares? Are you paying me? Than shut up.
Man, did the Dolphins look weak. The run defense is okay, but Fast Willie Parker dented them pretty good. The secondary is made up of some randoms who allowed Charlie Batch to put up Pro-Bowl numbers on them. Somebody needs to cover the tight end too, Spragan. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor can't do it by themselves. One of these nobodies need to rise up from mediocrity if Miami wants a chance for even a winning season.
Offensively, the unit seem to have their timing off. Culpepper looks like he's on a different page than Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. Ronnie Brown is a hard runner but really didn't put together much of a night. Talented tight end Randy McMicheal either was ignored by Culpepper or just couldn't get open. It's easy to blame the offensive line for many of the evenings offensive woes, but coordinator Mike Mularky, who was once the coordinator for Cowher four seasons ago, had trouble aligning the right blocking schemes against the crazy linebacker blitzes Lebeau loves to throw at opponents. As talented as Ronnie Brown may be, he can't block Joey Porter and Mularky should know that. I expect the Dolphin offense to improve throughout the season with more reps and game situations, but that defense has a long way to go.
Conversely, the Steelers did what they do. Batch played a lot better than I expected. Fast Willie can bust an off tackle seam better than most, and Hines Ward just doesn't drop passes. But really, it's their O-line that smashes other teams into submission. Those guys are road graders who ware out defenses by the start of the third quarter. I predicted the Steelers would sorely miss Chris Hope but it didn't seem that way at all. Although I think Ike Taylor's somewhat overrated (Chambers dominated him briefly in the third), with Polamalu sniffing out every play call, they only need to seriously worry about down field passing teams - like us. Pittsburgh will continue to bruise AFC teams and likely win one of the wildcard slots.
As for our game Sunday, I'm not so worried. KC's a solid team and Arrowhead is a doozie of a home field advantage, but the Chiefs fans don't cover wide receivers or have to tackle Rudi Johnson. Frankly, the Bengals offense can only stop themselves. Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are one hell of a corner tandem, but Eric Warfield covering Chris Henry is a problem for them. And if you cover Henry, who's gonna look out for Antonio Chatman? Or even Tab Perry? Starting to get it? Too many weapons. I wish we had a healthy Chris Perry and all the match-up problems he creates, but the offense is still great.
All shit talking aside, it should be a pretty close match up. The Chiefs have an offense too and it's become a smash mouth one at that. Larry Johnson is a steam roller. His line is veteran and tough, though some question their athleticism and durability due to their old age. Willie Roaf called it quits before training camp and they replaced him with washed up Kyle Turley who reportedly weighs in at around 280lbs. Justin Smith will be licking his chops against a smallish tackle like that. Smith loves to bullrush and is strong as hell, so look for him to just try to push Turley over. Sam Adams should do his part in forcing Johnson outside where it will depend on our linebackers to make tackles and eliminate runs over six yards. Deltha O'Neal is listed as questionable and hasn't practiced, which in Marvin's camp means he's not going to play. They don't play if they don't practice-Marvin Motto #16. Enter Jonathan Joseph. A rookie corner to start an opener on the road...great. While the Chiefs receiving corps is by no means stellar (Eddie Kennison?), Joseph has had a hard time in the pre-season not allowing easy completions in front of him. Trent Green will smell a weakness and capitalize. It's gonna be up to Madieu and the covering linebackers to help him out.
The Bengal game plan should be fairly basic. Throw down field early, try to get a two-score lead early on, and force KC to throw against us. Wrap up tackles on defense, bend but don't break, no big plays, the usual Marvin talk. Offensively, avoid turnovers and penalties, protect Carson with your lives, and feed Chad early. Once a decent lead is established, pound Rudi again and again. He's got new knees this season, let's see them be put to the test. All Carson needs is one good half. Explode as soon as possible and then just manage the game to victory. The recipe is a basic one. Follow the directions on the box and taste the sweetness of an opening day win. The dark side has done their thing already. Now it's up to us keep pace. It's time people.
Mojokong the Prognosticating Primate
Week 1 preview
Category: Sports
So I know the season started last night with those bastard Steelers punking out the chump-ass Dolphins, and that I'm late with my season preview, but who cares? Are you paying me? Than shut up.
Man, did the Dolphins look weak. The run defense is okay, but Fast Willie Parker dented them pretty good. The secondary is made up of some randoms who allowed Charlie Batch to put up Pro-Bowl numbers on them. Somebody needs to cover the tight end too, Spragan. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor can't do it by themselves. One of these nobodies need to rise up from mediocrity if Miami wants a chance for even a winning season.
Offensively, the unit seem to have their timing off. Culpepper looks like he's on a different page than Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. Ronnie Brown is a hard runner but really didn't put together much of a night. Talented tight end Randy McMicheal either was ignored by Culpepper or just couldn't get open. It's easy to blame the offensive line for many of the evenings offensive woes, but coordinator Mike Mularky, who was once the coordinator for Cowher four seasons ago, had trouble aligning the right blocking schemes against the crazy linebacker blitzes Lebeau loves to throw at opponents. As talented as Ronnie Brown may be, he can't block Joey Porter and Mularky should know that. I expect the Dolphin offense to improve throughout the season with more reps and game situations, but that defense has a long way to go.
Conversely, the Steelers did what they do. Batch played a lot better than I expected. Fast Willie can bust an off tackle seam better than most, and Hines Ward just doesn't drop passes. But really, it's their O-line that smashes other teams into submission. Those guys are road graders who ware out defenses by the start of the third quarter. I predicted the Steelers would sorely miss Chris Hope but it didn't seem that way at all. Although I think Ike Taylor's somewhat overrated (Chambers dominated him briefly in the third), with Polamalu sniffing out every play call, they only need to seriously worry about down field passing teams - like us. Pittsburgh will continue to bruise AFC teams and likely win one of the wildcard slots.
As for our game Sunday, I'm not so worried. KC's a solid team and Arrowhead is a doozie of a home field advantage, but the Chiefs fans don't cover wide receivers or have to tackle Rudi Johnson. Frankly, the Bengals offense can only stop themselves. Ty Law and Patrick Surtain are one hell of a corner tandem, but Eric Warfield covering Chris Henry is a problem for them. And if you cover Henry, who's gonna look out for Antonio Chatman? Or even Tab Perry? Starting to get it? Too many weapons. I wish we had a healthy Chris Perry and all the match-up problems he creates, but the offense is still great.
All shit talking aside, it should be a pretty close match up. The Chiefs have an offense too and it's become a smash mouth one at that. Larry Johnson is a steam roller. His line is veteran and tough, though some question their athleticism and durability due to their old age. Willie Roaf called it quits before training camp and they replaced him with washed up Kyle Turley who reportedly weighs in at around 280lbs. Justin Smith will be licking his chops against a smallish tackle like that. Smith loves to bullrush and is strong as hell, so look for him to just try to push Turley over. Sam Adams should do his part in forcing Johnson outside where it will depend on our linebackers to make tackles and eliminate runs over six yards. Deltha O'Neal is listed as questionable and hasn't practiced, which in Marvin's camp means he's not going to play. They don't play if they don't practice-Marvin Motto #16. Enter Jonathan Joseph. A rookie corner to start an opener on the road...great. While the Chiefs receiving corps is by no means stellar (Eddie Kennison?), Joseph has had a hard time in the pre-season not allowing easy completions in front of him. Trent Green will smell a weakness and capitalize. It's gonna be up to Madieu and the covering linebackers to help him out.
The Bengal game plan should be fairly basic. Throw down field early, try to get a two-score lead early on, and force KC to throw against us. Wrap up tackles on defense, bend but don't break, no big plays, the usual Marvin talk. Offensively, avoid turnovers and penalties, protect Carson with your lives, and feed Chad early. Once a decent lead is established, pound Rudi again and again. He's got new knees this season, let's see them be put to the test. All Carson needs is one good half. Explode as soon as possible and then just manage the game to victory. The recipe is a basic one. Follow the directions on the box and taste the sweetness of an opening day win. The dark side has done their thing already. Now it's up to us keep pace. It's time people.
Mojokong the Prognosticating Primate
Week 1 Recap
11 Sep 2006
Week 1 recap
Category: Sports
Week One Recap:
Let the chest pounding begin. The Bengals yesterday displayed to the rest of the league another reason to fear the tiger. Our defensive line will put you in the hospital. Racking up seven sacks and keeping the league's fantasy stud to sixty-something yards on 18 carries, the Bengal D flexed some big time muscle.
Let's address the Geathers hit. First of all, Eddie Kennison should be more to blame for Trent Green's brutal concussion than Geathers. He pushed a defender into his quarterback. He could ask Eric Stienbach what kind of impact that can have on a team. Secondly, Geathers hit him with his shoulder pad and that's what the league wants. Herm Edwards cried helmet-to-helmet after the game and that's bullshit. Obviously, KC has a jumbo-tron that replayed the hit in slow motion. We from our TV sets saw a clean hit, why can't he? I know a coach has to protect his players to the media, but don't stir-up suspension possibilities over a clean hit. It's a violent game played by huge, finely-tuned athletes who can take a man's head off if not careful. It's a risk one takes when paid millions upon millions of dollars to give it a try. I don't feel all that bad for Mr. Green. He slid late on the play, and like I said, he's an NFL quarterback. Get over it.
Back to the game.
I'm not sure what happened this training camp and pre-season, but the defense looks lightning fast. We still have some open-field tackling concerns (Tory James), but when players like Caleb Miller and Bryan Robinson are flying around the field as fast as they seemed, we as fans have to feel a lot more comfortable. Geathers and Justin Smith are maniacs. A lot of it has to do with the Chiefs soft offensive tackles, but they're very strong and very fast. Secondary covered well in the second quarter, and everyone did a good job of not allowing the big play. I told you this defense was for real, but I imagine the rest of the country wont get it until we shut down the Steelers in week 3. I'd say a defensive ranking between 8th and 13th or so, isn't all that unrealistic.
Offensively we grinded it out and played it safe. Nothing wrong with that. Carson played fairly relaxed and didn't put a lot of pressure on himself. Rudi has tree trunks for legs that come in handy when we get a two-score lead, and our O-line will come through when they need to. I think the offensive line still has some work to do to polish up a few things. Willie had a couple of early penalties and Levi got confused on a safety blitz which allowed to a big sack and fumble by Jared Allen. I'm not worried about our offense. In fact, I'm not worried about any part of our team. We played, dare I say, Steelers type football to get the win. If we can go into one of the toughest stadiums, and pound a perceived quality team into submission, then what's to worry about? 13-3 people...for real.
Impressions of the rest of the NFL:
The Ravens had a great opening game. I guess it was a good idea for Billick to ask the city to call a hotline if they see Ravens players out boozing it up over the weekend. They had two long run backs on turnovers so their offense is still a question mark. The Bucs probably are still gonna be okay defensively, but Chris Simms blows.
The Giants got jobbed by the refs over a lame offensive pass interference call on their comeback drive. I sense a point of emphasis by the refs concerning receivers pushing off. Great, more flags. Allow the players and coaches to win the games. Your new uniforms are whack too. Tiki Barber is amazing.
Reggie Bush isn't scared by the NFL. The Browns lost the easiest game they're gonna see all year. The old Poop Stains may never be good again.
The Patriots are declining and their whole division is generic. J.P. Losman may be the easiest NFL player to dislike.
MK= The Headhunter
Week 1 recap
Category: Sports
Week One Recap:
Let the chest pounding begin. The Bengals yesterday displayed to the rest of the league another reason to fear the tiger. Our defensive line will put you in the hospital. Racking up seven sacks and keeping the league's fantasy stud to sixty-something yards on 18 carries, the Bengal D flexed some big time muscle.
Let's address the Geathers hit. First of all, Eddie Kennison should be more to blame for Trent Green's brutal concussion than Geathers. He pushed a defender into his quarterback. He could ask Eric Stienbach what kind of impact that can have on a team. Secondly, Geathers hit him with his shoulder pad and that's what the league wants. Herm Edwards cried helmet-to-helmet after the game and that's bullshit. Obviously, KC has a jumbo-tron that replayed the hit in slow motion. We from our TV sets saw a clean hit, why can't he? I know a coach has to protect his players to the media, but don't stir-up suspension possibilities over a clean hit. It's a violent game played by huge, finely-tuned athletes who can take a man's head off if not careful. It's a risk one takes when paid millions upon millions of dollars to give it a try. I don't feel all that bad for Mr. Green. He slid late on the play, and like I said, he's an NFL quarterback. Get over it.
Back to the game.
I'm not sure what happened this training camp and pre-season, but the defense looks lightning fast. We still have some open-field tackling concerns (Tory James), but when players like Caleb Miller and Bryan Robinson are flying around the field as fast as they seemed, we as fans have to feel a lot more comfortable. Geathers and Justin Smith are maniacs. A lot of it has to do with the Chiefs soft offensive tackles, but they're very strong and very fast. Secondary covered well in the second quarter, and everyone did a good job of not allowing the big play. I told you this defense was for real, but I imagine the rest of the country wont get it until we shut down the Steelers in week 3. I'd say a defensive ranking between 8th and 13th or so, isn't all that unrealistic.
Offensively we grinded it out and played it safe. Nothing wrong with that. Carson played fairly relaxed and didn't put a lot of pressure on himself. Rudi has tree trunks for legs that come in handy when we get a two-score lead, and our O-line will come through when they need to. I think the offensive line still has some work to do to polish up a few things. Willie had a couple of early penalties and Levi got confused on a safety blitz which allowed to a big sack and fumble by Jared Allen. I'm not worried about our offense. In fact, I'm not worried about any part of our team. We played, dare I say, Steelers type football to get the win. If we can go into one of the toughest stadiums, and pound a perceived quality team into submission, then what's to worry about? 13-3 people...for real.
Impressions of the rest of the NFL:
The Ravens had a great opening game. I guess it was a good idea for Billick to ask the city to call a hotline if they see Ravens players out boozing it up over the weekend. They had two long run backs on turnovers so their offense is still a question mark. The Bucs probably are still gonna be okay defensively, but Chris Simms blows.
The Giants got jobbed by the refs over a lame offensive pass interference call on their comeback drive. I sense a point of emphasis by the refs concerning receivers pushing off. Great, more flags. Allow the players and coaches to win the games. Your new uniforms are whack too. Tiki Barber is amazing.
Reggie Bush isn't scared by the NFL. The Browns lost the easiest game they're gonna see all year. The old Poop Stains may never be good again.
The Patriots are declining and their whole division is generic. J.P. Losman may be the easiest NFL player to dislike.
MK= The Headhunter
Week 2 Preview
Week 2 preview
The upcoming match against the Brownies seems like the most winnable game of the season, and that may be the only reason to worry. With the Steelers game looming on the horizon, one could see the Bengals looking ahead to that game instead of the task at hand. But really, it's the Browns and the game should be over at halftime. A few match ups to look for.
Chad Johnson vs. Lee Bodden:
Bodden has played ChaJo well in past meetings, but the entire Cleveland secondary is somewhat beat up. With the return of Housh, and Henry returning to the slot, it will be hard for Cleveland to double Chad and should have at least six catches, and one should be deep. You know Carson want's to air a few out after pulling back the reigns last week.
Rudi vs. Andra Davis
Davis is easily Cleveland's best defender and is probably underrated league wide. Still, Rudi has gashed the Brownies in the past and should continue that on Sunday. If the Bengals can open up their passing game which I would expect they can, than Rudi will have little problem racking up 5 yards a carry against a prevent 3-4 defense. While Cleveland has installed some players that better fit Romeo Crennel's scheme, it's still a work in progress and that's scary for Browns fans against a potent offense. Rudi should reach the 125 yard mark.
Kellen Winslow vs. Brian Simmons
This is an actual concern for the Bengals. Winslow is a fast, dynamic receiving tight end. Simmons has had trouble cvering the likes of Steve Hieden in the past so Winslow should be a real problem. Look for the Browns to go to Winslow on third down and in the red zone.
Braylon Edwards vs. Deltha O'Neal
Edwards dropped a key pass last week that was intercepted and ultimately lost the game. He's recovering from an injury and has yet to really show his potential. Still, he's good sized and has the tools to be great. Deltha is also a little banged up but is probably healthier than last week and is a top 7 corner when he's in there. Chances are the Browns will be forced to throw when we get a lead and that's when our guys should start to pick a few off.
Overall I'm very optimistic. Marv should have the guys focused and cruise to a home opener. I can't wait to see the long, pouty faces of Cleveland fans file out of PBS being ridiculed by drunk who-deyers. No love for the Poop Stains.
Bengals 38-17
Mojokong - Flushin' Brown Stuff
The upcoming match against the Brownies seems like the most winnable game of the season, and that may be the only reason to worry. With the Steelers game looming on the horizon, one could see the Bengals looking ahead to that game instead of the task at hand. But really, it's the Browns and the game should be over at halftime. A few match ups to look for.
Chad Johnson vs. Lee Bodden:
Bodden has played ChaJo well in past meetings, but the entire Cleveland secondary is somewhat beat up. With the return of Housh, and Henry returning to the slot, it will be hard for Cleveland to double Chad and should have at least six catches, and one should be deep. You know Carson want's to air a few out after pulling back the reigns last week.
