Next Week is going to be a joke!

[walzav29]

Yeah. I've thrown in the towel as well. They'll go 3-4 in the last 7 or something. The only question is DT or OL with their 1st rounder. I say OL. As for this weeks game this whole T.O. / Romo thing will mean he'll get like 250 yards. Remember that preseason game with the Eagles in 2005? McNabb and T.O. were supposed to be having issues and they blew the Bengals doors off. Without Palmer? Forgettabout it. By the way. Who was that guy who thought Fitzpatrick would spark the team? Funny.

[gregstephens]

Yeah. I've thrown in the towel as well. They'll go 3-4 in the last 7 or something. The only question is DT or OL with their 1st rounder. I say OL. As for this weeks game this whole T.O. / Romo thing will mean he'll get like 250 yards. Remember that preseason game with the Eagles in 2005? McNabb and T.O. were supposed to be having issues and they blew the Bengals doors off. Without Palmer? Forgettabout it. By the way. Who was that guy who thought Fitzpatrick would spark the team? Funny.

Whoever that was that made the suggestion to start Fitz shouldn't feel that bad, actually. I can't say the team did marginally worse with him, nor would have done leagues better with Palmer. The whole team has sucked all season. The o-line is the o-line. The running game is the running game. Palmer wasn't setting the world on fire. Made sense to bench him if there was a legitimate issue as to his elbow.

Anyone here swear we'd have won that game if Palmer had been in?

[Ickey44]

Well, I'd say Palmer doesn't make the two glaring mistakes on the INT's like Ryan did, but Palmer also doesn't get us those first downs with his legs either. I don't know. We'll probably find out about Ryan this week though. Sounds like Palmer won't play again. There's even rumors of Tommy John surgery????

[Spor_tees]

Yeah. I've thrown in the towel as well. They'll go 3-4 in the last 7 or something. The only question is DT or OL with their 1st rounder. I say OL. As for this weeks game this whole T.O. / Romo thing will mean he'll get like 250 yards. Remember that preseason game with the Eagles in 2005? McNabb and T.O. were supposed to be having issues and they blew the Bengals doors off. Without Palmer? Forgettabout it. By the way. Who was that guy who thought Fitzpatrick would spark the team? Funny.

Fitz played a lot worse than he really is. This week I think there were some real nerves at work. In the preseason, regardless that it was against second teamers or not, his passes were a lot more crisp and his accuracy was much better. You also have to realize he was playing with guys he actually practiced with...not guys like Chad and TJ who skipped all the voluntaries. If Fitz starts again this week, even though it is against a better defense, he will play better. Fitz obviously showed that he has better mobility than Palmer that helped avoid some of the sacks. Besides, I don't think it matters who is back there at QB...the Bengals are going to lose game after game this year. You can change the coaches...or do whatever you want, the attitude of this team is just not changing and I am not sure what it is going to take to fix that.

[gregstephens]

Well, I'd say Palmer doesn't make the two glaring mistakes on the INT's like Ryan did, but Palmer also doesn't get us those first downs with his legs either. I don't know. We'll probably find out about Ryan this week though. Sounds like Palmer won't play again. There's even rumors of Tommy John surgery????

Looking at Palmer's TD to INT ratio numbers this season, I can't swear he wouldn't have made those two INT mistakes, or wouldn't have made others Fitz didn't, but I know what you are saying. Would we have had a better chance this last game? Probably, but who knows.

Haven't heard the Tommy John rumor. Thing is, even if that's true, we won't know until after it happens. You know, "He'll play this Sunday." "I'll play this Sunday".

[gregstephens]

Yeah. I've thrown in the towel as well. They'll go 3-4 in the last 7 or something. The only question is DT or OL with their 1st rounder. I say OL. As for this weeks game this whole T.O. / Romo thing will mean he'll get like 250 yards. Remember that preseason game with the Eagles in 2005? McNabb and T.O. were supposed to be having issues and they blew the Bengals doors off. Without Palmer? Forgettabout it. By the way. Who was that guy who thought Fitzpatrick would spark the team? Funny.

