I could care less about getting respect but..

[walzav29]

If the Bengals and Steelers reversed roles right now. If the Bengals were getting Carson killed and throwing it all the time at 6-5 they would say they won't even make the playoffs. If the Steelers were #1 scoring defense and running the ball like crazy it would be The Steel Curtain is going to do it again and thats a recipe for playoff success. Everyone is still waiting on Pittsburgh to just hit the switch and they will roll into the playoffs and win it all. I hate all of the respect talk and this team plays better without expectations. I just find it funny.

[jonahdsage]

before those conversations change, we'll have to take it to the big show baby. The pundits can say what you will but our team is built to make a run. Let's hope we stay healthy and our passing game synchs up.

[redsbengalsbucks]

If the Bengals and Steelers reversed roles right now. If the Bengals were getting Carson killed and throwing it all the time at 6-5 they would say they won't even make the playoffs. If the Steelers were #1 scoring defense and running the ball like crazy it would be The Steel Curtain is going to do it again and thats a recipe for playoff success. Everyone is still waiting on Pittsburgh to just hit the switch and they will roll into the playoffs and win it all. I hate all of the respect talk and this team plays better without expectations. I just find it funny.

Past history is a big factor in all the talking heads thinking. Seems kind of dumb considering the amount of turnover from year to year on all NFL teams.

[walzav29]

The talking heads don't seem to study the past. The list of great offenses that don't win the Superbowl is so long it's crazy. I really want to see the Bengals destroy the Lions. Just kill them. It would make me feel better about the drop in passing production since Henry's injury.

[bwillycuse]

NO seems to be getting all the credit with zero championships and a history of losing.

But 11-0 helps.

[NJ29]

Before I was kinda glad we were getting knocked and nobody believed in us, but this is the first week that it's really started to annoy me.

On Fan Nation, Colin Cowherd was talking about how, "In January, when it's cold out, and Carson Palmer can't throw the ball, I'll take The Patriots." Despite the fact that we're clearly a running team at this point.

When discussing how there aren't any Super Bowl winning defenses this year, Steve Young says, "I don't know if there are any this year. The Steelers are down, the Ravens are down, I don't know about the Cahrgers, offense is gonna win it this year." He COMPLETELY skates over the fact that the Bengals shut down the Ravens and Steelers offenses that were supposed to be so good and beat them at their own game with defense. It would be one thing if he said he wasn't sure about our D, but he just ignored the fact that this team is a contender.

[Ickey44]

Before I was kinda glad we were getting knocked and nobody believed in us, but this is the first week that it's really started to annoy me.

On Fan Nation, Colin Cowherd was talking about how, "In January, when it's cold out, and Carson Palmer can't throw the ball, I'll take The Patriots." Despite the fact that we're clearly a running team at this point.

When discussing how there aren't any Super Bowl winning defenses this year, Steve Young says, "I don't know if there are any this year. The Steelers are down, the Ravens are down, I don't know about the Cahrgers, offense is gonna win it this year." He COMPLETELY skates over the fact that the Bengals shut down the Ravens and Steelers offenses that were supposed to be so good and beat them at their own game with defense. It would be one thing if he said he wasn't sure about our D, but he just ignored the fact that this team is a contender.

Steve Young is a douche and shouldn't be on TV. This is the one thing about ex-players being on TV is that they can't let go of old bias' against teams they don't like. Unfortunately, most analysts now are ex-players. But I'm fine if they stay under the radar. The more the Bengals are doubted, the more motivated they'll be. Keep it coming.

[COB]

Cowherd just spouts conventional wisdom. He'll admit he doesn't analyze anything, he's just there to entertain.

Steve Young just isn't very bright. I don't care if he went to law school, he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time.

There are media types who give the Bengals respect, and they are some of the folks who really know football, like Mike Ditka. Phil Simms also has been touting the Bengals from the start of the season.

Truly, when Marvin says, "we haven't won anything yet," he's right. So don't expect a bunch of ugly wins to turn the heads of national media types who slobber all over the Steelers and the Patriots. Those teams have a history of winning division and conference championships.