Rudi vs. Andra Davis
Davis is easily Cleveland's best defender and is probably underrated league wide. Still, Rudi has gashed the Brownies in the past and should continue that on Sunday. If the Bengals can open up their passing game which I would expect they can, than Rudi will have little problem racking up 5 yards a carry against a prevent 3-4 defense. While Cleveland has installed some players that better fit Romeo Crennel's scheme, it's still a work in progress and that's scary for Browns fans against a potent offense. Rudi should reach the 125 yard mark.
Kellen Winslow vs. Brian Simmons
This is an actual concern for the Bengals. Winslow is a fast, dynamic receiving tight end. Simmons has had trouble cvering the likes of Steve Hieden in the past so Winslow should be a real problem. Look for the Browns to go to Winslow on third down and in the red zone.
Braylon Edwards vs. Deltha O'Neal
Edwards dropped a key pass last week that was intercepted and ultimately lost the game. He's recovering from an injury and has yet to really show his potential. Still, he's good sized and has the tools to be great. Deltha is also a little banged up but is probably healthier than last week and is a top 7 corner when he's in there. Chances are the Browns will be forced to throw when we get a lead and that's when our guys should start to pick a few off.
Overall I'm very optimistic. Marv should have the guys focused and cruise to a home opener. I can't wait to see the long, pouty faces of Cleveland fans file out of PBS being ridiculed by drunk who-deyers. No love for the Poop Stains.
Bengals 38-17
Mojokong - Flushin' Brown Stuff
Week 2 Recap
18 Sep 2006
Week 2 recap
Category: Sports
There's no such thing as a free lunch in the NFL. While the Browns looked pathetic in the blowout they did manage to nick us up pretty good. The Bengals lost a few good men at a crucial point of the schedule. The way Marv and his staff handle this challenge could define his legacy as a coach.
The most serious on the injury report is Pollack with the broken vertebra. Out for the year and early reports of maybe longer. Every coach in the NFL talks about the importance of the backup's ability to rise up and fill in adequately, so the Bengals must put their faith in some youngsters at linebacker.
First off, Brian Simmons is playing better this year in the middle than he did last year on the outside. Odell will be able to return after week 4. That will move Simmons back outside anyway, so why not make that move now and start Caleb Miller in the middle? Miller has played very well when on the field and Jente hasn't shown me enough hustle to make me a fan thus far. The problem is this. Pittsburgh is smash mouth and Jente is maybe thirty pounds bigger than Miller. He's a more natural outside linebacker and Simmons is a free flowing middle linebacker. So it might make more sense to just shuffle Miller in on passing downs and let Jente play the run, at least for next week.
There's also the issue of Ahmed Brooks. The coaches raved about this guy in training camp and he made a few plays in preseason, though looked raw at times as well. We gave up a third round pick in next years draft for him and he's come with some lofty comparisons to beastly pro-bowlers like Julias Peppers and Julian Peterson. I'd like to see him at least be activated and thrown in on an occasional special teams play.
As for center, Eric Giucheck will have to step it up. He's young, sometimes confused, but I think he's gonna be a solid NFL center. It'd be nice if he had a little more experience going up against such a venomous defense next week, but that's how it has to be. He allowed a big time sack on Carson and we all know the magnitude of that. It'll be up to the other vets on that line to help him step it up. Whitworth looked like a comfortable fit at left guard yesterday. That makes me feel better about Steinbach leaving after the season. Whitworth is a massive, athletic guy under the supervision of legendary offensive line coach Paul Alexander. He was a good draft pick.
Dexter Jackson hurts a bit less. Not that Kasevaharn is on his level, but he isn't really a pro-bowl player and it's only a high ankle sprain. At least Kasevaharn is a capable backup and isn't named Herring, Beckett, or Ohalete. He played most of last year and showed he's a decent tackler, but also has coverage and speed issues.
I can't tell if the defense is playing this well or if the offenses we've faced are that crappy. Sam Adams seems like one of the best free-agent acquisitions in the NFL. He seriously makes a difference. John Thornton is probably Adam's biggest benefactor, and he's taking full advantage of this. He's playing great, like he's a young man again. Deltha O'Neal is showing all the signs of a legitimate shutdown corner. He isn't being thrown at, when he is tested he knocks everything down, and can open field tackle with the top corners in the league. His ball skills and hands are that of a receiver and once he has the ball he returns like a kick returner. Tory James looks slower every week and shows all the signs of a nickel back. Joseph is going to be great, but might not be better just yet.
Carson seems angry this season. He senses a Super Bowl and has no patience for anything in his way of that, himself included. He gets pissed at himself for not being perfect and we as fans love to see and hear that. The offense still hasn't looked like the war machine it has potential to be, and yet we're crushing inferior teams all the same. Theoretically, having Housh back will allow most of the pieces to fall back into place but it still has to actually work that way. Levi's gonna play next week and Rudi really is looking healthier and stronger than last season, so we can pound teams if we sputter in the air, but to beat the big dogs we'll have to figure out how to do both on demand. Chris Henry has to look the ball into his hands better and Kelley Washington isn't making mistakes so far this year. Washington might be a better slot receiver at this point and could challenge Henry for that spot next week. How can I say that after Henry has a 100-yard game? Kelley hasn't dropped anything and has played that spot well two weeks in a row. You want to win or collect stats? Big up to the tight ends, you guys haven't been a problem yet. Keep it up.
As for the Browns, well, it just doesn't look good. Maybe next year. Woof, woof your way to the basement, clowns. The whole city of Cleveland should just go away. Be sure to drop Lebron off in Chicago or somewhere.
Mojokong - woof, woof goes the poop.
Due to the length and timing of this entry, I'll have to do the observations from the rest of the NFL tomorrow or Wednesday. Sorry.
Week 2 recap
Category: Sports
There's no such thing as a free lunch in the NFL. While the Browns looked pathetic in the blowout they did manage to nick us up pretty good. The Bengals lost a few good men at a crucial point of the schedule. The way Marv and his staff handle this challenge could define his legacy as a coach.
The most serious on the injury report is Pollack with the broken vertebra. Out for the year and early reports of maybe longer. Every coach in the NFL talks about the importance of the backup's ability to rise up and fill in adequately, so the Bengals must put their faith in some youngsters at linebacker.
First off, Brian Simmons is playing better this year in the middle than he did last year on the outside. Odell will be able to return after week 4. That will move Simmons back outside anyway, so why not make that move now and start Caleb Miller in the middle? Miller has played very well when on the field and Jente hasn't shown me enough hustle to make me a fan thus far. The problem is this. Pittsburgh is smash mouth and Jente is maybe thirty pounds bigger than Miller. He's a more natural outside linebacker and Simmons is a free flowing middle linebacker. So it might make more sense to just shuffle Miller in on passing downs and let Jente play the run, at least for next week.
There's also the issue of Ahmed Brooks. The coaches raved about this guy in training camp and he made a few plays in preseason, though looked raw at times as well. We gave up a third round pick in next years draft for him and he's come with some lofty comparisons to beastly pro-bowlers like Julias Peppers and Julian Peterson. I'd like to see him at least be activated and thrown in on an occasional special teams play.
As for center, Eric Giucheck will have to step it up. He's young, sometimes confused, but I think he's gonna be a solid NFL center. It'd be nice if he had a little more experience going up against such a venomous defense next week, but that's how it has to be. He allowed a big time sack on Carson and we all know the magnitude of that. It'll be up to the other vets on that line to help him step it up. Whitworth looked like a comfortable fit at left guard yesterday. That makes me feel better about Steinbach leaving after the season. Whitworth is a massive, athletic guy under the supervision of legendary offensive line coach Paul Alexander. He was a good draft pick.
Dexter Jackson hurts a bit less. Not that Kasevaharn is on his level, but he isn't really a pro-bowl player and it's only a high ankle sprain. At least Kasevaharn is a capable backup and isn't named Herring, Beckett, or Ohalete. He played most of last year and showed he's a decent tackler, but also has coverage and speed issues.
I can't tell if the defense is playing this well or if the offenses we've faced are that crappy. Sam Adams seems like one of the best free-agent acquisitions in the NFL. He seriously makes a difference. John Thornton is probably Adam's biggest benefactor, and he's taking full advantage of this. He's playing great, like he's a young man again. Deltha O'Neal is showing all the signs of a legitimate shutdown corner. He isn't being thrown at, when he is tested he knocks everything down, and can open field tackle with the top corners in the league. His ball skills and hands are that of a receiver and once he has the ball he returns like a kick returner. Tory James looks slower every week and shows all the signs of a nickel back. Joseph is going to be great, but might not be better just yet.
Carson seems angry this season. He senses a Super Bowl and has no patience for anything in his way of that, himself included. He gets pissed at himself for not being perfect and we as fans love to see and hear that. The offense still hasn't looked like the war machine it has potential to be, and yet we're crushing inferior teams all the same. Theoretically, having Housh back will allow most of the pieces to fall back into place but it still has to actually work that way. Levi's gonna play next week and Rudi really is looking healthier and stronger than last season, so we can pound teams if we sputter in the air, but to beat the big dogs we'll have to figure out how to do both on demand. Chris Henry has to look the ball into his hands better and Kelley Washington isn't making mistakes so far this year. Washington might be a better slot receiver at this point and could challenge Henry for that spot next week. How can I say that after Henry has a 100-yard game? Kelley hasn't dropped anything and has played that spot well two weeks in a row. You want to win or collect stats? Big up to the tight ends, you guys haven't been a problem yet. Keep it up.
As for the Browns, well, it just doesn't look good. Maybe next year. Woof, woof your way to the basement, clowns. The whole city of Cleveland should just go away. Be sure to drop Lebron off in Chicago or somewhere.
Mojokong - woof, woof goes the poop.
Due to the length and timing of this entry, I'll have to do the observations from the rest of the NFL tomorrow or Wednesday. Sorry.
Week 3 Preview
24 Sep 2006
Week 3 preview
Category: Sports
Week 3 Preview
You know that Steelers banner that hangs above the Hard 2 Knock shop in Clifton? It's still there and it pisses me off every day I see it. After today, I hope I can take some smug enjoyment when reminded of how the Steeler fans cried over such a crushing loss by the Bengals.
Today's gonna be about the running game. It's up to the defensive line to keep Willie Parker inside the tackles. He's shown he's only effective bouncing outside and our linebackers should play wider to pressure him into the middle of the field. Their receivers don't scare me and like always if the Bengals get an early lead it will force Pittsburgh to throw it more which they've never been comfortable relying on. Heath Miller can be a secret weapon of sorts that defenses can occasionally forget about. It's up to Landon Johnson to cover that guy and not allow a big play made possible from blown coverage.
Look for Rudi to continue to pound the 3-4 defense with six yard gains up the middle. Guicheck will have to at least slow Casey Hampton down, and Jeremi Johnson will be key in creating interior holes for Rudi to blast through. I don't want to see Carson have to throw the ball thirty times. The Pittsburgh secondary is pretty average and getting Housh back will put even more pressure on their nickel and dime guys to cover the likes of Henry and Kelley Washington.
Traditionally the Bengals have had a hard time not turning the ball over to Pittsburgh. They're a defense that baits offenses into taking risks and in the past we've sprung a few of those traps. Polomalu seems to clone himself while on the field. He's everywhere. Joey Porter literally smacks people and the 3 other linebackers (Foote, Farrior, and Hagans) make up the best linebacking corps in the NFL. Reggie Kelly had better block his ass off today when they send the house on third and shorts.
I honestly am not picking the Bengals to win today, even though I think we have a better overall team. If the offense plays to their full potential then no team in the NFL can beat us. But they haven't demonstrated that kind of might thus far. That could be a good thing because sooner or later they're going to get it together. If the defense forces a couple of turnovers and doesn't allow the big forty yard run, then we walk away two games ahead of those bastards and the Ravens will become our next focus.
It's time to prove that the Bengals are the class of the division, the conference, and the league. We can only beat ourselves. Focus, concentration, and execution.
Pittsburgh
24-21 (it's tough to type that out)
MK - the playmaking ape
Week 3 preview
Category: Sports
Week 3 Preview
You know that Steelers banner that hangs above the Hard 2 Knock shop in Clifton? It's still there and it pisses me off every day I see it. After today, I hope I can take some smug enjoyment when reminded of how the Steeler fans cried over such a crushing loss by the Bengals.
Today's gonna be about the running game. It's up to the defensive line to keep Willie Parker inside the tackles. He's shown he's only effective bouncing outside and our linebackers should play wider to pressure him into the middle of the field. Their receivers don't scare me and like always if the Bengals get an early lead it will force Pittsburgh to throw it more which they've never been comfortable relying on. Heath Miller can be a secret weapon of sorts that defenses can occasionally forget about. It's up to Landon Johnson to cover that guy and not allow a big play made possible from blown coverage.
Look for Rudi to continue to pound the 3-4 defense with six yard gains up the middle. Guicheck will have to at least slow Casey Hampton down, and Jeremi Johnson will be key in creating interior holes for Rudi to blast through. I don't want to see Carson have to throw the ball thirty times. The Pittsburgh secondary is pretty average and getting Housh back will put even more pressure on their nickel and dime guys to cover the likes of Henry and Kelley Washington.
Traditionally the Bengals have had a hard time not turning the ball over to Pittsburgh. They're a defense that baits offenses into taking risks and in the past we've sprung a few of those traps. Polomalu seems to clone himself while on the field. He's everywhere. Joey Porter literally smacks people and the 3 other linebackers (Foote, Farrior, and Hagans) make up the best linebacking corps in the NFL. Reggie Kelly had better block his ass off today when they send the house on third and shorts.
I honestly am not picking the Bengals to win today, even though I think we have a better overall team. If the offense plays to their full potential then no team in the NFL can beat us. But they haven't demonstrated that kind of might thus far. That could be a good thing because sooner or later they're going to get it together. If the defense forces a couple of turnovers and doesn't allow the big forty yard run, then we walk away two games ahead of those bastards and the Ravens will become our next focus.
It's time to prove that the Bengals are the class of the division, the conference, and the league. We can only beat ourselves. Focus, concentration, and execution.
Pittsburgh
24-21 (it's tough to type that out)
MK - the playmaking ape
Week 3 Recap
28 Sep 2006
Week 3 recap
Category: Sports
I realize this is knda like old news but I've been busy. I'll have the Week 4 preview tomorrow, dont worry. I just have to keep things in order.
Week 3 Recap
We all saw it. The Bengals played poorly and still pulled it off against an overhyped Steeler team. Can we say we've played a good team yet? Rothlesberger has never been all that spectacular of a quaterback. Yes his QB rating has been very good. Yes he won a Super Bowl. And yes he doesn't typically make poor decisions. But couldn't we be talking about Trent Dilfer during the Ravens Super Bowl season. He has always looked a little shaky versus the Bengals and has never been the difference in a Steeler win against us. Then he creates excuses for his picks. What a leader.
Housh is, in Carson's favorite words, phenomenal. He impacts our offense more than Chad. Henry is improving every week even if he does continue to make an ass of himself elsewhere. I'd like to see a better effort from our verterans along the O-line. Times are a little tough for those guys thanks to injuries, so it's up to Willie, Bobby, and Steinbach to show the younger guys how to get it done when the team needs you to. I realize they were facing the big brained Dick and his insane 3-4 blitz schemes, but we re-upped our lineman to some big contracts and that shit had better payoff with three sacks or fewer in a game. Carson needs to get rid of the ball sooner too. I know he's more concerned about throwing a pick than taking a sack, but tuck the ball if you're settling for a sack.
Defensively I like our secondary, but I'm concerned with our lack of pressure when Bresnahan calls his blitzes. Almost all our sacks have either been coverage sacks or our ends outplaying opposing tackles. Tackling overall has been pretty good and I thought Kaesvaharn played pretty damn well too. Linebackers failed to pop Willie Parker a few times and couldn't get outside fast enough to slow his momentum down and cut off the seams.
Kenny Watson played well on special teams.
The best part is, is that those obnoxious Steeler hatemonger fans can finally shut the fuck up. Either sit there quietly and take the abuse for wearing your Big Ben jersey around my city, or just leave altogether. Bitches.
Mojokong - Shittsburgh
Week 3 recap
Category: Sports
I realize this is knda like old news but I've been busy. I'll have the Week 4 preview tomorrow, dont worry. I just have to keep things in order.
Week 3 Recap
We all saw it. The Bengals played poorly and still pulled it off against an overhyped Steeler team. Can we say we've played a good team yet? Rothlesberger has never been all that spectacular of a quaterback. Yes his QB rating has been very good. Yes he won a Super Bowl. And yes he doesn't typically make poor decisions. But couldn't we be talking about Trent Dilfer during the Ravens Super Bowl season. He has always looked a little shaky versus the Bengals and has never been the difference in a Steeler win against us. Then he creates excuses for his picks. What a leader.
