Marvin predicts last place finish in 2007

[TJJackson]

link: http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5954

Sure, there's some Pollack stuff in there as well, but the main thing, the big shocker, is Marvin essentially projecting a last place division finish....yes, I am paraphrasing, so feel free to blast me for nt interpretign it exactly right :-)

Of course, that's all smoke......every coach targets (or shoudl target) the playoffs if not the superbowl.

But why such a disheartening\demoralizing message?

I theorize that he knows the honeymoon is over and expectations are higher, so he's attemptign to reset fan expectations so that should he rise above (ie finish not in last place) there would be rejoicing instead of grumbling

[HoosierCat]

But why such a disheartening\demoralizing message?

I theorize that he knows the honeymoon is over and expectations are higher, so he's attemptign to reset fan expectations so that should he rise above (ie finish not in last place) there would be rejoicing instead of grumbling

I don't think he actually expects to finish in last place, but it's reality that '07 will be a bumpy ride. This team has lost a lot of veteran experience and will be trying to work in a lot of youngsters at the same time.

[Kirkendall]

More fodder for fans/media to hang on Marvin's every spun word. He eats this stuff up...

[BengalByTheBay]

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans. He's trying to use the fall-off from 11-5 to 8-8 by saying that they are starting just like his first year following 2-14. Of course, that's ridiculous, but he seems to be fond of saying things like that with a straight face. Does he think we will finish behind the Clowns -- not a freaking chance.

[Kirkendall]

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans.

Good point.

[CarsonCity]

I think it's pretty obvious Marvin has been reading the Bengals message boards and listening to the talk radio shows. He now realizes what the consequences will be for not being creative and making moves in free agency.

Or that whole motivational thing might be right too. Either or.

[jditty47]

there is 0 percent chance that we finish below 2nd in the division with our schedule this season.

[HairOnFire]

I think it's pretty obvious Marvin has been reading the Bengals message boards and listening to the talk radio shows. He now realizes what the consequences will be for not being creative and making moves in free agency.

Yup, Marvin knows how disappointed Hoosier and Steakhouse are, and he's terrified by the idea that they'll continue to critize him.

He's become a broken man.

[HoosierCat]

Yup, Marvin knows how disappointed Hoosier and Steakhouse are, and he's terrified by the idea that they'll continue to critize him.

Yeah, so you all better be nice to me or I'll use my power over Marvin to make him cut Carson Palmer. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

*Yawn* Hair.

I don't care what Marvin spews - I just want results and to win.

I really don't care how he does it - just do it.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

One interesting quote near the bottom, in case there was any lingering doubt who has been responsible for picking the a**h***s around here:

“There’s a tendency to buy the bargain and we’re not in a position to do that any more,” Lewis said. “Mike (Brown) has given those guys a second opportunity. His father made a history of that and so that’s what he knows and believes in that guy’s (willingness) to take the initiative to further his career and turn a corner in their life and know it’s a privilege to play in the NFL and they’ll figure it out.”

Only problem? Mikey isn't half the football expert his old man was, and we probably don't have enough scouts to separate the guys you can turn around from the rest you can't.

Another interesting quote:

"As for sitting down Joseph for the opener like he has sat down Henry twice for games, Lewis wouldn’t get specific but it sounded like he was thinking about it.

“That would be a fair thing I think,” Lewis said. “That would curtail bad decisions. They’re not thinking first and are getting caught up with the wrong crowd sometimes. It all tarnishes the image, the NFL, the team, and the player.”

Um, Deltha and Ratliff starting? God, no!

[skyline]

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans.

Good point.

That's the way I understood it as well. He wants his team to have the mentality that they're at the bottom and will have to claw and scratch their way to the top.

[ArmyBengal]

I think it's all bullsh*t !!! I don't care what the hell Marvin has to do, but they all need to figure some sh*t out !!!

DON'T TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT !!!

WHODEY !!!

[HairOnFire]

I thought there were several interesting remarks, but the bit about the Bengals being a last place team chasing everyone else wasn't one of them.

Other examples...

Marvin flat out called Chad Johnson out....both as a leader and as a player who can be counted on down the stretch and in big games.

Marvin mocked the idea that a switch to DE would reduce the chance of Pollack being injured. I agree, and have said as much previously. Reading further between the lines Lewis seems to be implying that Pollack never liked the switch to LB.

Marvin pointed to the playoff window always being open due to the presence of Palmer...a claim that pretty much pisses all over the idea that Lewis actually considers the Bengals to be a last place team.

Lewis claims the Bengals will never be allowed to grow old as a team....a remark I think was aimed directly at the foreheads of fans who insist Brian Simmons was let go for anything other than obvious reasons.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I thought there were several interesting remarks, but the bit about the Bengals being a last place team chasing everyone else wasn't one of them.

Other examples...

Marvin flat out called Chad Johnson out....both as a leader and as a player who can be counted on down the stretch and in big games.

Marvin mocked the idea that a switch to DE would reduce the chance of Pollack being injured. I agree, and have said as much previously. Reading further between the lines Lewis seems to be implying that Pollack never liked the switch to LB.

Marvin pointed to the playoff window always being open due to the presence of Palmer...a claim that pretty much pisses all over the idea that Lewis actually considers the Bengals to be a last place team.

Lewis claims the Bengals will never be allowed to grow old as a team....a remark I think was aimed directly at the foreheads of fans who insist Brian Simmons was let go for anything other than obvious reasons.

Agree on all counts. Although if the last one was strictly true, I don't think Willie Anderson would be here. Perhaps that's a special case.