We have a history of being the division doormat, and a reputation for being a dysfunctionaly organization. Turn that around for even a couple of seasons, and not only will the football types (Ditka and Simms) be on us, but guys who are nothing more than talking heads, like Young, will be on board as well.

The only way to get them to respect you is to make them respect you.

[Wraith]

Colin is the worst talking head in the business, when we starts talking about business and economics he makes my head hurt, he tries to skate through his talk show without doing any real work he is kind of the anti-Lance McAllister.

[HairOnFire]

Why would anyone expect a talking head to believe in this team more than the AVERAGE Bengal fan does?

I'm not joking. Troll a couple of Bengal messageboards. Read the threads.

Blah blah blah....they need to throw the ball more.

Blah blah blah....they can't beat good teams this way.

Blah blah blah....what's wrong with Carson Palmer

Blah blah blah....they may be a playoff team, but they're doomed to one and done status.

Bottom Line: I'm guessing more Bengal fans DON'T believe in this team than those who do.

[kingwilly]

Colin is the worst talking head in the business, when we starts talking about business and economics he makes my head hurt, he tries to skate through his talk show without doing any real work he is kind of the anti-Lance McAllister.

His comment about when its cold in January, he wants Tom Brady....I just kind of laughed.

When he talks politics and business and economics, he is a mickey mouse simplifier...

I love when he uses the term "ergo".... I laugh hard. On his sportsnation show, he takes a beating from Michelle Beadle (sic?). At least we can take comfort in him getting hammered daily by her.

In fact, early this year, he gave his "picks" for the college weekend and missed EVERY game. EVERY game.

As far as opinion and substance, he is just a pot stirrer, a soup tender, not a chef.

[kingwilly]

Why would anyone expect a talking head to believe in this team more than the AVERAGE Bengal fan does?

I'm not joking. Troll a couple of Bengal messageboards. Read the threads.

Blah blah blah....they need to throw the ball more.

Blah blah blah....they can't beat good teams this way.

Blah blah blah....what's wrong with Carson Palmer

Blah blah blah....they may be a playoff team, but they're doomed to one and done status.

Bottom Line: I'm guessing more Bengal fans DON'T believe in this team than those who do.

I agree with you on most points, but seriously, do you think Carson's mechanics and arm look right? To me, something is just is not quite there.

For the record, I have preached GRIND for as long as I can remember. This is the path to glory. From time to time, a team like the Rams or Indy can just overwhelm the opponent in the SB with firepower but the majority of teams RUN the ball and STOP the run extremely well.

[Pidge]

The talking heads don't seem to study the past. The list of great offenses that don't win the Superbowl is so long it's crazy.

Good point, The Steelers were the 20th ranked scoring O last season. New York Giants were 14th. So, having a run of the mill offense doesn't mean you're doomed to failure. Then a various mix for the seasons beofre. 3rd for the Colts etc.

In fact, most of the last half dozen or so SB champs were deeply flawed teams in their own different ways. They came through them in the end. We're in a good position.

[101Airborne]

I can't say that I don't care about respect for my team. I like seeing them in the top 5 in power rankings each week and I like reading stories on sports news sites about how good they are. But when it really comes down to it, it's not about the media giving us any sort of "respect" as much as it is about good journalism. Statements about Carson not being able to throw in the cold are mind blowingly moronic. I don't care if the pundits don't want to slobber all over the Bengals but at least have SOME idea of what the hell the team has been doing to win all year. Comments about the Steelers and Ravens not having the D of the past while totally overlooking the number one D in the country in points allowed is just ignorant. It isn't about respect, even grudging respect, it's about at least making comments that are in touch with reality.

Even if they want to come out and say "The Bengals D has been playing well but I don't think they've got the same calibre of squad as the Superbowl Ravens." I'm fine with that, at least it shows that they are paying attention to what's going on instead of just idiotically yammering into the mic.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

The talking heads don't seem to study the past. The list of great offenses that don't win the Superbowl is so long it's crazy. I really want to see the Bengals destroy the Lions. Just kill them. It would make me feel better about the drop in passing production since Henry's injury.