Housh is, in Carson's favorite words, phenomenal. He impacts our offense more than Chad. Henry is improving every week even if he does continue to make an ass of himself elsewhere. I'd like to see a better effort from our verterans along the O-line. Times are a little tough for those guys thanks to injuries, so it's up to Willie, Bobby, and Steinbach to show the younger guys how to get it done when the team needs you to. I realize they were facing the big brained Dick and his insane 3-4 blitz schemes, but we re-upped our lineman to some big contracts and that shit had better payoff with three sacks or fewer in a game. Carson needs to get rid of the ball sooner too. I know he's more concerned about throwing a pick than taking a sack, but tuck the ball if you're settling for a sack.
Defensively I like our secondary, but I'm concerned with our lack of pressure when Bresnahan calls his blitzes. Almost all our sacks have either been coverage sacks or our ends outplaying opposing tackles. Tackling overall has been pretty good and I thought Kaesvaharn played pretty damn well too. Linebackers failed to pop Willie Parker a few times and couldn't get outside fast enough to slow his momentum down and cut off the seams.
Kenny Watson played well on special teams.
The best part is, is that those obnoxious Steeler hatemonger fans can finally shut the fuck up. Either sit there quietly and take the abuse for wearing your Big Ben jersey around my city, or just leave altogether. Bitches.
Mojokong - Shittsburgh
Week 4 Preview
29 Sep 2006
Week 4 preview
Category: Sports
Week 4 preview
Before I preview this weeks game lets take a stroll around the rest of the league.
Who thinks the Ravens are for real? Not me. Recent power polls on NFL.com have them at 3! They've played the 0-3 Bucs, the 0-3 Raiders, and the 0-3 Browns. C'mon. Maybe I'll feel differently if they shutout the Chargers but I doubt it. I hope everybody will get off the NFC East's nuts soon. I picked the Giants to go to the Super Bowl but I still don't want to watch them every week. I actually think at this point that Chicago is the best NFC team. The Saints are cool but I don't see any long term success, or at least any playoff implications for them. Maybe a wild card. They're kinda like the Bengals were in Marv's first year. It's mostly thanks to Drew Brees. That guy's solid. The Broncos are a real threat for the AFC title. I think they could beat the Colts if played in Mile High, but could beat us at PBS. Weird.
About us. One would hope the offense can finally put it in gear this week. It's like our offense is a brand new operating system and the users cant really get the hang of everything just yet. But it's getting to be about time when the excuses don't fly anymore. If we're capable of big things offensively, let's see it. Sure there's been injuries, but every team deals with that.
That being said, we should have a big week in the air against a leaky secondary. Harrison enjoys violent contact and Samuel is decent. The rest of those guys...not so much. Remember Artrell "Burnt Toast 2" Hawkins? (The original Burnt Toast was the laughable Rod Jones). That guy was awful for us and we took him in the second round! That says a lot about the depth and talent of the New England deep backs. They do have a very strong defensive line. Richard Seymour swallows ball carriers in his area and I was really impressed with their other end Ty Warren last week against Denver. Rosie Colvin plays his zone well and is comparable to Brian Simmons, I'd say. Junior Seau still looks pretty angry and Vince Wilfork is an effective fatty for them. Rudi might not have a hundred-plus against a team like that. Carson may have to throw 34 times for us to win. Unless we strike early and often with big plays like those of Jevon Walker last Sunday night. Henry might be out for being a dumbass and Tab perry is allegedly out for the year, but Antonio Chatman has practiced all week and is most likely playing. He can fill both the kick returning and the third receiver roles. Of course I'm a big Kelley Washington fan and would like him to be the 3 and Chatman the 4, but either way is okay. Chatman seems like a good reverse kinda guy. P-Dubbish if you will. Guicheck (I'm just gonna spell his name wrong all season - sorry Eric, get used to it) needs to improve just a little bit from last week. I'm not looking for huge strides, just a nice, steady progression. Levi and Willie have to protect that outside pass rush against linebackers. We shouldn't be tricked into bad or missed blocks. Watch more tape with the coaches if you have to, but protect our $100 million dollar asset with some more focus...please. No false starts this week from anybody. Got it?
Defensively we're a little thin these days but we get a softer offense coming to town (not that we've seen a great offense). Corey Dillon might run angry and stiff arm the shit out of a safety or two, but the threat ends there. Brady doesn't have the receivers to make it a great offense. Ben Watson is a respectable tight end and I'm always nervous when our linebackers have to cover anybody really. Speaking of those guys, thanks to Odell's wise decision-making and Pollacks new halo, we now have a trio of linebackers someone could politely call "untested". Caleb Miller, Rashad Jeanty, and newly introduced Ahmed Brooks, fight it out to start on the outside. I hope Brooks can get in there and start making plays. Caleb Miller will get the deserving start but Brooks is going to see some action Sunday. If he plays well this season, and Marvin sees something special in him, Odell might be given up on. I don't want to see that either. I'd like those three to be our linebackers of the future, but if Odell can't get his shit together what are you supposed to do? Marvin's all about contingency plans and you know he's scheming up one involving Brooks becoming a thirty snap player. Let's return a pick back for a score this week. Madieu, or better yet Joseph. That guy's about three or four weeks from replacing Tory James as a starter. That would seal the deal, if it isn't sealed already. Poor Tory. You're just too slow these days but you're a hell of a nickel back.
Bengals should win again, but this is not a gimmie this week. We don't play well at home, we've had major distractions this week, and we're substantially banged up. Not to mention it is the Patriots and those guys aren't shitty. They aren't what they once were, but they aren't shitty.
Cincinnati 28-24
MK - Shittsburgh II: We're gonna enjoy this one for a while.
Week 4 preview
Category: Sports
Week 4 preview
Before I preview this weeks game lets take a stroll around the rest of the league.
Who thinks the Ravens are for real? Not me. Recent power polls on NFL.com have them at 3! They've played the 0-3 Bucs, the 0-3 Raiders, and the 0-3 Browns. C'mon. Maybe I'll feel differently if they shutout the Chargers but I doubt it. I hope everybody will get off the NFC East's nuts soon. I picked the Giants to go to the Super Bowl but I still don't want to watch them every week. I actually think at this point that Chicago is the best NFC team. The Saints are cool but I don't see any long term success, or at least any playoff implications for them. Maybe a wild card. They're kinda like the Bengals were in Marv's first year. It's mostly thanks to Drew Brees. That guy's solid. The Broncos are a real threat for the AFC title. I think they could beat the Colts if played in Mile High, but could beat us at PBS. Weird.
About us. One would hope the offense can finally put it in gear this week. It's like our offense is a brand new operating system and the users cant really get the hang of everything just yet. But it's getting to be about time when the excuses don't fly anymore. If we're capable of big things offensively, let's see it. Sure there's been injuries, but every team deals with that.
That being said, we should have a big week in the air against a leaky secondary. Harrison enjoys violent contact and Samuel is decent. The rest of those guys...not so much. Remember Artrell "Burnt Toast 2" Hawkins? (The original Burnt Toast was the laughable Rod Jones). That guy was awful for us and we took him in the second round! That says a lot about the depth and talent of the New England deep backs. They do have a very strong defensive line. Richard Seymour swallows ball carriers in his area and I was really impressed with their other end Ty Warren last week against Denver. Rosie Colvin plays his zone well and is comparable to Brian Simmons, I'd say. Junior Seau still looks pretty angry and Vince Wilfork is an effective fatty for them. Rudi might not have a hundred-plus against a team like that. Carson may have to throw 34 times for us to win. Unless we strike early and often with big plays like those of Jevon Walker last Sunday night. Henry might be out for being a dumbass and Tab perry is allegedly out for the year, but Antonio Chatman has practiced all week and is most likely playing. He can fill both the kick returning and the third receiver roles. Of course I'm a big Kelley Washington fan and would like him to be the 3 and Chatman the 4, but either way is okay. Chatman seems like a good reverse kinda guy. P-Dubbish if you will. Guicheck (I'm just gonna spell his name wrong all season - sorry Eric, get used to it) needs to improve just a little bit from last week. I'm not looking for huge strides, just a nice, steady progression. Levi and Willie have to protect that outside pass rush against linebackers. We shouldn't be tricked into bad or missed blocks. Watch more tape with the coaches if you have to, but protect our $100 million dollar asset with some more focus...please. No false starts this week from anybody. Got it?
Defensively we're a little thin these days but we get a softer offense coming to town (not that we've seen a great offense). Corey Dillon might run angry and stiff arm the shit out of a safety or two, but the threat ends there. Brady doesn't have the receivers to make it a great offense. Ben Watson is a respectable tight end and I'm always nervous when our linebackers have to cover anybody really. Speaking of those guys, thanks to Odell's wise decision-making and Pollacks new halo, we now have a trio of linebackers someone could politely call "untested". Caleb Miller, Rashad Jeanty, and newly introduced Ahmed Brooks, fight it out to start on the outside. I hope Brooks can get in there and start making plays. Caleb Miller will get the deserving start but Brooks is going to see some action Sunday. If he plays well this season, and Marvin sees something special in him, Odell might be given up on. I don't want to see that either. I'd like those three to be our linebackers of the future, but if Odell can't get his shit together what are you supposed to do? Marvin's all about contingency plans and you know he's scheming up one involving Brooks becoming a thirty snap player. Let's return a pick back for a score this week. Madieu, or better yet Joseph. That guy's about three or four weeks from replacing Tory James as a starter. That would seal the deal, if it isn't sealed already. Poor Tory. You're just too slow these days but you're a hell of a nickel back.
Bengals should win again, but this is not a gimmie this week. We don't play well at home, we've had major distractions this week, and we're substantially banged up. Not to mention it is the Patriots and those guys aren't shitty. They aren't what they once were, but they aren't shitty.
Cincinnati 28-24
MK - Shittsburgh II: We're gonna enjoy this one for a while.
Week 4 Recap
06 Oct 2006
Week 4 recap
Category: Sports
Well, the Bengals probably were not going to run the table, and I knew it would be a tough game against the Patriots, but the loss isn't the concerning part. The way the Bengals continue to underachieve is.
Let's start this one off by addresing the Tori James problem. Yes, he's officailly become a problem. When a veteran, former Pro-Bowler corner can't cover the likes of Doug Gabriel, he needs replaced. Fortunately we have a stud in Jonathan Joseph who has shown improvement every week and can be as affective as a Madieu Williams. Tori was awful Sunday. He cant cover or tackle! I don't think anyone saw this fast of a decline from him, even though our local press box has been skeptical for a while. (the press box consists of myself and my sports fan friends).
Also awful, and he admitted he played poorly was Brian Simmons. With the really unfortunate linebacking situation the Bengals are now faced with, Simmons has to at least be solid every game and impacting in others. He's as important as Palmer is on offense.
The D-line looked phyically weak against Pats O-line. The Patriots looked porous (sp) against the Broncos the previous week, and they're made up of former Cleveland Brown castaways. Justin Smith has one move and that's the bull rush. This something else the press box has talked about for years now. He should try Pollock's double spin move or something. Anything. Still, he consistantly gets more pressure than his line mates. Geathers tends to vanish sometimes and he's too good of an athlete to allow that. I'd say John Thornton has played well overall this season, and Big Sam looks easily winded (imagine that?). The hit by Kasevaharn is exactly what secondary coaches teach. Seperation of the ball from the receiver. It was a bullshit call. The refs are taking the fun out of the game. It's no one's fault that these guys are getting bigger and stronger and can do more damage to other players. They still get paid damn well to risk the dangers and I think if you asked the players, most of them would tell you that's football. Now stepping on another man's face with your cleats during the game is criminal. That is not football.
Offensively we cant get it in full gear. We show glimpses and then sputter. It's frustrating watching our line allow pass rushers through, our quaterback hold the ball out with one hand, and Chad getting open without being thrown to. Not only do I blame Palmer to a degree for over analyzing everything, I blame Bratkowski for calling plays like he's interviewing for a head coaching job every week. Run the ball with Rudi whenever applicable. Play action and occasionally go long. Run short slants over the middle on third down with Housh. Try not to throw it to the tight end. Play football. Get back to some basics. I think he gets too cute with his playcalling always trying to outsmart defensive cordinators.
Housh is our best player right now but that's because he can get his yardage in any system. You throw him the ball and he'll catch it and then run for some more. That guy's basic in a very good way. Chad is different. He needs space to utilize his cat-like manuevering. He needs Housh to draw safeties away so he cando what he's best at...sprinting. I was a bit disappointed at Antonio Freeman's premier. He'll have to show us more than that with Henry out for the next two games. Also, Eric Steinbach has looked mediocre at best. He played on a much higher level all of last year than he's demonstrated so far this season. If that's what he wants to do during a free agency year, let him go. Bring in Whitworth. I have no problem with that at this point.
I feel sorry for the ol' Bucs. The Bengals have two weeks to get yelled at. Maybe Dexter Jackson will be healthy, and we theoretically get Chris Perry back. It's hard not to dwell on the fact that Odell should be returning next week but it is what it is. Carry on.
Mojokong - Living life one bye week at a time
Week 4 recap
Category: Sports
Well, the Bengals probably were not going to run the table, and I knew it would be a tough game against the Patriots, but the loss isn't the concerning part. The way the Bengals continue to underachieve is.
Let's start this one off by addresing the Tori James problem. Yes, he's officailly become a problem. When a veteran, former Pro-Bowler corner can't cover the likes of Doug Gabriel, he needs replaced. Fortunately we have a stud in Jonathan Joseph who has shown improvement every week and can be as affective as a Madieu Williams. Tori was awful Sunday. He cant cover or tackle! I don't think anyone saw this fast of a decline from him, even though our local press box has been skeptical for a while. (the press box consists of myself and my sports fan friends).
Also awful, and he admitted he played poorly was Brian Simmons. With the really unfortunate linebacking situation the Bengals are now faced with, Simmons has to at least be solid every game and impacting in others. He's as important as Palmer is on offense.
The D-line looked phyically weak against Pats O-line. The Patriots looked porous (sp) against the Broncos the previous week, and they're made up of former Cleveland Brown castaways. Justin Smith has one move and that's the bull rush. This something else the press box has talked about for years now. He should try Pollock's double spin move or something. Anything. Still, he consistantly gets more pressure than his line mates. Geathers tends to vanish sometimes and he's too good of an athlete to allow that. I'd say John Thornton has played well overall this season, and Big Sam looks easily winded (imagine that?). The hit by Kasevaharn is exactly what secondary coaches teach. Seperation of the ball from the receiver. It was a bullshit call. The refs are taking the fun out of the game. It's no one's fault that these guys are getting bigger and stronger and can do more damage to other players. They still get paid damn well to risk the dangers and I think if you asked the players, most of them would tell you that's football. Now stepping on another man's face with your cleats during the game is criminal. That is not football.
Offensively we cant get it in full gear. We show glimpses and then sputter. It's frustrating watching our line allow pass rushers through, our quaterback hold the ball out with one hand, and Chad getting open without being thrown to. Not only do I blame Palmer to a degree for over analyzing everything, I blame Bratkowski for calling plays like he's interviewing for a head coaching job every week. Run the ball with Rudi whenever applicable. Play action and occasionally go long. Run short slants over the middle on third down with Housh. Try not to throw it to the tight end. Play football. Get back to some basics. I think he gets too cute with his playcalling always trying to outsmart defensive cordinators.
Housh is our best player right now but that's because he can get his yardage in any system. You throw him the ball and he'll catch it and then run for some more. That guy's basic in a very good way. Chad is different. He needs space to utilize his cat-like manuevering. He needs Housh to draw safeties away so he cando what he's best at...sprinting. I was a bit disappointed at Antonio Freeman's premier. He'll have to show us more than that with Henry out for the next two games. Also, Eric Steinbach has looked mediocre at best. He played on a much higher level all of last year than he's demonstrated so far this season. If that's what he wants to do during a free agency year, let him go. Bring in Whitworth. I have no problem with that at this point.
I feel sorry for the ol' Bucs. The Bengals have two weeks to get yelled at. Maybe Dexter Jackson will be healthy, and we theoretically get Chris Perry back. It's hard not to dwell on the fact that Odell should be returning next week but it is what it is. Carry on.
Mojokong - Living life one bye week at a time
Week 6 Preview
15 Oct 2006
week 6 preview
Category: Sports
It's a late preview but will have to do.
Today we should watch our offensive line closely. I want to see how Steinbach does at center, and how Whitworth does starting, It's too bad Guicheck had to be demoted after only a couple starts but business is business. I'm really hoping to see the Carson of last year finally emerge this season. Rudi will be rudi and the receivers are fine even without Henry. How 'bout a Kelly Washington squirrel?
Tampa's D isn't what it used it to be, but they're no slouches either. Look for them to blitz up the middle and try to create further confusion from our revamped line. I want to see Jeremi Johnson chip block those blitz attempts.
As for our D, tackling will be the emphasis. Cadillac can run hard but has had some o-line problems in front of him this year. Gradkowski makes his second pro start and although he looked good last week, I'm not scared of that guy. I'd like to see Jonathon Joseph start but I haven't heard of that being a possibility this week so I guess we have to live with Tori James for another week. He had better get his shit together. Hopefully this will be the last week Kasevaharn has to start. Dexter Jackson should be back soon and that will immediately help. Kase has played well enough to not be blamed for games or huge plays, but Jackson is a clear upgrade. Sam Adams is angry at himself for not being the run-stuffer he prides himself on, so look for him to make some plays today. Just don't jump offside Sam. Jeanty is out again this week which means our cast of random linebackers will have to show up a little better this week than they did against New England. I so wanna see Ahmed Brooks return a pick for a score or cause a fumble on an Odell type of hit. I miss that guy's tackling ability. Dumb ass.
