Countdown!

[ChadJohnson-85]

Countdown for Bengals V.S. Chiefs on Bengals.com. I cant wait until the opening game!

http://www.bengals.com/

WHO DEY!!!

[andybren]

What does "V.S." stand for?

[ChadJohnson-85]

What does "V.S." stand for?

Bengals versus/v.s. Chiefs.

[andybren]

Try "vs." or just "v."

"V.S." looks like two words. Like "Victor Smith" or "Virtually Stupid".

[peteroseforpresident]

Palmer or not, we're going to beat K.C. in their own house. Our defense will be the deciding factor.

[ChadJohnson-85]

Try "vs." or just "v."

"V.S." looks like two words. Like "Victor Smith" or "Virtually Stupid".

Thank's for the advice i'll keep that in mind.

[schweinhart]

I caught the Game of the Week last night between the Chiefs and Cowboys in week 14 and it's abundantly clear that they will really miss Roaf. Both Larry Johnson and Trent Green should be squirming more than just a little bit. The Chiefs run so many runs left behind Roaf and leave him one-on-one vs. speed rushers that it's probably going to alter their game planning for the season if they don't have success early -- ie as in vs. the Bengals.

I wouldn't be too surprised though to see their left guard Brian Waters end up being the LT. He's extremely mobile in downfield blocking and strong as an ox against DTs in the pass rush but he's got quickness to burn and they'll need that at LT more unless they want to crutch on doubles at the edge in protection and have a slower downfield blocker than Roaf.

And here's to hoping the Chiefs leave Larry Johnson in for blitz blocking on 3rd down. The Chiefs pretty much lost that game because Johnson completely whiffed on the pick up of the LB leading to a Green fumble and 60 something yard return by the Cowboys to flip the game on its ends.

The Chiefs mighty offense is looking less mighty be the day.

[derekshank]

I caught the Game of the Week last night between the Chiefs and Cowboys in week 14 and it's abundantly clear that they will really miss Roaf. Both Larry Johnson and Trent Green should be squirming more than just a little bit. The Chiefs run so many runs left behind Roaf and leave him one-on-one vs. speed rushers that it's probably going to alter their game planning for the season if they don't have success early -- ie as in vs. the Bengals.

I wouldn't be too surprised though to see their left guard Brian Waters end up being the LT. He's extremely mobile in downfield blocking and strong as an ox against DTs in the pass rush but he's got quickness to burn and they'll need that at LT more unless they want to crutch on doubles at the edge in protection and have a slower downfield blocker than Roaf.

And here's to hoping the Chiefs leave Larry Johnson in for blitz blocking on 3rd down. The Chiefs pretty much lost that game because Johnson completely whiffed on the pick up of the LB leading to a Green fumble and 60 something yard return by the Cowboys to flip the game on its ends.

The Chiefs mighty offense is looking less mighty be the day.

I'll give you that. I heard on the radio the other day that they are planning on leaving LJ in more often on 3rd down this year. They mentioned that this will be good for his offensive production, but also mentioned that he is one of the worst pass-blocking RB's in the game.

That said... has anyone else noticed that the countdown ticker on the Bengals site is wrong? It is exactly 10 days fast. 41 days to the game... not 31.

[themanrighthere7]

Ah, what a perfect place for me to make my first post.

As you can probably tell, I am a Chief's fan. But no worries Mods, I come in peace.

Let me go ahead and throw this out there now: The Bengals are my number two team in the NFL. I have a plethora of Chiefs stuff, but I also have a Chad Johnson and a Rudi Johnson jersey. I am proud to wear them when I do, but they are usually pushed back by the Larry Johnson, Tony Gonzalez, Derrick Johnson, Patrick Surtain, and, soon, Ty Law.

Anyways, on to the point of the thread... September 10, 2006, the Bengals return to where their regular season ended last year in a 37-3 thumping.

Am I expecting the same score? Absolutely not...

Am I expecting the same outcome? Absolutely...

Sure Willie Roaf is gone (and possibly just temporarily, as word around Chief's camp is that he may just be gone for training camp and decide to come back. Big Willie hates training camp, and honestly, after 11 Pro Bowls, I don't think he really needs a training camp.), but I think that most people are counting on an offensive failure too fast. Kyle Turley is playing left tackle right now. Is he Willie Roaf? No. Has he played in two years? No. Right now, is he as good as he was two years ago? No. But he appears to be holding his own. Turley is said to be doing well, holding off speed rushers on pass protection and doing good paving ways on running plays for #27 (who has been working hard on his pass blocking this offseason, trying to become a more complete back).

