Need a pick-me-up

[duus]

... can we have so many starters out against the Steelers on the road and pull out a victory? After watching the Steelers last week and during preseason (just look at Carolina and Miami ... the last two teams they played), I am convinced we match-up nicely man-for-man. But can we really expect to go in there without our starting LB, starting safety, starting center ... and Jones and TJ were out today as well. That's a ton of talent!!!

I really need a pick-me-up guys. Man, I hope these guys are o.k. And of course I am most concerned for their health first. But, I just feel like everything is lining up on the negative side. I DO NOT INTEND TO BE MR. NEGATIVE!!! But I'm just feeling a bit frustrated tonight wondering who will really be on the field next Sunday in Pissburgh.

[ArmyBengal]

Not having DJ worries the HELL out of me and the o-line is not the same without Braham and Levi in there.

I could use a pick me up as well !!!

WHODEY !!!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

If Levi and TJ come back, and Braham is a possibility also, they'll be fine.

Accept the fact Pollack's gone and hasn't done anything thus far any ways..despite having his potential gone.

Hope DJ gets back after the bye week.

They'll get healthy in a few weeks hopefully and get Chatman and Odell back as well a month from now.

Guy-check going against Hampton is kind of scary though.

[Ox]

First off, TJ and Levi will be back this week, so that should be two intregal pieces in place. As far as D-Jax, that will be a big blow, but I believe KK has enough to step in nicely. KK is not Ohasuckie, you know. Pollack hasn't had a signicant effect yet anyways, so I don't think that will make much of a difference.

Bluto looked ok to me today, so I think we'll have our whole O-Line + Bluto, and our entire recieving corps in full effect. I think we will be just fine.

[HoosierCat]

Relax, duus. We're dirty thug scumbags, remember? This one's in the bag...

[skyline]

We're still better off than we were with our safety corps from last season, right?

I'm confident that TJ and Levi will both return this game.

Braham is my biggest concern at the moment.

[duus]

Assuming TJ and Levi are back, and if Braham was back I would feel a ton better. Man, Carson just seemed to be getting hit too much for my liking in the fourth quarter. I fear Casey Hampton up the middle. We really need Braham in there, and Levi too. (praying for some serious recovery in the next few days!!!)

Love to have DJ, but that seems like a miracle at this point. I just know that we would take these idiots with a full team. Sucks. I just hope this team comes in here jacked-up and plays at some incredible high because I think that is what it will take given the injuries.

[Kazkal]

Who was playing FS when madieu was in? diden't they play madieu SS last year when herring went down?

[CBin2k7]

I hope those guys on the o-line come back healthy for the game next Sunday. Braham is real important when it comes to blitz calls and pickups. That's why I feel if Levi goes and Richie doesnt, then Steinbach moves to C with Whitworth at LG.

Besides all that, you watch next Sunday, two players you least expect will play major roles...

Reggie Kelly and Kenny Watson, on blitz pickup. When the Bengals go Shotgun 3 WR's look for Kelly to play a major role in picking up Porter and Foote blitzing. And Kenny Watson, everytime I see him he stones a blitzer. He is by far our best blocking RB, he will play a vital role in the protecting Palmer next Sunday.

[aaronburr]

Who was playing FS when madieu was in? diden't they play madieu SS last year when herring went down?

Madieu even played CB his rookie year --- they're comfortable with him playing any of the DB spots. Madieu's a stud.

Here's my version of a pick-me-up --- but it might be a little bit pragmatic for your taste....

Pollack's a wash because we've been doing fine without him. It'll hurt to lose Dexter, but the Steelers aren't exactly the Colts with their high-powered air attack, so I'd rather lose him right now than somebody like Brian Simmons or Landon Johnson.

As far as o-line, I don't think we'll be missing both Braham and Levi. I don't know how bad Levi is hurt, but remember in the past he played a week after arthroscopic surgery --- if we need him, he'll play. If Braham's back, maybe he'll take another week off. But still, it's the Steelers, so you gotta think he'll want to play.

[ArmyBengal]

I know Guycheck is going to be the guy and I would rather Braham be there, but for all the talk about moving people around... How about getting the most out of Whitworth and move Steinbach to Center ?? I love bringing it up regardless of the impossibility...

WHODEY !!!

[Stripes]

I think we'll be fine on defense without D-jack and Pollack. Neither has really made a huge impact yet. Jeanty will probably be better than Pollack for us at this stage, IMO. KK wouldn't worry me much if he weren't set to play next to Tory... I don't like the thought of those two covering Steelers receivers while Ben's throwing deep.

I think Levi and will be back, but I'm worried about Braham. Pass protection was a little dissapointing today. That's to be expected with Whitworth and Ghiaciuc playing with so little experience, but that's bound to be even worse against the Steelers.

Braham's status is the most important of all the injured guys, I think.

[DontPushMe]

Ghiaciuc's blocking isnt a problem. What we will be missing with Braham out is his knowledge and leadership. Read Andersons quotes, i couldn't say it any better than he did. The guy has been playing for 13 years, he can make line calls better than anyone we've got. Braham will also really be missed on the hurry up offense.

[Kazkal]

But hopfully the other 4 linemen can help him like they did vs the jags.

[HoosierCat]

I know Guycheck is going to be the guy and I would rather Braham be there, but for all the talk about moving people around... How about getting the most out of Whitworth and move Steinbach to Center ?? I love bringing it up regardless of the impossibility...

Whatever they decide to do, I think the key is to make the decision today as to what the starting lineup will be on the o-line and then give that lineup a full week of practice. If there's any doubt about Braham or Levi then consider them out; if they are in, they know their jobs anyhow, a few missed practices wont hurt. But IMHO our first team o-line is Willie-Bobby-Bluto-The Great Whit Hope-Steiney in practice this week.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I must have watched a different game. When Bluto came in the O-line really went south. He was whiffing on blocks and allowed much more pressure up the middle than Carson is used to.

In case some of you did not notice by the last drive Steiny had moved to center because of the disruption that Bluto was allowing.

Hopefully if he is to start against Pit. than the week of snaps in practice will help him get back to his average performance against the Jags last year.

Whitworth looks to be a solid player I for one would rather see him beside Levi and Steiny against Pit.

[HoosierCat]

I must have watched a different game. When Bluto came in the O-line really went south. He was whiffing on blocks and allowed much more pressure up the middle than Carson is used to.

In case some of you did not notice by the last drive Steiny had moved to center because of the disruption that Bluto was allowing.

Hopefully if he is to start against Pit. than the week of snaps in practice will help him get back to his average performance against the Jags last year.

Whitworth looks to be a solid player I for one would rather see him beside Levi and Steiny against Pit.

No, missed that, was "watching" the game on nfl.com this week. Maybe Steinback-Whitworth-Levi cener thru left next week? And can we extend Eric now? He ain't gettin' any cheaper...