Really? You mean like the 49ers and Montana, Kurt Warner and the Rams, Aikman and the Cowboys offense, Manning and the Colts, Brady and the Pats? I think teams like the Steelers, Giants and Titans just had good balance, and other than the Steelers, defensive teams like the Ravens and Titans are one year wonders who never seem to get over the playoff hump consistently (unlike the Colts and Pats who are there every year - now Warner's doing it again in Arizona - would hardly call them a defensive team either).

Scoring points gets you to the SB - you are not going to stop Manning or Drew Brees from scoring points no matter how good you are on defense, you have to keep up!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Why would anyone expect a talking head to believe in this team more than the AVERAGE Bengal fan does?

I'm not joking. Troll a couple of Bengal messageboards. Read the threads.

Blah blah blah....they need to throw the ball more.

Blah blah blah....they can't beat good teams this way.

Blah blah blah....what's wrong with Carson Palmer

Blah blah blah....they may be a playoff team, but they're doomed to one and done status.

Bottom Line: I'm guessing more Bengal fans DON'T believe in this team than those who do.

I agree with you on most points, but seriously, do you think Carson's mechanics and arm look right? To me, something is just is not quite there.

I think he looks fine when he isn't being chased, pounded or having his passing lanes blocked by 6'7" guys getting pushed back into him.

[walzav29]

The talking heads don't seem to study the past. The list of great offenses that don't win the Superbowl is so long it's crazy. I really want to see the Bengals destroy the Lions. Just kill them. It would make me feel better about the drop in passing production since Henry's injury.

Really? You mean like the 49ers and Montana, Kurt Warner and the Rams, Aikman and the Cowboys offense, Manning and the Colts, Brady and the Pats? I think teams like the Steelers, Giants and Titans just had good balance, and other than the Steelers, defensive teams like the Ravens and Titans are one year wonders who never seem to get over the playoff hump consistently (unlike the Colts and Pats who are there every year - now Warner's doing it again in Arizona - would hardly call them a defensive team either).

Scoring points gets you to the SB - you are not going to stop Manning or Drew Brees from scoring points no matter how good you are on defense, you have to keep up!

Good Points. 84 49ers #1 pts allowed

99 Rams 4th pts allowed

92 Dallas 5th pts allowed

You talk about the Ravens and I will tell you they had no quarterback and I'll take Palmer. The point is that routinely these teams that can run and stop scoring do well. You throw in a Pro Bowl QB and you get a Superbowl. How do you think the Bears/Colts Superbowl would have turned out if they had Palmer instead of Rex? Do you remember who the Bears beat to get to that Superbowl? The high flying Saints. All of those amazing Peyton seasons and NE's defense made the difference.

[kevnz]

Win the damn Super Bowl and this isn't a problem again. Until then people will slight the team, they will only remember the bad things and the team will only be screw up away from the "Bungles" again....Winning a super bowl solves those problems and removes stains for good.

[JoePong]

The issue is not whether the bengals are a good running team, or a good passing team, or a bad passing team. This issue is whether they can sustain drives long enough to put touchdowns on the board, whatever route they come by.

If they can do that by running on every down and never have to throw it, that's fine. But the fact is, they aren't doing that. They are barely scoing any offensive TDs at all. And that's what has left this team in precarious situations where a fluke play can cost them the game.

So all this argument about what tyoe of offense they run is kind of ridiculous. That's not the issue.

[HairOnFire]

Perhaps the following article will help explain where all of the sniping is coming from....

Being cautious on Palmer, others in rankings

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | Feedback | Print Entry

There are so many bad teams in the NFL, squads that can't defend the pass, the run or just about anything that it's actually forced me to adjust my fantasy football thinking just a bit. Take Carson Palmer, for example. In Week 12 against the awful Cleveland Browns Palmer was a huge fantasy disappointment, throwing for a mere 110 yards, though he did find the time to complete a touchdown pass. This week Palmer's Cincinnati Bengals face the Detroit Lions. They're pretty bad, too, but what if Palmer doesn't need to throw the ball again?