Fitz played a lot worse than he really is. This week I think there were some real nerves at work. In the preseason, regardless that it was against second teamers or not, his passes were a lot more crisp and his accuracy was much better. You also have to realize he was playing with guys he actually practiced with...not guys like Chad and TJ who skipped all the voluntaries. If Fitz starts again this week, even though it is against a better defense, he will play better. Fitz obviously showed that he has better mobility than Palmer that helped avoid some of the sacks. Besides, I don't think it matters who is back there at QB...the Bengals are going to lose game after game this year. You can change the coaches...or do whatever you want, the attitude of this team is just not changing and I am not sure what it is going to take to fix that.

And let's not discount the fact Fitz had what, one day of practice, before the Browns game? That wasn't a fair situation to put him in, all things given.

[walzav29]

When has Marvin EVER been honest about an injury? Warrick, Perry, Willie, TJ, the list goes on and on. Palmer is done for the year. Hopefully they'll at least get a new offensive coordinator an OL and a RB. The offense can come back next year. I'll guarantee Palmer is out for the year.

[membengal]

Frankly, I hope the new coach is more forthcoming with injury updates than ML has been. It gets old, after awhile, dealing with his smoke and mirrors.

[walzav29]

I wouldn't mind Brian Billick.

[Ickey44]

Yeah, at least Billick doesn't try to sugar-coat anything.

[agreen_112]

So you guys are all pretty much writing off this year now? We have no chance at all against the Cowboys? This is the NFL, teams don't just quit.

I think our secondary has performed well against a Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards. TO's just another big guy. If Hall can get some help over the top, a few good hits should be enough, we can shut down Dallas's passing game. Romo is still suspect in my opinion. We need to get after the QB with a lot of blitzing.

Remember an unbeatable Kansas City? Anything is possible.

Bengals win 9 games this year.

[gregstephens]

So you guys are all pretty much writing off this year now? We have no chance at all against the Cowboys? This is the NFL, teams don't just quit.

I think our secondary has performed well against a Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards. TO's just another big guy. If Hall can get some help over the top, a few good hits should be enough, we can shut down Dallas's passing game. Romo is still suspect in my opinion. We need to get after the QB with a lot of blitzing.

Remember an unbeatable Kansas City? Anything is possible.

Bengals win 9 games this year.

Allow me, fellas.

Yes, we are writing off this year. Right now. The team did it back in training camp. We're actually a little late on the issue.

No, we have no chance going TO Dallas and BEATING Dallas. Especially if Palmer does not play.

Finally, you are actually typing with a straight face that, with the schedule we have, we can win nine of the next twelve? We should be 2-2 right now at worst. We should have beaten a supposedly terrible Ravens team, and we should have beaten the Turds.

The secondary has exceeded expectations, largely because we had none. The rest of the entire team, both sides of the ball, is in shambles. You have still yet to describe for me what about the first four games makes you think we have any shot of even scoring an offensive touchdown against Dallas, much less winning the game.

[TJJackson]

You realize, of course that appealing to agreen with logic and reason is not unlike offering a delicious, perfectly cooked steak to a vegan, right?

[gregstephens]

You realize, of course that appealing to agreen with logic and reason is not unlike offering a delicious, perfectly cooked steak to a vegan, right?

I know. My profession sparks me to always argue, however, even in an obviously-losing cause. Can't help myself.

But even the vegan at some point has to say, "I'm not into steak, but if I were, that's a pretty good looking steak." Waiting to break that ceiling with agreen.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I like our chances, but it's going to be a real test.

Please stop drinking so much cough syrup.

[Riagogogoindanati]

I like our chances, but it's going to be a real test. The Cowboys were exposed last weekend. They aren't who we thought they are. Other teams are playing much better. With Tom Brady out, this year is WIDE open for Super Bowl. There are a lot of teams playing good football.

That's why I picked this NFC team to root for as a second to my Bengals. Thought you were thinking the Cowboys were the best team out there this year, that's why I jumped on their bandwagon. Since other teams are playing much better, maybe I should rethink who's bandwagon , I'm jumping onto. I don't think the NFC is wide open. A little reversal of fortune perhaps when looking at the toughness of the AFC vs. the NFC. Used to be you could get into the playoffs being 8-8 in the NFC but you had to be atleast 11-5 in the AFC. Looks like things have changed.