The Bengals have had two weeks to be yelled at and prepare for a winless team. This is a must-win just due to that. We aren't that much healthier than we were two weeks ago, so that isn't much of a factor. But coaches have had an extra week to focus on the smaller details and I really hope that makes a difference. We haven't seen the Bengals play a complete game yet this season. What better time to get it started in the right direction than today?
Bengals 34-13
Mojokong - well rested
week 6 preview
Category: Sports
It's a late preview but will have to do.
Today we should watch our offensive line closely. I want to see how Steinbach does at center, and how Whitworth does starting, It's too bad Guicheck had to be demoted after only a couple starts but business is business. I'm really hoping to see the Carson of last year finally emerge this season. Rudi will be rudi and the receivers are fine even without Henry. How 'bout a Kelly Washington squirrel?
Tampa's D isn't what it used it to be, but they're no slouches either. Look for them to blitz up the middle and try to create further confusion from our revamped line. I want to see Jeremi Johnson chip block those blitz attempts.
As for our D, tackling will be the emphasis. Cadillac can run hard but has had some o-line problems in front of him this year. Gradkowski makes his second pro start and although he looked good last week, I'm not scared of that guy. I'd like to see Jonathon Joseph start but I haven't heard of that being a possibility this week so I guess we have to live with Tori James for another week. He had better get his shit together. Hopefully this will be the last week Kasevaharn has to start. Dexter Jackson should be back soon and that will immediately help. Kase has played well enough to not be blamed for games or huge plays, but Jackson is a clear upgrade. Sam Adams is angry at himself for not being the run-stuffer he prides himself on, so look for him to make some plays today. Just don't jump offside Sam. Jeanty is out again this week which means our cast of random linebackers will have to show up a little better this week than they did against New England. I so wanna see Ahmed Brooks return a pick for a score or cause a fumble on an Odell type of hit. I miss that guy's tackling ability. Dumb ass.
The Bengals have had two weeks to be yelled at and prepare for a winless team. This is a must-win just due to that. We aren't that much healthier than we were two weeks ago, so that isn't much of a factor. But coaches have had an extra week to focus on the smaller details and I really hope that makes a difference. We haven't seen the Bengals play a complete game yet this season. What better time to get it started in the right direction than today?
Bengals 34-13
Mojokong - well rested
Week 6 Recap
18 Oct 2006
week 6 recap
Category: Sports
Week 6 recap
Puke! What was that? Don't they read this blog? I said the game was a must-win. They played like it was recess with a Nerf turbo. Sure we had a lot of injuries but we still lost to a winless team with a sixth-round rookie quarterback. I'm tired of us not playing up to our ability.
The defense played well enough to win. My boy Brooks looks more ready for this league than I thought. He's as big, fast, and athletic as advertised. I'd say he's still raw, but I've seen some encouraging stuff from that kid. Especially if we're looking at a future without Odell. Kasevaharn took a bad angle on the long Cadillac run, but overall he continues to be a serviceable replacement. How about Simmons not playing? None of the projected starters are able to play now. Jeanty's out, Nicholson's out. When will it stop? I'm gonna avoid the Justin Smith penalty call and focus instead on how none of the other d-lineman are getting any pass rush. What happened with Geathers? He looked so good in the pre-season and against KC only to get garbage rushes made possible by the secondary and J. Smith. I see us blitz some secondary and outside linebackers occasionally, but they always get picked up on blocks. Tori James continues to look increasingly useless and Jonathan Joseph just looks good. Yes he dropped a pick but that's correctable. Being slow isn't, Tori.
Offensively, I want to break things watching so much talent go to waste. Notice when we do throw deep, even into double coverage, it works out. Carson tries to perfect on every throw. His receivers are amazing! They'll make plays. Just throw it to them for Christ's sakes. I agree that our line looks mediocre at best, but I blame Carson for not adjusting. How tired are you of hearing him say "I have to get the ball out sooner" every frickin week? Do it, dammit. I also want to blast Bratkowski for a while. Why call a sweep to Rudi twice on first down? Why not just once, take a shot at throwing the ball near or across the first down marker on third and long? The shovel pass to Chatman or Watson or whoever doesn't keep drives going. Again, just allow the receivers to be spectacular. You saw the Housh catch. He's better than anybody around the league give him credit for. I hate to use the term, but he really is a 'gamer'. He can outjump any corner in the league and I feel he's been our best player this season.
Overall, I think our attitude as a team needs grounding. The whole game it seemed like we assumed we had the game in hand and no matter what transpired we'd come out okay. We fucked around and blew it. Chad should shave the mohawk and get down business (Ned gets credit for the previous suggestion). Carson and Bratkowski need to simplify things and assume the line cant protect all that well. Gameplan accordingly, take more shots, have Rudi run between the tackles and allow him to wear out a defense. In the 2nd half Sunday he was rolling over those defensive lineman. It's like we don't use him properly. And lastly, the penalties have to stop. There are a lot of replacements playing for us right now. Some mistakes will happen, but I don't want to hear that shit. This is the NFL. Do it right or hire somebody that will.
Mojokong - pissed
week 6 recap
Category: Sports
Week 6 recap
Puke! What was that? Don't they read this blog? I said the game was a must-win. They played like it was recess with a Nerf turbo. Sure we had a lot of injuries but we still lost to a winless team with a sixth-round rookie quarterback. I'm tired of us not playing up to our ability.
The defense played well enough to win. My boy Brooks looks more ready for this league than I thought. He's as big, fast, and athletic as advertised. I'd say he's still raw, but I've seen some encouraging stuff from that kid. Especially if we're looking at a future without Odell. Kasevaharn took a bad angle on the long Cadillac run, but overall he continues to be a serviceable replacement. How about Simmons not playing? None of the projected starters are able to play now. Jeanty's out, Nicholson's out. When will it stop? I'm gonna avoid the Justin Smith penalty call and focus instead on how none of the other d-lineman are getting any pass rush. What happened with Geathers? He looked so good in the pre-season and against KC only to get garbage rushes made possible by the secondary and J. Smith. I see us blitz some secondary and outside linebackers occasionally, but they always get picked up on blocks. Tori James continues to look increasingly useless and Jonathan Joseph just looks good. Yes he dropped a pick but that's correctable. Being slow isn't, Tori.
Offensively, I want to break things watching so much talent go to waste. Notice when we do throw deep, even into double coverage, it works out. Carson tries to perfect on every throw. His receivers are amazing! They'll make plays. Just throw it to them for Christ's sakes. I agree that our line looks mediocre at best, but I blame Carson for not adjusting. How tired are you of hearing him say "I have to get the ball out sooner" every frickin week? Do it, dammit. I also want to blast Bratkowski for a while. Why call a sweep to Rudi twice on first down? Why not just once, take a shot at throwing the ball near or across the first down marker on third and long? The shovel pass to Chatman or Watson or whoever doesn't keep drives going. Again, just allow the receivers to be spectacular. You saw the Housh catch. He's better than anybody around the league give him credit for. I hate to use the term, but he really is a 'gamer'. He can outjump any corner in the league and I feel he's been our best player this season.
Overall, I think our attitude as a team needs grounding. The whole game it seemed like we assumed we had the game in hand and no matter what transpired we'd come out okay. We fucked around and blew it. Chad should shave the mohawk and get down business (Ned gets credit for the previous suggestion). Carson and Bratkowski need to simplify things and assume the line cant protect all that well. Gameplan accordingly, take more shots, have Rudi run between the tackles and allow him to wear out a defense. In the 2nd half Sunday he was rolling over those defensive lineman. It's like we don't use him properly. And lastly, the penalties have to stop. There are a lot of replacements playing for us right now. Some mistakes will happen, but I don't want to hear that shit. This is the NFL. Do it right or hire somebody that will.
Mojokong - pissed
Week 7 Preview
21 Oct 2006
Week 7 preview
Category: Sports
Are you ready for some blitzes? Cause that's what we're gonna see all day. Peppers and the rest of those wild dogs on Carolina's defense are going to pin theirs ears back and try to bite big chunks out of Golden Boy Palmer. Whitworth and Guicheck's play will be magnified this week more than ever. I assume Cincinnati will try to run as much as they can particularly with Chris Perry returning this week. I'm tired of our conservative offensive playcalling but it makes sense to do just that this week.
Offensively we have plenty of injury issues. The line and the receiving corps especially. I really hope Chad and Carson can finally get in sink. Look for Perry to play a lot of slot receiver since Washington, Tab Perry, and Henry are all out. Our lack of a play-making tight end becomes more of a problem every week. We signed a receiver from Kentucky named Glen something. Maybe he can be a Cliff Russell type and just go long every play. Chatman needs to get open and really make some plays. Overall, we should run it many times if the score is close.
Defensively it's the same story. Guys not playing because they're hurt. Youth at linebacker is a tough thing to get by on. I'm not sure of Dex's return but we could use a better tackler hanging out in our secondary. Be aware of long runs up the middle because we'll drop our deep backs a long way to keep Steve Smith from killing us. Keyshawn will likely get plenty of chances to underneath and across the middle for eight to eleven yard gains. With a playmaker like Smith, all their other weapons become more dangerous. Hopefully Big Sam can take away the middle and force our speedy linebackers to close off the outside. Tori James had better tackle somebody and I dont wanna see him anywhere near Steve Smith. He's way too slow for that guy. Keyshawn isnt fast but he's big and Tori tackles like a girl (sorry ladies).
There's no way I can pick us to win. We're too beat up, we're coming off an awful loss, and every body's grumpy within the orginazation. It's up to Marvin at this point and I just dont think he's got his magic right now.
Carolina 24-16
Sorry kids.
Mojokong - the skeptical biped
Week 7 preview
Category: Sports
Are you ready for some blitzes? Cause that's what we're gonna see all day. Peppers and the rest of those wild dogs on Carolina's defense are going to pin theirs ears back and try to bite big chunks out of Golden Boy Palmer. Whitworth and Guicheck's play will be magnified this week more than ever. I assume Cincinnati will try to run as much as they can particularly with Chris Perry returning this week. I'm tired of our conservative offensive playcalling but it makes sense to do just that this week.
Offensively we have plenty of injury issues. The line and the receiving corps especially. I really hope Chad and Carson can finally get in sink. Look for Perry to play a lot of slot receiver since Washington, Tab Perry, and Henry are all out. Our lack of a play-making tight end becomes more of a problem every week. We signed a receiver from Kentucky named Glen something. Maybe he can be a Cliff Russell type and just go long every play. Chatman needs to get open and really make some plays. Overall, we should run it many times if the score is close.
Defensively it's the same story. Guys not playing because they're hurt. Youth at linebacker is a tough thing to get by on. I'm not sure of Dex's return but we could use a better tackler hanging out in our secondary. Be aware of long runs up the middle because we'll drop our deep backs a long way to keep Steve Smith from killing us. Keyshawn will likely get plenty of chances to underneath and across the middle for eight to eleven yard gains. With a playmaker like Smith, all their other weapons become more dangerous. Hopefully Big Sam can take away the middle and force our speedy linebackers to close off the outside. Tori James had better tackle somebody and I dont wanna see him anywhere near Steve Smith. He's way too slow for that guy. Keyshawn isnt fast but he's big and Tori tackles like a girl (sorry ladies).
There's no way I can pick us to win. We're too beat up, we're coming off an awful loss, and every body's grumpy within the orginazation. It's up to Marvin at this point and I just dont think he's got his magic right now.
Carolina 24-16
Sorry kids.
Mojokong - the skeptical biped
Week 7 Recap
25 Oct 2006
week 7 recap
Category: Sports
I woke up on Sunday expecting the worst. A few series' into the game, I witnessed our inability to convert third and twos and began to brace for the departure of our offensive cordinator. By halftime it seemed our morale was in the toilet and we smelled like an 8-8 team.
Then something happened. I dont know what was said but we came out of that locker room a different team. That fourth and one call was indeed "ballsey" as Chad put it. Those are the kinda plays that can be traced back to a succesful season. It also kept Bratkowski's job safe for another couple of weeks, and he knew that when he called that play. Had it not worked out, w'ed be talking about how well Ken Zampeze can fill in as o-cordinator for the reaminder of the season.
I'm proud of our youngsters and backups, particularly on defense. The most ideal of situation is occuring with our young players gaining valuable experience and the team winning while they do. I think back to those New England teams who were decimated by injuries but won Super Bowls none the less. Brooks, Peko, and Joseph will become familiar names to the NFL by the playoffs, and next season will make a few select veterans sweat for their jobs. It was good to have Dex back but or guy Kasevaharn still came through (granted that Delhomme should never have made that pass).
Whitworth deserves mentioning as well. He too could very well replace a starter next season in the form of Steinbach. He's big and seems to get better every week as well. I think right now he's a better run blocker but his pass protection doesn't seem like it will be a big problem in the future. We should draft a lineman in the first three rounds every year. Rudi did his thing in the second half and it's proof more than ever that the line makes the runner. You can have anybody as a RB but without a decent line he gets nowhere. It sounds simple, but GM's and coaches still dont always get it right.
Carson finally opened up a bit. He still doesn;t quite look all the way normal but that drive in the fourth felt a lot like last year. And how about the tight end play? We still need to draft one but the two average guys played very well. Tony Stewert getting better? I guess so.
I'm now 2-4 predicting Bengals games and I'm riding a four game losing streak. I'd say I'm more of a player evaluator than a score prognosticator but that's just me making excuses for myself. Dont bet on me.
Mojokong - swingin for the fences
week 7 recap
Category: Sports
I woke up on Sunday expecting the worst. A few series' into the game, I witnessed our inability to convert third and twos and began to brace for the departure of our offensive cordinator. By halftime it seemed our morale was in the toilet and we smelled like an 8-8 team.
Then something happened. I dont know what was said but we came out of that locker room a different team. That fourth and one call was indeed "ballsey" as Chad put it. Those are the kinda plays that can be traced back to a succesful season. It also kept Bratkowski's job safe for another couple of weeks, and he knew that when he called that play. Had it not worked out, w'ed be talking about how well Ken Zampeze can fill in as o-cordinator for the reaminder of the season.
I'm proud of our youngsters and backups, particularly on defense. The most ideal of situation is occuring with our young players gaining valuable experience and the team winning while they do. I think back to those New England teams who were decimated by injuries but won Super Bowls none the less. Brooks, Peko, and Joseph will become familiar names to the NFL by the playoffs, and next season will make a few select veterans sweat for their jobs. It was good to have Dex back but or guy Kasevaharn still came through (granted that Delhomme should never have made that pass).
Whitworth deserves mentioning as well. He too could very well replace a starter next season in the form of Steinbach. He's big and seems to get better every week as well. I think right now he's a better run blocker but his pass protection doesn't seem like it will be a big problem in the future. We should draft a lineman in the first three rounds every year. Rudi did his thing in the second half and it's proof more than ever that the line makes the runner. You can have anybody as a RB but without a decent line he gets nowhere. It sounds simple, but GM's and coaches still dont always get it right.
Carson finally opened up a bit. He still doesn;t quite look all the way normal but that drive in the fourth felt a lot like last year. And how about the tight end play? We still need to draft one but the two average guys played very well. Tony Stewert getting better? I guess so.
I'm now 2-4 predicting Bengals games and I'm riding a four game losing streak. I'd say I'm more of a player evaluator than a score prognosticator but that's just me making excuses for myself. Dont bet on me.
Mojokong - swingin for the fences
Week 8 Preview
27 Oct 2006
week 8 preview
Category: Sports
It's all about line play this week. Not having to face Abraham is huge for young Whitworth. I'm a bit concerned about our linebackers covering Alge Crumpler and I expect us to play lots of zone defense due to that and Vick's escape ability. The theory Bresnahan will likely go with is not over pursuing anything. What that translates into is giving the Falcons 4 to 6 yards underneath on almost every passing play. We'll have to capitalize on the mistakes Vick is surely to present. He's without a doubt the most gifted athlete in the NFL but has brains of silly putty and a lot of times just doesn't understand reading defenses. He'll force some things, especially with the success he enjoyed last week, and it is of utmost importance we make him pay for it. Honestly, I'm more worried about Warrick Dunn than Vick. Dunn is great at busting the big play and that has always been Bresnahan's nightmare. Don't expect many 8 in their box even though Atlanta is almost all rushing. We'll play it safe with the safeties keeping one eye on Vick scrambling.
Offensively I hope to see us carry that fuzzy warm feeling Carson gave fans in last week's second half. We're banged up in the receiving corps (who woulda thought we'd miss Kelly Washington so much?), but with Slimmy returning we should air it out like we as fans love to see. Plus Chris Perry should help with the fourth receiver slot. I also hope to see Perry get some chances on outside sweeps and screens with Abraham missing on the end.
