2004 Season

[Barbarian]

Well, simply because breaking in a QB that hasn't taken an NFL snap hasn't ever boded very well for anybody.

It's going to take some time if he doesn't turn out to be David Klingler or Akillme Smith.

That's why.

It worked out for the most recent Super Bowl participants. How many snaps did Brady have prior to replacing Bledsoe? How many did Delhomme have before last year?

Brady and Delhomme are different cases--they had great defenses backing them up.

Palmer has one of the worst run defenses in the league backing him up.

Delhomme rode the pine for 5 years learning behind Blake and Brooks.

Brady learned from Bledsoe--who evidently is a great teacher.

Palmer learned from Kitna. One word for that: Yikes.

[BengalsDieHard1]

15-1!!!!! Offense averages 35 points per game....Rudi has 1200 yards rushing, Perry catches 35 balls out of the backfield for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Palmer has a great "1st year" with 28 td's and 12 int's.

Bengals D finishes 6th overall with much improved secondary and ML's rookies contribute bigtime.

Oh yeah, new punter and re-signed kicker add up to be the # 3 special teams unit in the league.

Overly optimistic??????????????????? We'll see.............................................................................

....

[JPW]

Well seems that Mr. Lewis is looking for at least a 10 Win season.

From the Bengal's web site:

ML: "Everybody will do what everybody is supposed to do all the time."

ML: "That’s the key to everything. To winning football games. One of those things may have made a difference in us winning 10 games. I have to find a way to get us over the hump to win 10 games or whatever it may be,” Lewis says in a sit down with Bengals.com. “We can’t let things get in the way of that happening. "

ML: "We have to find a new energy. With Carson and Jon, we have to find a way to do better. That’s our key. We’ve got to find a way to be productive early on. We have to start faster on both sides of the football. We have to create and return kicks. We have to block kicks. We have to change field position returning kicks all the time. I think we’re set up to do that better and we’ve got to be just as consistent covering kicks and causing fumbles."

"ML: We’ve improved ourself in every area. We progressed in our offensive and defensive backfields, we’ve improved both sides up front, added depth at linebacker. We’ve done everything we kind of set out to try and do."

If we can trust his judgement on the Draft, maybe we should Trust His judgement on the Season.

ML seems to think that The Bengals Will find a way to Win 10 games, or whatever it will take to make the play offs.

I believe that ML will make it happen !

Play Offs in 04.....

[bengalsfansince68]

I must say that to compare Carson to Akili is pessimism to the fifth power.

Akili held out well into camp and then was rushed to the field long before he was ready. In addition to that, Akili was dumber than a '72 Pinto.

Carson is not Akili. Nor is he David Klingler. He has more potential than both put together and has the benefit of much better coaching.

In the brief amount of playing time he had last preseason he made mistakes, but more often than not led td drives after his picks.

Yes, he may struggle early. Let's not be so pessimistic. He may thrive.

I predict 10 - 6 and a division title.

[kevnz]

I must say that to compare Carson to Akili is pessimism to the fifth power.

Akili held out well into camp and then was rushed to the field long before he was ready. In addition to that, Akili was dumber than a '72 Pinto.

Carson is not Akili. Nor is he David Klingler. He has more potential than both put together and has the benefit of much better coaching.

Well in all fairness, and please don't think I'm defending him...But Carson has outstanding WR's to throw to, something Akili never did...Chad and P-dub are a great one two punch...That's something every rookie QB that's gonna start, or even the QB's from last year dont' have....I mean between Eli, Rivers, Boeller, Grossman, and Leftwich (I don't think Ben will be starting this year unless it's late in the season, cause the defense is the Steelers problem...But you never know) None of them have anything close to our WR corp....Hell, most of them only have maybe one recieving threat, and poor Boeller only has a Tight End to throw to. Palmer is the real deal...

[Arizona]

I'm going with 9-7. After starting the season 0-2, CP gets his game on against the ravens at home and the Bengals go on to win the division. The ravens will also go 9-7, but the tie-breaker will go to the Bengals for better divisional record after the ravens split their series with the squealers. The Bengals will sweep the squealers for the first time in years, and split with the ravens.

