ArmyBengal Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 So where did it all go wrong ?? We go from 11-5 and AFCN Champs to 6-9 and out of the playoffs...These are just some observations based upon watching the Bengals beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in 2005. (Thanks Billy !!!)#1. Carson - Boy he was just lethal in 2005 with a 70% accuracy and passer rating in the 100's. He was checking down receivers and making throws that had everyone making comparisons to the QB greats of the game. Hell, he was even throwing the ball to the tight ends. What happened this year ?? I think the following lends some explanation. (At least I hope)#2. The Offensive Line - This is probably the biggest area that we took a hit with. The loss of Braham and Steinbach, coupled with the injury of Big Willie this year has been VERY obvious when going back and watching games from 2005. This needs to be addressed prior to the start of the 2008 season. That offensive line of 2005 was just BEASTLY !!!#3. Rudi - I will start by saying that Rudi has always been a personal favorite of mine. However, going back and watching, he had HUGE holes being blown up by the O-line and all he did was run through them. Very rarely was there a cutback or bounce out to the outside. While Rudi has been good at doing just that, I would bet that giving most backs holes like that, we could expect the same production. Sadly, this may be Rudi's last with the team even if given the chance to earn a spot. Oh yeah, we had a running back that season who gave this offense a viable receiver coming out of the backfield in Chris Perry. It doesn't have to be him, but this is something that needs to resurface in our offense...#4. Chad - Holy sh*t me to tears. Chad was blocking, turning upfield for gains, and going over the middle to make catches. THAT Chad was just plain fun to watch !!! He needs to go back and figure out what he needs to do to gain the edge he had in that season back again. You want to give the fans something to cheer for you about Chad ?? Do that... TJ was TJ and Henry's rookie year was still just amazing to watch !!!#5. Defense - While the 2005 team still had struggles, (getting ran the f*ck over) they looked to be a defense that was going to improve and make a name for itself. The turnover differential they had that year was mind boggling !!! Pollack and Thurman looked to be everything advertised and for rookies, they were all over the field making plays. That youth, speed, and FIRE is sorely missed on this defense. While you can pick apart the play of both of them, it was obvious they were only going to get better and will say the loss of those two high draft picks has cost this defense dearly.#6. Marvin - Boy was it fun watching him coach the team and motivate these youngsters. He and the organization took some chances on players drafted and in the long run, it hurt them greatly, but Marvin was making a name for himself as the coach that turned the Bengals around. The announcers could do nothing but sing the praises of Marvin and the efforts made by him and the coaches to turn the culture of losing around and produce the 1st winning season in 15 LONG years !!!#7. Attitude - This is something you could just see. The players were motivated, focused, and looking to go out and fun playing the game they loved. Marvin was seen encouraging players and also having fun right along with his team. I didn't see any of that from coaches or players this year and while winning changes a lot, this is a HUGE disappointment to me as a fan. I want to see the guys go out and have fun doing what they are doing instead of appearing as if the game is a huge inconvenience to them.Well, this is just one perspective in what we've seen go on with the Bengals over the past couple season. I'm NOT saying all of this is 100% accurate, only my perspective. Please feel free to add whatever you like to the conversation. Once again, the inspiration for this post has been brought to you by Bengalszone Billy !!! Thanks Brother !!!WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalszoneBilly Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 So where did it all go wrong ?? We go from 11-5 and AFCN Champs to 6-9 and out of the playoffs...These are just some observations based upon watching the Bengals beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in 2005. (Thanks Billy !!!)#1. Carson - Boy he was just lethal in 2005 with a 70% accuracy and passer rating in the 100's. He was checking down receivers and making throws that had everyone making comparisons to the QB greats of the game. Hell, he was even throwing the ball to the tight ends. What happened this year ?? I think the following lends some explanation. (At least I hope)#2. The Offensive Line - This is probably the biggest area that we took a hit with. The loss of Braham and Steinbach, coupled with the injury of Big Willie this year has been VERY obvious when going back and watching games from 2005. This needs to be addressed prior to the start of the 2008 season. That offensive line of 2005 was just BEASTLY !!!#3. Rudi - I will start by saying that Rudi has always been a personal favorite of mine. However, going back and watching, he had HUGE holes being blown up by the O-line and all he did was run through them. Very rarely was there a cutback or bounce out to the outside. While Rudi has been good at doing just that, I would bet that giving most backs holes like that, we could expect the same production. Sadly, this may be Rudi's last with the team even if given the chance to earn a spot. Oh yeah, we had a running back that season who gave this offense a viable receiver coming out of the backfield in Chris Perry. It doesn't have to be him, but this is something that needs to resurface in our offense...