On a less important note, our starting right tackle retired as well. John Welbourn played in 10 games last year, starting a good bit of them, however, he only got the starting nod due to injury to Kevin Sampson. Welbourne missed the first four games due to a league suspension for violating the substance abuse policy. Upon his return, he was on second string until Kevin Sampson had non-football related problems. Was John Welbourn listed as the starter going into the offseason? Yes. But he would have had to face competition and would have been the only person on the o-line whose spot was not guaranteed.

I think our offense will hold up fine this year. We will run the ball more, but that is fine with me considering Larry Johnson will be carrying the load.

The defense looks to be improving after they have made turnover after turnover in camp so far. Ty Law is an upgrade over Eric Warfield, who has since departed and signed on with New England. Law brings a presence of leadership and a winning attitude, which is much better than Warfield's laziness and Chris Henry like actions (been arrested 3 times for drunk driving). Tamba Hali should provide a good pass rushing presence opposite of Jared Allen, who quietly had 11 sacks last year. With Ty Law and Patrick Surtain on the corners, Derrick Johnson and Kendrell Bell should be able to be utilized better on rushing the passer. Johnson was sent after the passer only twice last year, once against Chad Pennington (which caused a fumble), and once against Jake Plummer (as shown here):

If this defense can move up to around 15th in the league and the offense doesn't drop off too much (I don't necessarily expect them to be the #1 offense again next year), then I think this team can definately compete for the AFC West crown.

Now, onto the Bengals...

Thurman is gone for the first four games. A big blow, yes, but that blow should be absorbed some by the other good linebackers on the squad. From what I hear, Ahmad Brooks is going well in camp so far. He should be an impact player eventually, but probably not right off the bat.

Will Carson Palmer be ready by the time the season starts? If you ask me, no. If you ask anyone inside the Bengal's organization, yes. Sure, Palmer may be ahead of schedule, but I do not think he will be ready for the first game of the season. The words that come from Marvin, I believe, are simply to keep fans interested in the offseason, trying to keep a positive on all of the negatives that the Bengal's fans have been witnessing this offseason (Thurman, Henry, Rucker, Askew). Could he play? Yes... Could I be wrong? Absolutely. I hope I am wrong, I hope he does play, but I have seen too many times where coaches try to keep the fans optimistic and the tickets selling. I think the same goes for Drew Brees in New Orleans and Daunte Culpepper in Miami.

I think it should be a good game. Both teams are primed for a serious playoff run and division crowns. Both divisions have question marks. Will Roethlisberger be ready? Will Steve McNair be what the Ravens were missing? Will the Browns be improved after a pretty active offseason? Will the Broncos continue to create 1,000 rushers out of nobodies, or will their releasing of Mike Anderson bite them in the rear? Can Philip Rivers play in the NFL? Will Aaron Brooks play mistake free ball?

This NFL season should be full of ups and downs, tosses and turns. I believe we, as NFL fans, are ready. This is the most anticipated season I can ever remember.

Oh, by the way... my prediction:

Kansas City Chiefs - 24

Cincinnati Bengals - 13

[Ox]

Great first post, and welcome to the 'zone. Those types of posts are welcomed and appreciated around here. Make yourself at home.

MY PREDICTION -

Bengals: 34

Chiefs: 30

[themanrighthere7]

Thanks for the welcome...

I do not see both teams scoring that many points.

Our D should be improved to slow down the offense (plus I am not counting on Palmer being back), and Herm is going to run more, so I do not think we will get 30 points on you.

[CantStop85]

Thanks for the welcome...

I do not see both teams scoring that many points.

Our D should be improved to slow down the offense (plus I am not counting on Palmer being back), and Herm is going to run more, so I do not think we will get 30 points on you.

I like your avatar...Jason Dunn's from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, just about 10-15 minutes away from where I live. He's definitely one of the best blocking TE's in the game.

Anyway, you make some good points...I can agree on most of them, but I don't see the Chiefs' defense being that vastly improved from last season. I think the offense will drop off a notch with the losses on the O-Line, but I think they'll still be one of the best in the league. I think the defense will be their downfall, mainly in run defense...of course the same could be said about the Bengals. I think it could be a real shoot out.

[themanrighthere7]

Thanks for the welcome...

I do not see both teams scoring that many points.

Our D should be improved to slow down the offense (plus I am not counting on Palmer being back), and Herm is going to run more, so I do not think we will get 30 points on you.

