One f**king offensive TD against the Detroit Lions???

[COB]

Are you kidding me????

This is getting seriously ridiculous!

I was partly joking when I started a thread a few weeks ago saying this offense is totally incapable of scoring more than 17 points against anyone.

We have played 12 games. In 10 of the 12 games, our offense has failed to score more than 17 points. That is pretty much the definiton of ineptitude.

Is this the worst bengals offense you have ever seen?

We only scored one offensive touchdown against the Lions?

How many did we need to score?

[walzav29]

There is no such thing as a bad negative post. Every Bengal fan has a different perspective. The point of this crap is to calm eachother down and help eachother to see the brightside. The passong game is a concern. We all know that, BUT this isn't like a 2000 Ravens team with no QB. We Know that Carson can do it. Let's not forget this passing game brought 3 game winning drives. (Should have been 4) Yes it needs to get a little better, but we had another 100 yard rusher, and the D played great. I will still take Palmer and 80 yards with the game on the line.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I'm with Hoosier - every week I get greedier. I want the #2 bye - and I do think we need more offense to get a win in the playoffs.

I personally believe that the blitz pickups (or lack thereof) is a large part of the problem. They seem to be constantly having plays disrupted by blitzes that seem to catch Carson and the line by surprise. Or like today, with the DB blitz that nobody saw that led to a fumble.

What I don't know is, who's screwing this up? Who's supposed to be making these reads at the line, and isn't? Or is the problem that they don't have an adequate checkdown in the plays that Brat is calling?

[derekshank]

The first quarter of that game was as bad as I've seen the Bengals play this whole season. They also showed a lack of killer instinct late and nearly found themselves with a 1-possession lead.

That said, it didn't significantly differ from what I expected. Didn't it look an awful lot like the Browns game? It did to me. Run the clock down with a 2 possession lead for the majority of the game.

Palmer had a much worse game than I would have hoped. Not sure why, but the running game continues to do what it has been doing. And there aren't many teams that will be able to shut down the Bengals rushing game. Combine that with the defense, and they have a punchers chance against anyone.

But yeah. It's hard not to be a little disappointed in the offensive production. But, as was pointed out earlier, the NFL doesn't give out style points. We'd all like to see them play better against bad teams... but I'm sure Saints fans have the same complaint. Beat Minnesota next week, regardless of style - and all is forgiven.

[gregstephens]

Hey, JoePong, the offense today scored...you guessed it...16 points. The Bengals are just mocking you now, man. They have things under control, winning 9 of 12, and still managing to make you look foolish for crying when they win. Face it, Joe, they are in your head.

[Pidge]

lmao

[chandon]

Just a thought, but could it be that Carson doesn't have a huge amount of confidence in his receivers? We all know Carson has the skills and the talent of a top QB, but with Chad constantly double-covered what options does Carson have to throw to? Coles is suspect with the dropsies and Henry is out! There is no other experienced receiver available. This could be playing on CP mentally, and either making him reluctant to pass or nervous. Either way, he just doesn't look himself on most passes. The TD to Chad was a wonderfully accurate pass of a QB who has full confidence in his receiver, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Don't get me wrong. I am passed delighted with our results so far, and win is a win. But when you look to the next stage...playoffs...the manner in which we squeaked past lesser oposition does worry me. As does the constant drops and penalties. You won't get passed the top teams by letting them back into the game with stupid errors. The running game will be a great deal more difficult against the better opposition, and we will have to pass. I think we are missing TJ, and this is something that will have to be fixed before next season.

Am I expecting too much progress in one year? Propbably. But I like what I have seen as far as improvement this year, and I actually believe we still have a shot at a ring. They just have to coach better in the pass and get teams to fear it again. Right now, I think you'll see less deep coverage and more run defense from opposition. I will be watching with great interest the next this week at Minny, as it is on Sky here in the UK. It should be a good indication as to where we stand, as will SD the week after.