Overall I feel pretty good about this game. Better than I did last week. A win would add that playoff credibility that we've flirted with losing. I feel it's important to establish ourselves as a good home team. I always feel the players get distracted at home by wanting to entertain more than win. Let's hope we get through the weekend without any arrests or drama and just take care of business Sunday.
Bengals 34-28
Mojokong - sweating the details
week 8 preview
Category: Sports
It's all about line play this week. Not having to face Abraham is huge for young Whitworth. I'm a bit concerned about our linebackers covering Alge Crumpler and I expect us to play lots of zone defense due to that and Vick's escape ability. The theory Bresnahan will likely go with is not over pursuing anything. What that translates into is giving the Falcons 4 to 6 yards underneath on almost every passing play. We'll have to capitalize on the mistakes Vick is surely to present. He's without a doubt the most gifted athlete in the NFL but has brains of silly putty and a lot of times just doesn't understand reading defenses. He'll force some things, especially with the success he enjoyed last week, and it is of utmost importance we make him pay for it. Honestly, I'm more worried about Warrick Dunn than Vick. Dunn is great at busting the big play and that has always been Bresnahan's nightmare. Don't expect many 8 in their box even though Atlanta is almost all rushing. We'll play it safe with the safeties keeping one eye on Vick scrambling.
Offensively I hope to see us carry that fuzzy warm feeling Carson gave fans in last week's second half. We're banged up in the receiving corps (who woulda thought we'd miss Kelly Washington so much?), but with Slimmy returning we should air it out like we as fans love to see. Plus Chris Perry should help with the fourth receiver slot. I also hope to see Perry get some chances on outside sweeps and screens with Abraham missing on the end.
Overall I feel pretty good about this game. Better than I did last week. A win would add that playoff credibility that we've flirted with losing. I feel it's important to establish ourselves as a good home team. I always feel the players get distracted at home by wanting to entertain more than win. Let's hope we get through the weekend without any arrests or drama and just take care of business Sunday.
Bengals 34-28
Mojokong - sweating the details
Week 8 recap
02 Nov 2006
week 8 recap
Category: Sports
Should we blame the coaches for this loss? It sure wasn't the offense this time and the defense isn't really much better than they demonstrated against Atlanta. The defensive gameplan was awful. I'm okay with playing some zone against Vick but they did a real bad job in covering the sidelines. When Vick rolls out in one direction or the other he shrinks the field and the areas he can succesfully throw to is limited to the hashmark to the sideline. It's up to the corners to play the sidelines and force receivers routes back toward the middle of the field. That didn't happen. The only blitzing was Brooks up the middle like always and all that does is allow Vick to manuever to where he's most comfortable and that's to the outside. Outside linebackers were obliterated on running plays and the safties have to tackle better than they did. Do coaches urge defensive backs to lead with their shoulders when attempting to dislodge the ball from bigger tight ends? Kasevaharn's attempt on Crumpler was pathetic. Tori James is utterly useless. What positives has he provided in the past 6 weeks or so?
Like Willie Anderson, I too was a bit unsettled about Rudi running 13 times in a close game. But at the same time, the offense seemed in a good rhythem and 27 points (including an exciting strike to Henry) is good enough to me. I know offensive lineman like to pound the run and Rudi was going pretty good in the first half but many of the play-calling situations dictated passes and that's okay. I thought Bratkowski was unfairly quesetioned this week when he should have heard more gripes against Tampa Bay and even Carolina.
The game came down to the blown 3 and 16 play in the fourth quarter. We were down 6 with about 9 min. to go and the Falcons were near midfield. They converted on one of the mentioned blown sideline zone coverages and later kicked a field goal which proved to be all they needed. I realize that when Vick starts to run, the coverage breaks down but it was Deltha who blew that one and we need more from our best defensive players. It's those plays that determine a win or a loss.
Big ups to Sugar Shayne Graham for a 50+ field goal before the half. Those conversions are big.
I am now 2-5 in my predictions and have been wrong 5 times in a row. Am I a jinx?
MK- Coat trees are the only trees that grow during the winter.
week 8 recap
Category: Sports
Should we blame the coaches for this loss? It sure wasn't the offense this time and the defense isn't really much better than they demonstrated against Atlanta. The defensive gameplan was awful. I'm okay with playing some zone against Vick but they did a real bad job in covering the sidelines. When Vick rolls out in one direction or the other he shrinks the field and the areas he can succesfully throw to is limited to the hashmark to the sideline. It's up to the corners to play the sidelines and force receivers routes back toward the middle of the field. That didn't happen. The only blitzing was Brooks up the middle like always and all that does is allow Vick to manuever to where he's most comfortable and that's to the outside. Outside linebackers were obliterated on running plays and the safties have to tackle better than they did. Do coaches urge defensive backs to lead with their shoulders when attempting to dislodge the ball from bigger tight ends? Kasevaharn's attempt on Crumpler was pathetic. Tori James is utterly useless. What positives has he provided in the past 6 weeks or so?
Like Willie Anderson, I too was a bit unsettled about Rudi running 13 times in a close game. But at the same time, the offense seemed in a good rhythem and 27 points (including an exciting strike to Henry) is good enough to me. I know offensive lineman like to pound the run and Rudi was going pretty good in the first half but many of the play-calling situations dictated passes and that's okay. I thought Bratkowski was unfairly quesetioned this week when he should have heard more gripes against Tampa Bay and even Carolina.
The game came down to the blown 3 and 16 play in the fourth quarter. We were down 6 with about 9 min. to go and the Falcons were near midfield. They converted on one of the mentioned blown sideline zone coverages and later kicked a field goal which proved to be all they needed. I realize that when Vick starts to run, the coverage breaks down but it was Deltha who blew that one and we need more from our best defensive players. It's those plays that determine a win or a loss.
Big ups to Sugar Shayne Graham for a 50+ field goal before the half. Those conversions are big.
I am now 2-5 in my predictions and have been wrong 5 times in a row. Am I a jinx?
MK- Coat trees are the only trees that grow during the winter.
Week 9 preview
04 Nov 2006
week 9 preview
Category: Sports
After Sunday the Bengals should know what kind of goal is realistically attainable as far as post season goes. A loss would force our collective attention on a wild card spot which might be a better route for the road warrior Bengals. Winning allows for some much needed chest pounding and would demand our respect back as a Super Bowl contender. We've played Baltimore well in the past couple of years. Their pro-bowl secondary has struggled containing our receivers and Rudi's had a couple of big games as well. Proof again that within divisional play, match-ups on paper tend to fly out the window.
ON defense, the Bengals could really use a few turnovers. The characteristic we thrived on so well last year has dried up so far this season. I wonder if teams are playing it safer against us than they did last year, or if we just arent creating those same oppurtunities. Geathers had a fumble last week but then immediately dropped it attempting to get up and run with it. McNair had a bad game against us last year and threw a terrible pick to Odell that proved to be the game. I expect Jamaal Lewis to get 25-30 carries and try to maintain T.O.P. and Todd Heap to get thrown to within the red zone. Simmons is doubtful so the youth returns to the forefront for linebackers. Jeanty may be back and while he hasn't wowed me at all this season, it'll be nice to have another body to rotate in. He's a bigger guy and that will be what this game comes down to...strength. I suspect we'll blitz more on throwing downs because McNair just doesn't have the wheels he once had, and the d-line is likely pissed about last week and wants to hit somebody.
Offensively I would like to see a lot of Rudi. Ngata is opposing lining up above Guicheck, but the kid has improved every week and we all know Rudi runs best up the middle. Basically I just want to see us control the clock and keep our offense on the field. If we score fieldgoals every time down that's fine with me. Housh plays on third down, Henry plays around the sideline, and Chad only when he's open with man-to-man coverage. No forcing the ball down field this week. If any week we should "take what the defense gives us", it's this week. We should be preparing for many three step drop plays so we dont get frazzled by the crazy blitzes they're sure to run at us.
It's going to be another bruiser. I like that we're on the road, but I dont like that we're on a winning streak against them. Marvin will hopefully get everybody focused and elliminate the excuses the media portrays us as having. Regardless of who's healthy and who isn't, if you wanna be a playoff team ya gotta act and play like it. Bottom line.
Ravens 21-18 (hopefully my losing streak continues)
Mojokong - I have to watch the game on f*cking tape delay. GRRRR!!!
week 9 preview
Category: Sports
After Sunday the Bengals should know what kind of goal is realistically attainable as far as post season goes. A loss would force our collective attention on a wild card spot which might be a better route for the road warrior Bengals. Winning allows for some much needed chest pounding and would demand our respect back as a Super Bowl contender. We've played Baltimore well in the past couple of years. Their pro-bowl secondary has struggled containing our receivers and Rudi's had a couple of big games as well. Proof again that within divisional play, match-ups on paper tend to fly out the window.
ON defense, the Bengals could really use a few turnovers. The characteristic we thrived on so well last year has dried up so far this season. I wonder if teams are playing it safer against us than they did last year, or if we just arent creating those same oppurtunities. Geathers had a fumble last week but then immediately dropped it attempting to get up and run with it. McNair had a bad game against us last year and threw a terrible pick to Odell that proved to be the game. I expect Jamaal Lewis to get 25-30 carries and try to maintain T.O.P. and Todd Heap to get thrown to within the red zone. Simmons is doubtful so the youth returns to the forefront for linebackers. Jeanty may be back and while he hasn't wowed me at all this season, it'll be nice to have another body to rotate in. He's a bigger guy and that will be what this game comes down to...strength. I suspect we'll blitz more on throwing downs because McNair just doesn't have the wheels he once had, and the d-line is likely pissed about last week and wants to hit somebody.
Offensively I would like to see a lot of Rudi. Ngata is opposing lining up above Guicheck, but the kid has improved every week and we all know Rudi runs best up the middle. Basically I just want to see us control the clock and keep our offense on the field. If we score fieldgoals every time down that's fine with me. Housh plays on third down, Henry plays around the sideline, and Chad only when he's open with man-to-man coverage. No forcing the ball down field this week. If any week we should "take what the defense gives us", it's this week. We should be preparing for many three step drop plays so we dont get frazzled by the crazy blitzes they're sure to run at us.
It's going to be another bruiser. I like that we're on the road, but I dont like that we're on a winning streak against them. Marvin will hopefully get everybody focused and elliminate the excuses the media portrays us as having. Regardless of who's healthy and who isn't, if you wanna be a playoff team ya gotta act and play like it. Bottom line.
Ravens 21-18 (hopefully my losing streak continues)
Mojokong - I have to watch the game on f*cking tape delay. GRRRR!!!
Week 9 recap
07 Nov 2006
week 9 recap
Category: Sports
Instead of going through the routine recap this week, I want to fix the Bengals with some in-depth analysis. You're gonna like this.
The Bengals offense has been typecasted and defenses have blueprinted ways to stop it. We have many weapons but only know one way to use them. Bratkowski isn't fooling any d-coordinator in the league and teams have a real good idea of the sequence of our playcalling. Receivers are not open like they use to be and teams smell out those checkoff runs to Rudi. The players aren't sure how to adjust either. Carson's biggest issue this season has been the decrease of time he has to allow plays to develop the way they did last year. The kids filling in along the offensive line create a big drop-off. Chad only runs twelve yard routes and every time we look for him the play is rushed because there isn't enough protection. Chris Perry has struggled finding an identity with this offense and his talents go largely wasted. The answer to these quandaries might be the West Coast offense.
Just think about it. Three to five step dropbacks will take pressure off of the line and force our verbose receiving corps to make the plays by getting them the ball sooner. Screens and draws to Perry and have Rudi for smashing purposes. When safties finally creep up to eliminate the quick slants, outs, and comeback routes, that's when you take five steps back, throw a high lofty pass to the speedsters, and keep the defense guessing. Housh is perfect for the West Coast offense, Henry great at the jump balls around the sidelines, and Chad is still the fastest guy on the team. Have Carson throw the ball thirty five times a game but ninety percent of those thrown no deeper than eight yards. Force defenses to play up on us and resort back to our vertical passing game.
We need to do something different. We're no longer a great offense. The whole game against Baltimore I kept thinking how average the Bengals look in all facets of the game. We as fans had lofty expectations for this team and deservingly so. We'll concede that the injuries suck but great teams, with great coaches win anyway when dealing with setbacks such as these. Had it not been for the insane catch by Chad on fourth and one, we'd have lost five straight games! That isn't okay. I think it can be agreed upon that our team has a shitty attitude and that too is not okay if you aren't winning. I'm tired of being so confused with this team. Every game, I gape at my screen astonished at the lack of simple execution from a once thought of Super Bowl contender. I wish our players would turn off their TV's and stop giving interviews and doing commercial shoots and reading websites and newspapers. And stop going out and getting drunk and picking up underage hookers and waving around stolen guns. Okay I went a little overboard but you see my point. They're rap stars who never rap and occasionally play in the NFL. Get over it and win a football game. If we don't see a change in offensive production, Brat's gotta go. If we're gonna be a legitimate team we fans need to apply legitimate pressure to who's accountable for an underachieving unit.
I'm gonna leave Bresnahan out of it for now because he's really limited with the players he has. I want to blame Marv for not bringing in the right guys but the building of a team is through the draft and we don't have our first two picks in last years draft. Not to mention Frostee and even AJ Nicholson. Peko, Brooks, and Joseph are good so we have a future but it's going to take some time for it all to come together over there. I'll say this though, for Marvin to be hailed as a defensive genius he sure hasn't fielded a decent unit yet. The leash is pretty long for Marv and his buddy Chuck but I need to see some improvement on key stops during the games...soon. Gameplan better. Adjust. Win, dammit.
Mojokong - steamed like veggies
week 9 recap
Category: Sports
Instead of going through the routine recap this week, I want to fix the Bengals with some in-depth analysis. You're gonna like this.
The Bengals offense has been typecasted and defenses have blueprinted ways to stop it. We have many weapons but only know one way to use them. Bratkowski isn't fooling any d-coordinator in the league and teams have a real good idea of the sequence of our playcalling. Receivers are not open like they use to be and teams smell out those checkoff runs to Rudi. The players aren't sure how to adjust either. Carson's biggest issue this season has been the decrease of time he has to allow plays to develop the way they did last year. The kids filling in along the offensive line create a big drop-off. Chad only runs twelve yard routes and every time we look for him the play is rushed because there isn't enough protection. Chris Perry has struggled finding an identity with this offense and his talents go largely wasted. The answer to these quandaries might be the West Coast offense.
Just think about it. Three to five step dropbacks will take pressure off of the line and force our verbose receiving corps to make the plays by getting them the ball sooner. Screens and draws to Perry and have Rudi for smashing purposes. When safties finally creep up to eliminate the quick slants, outs, and comeback routes, that's when you take five steps back, throw a high lofty pass to the speedsters, and keep the defense guessing. Housh is perfect for the West Coast offense, Henry great at the jump balls around the sidelines, and Chad is still the fastest guy on the team. Have Carson throw the ball thirty five times a game but ninety percent of those thrown no deeper than eight yards. Force defenses to play up on us and resort back to our vertical passing game.
We need to do something different. We're no longer a great offense. The whole game against Baltimore I kept thinking how average the Bengals look in all facets of the game. We as fans had lofty expectations for this team and deservingly so. We'll concede that the injuries suck but great teams, with great coaches win anyway when dealing with setbacks such as these. Had it not been for the insane catch by Chad on fourth and one, we'd have lost five straight games! That isn't okay. I think it can be agreed upon that our team has a shitty attitude and that too is not okay if you aren't winning. I'm tired of being so confused with this team. Every game, I gape at my screen astonished at the lack of simple execution from a once thought of Super Bowl contender. I wish our players would turn off their TV's and stop giving interviews and doing commercial shoots and reading websites and newspapers. And stop going out and getting drunk and picking up underage hookers and waving around stolen guns. Okay I went a little overboard but you see my point. They're rap stars who never rap and occasionally play in the NFL. Get over it and win a football game. If we don't see a change in offensive production, Brat's gotta go. If we're gonna be a legitimate team we fans need to apply legitimate pressure to who's accountable for an underachieving unit.
I'm gonna leave Bresnahan out of it for now because he's really limited with the players he has. I want to blame Marv for not bringing in the right guys but the building of a team is through the draft and we don't have our first two picks in last years draft. Not to mention Frostee and even AJ Nicholson. Peko, Brooks, and Joseph are good so we have a future but it's going to take some time for it all to come together over there. I'll say this though, for Marvin to be hailed as a defensive genius he sure hasn't fielded a decent unit yet. The leash is pretty long for Marv and his buddy Chuck but I need to see some improvement on key stops during the games...soon. Gameplan better. Adjust. Win, dammit.