That's the risk in fantasy football, that an owner overreacts to what appears to be a cake matchup and makes a lineup decision they wouldn't normally make. I did rank Palmer in the top 10 at quarterback this week, but more because I couldn't find 10 quarterbacks I really liked, whether due to matchup or their performance trend. I mean, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner didn't even play in Week 13, and while I suspect that changes this week, they were the two quarterbacks I ranked after Palmer. I'm not all that enamored about any of them this week.

This is why Aaron Rodgers is such a joy to own. The matchup doesn't matter. He never pulls a Palmer and fails to take advantage of a bad defense. He puts up numbers all the time. Sure, Ryan Grant is a nice player and the Green Bay Packers can run the ball, but couldn't you just see Palmer handing off to Cedric Benson, Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott so much that the Bengals cruise to a boring 21-6 win this week? I could. And that never happens with Rodgers.

[Pidge]

Palmer wants to win. Let Marino enjoy the acclaim that comes with being a great QB sans the hardware. I'm sure if palmer doesn't throw the ball once more this season and he ends up at the end of the rainbow, he'll sleep quite soundly.

I mean, why throw the ball if you don't have to? Three things can happen when you throw the football, and two of them are bad.

[Reimersfan88]

The issue is not whether the bengals are a good running team, or a good passing team, or a bad passing team. This issue is whether they can sustain drives long enough to put touchdowns on the board, whatever route they come by.

If they can do that by running on every down and never have to throw it, that's fine. But the fact is, they aren't doing that. They are barely scoing any offensive TDs at all. And that's what has left this team in precarious situations where a fluke play can cost them the game.

So all this argument about what tyoe of offense they run is kind of ridiculous. That's not the issue.

This I agree with wholeheartedly.

[kingwilly]

The issue is not whether the bengals are a good running team, or a good passing team, or a bad passing team. This issue is whether they can sustain drives long enough to put touchdowns on the board, whatever route they come by.

If they can do that by running on every down and never have to throw it, that's fine. But the fact is, they aren't doing that. They are barely scoing any offensive TDs at all. And that's what has left this team in precarious situations where a fluke play can cost them the game.

So all this argument about what tyoe of offense they run is kind of ridiculous. That's not the issue.

But Joe, that may be where your ramblings have led you but that is not anything close to what you started with.

Given the time it has taken for you to "evolve" your position and thinking to this statement above, it is no wonder you take such a beating.

Consider that this team has scored 24 offensive TD's. Given this team is not relying on the "big play" to score, and they are right near the top in time of possession, in the top 10 in 3rd down %, and among the leaders in red-zone efficiency.

I think we ALL agree that it would be desirable to score more TD's rather that FG's. I think we all would like to see more efficiency and more accurate throws when they do pass, and I think this does boil down to protection. I think the playcalls also have a function in that as well.

If this team can grind out scores by running the ball, there should be no concern about the passing game. So far, they have, and have won 8 of 11 games, and there is no reason to think they can't win at least 3 of their next 5 games and go head-to-head with the likes of Indy, NE and SD. None of them have the defense to defend this running game.

If you simply don't like this style of play, then maybe that is your problem.

[Kazkal]

I mean, why throw the ball if you don't have to? Three things can happen when you throw the football, and two of them are bad.

True that,people becoming spoiled because of patriots who try run up the score & pad their stats...4 seconds left were up by 30? Hail Marry!

[JoePong]

Like I said, the style of play is not what I am concerned with. Who the hell cares about style of play???

What I am concerned with is the ability to sustain drives and to score TDs frequently enough to win an NFL championship.

As far as I know, there is no rule that says if you are a dominant running team that you have to settle for field goals and are forbidden to score touchdowns. You act like we have to make a choice between being a running team and being able to score points. Guess what, you can do both. And you have to in order to win the superbowl. Right now, we are not.