Dude!! Are you crazy? You expect Palmer to have his break out game against the Ravens??? Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how going against the #1 pass defense from last year, the defense that led the league in sacks, I don't see how that is going to make for a break out game.

Here's my outside point of view prediction. Palmer will get it together, as will the new faces on defense, but it will take time. My guess is that you have two very different halves, the first half you'll be luck to go 2-6, the second half you should be able to pull of a respectable 4-4 or 5-3, giving you an overall record of 6-10 or 7-9.

As I've posted elsewhere, you go as your passing game goes, and with a starter at quarterback with no game experience, that passing game will suffer.

[Tiger Stripes]

dude i think you might be underestimating the heisman trophy winner. Carson will be ready to go opening day all the boy knows is football but we'll see in a few short months. are you ready to scoot over in the passenger seat this year? we beat you with a team that is no where near as evolved as it will be this year, get ready to be swept! :player:

[EdwardG]

It really comes down to our defense. Our offense should be solid, even with Carson being basically a rookie. I don't expect him to be real great, and I expect him to throw more than a few int's, but he will also run the offense wel enough and our running game should be strong. Our offensive line should be the best run blocking line in the division, and our running backs should be the second best behind Baltimore (assuming J. Lewis plays). That said, a strong running team depends on defense to win games, and thus I expect we will lose a few close games because we still can't stop anybody. If we go 8-8 again, I'll be happy, and the payoff should hopefully come in 2005.

[halp]

BOYS BOYS BOYS................. do you see DYNASTY written all over this?!!!!!!!!!!!! i see repeated division championships, 7 of 10; several conference championships , 5 or 6 of 10; and a few super bowls titles, like 2 to 4 of 10. this year i see play offs and potential 1st division championship. the staff, entire offense and kitna will guide palmer when needed. as much as you know i like kit, palmer will make it happen ps: 90% of this will be accomplished WITHOUT pdub.

[redsfan2]

It really comes down to our defense. Our offense should be solid, even with Carson being basically a rookie. I don't expect him to be real great, and I expect him to throw more than a few int's, but he will also run the offense wel enough and our running game should be strong. Our offensive line should be the best run blocking line in the division, and our running backs should be the second best behind Baltimore (assuming J. Lewis plays). That said, a strong running team depends on defense to win games, and thus I expect we will lose a few close games because we still can't stop anybody. If we go 8-8 again, I'll be happy, and the payoff should hopefully come in 2005.

The defense we " had " couldn't stop anyone. Whether or not the one we field this year can remains to be seen. I've said before that coach Lewis simply will not put up with the 28th ranked defense again even if it means he has to carry a pointed stick in one hand and a cattle prod in the other. He's going to get results ..... one way or another. He's brought in better players, and if that doesn't do it, then you can look for a few coaches heads to be rolling as well.

I agree about the O line being one of the better at run blocking, and that should take some of the heat off Palmer. He's going to have his moments like any qb does rookie or otherwise, but a lot of what has been done in the off season has been with the intent of helping him out in what ever way possible. I'd almost bet money that he doesn't repeat the 0 and 4 start of last year.

That said, Arizona makes a good point that it's going to take a while for everybody to gel. I look for us to pick up a game or two this year, and be 9 and 7 or 10 and 6. If that makes the playoffs Yay and if it doesn't kay sarah sarah. The reason for the so what attitude is again, like Arizona says we're talking about a team that won't have gelled yet ........... and when it does, I think he and everybody else knows what's going to happen :player:

[denverbengal]

I'm going with 9-7.  After starting the season 0-2, CP gets his game on against the ravens at home and the Bengals go on to win the division.  The ravens will also go 9-7, but the tie-breaker will go to the Bengals for better divisional record after the ravens split their series with the squealers.  The Bengals will sweep the squealers for the first time in years, and split with the ravens.

Dude!! Are you crazy? You expect Palmer to have his break out game against the Ravens??? Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how going against the #1 pass defense from last year, the defense that led the league in sacks, I don't see how that is going to make for a break out game.

As I've posted elsewhere, you go as your passing game goes, and with a starter at quarterback with no game experience, that passing game will suffer.