Mojokong - steamed like veggies
Week 10 Preview
10 Nov 2006
week 10 preview
Category: Sports
Why Bengals will win:
- Because they have to
- Lots of experience against 3-4 defenses
- vs. soft secondary
Why they won't:
- LT, Gates
- vs. blitz crazy linebackers
- cant generate turnovers
- cant focus on football
- soft zone defense
The primadonna Bengals have no reason to win this game on paper. San Diego has exactly the kind of matchup problems the Bengals fear most. They create problems with their pressure and that too has been a well documented concern all season for the young line. We're reeling and the players dont seem to have the character fortitude to pull things together. Yet, I think we'll win only because we're too good a team to underachieve so miserably for such a long stretch of games. Is it strange to anyone else that we get more media coverage than the mighty Colts? If the players stopped feeding the media frenzy everyday, maybe we could instill some profesionalism around here. And maybe even set a standard of maturity (gasp!). It's time we stop mollycottling these guys and demand they work harder instead of talking louder. If Chad is unsatisfied with his role on this team, work harder and shut your mouth. Be Marvin Harrison. Get your emotional baggage together and lead by example. I remember when it was exciting to see Bengal coverage on ESPN, now I'm just sick of it. The sooner we become a random team with a normal locker room, the sooner we can get back to the task at hand. Win a fucking game!
Bengals 37-31 (OT)
Mojokong - My team is full of chickenheads.
week 10 preview
Category: Sports
Why Bengals will win:
- Because they have to
- Lots of experience against 3-4 defenses
- vs. soft secondary
Why they won't:
- LT, Gates
- vs. blitz crazy linebackers
- cant generate turnovers
- cant focus on football
- soft zone defense
The primadonna Bengals have no reason to win this game on paper. San Diego has exactly the kind of matchup problems the Bengals fear most. They create problems with their pressure and that too has been a well documented concern all season for the young line. We're reeling and the players dont seem to have the character fortitude to pull things together. Yet, I think we'll win only because we're too good a team to underachieve so miserably for such a long stretch of games. Is it strange to anyone else that we get more media coverage than the mighty Colts? If the players stopped feeding the media frenzy everyday, maybe we could instill some profesionalism around here. And maybe even set a standard of maturity (gasp!). It's time we stop mollycottling these guys and demand they work harder instead of talking louder. If Chad is unsatisfied with his role on this team, work harder and shut your mouth. Be Marvin Harrison. Get your emotional baggage together and lead by example. I remember when it was exciting to see Bengal coverage on ESPN, now I'm just sick of it. The sooner we become a random team with a normal locker room, the sooner we can get back to the task at hand. Win a fucking game!
Bengals 37-31 (OT)
Mojokong - My team is full of chickenheads.
Week 11 Preview
18 Nov 2006
week 11 preview
Category: Sports
Some of you may have noticed that there was no recap this week. I have decided to incorporate them into the previews because frankly I just don't have time to write this stuff twice a week. Besides, do you really want to talk about last week?
A few things worth mentioning from last week. When we blitzed and called aggressive playcalling, we disrupted the SD offense enough to slow them down a bit. It was sad watching O'Neal get roasted by a random receiver all day. It sure would be nice to have another pass rusher somewhere on the roster. You know it's bad when groups of fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Johnathan Fanene. If you have a defense who cant do any one thing all that well, why not just blitz the hell out of teams and hope for the best? Chris Henry is a bitch for not wanting to get hit on high throws across the middle. The guy has oodles of potential but the completely wrong attitude. So frustrating.
This week wont be easy. I really want to say the Bengals will win because they have to, but they proved that theory wrong last week. Our line is all messed up. 3 young, inexperienced o-lineman going against a tough front four doesn't translate into offensive success. Our runs up the middle wont be as easy without Big Bobby. Our protection will probably be fair, but middle LB blitzes could be a problem. It should be said that the backs did a great job of picking up blitzes last week. If they can continue to pass protect like that, my whole West Coast offense theory wont hold up, and that's okay with me.
On defense we just have to try harder. We're not getting any new acquisition to bolster our problems. Chuck needs to be more aggressive and take some chances. Allowing teams to sit back in the pocket and wait for receivers to get open hasn't and wont work. Force the issue. If we get beat when we blitz, at least we tried. I cant stand to watch our d drop back fourteen yards and allow eight yards every time opposing QB's drop back.
Honestly I don't think we're gonna win. I think the team is too shell shocked and has frankly given up. Expectations were immense and they have already failed to live up to them, and in the players minds, that in and of itself is a failure. They're a group whose main concern is their national recognition, not playing football. They're an emotional group whose feelings are easily damaged and Marv is to blame on that one. The media frenzy that has become the Bengals has grown bigger than the football team itself. If it's a circus you want, you have the right team. If it's a winner you're looking for, try New England or Denver or Indy. Those guys get on TV for doing their jobs well. Sorry for the pessimism this morning.
NO 31-26
Mojokong- trying my best to stay analytical
week 11 preview
Category: Sports
Some of you may have noticed that there was no recap this week. I have decided to incorporate them into the previews because frankly I just don't have time to write this stuff twice a week. Besides, do you really want to talk about last week?
A few things worth mentioning from last week. When we blitzed and called aggressive playcalling, we disrupted the SD offense enough to slow them down a bit. It was sad watching O'Neal get roasted by a random receiver all day. It sure would be nice to have another pass rusher somewhere on the roster. You know it's bad when groups of fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Johnathan Fanene. If you have a defense who cant do any one thing all that well, why not just blitz the hell out of teams and hope for the best? Chris Henry is a bitch for not wanting to get hit on high throws across the middle. The guy has oodles of potential but the completely wrong attitude. So frustrating.
This week wont be easy. I really want to say the Bengals will win because they have to, but they proved that theory wrong last week. Our line is all messed up. 3 young, inexperienced o-lineman going against a tough front four doesn't translate into offensive success. Our runs up the middle wont be as easy without Big Bobby. Our protection will probably be fair, but middle LB blitzes could be a problem. It should be said that the backs did a great job of picking up blitzes last week. If they can continue to pass protect like that, my whole West Coast offense theory wont hold up, and that's okay with me.
On defense we just have to try harder. We're not getting any new acquisition to bolster our problems. Chuck needs to be more aggressive and take some chances. Allowing teams to sit back in the pocket and wait for receivers to get open hasn't and wont work. Force the issue. If we get beat when we blitz, at least we tried. I cant stand to watch our d drop back fourteen yards and allow eight yards every time opposing QB's drop back.
Honestly I don't think we're gonna win. I think the team is too shell shocked and has frankly given up. Expectations were immense and they have already failed to live up to them, and in the players minds, that in and of itself is a failure. They're a group whose main concern is their national recognition, not playing football. They're an emotional group whose feelings are easily damaged and Marv is to blame on that one. The media frenzy that has become the Bengals has grown bigger than the football team itself. If it's a circus you want, you have the right team. If it's a winner you're looking for, try New England or Denver or Indy. Those guys get on TV for doing their jobs well. Sorry for the pessimism this morning.
NO 31-26
Mojokong- trying my best to stay analytical
Week 12 preview
24 Nov 2006
week 12 preview
Category: Sports
Ignore the fact the last ranked defense gave up 600 yards and focus on the fact we won a game. Allowing the long flea-flicker to Horn when there were three defenders back there on the play truly signifies the stuggle the defense has had this season. I thought Miller and Landon Johnson played well and Kasevaharn is our only defender to read the QB's eyes and react on the play instead of just going through the mindless mechanized motions the coaches program into these guys. Sam Adams finally used his girth to his advantage and really, the run defense hasbeen pretty solid the last few weeks. The killer continues to be our inability to get off the field on third down on those dump off passes we see so much. Hopefully we'll continue to buy a couple of turnovers a game. It's our only hope to make our defense a positive.
Offensively things feel like they used to with the threat of a long touchdown on anyplay. It opens Rudi up, it scares the opposing defenses and helps the line and Carson relax and play in rythem. I'd still like Chirs Perry to find more of an identity in our scheme, but Bratkowski has earned some redemption. I'm glad we've toned the no-huddle back and concentrate on one play at a time. I think the young replacement lineman are doing better than expected particularly Stacy Andrews. Would bringing the starters back in when they're ready actually set back the timing and consistancy that we've worked so hard to finbally get down? Not likely, but something to think about.
This week could be a trap game. Cleveland has played better as the season continues and Edwards and Winslow are play-makers. But I think the Bengals understand the gravity of each game and they seem more focused than earlier when they were struggling. The BRowns are a good team for the defense to have a decent game against and regain a little confidence. On offense we should pound Rudi and continue to go deep twice every quarter. Rudi has had big games against them in the past and Chad has flopped against them in recent memory (pepto-bismal). With Jax and KC winning this week, the bengals to be on the outside looking in and another set back would likely do us in for the season and frankly, I'm not ready for that quite yet. I want that Pittsburgh game on New Years Eve to be meaningful dammit.
Bengals 37-23
MK - still hopeful
week 12 preview
Category: Sports
Ignore the fact the last ranked defense gave up 600 yards and focus on the fact we won a game. Allowing the long flea-flicker to Horn when there were three defenders back there on the play truly signifies the stuggle the defense has had this season. I thought Miller and Landon Johnson played well and Kasevaharn is our only defender to read the QB's eyes and react on the play instead of just going through the mindless mechanized motions the coaches program into these guys. Sam Adams finally used his girth to his advantage and really, the run defense hasbeen pretty solid the last few weeks. The killer continues to be our inability to get off the field on third down on those dump off passes we see so much. Hopefully we'll continue to buy a couple of turnovers a game. It's our only hope to make our defense a positive.
Offensively things feel like they used to with the threat of a long touchdown on anyplay. It opens Rudi up, it scares the opposing defenses and helps the line and Carson relax and play in rythem. I'd still like Chirs Perry to find more of an identity in our scheme, but Bratkowski has earned some redemption. I'm glad we've toned the no-huddle back and concentrate on one play at a time. I think the young replacement lineman are doing better than expected particularly Stacy Andrews. Would bringing the starters back in when they're ready actually set back the timing and consistancy that we've worked so hard to finbally get down? Not likely, but something to think about.
This week could be a trap game. Cleveland has played better as the season continues and Edwards and Winslow are play-makers. But I think the Bengals understand the gravity of each game and they seem more focused than earlier when they were struggling. The BRowns are a good team for the defense to have a decent game against and regain a little confidence. On offense we should pound Rudi and continue to go deep twice every quarter. Rudi has had big games against them in the past and Chad has flopped against them in recent memory (pepto-bismal). With Jax and KC winning this week, the bengals to be on the outside looking in and another set back would likely do us in for the season and frankly, I'm not ready for that quite yet. I want that Pittsburgh game on New Years Eve to be meaningful dammit.
Bengals 37-23
MK - still hopeful
Week 13 preview
29 Nov 2006
week 13 preview
Category: Sports
Wasn't last weeks game easy on the eyes. It was relaxing, enjoyable, even a bit sleepy, but I woldn't call it boring. The Browns are as shitty as their color, but we would have beaten almost any team Sunday. A perfect time to step it up for the seasons biggest game.
Caleb Miller seems to get 12 tackles a game. Kasevaharn is tied for the league in picks. Landon Johnson has either made big strides this year or we just notice him more due to him playing so much. I think it's more of the former. We started three rookies on defense and managed a shutout (I like Peko more every week). The Randoms. I feel they 've stopped the run, with the exception of New England and Atlanta, throughout the season. And I thought we did a good job on Lewis last time, but those pesky third and mediums need to tighten up if we want to beat good teams. It's simple really. Run twice to set up a throwing situation on third down, wait for the Bengal secondary to drop back 12-14 yards, and calmly throw to a checkoff receiver who often times picks up plenty of YAC in the process. They did better with that last week and like I've repeated like a parrot all season, when we blitz , good things happen.
Offensively. Just do what you do. Runningbacks have to pick up the crazy blitzes on third down. That's immensly important. When Palmer gets sacked and fumbles, it's usually a back or tight end who misses their block. Young lineman continue to impress and more credit should go to Paul Alexander. That guy knows the o-line like Yoda knows the force. Rudi seems to run well against Baltimore and the off tackle run on Whitworth's side has become a great play for us. JJ is a great lead blocking fullback. Early in the year I didnt notice him blowing people up but laltely he's been great at given Rudi four extra yards with leadblocking. Reggie Kelly has played beyond expectations. Who knew?
I guess the overall theme to today's rant is that it's been the random player's who have made the differences. I know many of you are saying that's the case with every team. And I agree, but it seems more pronounced with us. I think that's due to all the injuries to our starters. It' like we're growing starters at our football farm. Big new crops of starting lineman and orchards of linebacker trees. Sorry, I get carried away.
Bengals 24-14
Mojokong - the rushed blog writing ape
week 13 preview
Category: Sports
Wasn't last weeks game easy on the eyes. It was relaxing, enjoyable, even a bit sleepy, but I woldn't call it boring. The Browns are as shitty as their color, but we would have beaten almost any team Sunday. A perfect time to step it up for the seasons biggest game.
Caleb Miller seems to get 12 tackles a game. Kasevaharn is tied for the league in picks. Landon Johnson has either made big strides this year or we just notice him more due to him playing so much. I think it's more of the former. We started three rookies on defense and managed a shutout (I like Peko more every week). The Randoms. I feel they 've stopped the run, with the exception of New England and Atlanta, throughout the season. And I thought we did a good job on Lewis last time, but those pesky third and mediums need to tighten up if we want to beat good teams. It's simple really. Run twice to set up a throwing situation on third down, wait for the Bengal secondary to drop back 12-14 yards, and calmly throw to a checkoff receiver who often times picks up plenty of YAC in the process. They did better with that last week and like I've repeated like a parrot all season, when we blitz , good things happen.
Offensively. Just do what you do. Runningbacks have to pick up the crazy blitzes on third down. That's immensly important. When Palmer gets sacked and fumbles, it's usually a back or tight end who misses their block. Young lineman continue to impress and more credit should go to Paul Alexander. That guy knows the o-line like Yoda knows the force. Rudi seems to run well against Baltimore and the off tackle run on Whitworth's side has become a great play for us. JJ is a great lead blocking fullback. Early in the year I didnt notice him blowing people up but laltely he's been great at given Rudi four extra yards with leadblocking. Reggie Kelly has played beyond expectations. Who knew?
I guess the overall theme to today's rant is that it's been the random player's who have made the differences. I know many of you are saying that's the case with every team. And I agree, but it seems more pronounced with us. I think that's due to all the injuries to our starters. It' like we're growing starters at our football farm. Big new crops of starting lineman and orchards of linebacker trees. Sorry, I get carried away.
Bengals 24-14
Mojokong - the rushed blog writing ape
Week 14 preview
Week 14 preview
Category: Sports
Our defense is a strange animal. Characteristics experts are convinced the defense behaves by one week, will prove completely opposite the next week. Except for the common thread of using blitzes to disrupt the offensive attack. It's worked throughout the season but hasn't always been apparent thanks to softening up with zone coverage instead of being aggressive with blitzes. Marvin's defense has been predicated on speed (outside of Sam Adams and recently Tori James), and he has drafted accordingly. When the coaches stop being aggressive, the players have to use their speed to catch up to the play instead of dictating it. The coaches have remained aggressive with third down blitz packages recently and the results have shown up beyond expectation.
While obviously I love what has transpired with our defense, the question of why so long needs at least addressed. The first answer that comes to mind is the young replacements forced into starting roles need time to adjust. That's pretty legit, but doesn't it seem easier for a young player to just blitz more than covering more? Are coaches willing to allow rookies to make mistakes covering receivers so they'll "learn the hard way"? I don't think so. To me it seems like a trust issue between rookie and coach and that too takes time. I also think that the outpour of yardage SD and NO were able to get on us, forced the hand of Bresnahan to attack. Whatever the reason, I'm just glad they've come to their senses and have become the aggressor. Just imagine three years from now when Joseph, Peko, Jentty, and Brooks aren't rookies. Nice.
The Raiders, as everyone has read by now, have a good defense. What I'm worried about is that they have a dirty defense who has created laundry lists of injuries to some teams this year. I think if Giuchek can play, you start him and keep Steinbach at his position instead of him scooting over and playing center. Why break up the consistency the young guys have worked hard to achieve? I'm interested to see if Bobby Williams makes a difference on Rudi runs up the gut. Without him, they've had a hard time getting it going, though Stacy Andrews deserves to be commended on his first real NFL action. He was a project and has become a success. Good job Paul Alexander (offensive line coach - assistant coach of the year).
The Raiders offense blows and is a perfect team to continue to build defensive confidence against. In fact, I wouldn't bring O'Neal back this game, particularly because Jerry Porter is listed as doubtful and Doug Gabriel plays in NE. We're gonna need everybody on that side come two Mondays from now. What the Bengals cant do is assume they'll win and allow Oakland to shock us. They seem more focused than previously in the year and it sounds like they're hungry to win out this season. The players talk about it like there's no doubt. Like it's going to happen. So let's buckle up and drive safely to January 6th or 7th.
Bengals 26-9
Mojokong - The Destroyer of Evil Naysayers and Slayer of Many Wicked Browns Fans.
Category: Sports
Our defense is a strange animal. Characteristics experts are convinced the defense behaves by one week, will prove completely opposite the next week. Except for the common thread of using blitzes to disrupt the offensive attack. It's worked throughout the season but hasn't always been apparent thanks to softening up with zone coverage instead of being aggressive with blitzes. Marvin's defense has been predicated on speed (outside of Sam Adams and recently Tori James), and he has drafted accordingly. When the coaches stop being aggressive, the players have to use their speed to catch up to the play instead of dictating it. The coaches have remained aggressive with third down blitz packages recently and the results have shown up beyond expectation.