#4. Chad - Holy sh*t me to tears. Chad was blocking, turning upfield for gains, and going over the middle to make catches. THAT Chad was just plain fun to watch !!! He needs to go back and figure out what he needs to do to gain the edge he had in that season back again. You want to give the fans something to cheer for you about Chad ?? Do that... TJ was TJ and Henry's rookie year was still just amazing to watch !!!#5. Defense - While the 2005 team still had struggles, (getting ran the f*ck over) they looked to be a defense that was going to improve and make a name for itself. The turnover differential they had that year was mind boggling !!! Pollack and Thurman looked to be everything advertised and for rookies, they were all over the field making plays. That youth, speed, and FIRE is sorely missed on this defense. While you can pick apart the play of both of them, it was obvious they were only going to get better and will say the loss of those two high draft picks has cost this defense dearly.#6. Marvin - Boy was it fun watching him coach the team and motivate these youngsters. He and the organization took some chances on players drafted and in the long run, it hurt them greatly, but Marvin was making a name for himself as the coach that turned the Bengals around. The announcers could do nothing but sing the praises of Marvin and the efforts made by him and the coaches to turn the culture of losing around and produce the 1st winning season in 15 LONG years !!!#7. Attitude - This is something you could just see. The players were motivated, focused, and looking to go out and fun playing the game they loved. Marvin was seen encouraging players and also having fun right along with his team. I didn't see any of that from coaches or players this year and while winning changes a lot, this is a HUGE disappointment to me as a fan. I want to see the guys go out and have fun doing what they are doing instead of appearing as if the game is a huge inconvenience to them.Well, this is just one perspective in what we've seen go on with the Bengals over the past couple season. I'm NOT saying all of this is 100% accurate, only my perspective. Please feel free to add whatever you like to the conversation. Once again, the inspiration for this post has been brought to you by Bengalszone Billy !!! Thanks Brother !!!WHODEY !!!Jesus Mark! All this came from the 2005 Bengals DVD I sent you? Well then I must in turn thank our former member/moderator "Big Orange" who recorded it first, and sent me one which I burned you a copy. I take it came out well? BTW, IMHO, the #1 difference between these two teams is the offensive line. The 2005 version had it all. The 2007 version seems to be focused only on providing Carson Palmer the minimum time to throw the ball and nothing more. Run blocking schemes? Forgetaboutit! I can't remember the last time I saw a Cincinnati offensive lineman pulling to lead a running play and seeing him hit a linebacker first beyond the LOS.Kirkendall said it here first, and I totally agree that this game is won and lost at the line of scrimmage. You control the offensive line, you'll be competitive. Control the offensive AND defensive lines, and you win the game every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregCook Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Imagine your 2007 Bengals with a healthy Pollack,CPerry and Brooks and Henry and Thurman playing the entire season. The Bengals suck because they don't have enough good players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted December 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Actually Billy, yes this came out of watching the game, which turned out great !!! Knowing we won the game when I started watching it made me think of wondering what has happened since then and I paid a little closer attention to stuff then I usually do while watching a game and that was the result. It was my attempt to give some perspective since we are at the end of this season and maybe what the organization can try to improve during the upcoming offseason...WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 I think Army hit seven nails on the head in the OP. But IMHO there is an 8th, which I think ought to rank in the top 3 but I will number 8 for simplicity's sake:#8. The Non-replacement Factor. What's different between 2005 and 2007? One major difference is that the team lost talent and didn't replace it. Brian Simmons, Tory James, K2, Marcus Wilkins, Tony Stewart, Eric Steinbach, Shaun Smith, Carl Powell, Rich Braham, Kevin Walter, K-wash, Duane Clemons. Just about all these guys were contributors in 2005, and several -- Simmons, Steinbach, James, Braham -- were starters. In the two seasons since, though, they've been replaced by rooks or scrubs, many of whom can't even get on the field: Tab Perry, Antonio Chatman, Frostee Rucker, Jonathan Fanene, the recently-departed Big Toe. And replacements who have made it on the field have all too often been inferior to what came before. Landon isn't making anyone forget Simmons. Bluto is no Braham. Tony Stewart > Dan Coats. Shoot, Marcus Wilkins > Caleb Miller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted December 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Good point Hoosier, I knew you would jump into this one !!! I was just numbering for simplicity as well, so perfect !!!WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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