I do believe in Any Given Sunday........most of the time. I liked the movie.

[Ickey44]

You realize, of course that appealing to agreen with logic and reason is not unlike offering a delicious, perfectly cooked steak to a vegan, right?

I know. My profession sparks me to always argue, however, even in an obviously-losing cause. Can't help myself.

But even the vegan at some point has to say, "I'm not into steak, but if I were, that's a pretty good looking steak." Waiting to break that ceiling with agreen.

Don't hold your breathe....

[agreen_112]

So you guys are all pretty much writing off this year now? We have no chance at all against the Cowboys? This is the NFL, teams don't just quit.

I think our secondary has performed well against a Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards. TO's just another big guy. If Hall can get some help over the top, a few good hits should be enough, we can shut down Dallas's passing game. Romo is still suspect in my opinion. We need to get after the QB with a lot of blitzing.

Remember an unbeatable Kansas City? Anything is possible.

Bengals win 9 games this year.

Allow me, fellas.

Yes, we are writing off this year. Right now. The team did it back in training camp. We're actually a little late on the issue.

No, we have no chance going TO Dallas and BEATING Dallas. Especially if Palmer does not play.

Finally, you are actually typing with a straight face that, with the schedule we have, we can win nine of the next twelve? We should be 2-2 right now at worst. We should have beaten a supposedly terrible Ravens team, and we should have beaten the Turds.

The secondary has exceeded expectations, largely because we had none. The rest of the entire team, both sides of the ball, is in shambles. You have still yet to describe for me what about the first four games makes you think we have any shot of even scoring an offensive touchdown against Dallas, much less winning the game.

We'll just leave it at this Greg, I hope (for your sake) this is not the mentality that you are teaching your son. Would you tell your son that his little league team has absolutely NO chance in beating the best team in the league?

Since we've been making assumptions, I'll just say that I think you are a very negative person. That's not only just a terrible state of mind to have but your whole negative frame can be very infectious to those who are closest to you.

[gregstephens]

So you guys are all pretty much writing off this year now? We have no chance at all against the Cowboys? This is the NFL, teams don't just quit.

I think our secondary has performed well against a Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards. TO's just another big guy. If Hall can get some help over the top, a few good hits should be enough, we can shut down Dallas's passing game. Romo is still suspect in my opinion. We need to get after the QB with a lot of blitzing.

Remember an unbeatable Kansas City? Anything is possible.

Bengals win 9 games this year.

Allow me, fellas.

Yes, we are writing off this year. Right now. The team did it back in training camp. We're actually a little late on the issue.

No, we have no chance going TO Dallas and BEATING Dallas. Especially if Palmer does not play.

Finally, you are actually typing with a straight face that, with the schedule we have, we can win nine of the next twelve? We should be 2-2 right now at worst. We should have beaten a supposedly terrible Ravens team, and we should have beaten the Turds.

The secondary has exceeded expectations, largely because we had none. The rest of the entire team, both sides of the ball, is in shambles. You have still yet to describe for me what about the first four games makes you think we have any shot of even scoring an offensive touchdown against Dallas, much less winning the game.

We'll just leave it at this Greg, I hope (for your sake) this is not the mentality that you are teaching your son. Would you tell your son that his little league team has absolutely NO chance in beating the best team in the league?

Since we've been making assumptions, I'll just say that I think you are a very negative person. That's not only just a terrible state of mind to have but your whole negative frame can be very infectious to those who are closest to you.

You want to disagree with me on things, fine. I think it takes a small man and even smaller mind with no apparent ability to argue with reason and logic to get personal and attack family. You are either ten years old, or running for president.

Either way, you got anything to say to me in the future, don't bother. Until you grow up and act like an adult that can handle both criticism and humor, we've nothing to say to each other.

You think I'm negative, I don't really care. Unlike you, my responses on this board do not depend on how others view me, nor on how my meds may be working on any given day. I say what I think, I try to do so as respectfully as possible. Sometimes I use a little humor and sarcasm. We are all supposed to be friends here. Except you. You take everything personally, like you really ARE Mike Brown hiding under a screenname.