I like your avatar...Jason Dunn's from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, just about 10-15 minutes away from where I live. He's definitely one of the best blocking TE's in the game.

Anyway, you make some good points...I can agree on most of them, but I don't see the Chiefs' defense being that vastly improved from last season. I think the offense will drop off a notch with the losses on the O-Line, but I think they'll still be one of the best in the league. I think the defense will be their downfall, mainly in run defense...of course the same could be said about the Bengals. I think it could be a real shoot out.

Chief's rushing D finished 7th last year.

Most people have a bad view on them because of what they gave up to Tiki Barber on the National stage.

It is their passing defense that needs to improve (30th in the NFL last year). I think the addition of Ty Law and the coaching of Herm Edwards will improve the pass D. (Hopefully anyways!)

[Stripes]

I don't think the Chiefs defense will be quite ready to take a step up come week one. Herm will certainly be able to implement his knowledge into the defense, but it will take time and practice. That said, the Bengals defense is likely to struggle as well. The free agents will still be new, and will need some time to gel with the other Bengals. Odell's absence is going to hurt very badly against Larry Johnson.

I think Palmer will play, more based on his own commentary than that of the Bengals front office. If he doesn't, then I expect us to get steam rolled. If he does, he'll probably still be a bit rusty, and that'll be the difference.

Winning at Arrowhead is never easy no matter how good your team is.

Kansas City 27

Cincinnati 24

[schweinhart]

This NFL season should be full of ups and downs, tosses and turns. I believe we, as NFL fans, are ready. This is the most anticipated season I can ever remember.

I hear you. Not much longer now

I'm all for the Bengals beginning their road to Miami at KC. Even with a completely healthy Palmer, a Bengals win there would be a tall order. But regardless of the outcome, I'm looking forward to see how the Bengals D fares because I do believe they need to set a tone for the season with more killer instinct than they have shown in the past under Marvin. Minus Odell hurts because he is a bonafide attacker but Big Sam and Dex Jack are the ones I want to see knocking the crud out of people right from the start. Those 2, a healthy Madieu and a quickly developing Johnathan Joseph are the keys to the Bengals D making a difference this year.

It's interesting about Roaf maybe not retiring but I wonder since there are ways vets avoid camp, like Big Sam has. Hard to imagine why Roaf wouldn't want to be part of team that has a solid chance of advancing deep into the playoffs, though. Turley there may work out but I think he'll have his hands full with the bullrush. If Turley's there vs. the Bengals, I do think Justin Smith can consistently knock him off balance.

I do think the Chiefs D is vastly inproved with the addition of Ty Law and it should enable more LB blitzing by the Chiefs because Law still should have enough left to be the man shut down corner that he has shown himself to be over and over again....that is vs. a WR other than Chad. The Chiefs would be greatly mistaken not to double the league's best WR and no doubt they will double him all game long.

Bottom line, if Palmer plays this game should go down to the final possession. No Palmer, no chance for the Bengals.

[semiotter]

Hey "7" welcome to the zone!! Its good to have somebody besides Squeller fans here all the time. I seen on ESPN ,you know were they had the so called experts rating everything about all the teams in the NFL from QBs to Kickers and they had your "O" line rated last is it really that bad???

[ArmyBengal]

Hey "7", saw the Chiefs picked up the running back from the Saints from the Vikings (whatshisname)... What's up with Holmes ?? Anyway, that first game should be a good one, especially if Palmer plays. Going into KC doesn't bother me half as much at the beginning of the season as it does in December when they just don't lose at home !!!

Welcome to the board !!!

WHODEY !!!

[themanrighthere7]

Hey "7", saw the Chiefs picked up the running back from the Saints from the Vikings (whatshisname)... What's up with Holmes ?? Anyway, that first game should be a good one, especially if Palmer plays. Going into KC doesn't bother me half as much at the beginning of the season as it does in December when they just don't lose at home !!!

Welcome to the board !!!

WHODEY !!!

Michael Bennett....

If he can stay healthy, I am very pleased with the pick up. He will provide a nice change of pace for LJ...

Hey "7" welcome to the zone!! Its good to have somebody besides Squeller fans here all the time. I seen on ESPN ,you know were they had the so called experts rating everything about all the teams in the NFL from QBs to Kickers and they had your "O" line rated last is it really that bad???

Hmmm... didn't see them ranking the lines. Our o-line was considered the best in the league by many, with something like 30 pro-bowls between the starters (well, before Roaf left).

I could understand if they said our intereior D-line was the worst in the league, they played like crap last year. The D-ends played decent though.