As for Pollack, it doesn't seem even logical - to me, anyway - that DE is somehow a safer position than LB. Although I can understand his frustration with being drafted and switched, doesn't seem relevant to the injury issue.

Regarding Chad...I think you're dangerously close to calling him a choker. Are you?

[TJJackson]

Ah, the article was updated a few minutes after I read it, and it has a lot more "stuff" now.....I agree, there are even bigger points made in it now than the more limited article I had read

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Ah, the article was updated a few minutes after I read it, and it has a lot more "stuff" now.....I agree, there are even bigger points made in it now than the more limited article I had read

It's OK, we weren't accusing you of just skimming the headline or anything.

[BengalszoneBilly]

link: http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5954

Sure, there's some Pollack stuff in there as well, but the main thing, the big shocker, is Marvin essentially projecting a last place division finish....yes, I am paraphrasing, so feel free to blast me for nt interpretign it exactly right :-)

Of course, that's all smoke......every coach targets (or shoudl target) the playoffs if not the superbowl.

But why such a disheartening\demoralizing message?

I theorize that he knows the honeymoon is over and expectations are higher, so he's attemptign to reset fan expectations so that should he rise above (ie finish not in last place) there would be rejoicing instead of grumbling

Damn! Marvin Lewis was here kicking it in Arizona and he didn't stop in at my place to say hi!?! I'm pissed.

[Edogger]

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans.

Good point.

This is along the same lines I was thinking. There is no way a coach would come out and say this truthfully...

[HairOnFire]

Agree on all counts. Although if the last one was strictly true, I don't think Willie Anderson would be here. Perhaps that's a special case.

First, Anderson has been voted to four straight Pro Bowls and prior to that should have gone to several others. He's still playing at the top of his game. Last, he plays one of the few positions in football that doesn't put a premium on being able to run or change directions, and as a result many offensive lineman are capable of playing 15-20 seasons.

Regarding Chad...I think you're dangerously close to calling him a choker. Are you?

No. If I were to judge his leadership qualites I'd have no problem saying they're miserable at best, but I can't call him a choker.

[Stripes]

If Marvin is directing that statement at Bengals fans (which he isn't), then he is mocking everyone here.

I'd rather him say this than "We'll obviously win the division. Duh."

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Agree on all counts. Although if the last one was strictly true, I don't think Willie Anderson would be here. Perhaps that's a special case.

First, Anderson has been voted to four straight Pro Bowls and prior to that should have gone to several others. He's still playing at the top of his game. Last, he plays one of the few positions in football that doesn't put a premium on being able to run or change directions, and as a result many offensive lineman are capable of playing 15-20 seasons.

Regarding Chad...I think you're dangerously close to calling him a choker. Are you?

No. If I were to judge his leadership qualites I'd have no problem saying they're miserable at best, but I can't call him a choker.

Anderson's at the top of his game now, but numbers (ie, age) suggest he won't be by the end of his contract, and bear in mind we let Steinbach go as a direct result of resigning him. The Patriots let those guys go - McGinest comes to mind - except for Troy Brown, who they keep re-upping to short contracts because he seems to have the Julio Franco gene. I'm not saying I want Fatburger gone after all he's done, I'm just saying that I think loyalty played a role in that decision.

[James_Brooks21]

there is 0 percent chance that we finish below 2nd in the division with our schedule this season.

You are one foolish person if you don't think there is a chance we finish behind Pittsburgh and Baltimore. If that run defense does not improve we will be sitting in the same boat,I looked at that schedule and we are playing against some pretty good runningbacks next year. I am a die hard Bengals fan but I have to admit Willie Parker owned the Bengals in both games last year we were very lucky to get out of Pittsburgh with that win last year, then he came and kicked our butts in that last home game. Bengals don't have any give me games on that schedule example Tampa Bay this year,

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans. He's trying to use the fall-off from 11-5 to 8-8 by saying that they are starting just like his first year following 2-14. Of course, that's ridiculous, but he seems to be fond of saying things like that with a straight face. Does he think we will finish behind the Clowns -- not a freaking chance.

If you read the article he says we are last in a three team race (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati), Cleveland is not even mentioned because they pose no threat at all to win the AFC North next year.

[BengalByTheBay]

there is 0 percent chance that we finish below 2nd in the division with our schedule this season.

You are one foolish person if you don't think there is a chance we finish behind Pittsburgh and Baltimore. If that run defense does not improve we will be sitting in the same boat,I looked at that schedule and we are playing against some pretty good runningbacks next year. I am a die hard Bengals fan but I have to admit Willie Parker owned the Bengals in both games last year we were very lucky to get out of Pittsburgh with that win last year, then he came and kicked our butts in that last home game. Bengals don't have any give me games on that schedule example Tampa Bay this year,

He's using it as motivational material for the team. I don't think it's really directed at the fans. He's trying to use the fall-off from 11-5 to 8-8 by saying that they are starting just like his first year following 2-14. Of course, that's ridiculous, but he seems to be fond of saying things like that with a straight face. Does he think we will finish behind the Clowns -- not a freaking chance.

If you read the article he says we are last in a three team race (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati), Cleveland is not even mentioned because they pose no threat at all to win the AFC North next year.

Actually, not really. Read it again:

“If it’s a (three-team race),” Lewis said, “there are three ahead of us. We’re the last team in the division.”

Three teams ahead of us would include the Clowns, making us, according to the quote, "the last team in the division."

[jditty47]

did pittsburgh lose its identity on defense? is porter there still? how fierce is that defense really now? and is big ben improved from his joke of a season last year? pittsburgh will not and i repeat will not win more than 7 games this year.