If you want the secret, we all like reading your posts because it continues to give us logical fans something to whack like a pinada without a blindfold. Your thoughts are illogical, delusional and not even justifiable given any set of circumstances or assumptions.

There, I attacked you back without mentioning family. Take notes.

[agreen_112]

Dude, I didn't attack family, I attacked you. I really do like you, I don't hate anyone but I can't stand negativity. We're talking about a game here and yes we should all be friends, the kind that can critisize each others posts.. I can make assumptions too. I think my assumption is VERY reasonable and logical based on what you have posted. You come across as a very negative person.

Instead of blasting me out of spite, try to step outside of yourself and look at your beliefs from another perspective. Beliefs can be limitations or permissions. It's very easy to say that you can't do something. That's a cop-out. Nothing is impossible.

The Bengals have every chance in the world to get this thing turned around. We're only 25% through the season.

Dallas isn't unstoppable and the Bengals aren't as bad as they are looking.

[gregstephens]

Hey gang. I heard through an unidentified and unreliable source that the Bengals aren't as bad as they have been looking. I feel much better now. Bengals 42, Cowboys 3.

[Stripes]

It was either the 2003 or 2004 Bills that started 0-4 and then barely missed the playoffs. That's the only recent example that comes to mind for me of a team digging a huge hole like the Bengals have and climbing back out of it into contention. I do not expect the Bengals to follow suit though, especially not with prolonged injury concerns surrounding Carson.

[volcom69]

Wow greg thanks i always knew the Bengals were a great team 12-4 here we come baby, those first couple of games was just the team taking it easy on those other teams. LOL LOL this teams a joke this year lol.

[gregstephens]

Wow greg thanks i always knew the Bengals were a great team 12-4 here we come baby, those first couple of games was just the team taking it easy on those other teams. LOL LOL this teams a joke this year lol.

That was my reaction when the post before mine said it. I breathed a sigh of relief. I'm glad all my negativity was for nothing. Super Bowl here we come!

Seriously, I'd crap, happily, if we did manage to win 42-3.

[preyer]

'Romo is still suspect in my opinion. We need to get after the QB with a lot of blitzing.'

what more proof do you need, a? the one game the 'boys lost this year was to the skins, one of the biggest rivalry games in football. and it wasn't as if dallas was blown out of the water on every level. it's like when michigan was on the bottom and ohio state was number one, you knew michigan was going to play a hard game if for no other reason than pride.

is the bengals pride on the line? i mean more than usual?

i agree, fitz will be in if just to have an excuse to lose. he, of course, still has pride and will do his damndest. they'll still lose (the line is 17 right now), but if memory serves there was another second-stringer who played dallas and did a helluva job, and he, (edited) jeff blake, went on to start for many years. smith's problem was being a glory hound who could never get the ball over the finish line. i don't see that attitude with fitz. not yet anyway. besides, he's got to do an admirable job this weekend to be taken seriously. fitz will want to win more than anyone else ~ if he does, maybe he can get the hell outta cincy and *snicker* be back-up for detroit.

the overwhelming amount of evidence states with ten foot high glowing neon letters that this is dallas' game to lose, and they will only lose if they seriously underestimate the bengals. and that's an enormous amount of underestimating.

what's dallas' weakness/es? and who on the bengals will be there to exploit it/them? dallas isn't perfect by far, but as long as jessica simpson doesn't wear a pink jersey, chances are good someone on the visiting team will get hurt. (this is where someone starts a new thread with suggestions for fitz's epitaph.)

negative... or realistic? it's fine and dandy to be all chipper about the odds, especially when no one in their right mind gives you the slightest chance, but when you're being realistic, which always carries with it the charbroiled whiff of looming disaster or at least connotes tarnishing along silver linings (optimists would call it a 'patina', which is another word for 'crud'), being so upbeat relates more to ignorance than anything else.

here's a quick analogy: eleven guys are standing on the gallows, waiting for the knots to be tightened around their necks. one guy on the end says, 'well, at least it's a beautiful day out, fellas!' and then he starts singing 'ca sera sera.' who do you think is going to take the drop first, much to the relief of *everyone*?

so, in essense, what a bengals fan has left is gallows humour. why would anyone deny that?