You mean the #1 pass defense that gave up 274 yds and 3 td passes to Kitna in week 7 last season? KITNA!?!?! And allowed the Bengals to score 34 points? I guess even #1 defenses have their bad days.

The way I see it, Palmer will struggle his first two games (while still showing glimpses of good things to come). He won't put it all together until game 3 which just happens to be at home against the Ravens...sorry. Did I mention that CJ had 5 catches for 130 yds and a td in that game against LAST YEAR'S #1 pass defense? No, wait. That would be crazy.

As for going as far as your passing game...I think allot of people underestimate what a talent Carson Palmer is and the fact that he's had a year to learn what it takes to win in the NFL. Yes he's going to experience rookie-like setbacks, but he's going to be able to overcome them much easier and quicker than any true rookie would. He's an upgrage over Kitna because of his size, arm strength, and most importantly, he knows when to get rid of the ball, unlike his predecessor. Our passing game isn't going to suffer. It's going to improve.

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I've been gone for a while, and I just read this, and well...you know.

[JPW]

"Brady learned from Bledsoe--who evidently is a great teacher.

Palmer learned from Kitna. One word for that: Yikes."

It is Skill and Ability that Kitna is a bit lacking in.

By all accounts, his Smarts and Understanding of the game, are Top-Notch.

He is the guy who was there, all of last season, helping Palmer to learn.

He is also the guy who showed the Bengal's receivers, just what they needed to be watching for.

He also has the Character to put his Heart into Helping the guy who is his replacement.

Kitna was re-signed as much for his Mentor value as for his value as an insurance policy.

F..... your "Yikes" statement.

Palmer couldn't ask for a better Teacher to learn from.

Play Offs in 04.....

[Bobcat Bengal]

"Brady learned from Bledsoe--who evidently is a great teacher.

Palmer learned from Kitna. One word for that: Yikes."

It is Skill and Ability that Kitna is a bit lacking in.

By all accounts, his Smarts and Understanding of the game, are Top-Notch.

He is the guy who was there, all of last season, helping Palmer to learn.

He is also the guy who showed the Bengal's receivers, just what needed to be watching for.

He also has the Character to put his Heart into Helping the guy who is his replacement.

Kitna was re-signed as much for his Mentor value as for his value as an insurance policy.

F..... you "Yikes" statement.

Palmer couldn't ask for a better Teacher to learn from.

Play Offs in 04.....

yeah, what he said... :player:

[Barbarian]

"Brady learned from Bledsoe--who evidently is a great teacher.

   Palmer learned from Kitna. One word for that: Yikes."

It is Skill and Ability that Kitna is a bit lacking in.

By all accounts, his Smarts and Understanding of the game, are Top-Notch.

He is the guy who was there, all of last season, helping Palmer to learn.

He is also the guy who showed the Bengal's receivers, just what needed to be watching for.

He also has the Character to put his Heart into Helping the guy who is his replacement.

Kitna was re-signed as much for his Mentor value as for his value as an insurance policy.

F..... your "Yikes" statement.

Palmer couldn't ask for a better Teacher to learn from.

Play Offs in 04.....

Whoa--waita a minute there guy--where's your proof on the "f**k your statement" thing???

WHO HAS KITNA EVER MENTOR'D BEFORE?????????????????

Tom Brady now has 2 Super Bowl Rings.

Other than YOU BEING A HOMER, WHERE IS YOUR PROOF, JPW???

BTW, does JPW mean "Just P***y Whipped"?????

[daredevil25]

Well I was content that the Bengals would be around .500 but once Ray Lewis went on Madden I changed my mind and have them at 10-6 and winning the AFC North crown.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Hey daredevil! Cool little Vick movie avatar you got there!

[Kchrpm]

Other than YOU BEING A HOMER, WHERE IS YOUR PROOF, JPW???

I think the fact that he had a near Pro-Bowl year without the natural physical talents you expect of a Pro-Bowler to be a testament to his football mind. A mind is what's needed to mentor young QBs.

By the way, the childish name calling can take a hike.