While obviously I love what has transpired with our defense, the question of why so long needs at least addressed. The first answer that comes to mind is the young replacements forced into starting roles need time to adjust. That's pretty legit, but doesn't it seem easier for a young player to just blitz more than covering more? Are coaches willing to allow rookies to make mistakes covering receivers so they'll "learn the hard way"? I don't think so. To me it seems like a trust issue between rookie and coach and that too takes time. I also think that the outpour of yardage SD and NO were able to get on us, forced the hand of Bresnahan to attack. Whatever the reason, I'm just glad they've come to their senses and have become the aggressor. Just imagine three years from now when Joseph, Peko, Jentty, and Brooks aren't rookies. Nice.
The Raiders, as everyone has read by now, have a good defense. What I'm worried about is that they have a dirty defense who has created laundry lists of injuries to some teams this year. I think if Giuchek can play, you start him and keep Steinbach at his position instead of him scooting over and playing center. Why break up the consistency the young guys have worked hard to achieve? I'm interested to see if Bobby Williams makes a difference on Rudi runs up the gut. Without him, they've had a hard time getting it going, though Stacy Andrews deserves to be commended on his first real NFL action. He was a project and has become a success. Good job Paul Alexander (offensive line coach - assistant coach of the year).
The Raiders offense blows and is a perfect team to continue to build defensive confidence against. In fact, I wouldn't bring O'Neal back this game, particularly because Jerry Porter is listed as doubtful and Doug Gabriel plays in NE. We're gonna need everybody on that side come two Mondays from now. What the Bengals cant do is assume they'll win and allow Oakland to shock us. They seem more focused than previously in the year and it sounds like they're hungry to win out this season. The players talk about it like there's no doubt. Like it's going to happen. So let's buckle up and drive safely to January 6th or 7th.
Bengals 26-9
Mojokong - The Destroyer of Evil Naysayers and Slayer of Many Wicked Browns Fans.
Week 15 preview
week 15 preview
Category: Sports
Farewell Kelley Washington. May the squirrel live on another day, probably in another NFL city. Enter Skylar Green. A speedster from LSU who may return kicks for us. Too bad Ahmad Brooks has fallen into inactivity due to his lack of enthusiasm for special teams. Good thing Jeanty has played so well recently. Deltha O'Neil is slipping away from this team and I wouldn't be shocked to see him go somewhere else next year. Hopefully he can turn it around and become the pro-bowler we've become used to seeing.
This week is about clock control. You've read that by now. I saw a stat that said something like when Rudi runs 25 times, the Bengals are 17-0. Not bad. He's a bruiser who has potential for 150 yds. against a notebly soft rush defense. It would be nice to avoid a shootout because I think our defense is better than theirs right now. Not having Dallas Clark or Brandon Stokely really helps those third down and red zone situations. I expect Indy to play the pass and only bring guys up when Rudi continues to gash them for 6 or more yds. a carry. That sounds contradictory to what I just mentioned but the Colts dont wanna give up long touchdowns through the air so I would assume they'll give Rudi some room, at least early on. Either way, our offense has the capability to control this game and that's what will win this game. Control, not dynamic, big play, quick strike attacks through the air.
There's no reason to lose this game. The only thing that worries me is the fact Indy has struggled recently and no doubt want to make a statement Monday night. We're the best we've been all year, and the players really seem focused (on the field), and I think Marvin's mantras are finally taking affect on such an impressionable group of youngsters. He has to be team psychiatrist as well as head decision maker and that's gotta be tough on anybody. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be blitzing Manning too much because the thinking is, he's just too smart to really effectively pressure, but I disagree. If you let a brainiac QB sit back and find open guys he'll have no problem destroying our lame zone coverage. I wanna see Dex fly around the blind-side edge and sack the shit out of #18. Send Caleb up the middle. Do something!
A win puts us in. A loss isn;t the end of the world but we dont need more setbacks. The NFL is about riding momentum and we're surfin it like Bodie from Point Break. Cowabunga.
Mojokong - needs a sedative
Category: Sports
Farewell Kelley Washington. May the squirrel live on another day, probably in another NFL city. Enter Skylar Green. A speedster from LSU who may return kicks for us. Too bad Ahmad Brooks has fallen into inactivity due to his lack of enthusiasm for special teams. Good thing Jeanty has played so well recently. Deltha O'Neil is slipping away from this team and I wouldn't be shocked to see him go somewhere else next year. Hopefully he can turn it around and become the pro-bowler we've become used to seeing.
This week is about clock control. You've read that by now. I saw a stat that said something like when Rudi runs 25 times, the Bengals are 17-0. Not bad. He's a bruiser who has potential for 150 yds. against a notebly soft rush defense. It would be nice to avoid a shootout because I think our defense is better than theirs right now. Not having Dallas Clark or Brandon Stokely really helps those third down and red zone situations. I expect Indy to play the pass and only bring guys up when Rudi continues to gash them for 6 or more yds. a carry. That sounds contradictory to what I just mentioned but the Colts dont wanna give up long touchdowns through the air so I would assume they'll give Rudi some room, at least early on. Either way, our offense has the capability to control this game and that's what will win this game. Control, not dynamic, big play, quick strike attacks through the air.
There's no reason to lose this game. The only thing that worries me is the fact Indy has struggled recently and no doubt want to make a statement Monday night. We're the best we've been all year, and the players really seem focused (on the field), and I think Marvin's mantras are finally taking affect on such an impressionable group of youngsters. He has to be team psychiatrist as well as head decision maker and that's gotta be tough on anybody. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be blitzing Manning too much because the thinking is, he's just too smart to really effectively pressure, but I disagree. If you let a brainiac QB sit back and find open guys he'll have no problem destroying our lame zone coverage. I wanna see Dex fly around the blind-side edge and sack the shit out of #18. Send Caleb up the middle. Do something!
A win puts us in. A loss isn;t the end of the world but we dont need more setbacks. The NFL is about riding momentum and we're surfin it like Bodie from Point Break. Cowabunga.
Mojokong - needs a sedative
Week 15 recap
19 Dec 2006
week 15 recap
Category: Sports
I know I said I wasn't going to recap games anymore but I can't pass this one up.
Before we get to my weekly rant about blitzing, let's first address the offense.
Bratkowski had called some good games recently and has done a good job of taking some pressure off Palmer. Last night, he got "cutesy" on us again. How many yards have we accumulated on the numerous reverses or end-arounds this season? Like 42 yds. on 18 attempts? And if you're gonna try one, why use Chad Johnson? He's never been great in open field and he's easy to tackle once you get a hand on him. I'd rather see Glen Holt take reverse than Chad. The same goes for the pitches to Rudi. They dont really do anything. It doesn't ware down a defense, he doesn't have the speed to beat people to the outside, and he too is not an open field runner. It might be okay to try these plays at some point of the game, but I hate to see these plays on first down in the first half. It's a guaranteed second and eight that follows. I'd much rather see Rudi get stuck at the line for no gain than to watch him be forced out of bounds for the same result. Rudi isn't a guy whose role should be broadened. He's a smasher and a damn good one. Just stick to that.
I thought Carson played okay. The balls he got off in rythem looked like they were put in some good spots. Chad drops passes which is why, to me, Marvin Harrison is still better. Chris Henry is officially a bitch when going after pasases. He reluctantly flails one hand in the direction of the pass and gives up on it when contact seems imminent. Ever since Pittsburgh smashed him across the middle, he's looked sheepish when trying to make downfield catches. The blocking was victimized by a very fast defensive front line. Whitworth finally looked slow and lumbering but he was going against a physical freakazoid in Freeny. Stacy Andrews inexperience becomes a lot more noticable at tackle compared to guard. I sure hope Willie is okay because we have some blitz happy teams on the horizon who are surely licking their chops at the thought of rushing rookie tackles. Kenny Watson has become a very good specialist and that screen play to him looked just as good as the same play to Chris Perry. He even kinda looks like Perry. He's a lot more valuable to our offense than people realize.
Should I even write about what went wrong on defense? Have I not reinforced the importance of a pass rush enough to you readers? Why let Payton Manning calmly drop back, survey his surroundings, probably go over his Christmas list, diagnose our defense, then dump it off for six yards for a first down? If he's going to beat you, at least make him beat you while being hurried. You might give up a big play, and I know Marvin has a major phobia of big plays, but the zone philosophy has proven time and again to be fataly flawed. Marvin likes to blame missed tackles for one first down after the next and there was plenty of that going on, but making those tackles wouldn't have forced any fourth downs. Our tacklers have hard time changing directions and not over pursuing, and that's even more of a reason to not read and react as opposed to blitzing and forcing the issue. Our veteran corners look awful right now. O' Neil is getting that Lewis Billups feel of talent fading fast. Joseph is still allowing too many catches in front of him, but at least the kid can make decent open field tackles. Tori James is utterly useless and I dont wanna see him anywhere near Georgetown, KY next summer. I didn't notice Caleb Miller, or Jeanty once last night. If those guys aren't doing anything, why not send them up the gut on a blitz? Fanane looked good.
Our coaches looked unprepared for Indy. I'm not okay with Marvin taking a timeout after it looked like Chad caught a first down. Why do that? You're giving Indy extra time to check the replay and challenge the play. I dont care if Chad bumped his wrist or whatever. Take him out a play, get up to the line and snap the damn ball. Big mistake. I also dont like Carson playing the last minutes of a loss. We're down three possesions, the o-line has played terrible, dont put the future of our franchise out there to get his arm caught mid-throw and tear his labrum or something. Chalk it up and prepare for next week with healthy starters.
Indianapolis was clearly the better team last night, but the coaches did a poor job of play calling and Marv is to blame on some key decisions like kicking inside the ten when your down eighteen and your defense looks like scared little kids. I expect total focus and execution next week but I'll address the upcoming game later this week. Keep your heads up, folks. There's still plenty of season.
Mojokong - really sick of always playing it safe.
week 15 recap
Category: Sports
I know I said I wasn't going to recap games anymore but I can't pass this one up.
Before we get to my weekly rant about blitzing, let's first address the offense.
Bratkowski had called some good games recently and has done a good job of taking some pressure off Palmer. Last night, he got "cutesy" on us again. How many yards have we accumulated on the numerous reverses or end-arounds this season? Like 42 yds. on 18 attempts? And if you're gonna try one, why use Chad Johnson? He's never been great in open field and he's easy to tackle once you get a hand on him. I'd rather see Glen Holt take reverse than Chad. The same goes for the pitches to Rudi. They dont really do anything. It doesn't ware down a defense, he doesn't have the speed to beat people to the outside, and he too is not an open field runner. It might be okay to try these plays at some point of the game, but I hate to see these plays on first down in the first half. It's a guaranteed second and eight that follows. I'd much rather see Rudi get stuck at the line for no gain than to watch him be forced out of bounds for the same result. Rudi isn't a guy whose role should be broadened. He's a smasher and a damn good one. Just stick to that.
I thought Carson played okay. The balls he got off in rythem looked like they were put in some good spots. Chad drops passes which is why, to me, Marvin Harrison is still better. Chris Henry is officially a bitch when going after pasases. He reluctantly flails one hand in the direction of the pass and gives up on it when contact seems imminent. Ever since Pittsburgh smashed him across the middle, he's looked sheepish when trying to make downfield catches. The blocking was victimized by a very fast defensive front line. Whitworth finally looked slow and lumbering but he was going against a physical freakazoid in Freeny. Stacy Andrews inexperience becomes a lot more noticable at tackle compared to guard. I sure hope Willie is okay because we have some blitz happy teams on the horizon who are surely licking their chops at the thought of rushing rookie tackles. Kenny Watson has become a very good specialist and that screen play to him looked just as good as the same play to Chris Perry. He even kinda looks like Perry. He's a lot more valuable to our offense than people realize.
Should I even write about what went wrong on defense? Have I not reinforced the importance of a pass rush enough to you readers? Why let Payton Manning calmly drop back, survey his surroundings, probably go over his Christmas list, diagnose our defense, then dump it off for six yards for a first down? If he's going to beat you, at least make him beat you while being hurried. You might give up a big play, and I know Marvin has a major phobia of big plays, but the zone philosophy has proven time and again to be fataly flawed. Marvin likes to blame missed tackles for one first down after the next and there was plenty of that going on, but making those tackles wouldn't have forced any fourth downs. Our tacklers have hard time changing directions and not over pursuing, and that's even more of a reason to not read and react as opposed to blitzing and forcing the issue. Our veteran corners look awful right now. O' Neil is getting that Lewis Billups feel of talent fading fast. Joseph is still allowing too many catches in front of him, but at least the kid can make decent open field tackles. Tori James is utterly useless and I dont wanna see him anywhere near Georgetown, KY next summer. I didn't notice Caleb Miller, or Jeanty once last night. If those guys aren't doing anything, why not send them up the gut on a blitz? Fanane looked good.
Our coaches looked unprepared for Indy. I'm not okay with Marvin taking a timeout after it looked like Chad caught a first down. Why do that? You're giving Indy extra time to check the replay and challenge the play. I dont care if Chad bumped his wrist or whatever. Take him out a play, get up to the line and snap the damn ball. Big mistake. I also dont like Carson playing the last minutes of a loss. We're down three possesions, the o-line has played terrible, dont put the future of our franchise out there to get his arm caught mid-throw and tear his labrum or something. Chalk it up and prepare for next week with healthy starters.
Indianapolis was clearly the better team last night, but the coaches did a poor job of play calling and Marv is to blame on some key decisions like kicking inside the ten when your down eighteen and your defense looks like scared little kids. I expect total focus and execution next week but I'll address the upcoming game later this week. Keep your heads up, folks. There's still plenty of season.
Mojokong - really sick of always playing it safe.
Week 16 preview
23 Dec 2006
week 16 preview
Category: Sports
Things to do in Denver when you're still very much alive.
1. Breathe deeply.
2. Watch out for cut blocks.
3. Throw the ball deep
4. Blitz a rookie quarterback
5. Return as heroes.
The NFL is so much more fun when you're team is in the hunt. These kind of make or break games is what it's all about. It's also the kind of scenarios where coaches are truly measured. With a win, Marvin maintains his spot in the respectable coaches club. A loss would allow grumblings from local pundits questioning his ability to run a successful program. Carson will also feel the heat of the microscope bearing down on him in the national spotlight. Is he a clutch player? That answer will become more concrete by Christmas day.
The one thing I hope to see on Sunday is a better scheme. The Bengals looked unprepared in all categories last week (Darrin Simmons' unit played fine). Coaches seemed scared of the Colts and adopted a "let's see how it plays out, then playcall accordingly" type of mentality. It;s as if they weren't sure what to expect. Well, we had better do a few more walk throughs this week because there certainly wont be another chance if the coaches screw it up again. I feel the staff needs to not only look ahead to what might work this week, but evaluate the season and do what has proven successful throughout the year. Go with what works. If we're a good team, there's no need to try to acclimate ourselves differently for every new opponent. Play to our strengths, dictate the action, and prepare the best you can. It sounds simple I know, but the Bengals are a strange, mentally fragile team who doesn't always do what seems like the most logical course of action. On to the specifics.
On offense I feel we should air it out. I like Rudi to get his 21carries, but I don't see Denver playing cover 2 against us and I feel our 3 receiver set formations can always find a mismatch somewhere. I want us to be aggressive early so we can avoid a shootout or a comeback trail. It's imperative for the offensive line to get good protection early to allow our dynamic receiving corps to get open downfield. Once a lead is established, you can take some pressure off your line by pounding Rudi, and mixing in some screen plays to the magnificent Kenny Watson. I think getting Levi back will help, I just hope it doesn't ruin any cohesion our line has accomplished over the past few weeks. It's really night and day when it comes to the success of our offense and the protection the line can provide.
On defense let's get a little pressure. Our corners are soft, and linebackers cant cover so no soft zone against an average passing attack. They'll look to break off big chunks on the ground so run defense should be top priority. 8 in the box. Dex Jax plugs the gaps along with our linebackers and Big Sam needs his quick, pattoned gush up the middle. Last week we did a poor job of tackling running backs on the outside, not seeming to be able to stop and change directions fast enough to make tackles. Tori James, if you're going to get beat deep for a touchdown, hold the guy. I want to see Caleb Miller this week.
Just don't play scared this week. Be the aggressor. The coaches need to coach like we believe we can win and our young, impressionable players will follow suit. We will witness the defining of a Marvin. Let's hope it works.
Mojokong - basking in the thin air.
week 16 preview
Category: Sports
Things to do in Denver when you're still very much alive.
1. Breathe deeply.
2. Watch out for cut blocks.
3. Throw the ball deep
4. Blitz a rookie quarterback
5. Return as heroes.
The NFL is so much more fun when you're team is in the hunt. These kind of make or break games is what it's all about. It's also the kind of scenarios where coaches are truly measured. With a win, Marvin maintains his spot in the respectable coaches club. A loss would allow grumblings from local pundits questioning his ability to run a successful program. Carson will also feel the heat of the microscope bearing down on him in the national spotlight. Is he a clutch player? That answer will become more concrete by Christmas day.