[daredevil25]

Hey daredevil! Cool little Vick movie avatar you got there!

Yeah, I just hope my image hosting site doesn't crash because of it

The funny part is seeing the guy slide to catch Vick

[JPW]

"WHO HAS KITNA EVER MENTOR'D BEFORE?????????????????

Other than YOU BEING A HOMER, WHERE IS YOUR PROOF, JPW"

Who had Bledsoe ever mentor'd before Brady ?

Where was the proof that he was going to be a great teacher ?

Obviously this is not something that can be "proved" before the fact.

Kitna and Palmer have a very good working relationship.

Kitna has maintain the attitude of being willing to help Palmer in every way that he can.

Kitna has backed up this attitude with his actions all through last season.

Everything that we have seen so far indicates that Kitna will do a good job of mentoring Plamer.

But you are Right....I can't Prove it.

So tell me, where is your Proof for the "Yikes" statement ?

Me a "Homer" ?

Well I am a Bengals Fan.

And I do choose to have a positive outlook on life.

So Yea I am expecting Good things for The Bengals.

Yes I think that this year's team will be an improvement over last year's.

Yes I think that they will be a Better Team and I AM Hopeing for a 10 and 6 year.

If that Makes me a "Homer", well so be it.

The ("F..... your "Yikes" statement") thing was not meant to be personal.

"Yikes" was a rather strong way of expressing your seeming contempt of the notion that Kitna could possiblly mentor anybody.

My responce was just my way of Expressing that I Strongly Disagree.

Kitna is a class act.

I think that he has earned the right to a bit of respect and maybe even to the benefit of the doubt.

Since no one can prove or dis-prove how much success he will have as Palmer's mentor.

As for my name, no way I get into that with you.

I have already seen the many posts concerning YOUR name.

Play Offs in 04....

[kevnz]

Bledsoe isn't a mentor....Kitna is a trained teacher. Charlie Weiss mentored Brady. Bledsoe was extremely protective of his spot(now we know why). Kitna has been praised by everybody on the team for his ability to coach players....His WR's praised him, his QB behind him praised him, his QB coach praised him, his offensive coordinator praised him, and his head coach praised him...

So who has he mentored before? The question to ask is who has he had behind him to mentor before...He was always at the bottom of the charts and had to fight his way up. It wasn't until he was made the starter of this team that he had the chance....I wouldn't be suprised to see him end up a coach in the league after his playing days are up...He did a hell of a lot for not having the skills that other starting QB's have....

[Indycat]

Bengals 12-4

Ravens 9-7

Steelers 7-9

Browns 3-13

1st round bye

2nd round host KC

AFC championsship at Colts

SuperBowl vs Philly.......Bengals 30 Eagles 17.....Yea Baby

Our defense will be improved enough to get some crucial stops.

Our offense can score on anybody.

With the additions through the draft and free agency our special teams will be amoung the league leaders.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Bengals 12-4

Ravens 9-7

Steelers 7-9

Browns 3-13

1st round bye

2nd round host KC

AFC championsship at Colts

SuperBowl vs Philly.......Bengals 30 Eagles 17.....Yea Baby

Our defense will be improved enough to get some crucial stops.

Our offense can score on anybody.

With the additions through the draft and free agency our special teams will be amoung the league leaders.

I dunno...there's just something I like about this post! :player:

And how appropriate you pick another Eagles choke job!! That must have been the easiest pick of the lot!

[jditty47]

man i would love for that to come true. *crosses fingers and toes*

[daredevil25]

Bengals in the SB is a big stretch to me, but they're good enough to make the playoffs and depending on how the season progresses (injuries, cuts, etc) they may be good enough to win the Lombardi.

[redsfan2]

We improve by 2 games as the defensive coaches try to hold their jobs for another year. 10 and 6 in a frustrating season that sees us not putting together a long enough winning or losing streak to stop the squabbling over Carson Palmer or Jon Kitna and Rudi Johnson or Chris Perry.

No post season as the Ratbirds sneak in ahead of us .... again and the wild card comes from the AFC East. But We get a huge monkey off our back with our first winning season in ...... ??

...... ??? When was that again ????????