The one thing I hope to see on Sunday is a better scheme. The Bengals looked unprepared in all categories last week (Darrin Simmons' unit played fine). Coaches seemed scared of the Colts and adopted a "let's see how it plays out, then playcall accordingly" type of mentality. It;s as if they weren't sure what to expect. Well, we had better do a few more walk throughs this week because there certainly wont be another chance if the coaches screw it up again. I feel the staff needs to not only look ahead to what might work this week, but evaluate the season and do what has proven successful throughout the year. Go with what works. If we're a good team, there's no need to try to acclimate ourselves differently for every new opponent. Play to our strengths, dictate the action, and prepare the best you can. It sounds simple I know, but the Bengals are a strange, mentally fragile team who doesn't always do what seems like the most logical course of action. On to the specifics.
On offense I feel we should air it out. I like Rudi to get his 21carries, but I don't see Denver playing cover 2 against us and I feel our 3 receiver set formations can always find a mismatch somewhere. I want us to be aggressive early so we can avoid a shootout or a comeback trail. It's imperative for the offensive line to get good protection early to allow our dynamic receiving corps to get open downfield. Once a lead is established, you can take some pressure off your line by pounding Rudi, and mixing in some screen plays to the magnificent Kenny Watson. I think getting Levi back will help, I just hope it doesn't ruin any cohesion our line has accomplished over the past few weeks. It's really night and day when it comes to the success of our offense and the protection the line can provide.
On defense let's get a little pressure. Our corners are soft, and linebackers cant cover so no soft zone against an average passing attack. They'll look to break off big chunks on the ground so run defense should be top priority. 8 in the box. Dex Jax plugs the gaps along with our linebackers and Big Sam needs his quick, pattoned gush up the middle. Last week we did a poor job of tackling running backs on the outside, not seeming to be able to stop and change directions fast enough to make tackles. Tori James, if you're going to get beat deep for a touchdown, hold the guy. I want to see Caleb Miller this week.
Just don't play scared this week. Be the aggressor. The coaches need to coach like we believe we can win and our young, impressionable players will follow suit. We will witness the defining of a Marvin. Let's hope it works.
Mojokong - basking in the thin air.
Week 17 Preview
week 17 preview
Category: Sports
This article was written on Christmas Day 2006.
On a fittingly grey, morose Christmas Day, I contemplate why I care so much. Why do I allow myself to feel hurt over a game played by people who don't even know who I am? I should be able to shrug it off and enjoy the fact that today's Christmas, instead of feeling shell-shocked as if I watched my dog get struck by a Metro bus. It feels silly, but I cant shake it yet.
That's why we're fans. The sting of defeat is what keeps us coming back for more. To fail in such a dramatic, painful fashion ensures us that we'll return to our televisions the next time things matter, even more so than if we had we won. It keeps the fire lit. Had we been crushed by 30, we would throw our hands up and say "screw it, they're not that good anyway." That would be easier to sort out. But we recognize the vast potential for success and are therefore naturally disappointed when it doesn't transpire that way. It's the expectations we create that leads to such an immense feeling of letdown.
We can take the easy route and blame Brad St. Louis for missing the playoffs and there is some validity in that, but we know that's not what its come down to. The Bengals just haven't behaved like a playoff team all season. It's not that they've been overmatched and physically the players seem more than adequate, so why the letdown?
I watched Mike Patrick talk about Bobby Knight's philosophy on basketball. Knight says that a team doesn't compete against the other team, they compete against the game itself. If a team loses it's because they didn't play the game the right way and not because of what the other team did to them. I like that and think you could attribute that thinking to the Bengals this season. Everyone knows the talent is there but the mindstate of the team devoured the chance for the dominence we came to expect from them.
The collective mind of the Bengals is a fragile one. It's easily influenced, it craves attention, it's self-concious and has a hard time bouncing back from letdowns. The perverbial hypothalamus that is Marvin and his flunkies are to blame for not firing off the correct nuerons at the correct times, or whatever it is that a hypothalalmus actually does. That is to say, they haven't molded a winning attitude and it's translated into unnecessary losses. The entire orginazation needs to mature and it has to start with Marvin shedding his stubborness on doing things "his way".
It's like he'd rather develope players than win games. It's the classic square-peg-in-the-round-hole scenario with forcing players to do it the Marvin way instead of utilizing thier unique abilites in the most effecient way. In Blatimre, Marvin had the most technically sound players a coach could ask for. He didn't have to take on the nearly impossible task of changing the way his players play the game because they were already prepared for success in the NFL. He didn't have to start from scratch like he's had to do here. I personally dont have the patience to watch the team lose while the players learn to play Marvin ball instead of football. The staff refuses to break from their philosophy and demand players fall into the roles the coaches have designed for them rather than do what they do best.
Ultimately, stubborness is killing the program. It's effecting the players attitudes about winning, creating unnecessary anxiety within the locker room, and losing games. Maybe it's time to evalute Marvin as a less-than-stellar game coach. The man knows talent and drafts well. He's good at not overpaying glamorous free agents and he does have some direction he wants to see the team go in. All those qualities would make a hell of a GM, but as a head coach, he may not be the best man for the job. He seems a better behind the scenes guy. We need a coach with a better handle on group dynamics, a better handle on cultivating a winning attitude and a guy who can "rally the troops". Marvin surrounds himself with great position coaches, but the playcallers fall victim to his stubborness and his phobias. They have a job to keep, afterall.
I hope Sunday we play a crsip game and give us more hope for next season. We can't figure we'll make the playoffs with such distant cosmic forces that need to line up just right to make it happen. We blew it last week on penalties more than anything else. We didn't play the game the right way and that's why we lost. Not because Denver was better than us. It's been that way in every loss this season. It all points back to one brain....Marvin's.
Mojokong- still shakin' my monkey head
Category: Sports
This article was written on Christmas Day 2006.
On a fittingly grey, morose Christmas Day, I contemplate why I care so much. Why do I allow myself to feel hurt over a game played by people who don't even know who I am? I should be able to shrug it off and enjoy the fact that today's Christmas, instead of feeling shell-shocked as if I watched my dog get struck by a Metro bus. It feels silly, but I cant shake it yet.
That's why we're fans. The sting of defeat is what keeps us coming back for more. To fail in such a dramatic, painful fashion ensures us that we'll return to our televisions the next time things matter, even more so than if we had we won. It keeps the fire lit. Had we been crushed by 30, we would throw our hands up and say "screw it, they're not that good anyway." That would be easier to sort out. But we recognize the vast potential for success and are therefore naturally disappointed when it doesn't transpire that way. It's the expectations we create that leads to such an immense feeling of letdown.
We can take the easy route and blame Brad St. Louis for missing the playoffs and there is some validity in that, but we know that's not what its come down to. The Bengals just haven't behaved like a playoff team all season. It's not that they've been overmatched and physically the players seem more than adequate, so why the letdown?
I watched Mike Patrick talk about Bobby Knight's philosophy on basketball. Knight says that a team doesn't compete against the other team, they compete against the game itself. If a team loses it's because they didn't play the game the right way and not because of what the other team did to them. I like that and think you could attribute that thinking to the Bengals this season. Everyone knows the talent is there but the mindstate of the team devoured the chance for the dominence we came to expect from them.
The collective mind of the Bengals is a fragile one. It's easily influenced, it craves attention, it's self-concious and has a hard time bouncing back from letdowns. The perverbial hypothalamus that is Marvin and his flunkies are to blame for not firing off the correct nuerons at the correct times, or whatever it is that a hypothalalmus actually does. That is to say, they haven't molded a winning attitude and it's translated into unnecessary losses. The entire orginazation needs to mature and it has to start with Marvin shedding his stubborness on doing things "his way".
It's like he'd rather develope players than win games. It's the classic square-peg-in-the-round-hole scenario with forcing players to do it the Marvin way instead of utilizing thier unique abilites in the most effecient way. In Blatimre, Marvin had the most technically sound players a coach could ask for. He didn't have to take on the nearly impossible task of changing the way his players play the game because they were already prepared for success in the NFL. He didn't have to start from scratch like he's had to do here. I personally dont have the patience to watch the team lose while the players learn to play Marvin ball instead of football. The staff refuses to break from their philosophy and demand players fall into the roles the coaches have designed for them rather than do what they do best.
Ultimately, stubborness is killing the program. It's effecting the players attitudes about winning, creating unnecessary anxiety within the locker room, and losing games. Maybe it's time to evalute Marvin as a less-than-stellar game coach. The man knows talent and drafts well. He's good at not overpaying glamorous free agents and he does have some direction he wants to see the team go in. All those qualities would make a hell of a GM, but as a head coach, he may not be the best man for the job. He seems a better behind the scenes guy. We need a coach with a better handle on group dynamics, a better handle on cultivating a winning attitude and a guy who can "rally the troops". Marvin surrounds himself with great position coaches, but the playcallers fall victim to his stubborness and his phobias. They have a job to keep, afterall.
I hope Sunday we play a crsip game and give us more hope for next season. We can't figure we'll make the playoffs with such distant cosmic forces that need to line up just right to make it happen. We blew it last week on penalties more than anything else. We didn't play the game the right way and that's why we lost. Not because Denver was better than us. It's been that way in every loss this season. It all points back to one brain....Marvin's.
Mojokong- still shakin' my monkey head
Why Not?
30 Dec 2006
Why Not?
I've heard Saints fans chanting the Who-Dat cheer which is one letter different from our chant. I plead to you, Bengal nation, to let the Saints have the cheer and we start a new, unique chant, that doesn't reflect our toothless Appalachian roots. I mean, "Who dey thank gonna beat dem Bengals"? It makes me cringe to even type it out. I can only hear the most redneck, Milwaukee's Best beer can crushin', west-sider screaming the phrase with a raspy, drunken enthusiasm. Bootsy Collins tried the "fear the tiger" thing but the white bread hillbillies that unfortunately make up the majority of the Bengal fan base would not hear of it. How many times does the camera pan across the crowd where middle-aged drunk faces slobber out the who-dey phrase with a clown-like expression and a six dollar Bud in their frost bitten hands. I'm embarrassed by it. Nothing represents the podunk midwesterner more then "Who-Dey". Why is our chant a question in the first place? How about a song the crowd sings in unison when the other team has the ball. Like European soccer fans do. It sounds much cooler. Even "Who dare" would be better, or plain old "Go Bengals". I doubt the good ol' boy Cincinnatians will ever be brave enough to admit our chant sounds inbred and try to change it, but at least you know how I feel about.
Why Not?
I've heard Saints fans chanting the Who-Dat cheer which is one letter different from our chant. I plead to you, Bengal nation, to let the Saints have the cheer and we start a new, unique chant, that doesn't reflect our toothless Appalachian roots. I mean, "Who dey thank gonna beat dem Bengals"? It makes me cringe to even type it out. I can only hear the most redneck, Milwaukee's Best beer can crushin', west-sider screaming the phrase with a raspy, drunken enthusiasm. Bootsy Collins tried the "fear the tiger" thing but the white bread hillbillies that unfortunately make up the majority of the Bengal fan base would not hear of it. How many times does the camera pan across the crowd where middle-aged drunk faces slobber out the who-dey phrase with a clown-like expression and a six dollar Bud in their frost bitten hands. I'm embarrassed by it. Nothing represents the podunk midwesterner more then "Who-Dey". Why is our chant a question in the first place? How about a song the crowd sings in unison when the other team has the ball. Like European soccer fans do. It sounds much cooler. Even "Who dare" would be better, or plain old "Go Bengals". I doubt the good ol' boy Cincinnatians will ever be brave enough to admit our chant sounds inbred and try to change it, but at least you know how I feel about.
Head Coach
Head Coach
Category: Sports
When the season began I wrote that if the Bengals had Palmer the entire season then they would easily go 12-4. I even italicized the word easily. I also went 4-9 in my weekly predictions before just giving up altogether at the end. Point is, I obviously am no real expert. Maybe I underestimated the effect arrests have on a team, and injuries cropped up in some strange places, but who really could figure out this enigmatic, crossword puzzle of a football team? Not even the All Mighty Marvin could lasso in these wild beasts. So what's the first off-season move Marv makes to correct things? He signs an undrafted linebacker who spent 300 days in jail in'04 and kicked off his college team in '05.
Marvin's in game management is just bad. Every coach can be second guessed every week but I don't think our brain trust has a keen perception of how the game flows. Our philosophy is a staunch, rigid series of conservative decision making like that of a computer who generates the simulated optimal outcome of every situation without factoring human instinct into it's equation. Basically, they play the game like it's Madden.
The players have been ill prepared for the last three weeks. What do they do in practice? It's like the players don't really know each other. I think it's the 'do your job' mantra that has worked maybe too well. Players are able to do their jobs without being on the same page with each other. It's micro-managing gone awry. The collective goal mentality is instrumental toward actually achieving them and nothing reinforces a collective goal than simply knowing your teammates. That's what's gone out of sports in general. Teams are composed of wanna-be rap stars who enjoy their personal convoy of flunkies over the equally huge egos of their teammates who likely have their own convoy and so on. Maybe if someone could develop more of a team unity mentality, then the players might work harder and try more to make it work. Not for yourself, not for your coach, but for 'the team'. The Bengals don't know that shit, and it's because the entire Bengal representation, from the players, to the coaches, to the fans, to the media, don't know how to handle being a good team yet. We're all still growing into NFL maturation, I guess.
Here's a crazy idea. Make Rich Braham head coach. What really does a head coach do that Rich Braham couldn't?
"It's fourth down, coach. What do we do?"
"Go for it."
That's all. Do your interviews, get in players faces, and tell you're coordinators what that huge, Rich Braham gut is telling you. He's a Bengal lifer, he has the players respect already, and he's always talked about for his smarts. Put Marv in the GM box, and even let him be heavily influential in the defensive scheme. Bresnahan is his puppet anyway. Bratkowski and Braham surely know each other, well. Better than Marvin I'd bet, and Braham can see things that nobody but a center can see. The more I type this out, the more it sounds plausible. I can see Braham getting in people's faces and that's what we need. He's a gritty guy who has played with more skill and toughness than athleticism and I can see that translating into some physical practices. With Marvin we have loads of soft talent. We need someone to bake that talent into a rock to smash the Steelers faces with. I hate the fucking Steelers. Rich Braham for Head Coach. I'm bein' for real.
Mojokong - I mean it. Richie
Category: Sports
When the season began I wrote that if the Bengals had Palmer the entire season then they would easily go 12-4. I even italicized the word easily. I also went 4-9 in my weekly predictions before just giving up altogether at the end. Point is, I obviously am no real expert. Maybe I underestimated the effect arrests have on a team, and injuries cropped up in some strange places, but who really could figure out this enigmatic, crossword puzzle of a football team? Not even the All Mighty Marvin could lasso in these wild beasts. So what's the first off-season move Marv makes to correct things? He signs an undrafted linebacker who spent 300 days in jail in'04 and kicked off his college team in '05.
Marvin's in game management is just bad. Every coach can be second guessed every week but I don't think our brain trust has a keen perception of how the game flows. Our philosophy is a staunch, rigid series of conservative decision making like that of a computer who generates the simulated optimal outcome of every situation without factoring human instinct into it's equation. Basically, they play the game like it's Madden.
The players have been ill prepared for the last three weeks. What do they do in practice? It's like the players don't really know each other. I think it's the 'do your job' mantra that has worked maybe too well. Players are able to do their jobs without being on the same page with each other. It's micro-managing gone awry. The collective goal mentality is instrumental toward actually achieving them and nothing reinforces a collective goal than simply knowing your teammates. That's what's gone out of sports in general. Teams are composed of wanna-be rap stars who enjoy their personal convoy of flunkies over the equally huge egos of their teammates who likely have their own convoy and so on. Maybe if someone could develop more of a team unity mentality, then the players might work harder and try more to make it work. Not for yourself, not for your coach, but for 'the team'. The Bengals don't know that shit, and it's because the entire Bengal representation, from the players, to the coaches, to the fans, to the media, don't know how to handle being a good team yet. We're all still growing into NFL maturation, I guess.
Here's a crazy idea. Make Rich Braham head coach. What really does a head coach do that Rich Braham couldn't?
"It's fourth down, coach. What do we do?"
"Go for it."
That's all. Do your interviews, get in players faces, and tell you're coordinators what that huge, Rich Braham gut is telling you. He's a Bengal lifer, he has the players respect already, and he's always talked about for his smarts. Put Marv in the GM box, and even let him be heavily influential in the defensive scheme. Bresnahan is his puppet anyway. Bratkowski and Braham surely know each other, well. Better than Marvin I'd bet, and Braham can see things that nobody but a center can see. The more I type this out, the more it sounds plausible. I can see Braham getting in people's faces and that's what we need. He's a gritty guy who has played with more skill and toughness than athleticism and I can see that translating into some physical practices. With Marvin we have loads of soft talent. We need someone to bake that talent into a rock to smash the Steelers faces with. I hate the fucking Steelers. Rich Braham for Head Coach. I'm bein' for real.
Mojokong - I mean it. Richie
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