[Wraith]

The Bye weeks end this week, Minnesota is a chance to get the offense rev'ed up for the biggest game the rest of the year vs. San Diego. It makes very little difference if we beat Minny except for pride, we NEED to beat San Diego and we need to get our offense on track for that game. This slow down game works for teams that do not have the offense capable of beating you on the big play, yes it backfired against Oakland but it was still the right strategy IMHO as the game against Pittsburgh shows, if Pittsburgh had been able to grind out the game they would have won but the aren't and except for some incredible bad luck we would have beaten the Raiders too.

This week we have to crank up the passing game, it makes little difference if we win the game but we certainly need to shake off the rust so that we can be ready to play a complete game against San Diego, at stake is a first round bye and making them come to play us in late January for a chance to play in the AFC championship game!

[gregstephens]

The Bye weeks end this week, Minnesota is a chance to get the offense rev'ed up for the biggest game the rest of the year vs. San Diego. It makes very little difference if we beat Minny except for pride, we NEED to beat San Diego and we need to get our offense on track for that game. This slow down game works for teams that do not have the offense capable of beating you on the big play, yes it backfired against Oakland but it was still the right strategy IMHO as the game against Pittsburgh shows, if Pittsburgh had been able to grind out the game they would have won but the aren't and except for some incredible bad luck we would have beaten the Raiders too.

This week we have to crank up the passing game, it makes little difference if we win the game but we certainly need to shake off the rust so that we can be ready to play a complete game against San Diego, at stake is a first round bye and making them come to play us in late January for a chance to play in the AFC championship game!

I don't think a win over Minnesota is necessarily meaningless. First, we'd clench the division with our next win, should Baltimore lose today. Second, if we lose in Minnesota and SD wins next week, we go to San Diego with a one-game disadvantage for the second seed. While both of those are contingencies, the Viking game could have a lot of meaning.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Pong's idiocy is well documented, but I'm honestly baffled. The offense ranks towards the middle of the league in scoring.

Exactly. Hence the issue. They're in the middle. Is the glass half full...or half empty?

I'd have to think half full when the defense ranks at the top in scoring. Score more than you allow, right?

Yup, except the O still has to score something. And man, it's like pulling teeth to get across the goal line with this team. Even Sideshow Bob, in that Daugherty pieced I referenced earlier, owns up to doubts about his playcalling. I don't have any answers. If I did I would be making a lot more coin.

I just keep my fingers crossed every week.

Me too. And I liked Bob's admitting to doubts.

But trick one is to put yourself in position to play a 17th game, something this team has been AWFUL at doing. They've figured that out, it would appear, assuming they can find one more win or so in the next four.

So, trick two is making adjustments to gameplan and approach is need be as season two approaches. That is something fairly new. I am hoping they have something up their sleeve for Minny offensively. Part of me hopes that they have held some stuff back these last three weeks, in the why-show-it-if-you-do-not-have-to theory. They may have a little something up their sleeve for the Vikings and Chargers. I hope they do.

I am looking forward to finding out. This is soooo much better than the alternative.

And, by the way, good heads up on stillers.com from the game thread. They are in three-mile-island meltdown over there.

/>http://forums.stillers.com/search.php?search_id=active_topics

Wow, those so-called die-hard Stealrs fans sure dont know how to handle a tough season do they.

I cant believe that I am now a Stealers fan for the next Ravens-v-Stealers matchup.

[BengalByTheBay]

Hey, JoePong, the offense today scored...you guessed it...16 points. The Bengals are just mocking you now, man. They have things under control, winning 9 of 12, and still managing to make you look foolish for crying when they win. Face it, Joe, they are in your head.

Ok, that was nice.

I think what the ponger is missing is simply that no team is great in every phase of the game. Nobody is oblivious to the fact that the vertical game isn't clicking, least of all the Bengals. I do think they're making efforts to fix it (36 yarder to Chad) but they're trying to do so within the context of the strengths established so far and without going nuts about it. They're not going to come out and throw a post, followed by a flea flicker, followed by another post, so don't lose your mind demanding it. On the other hand, go ahead an lose your mind - it's mildly entertaining.

[COB]

They may have a little something up their sleeve for the Vikings and Chargers. I hope they do.

The flea flicker will be there. If they run it on a first down when they have the extra tackle in to overload one side, it will work. Chad only needs one feint toward run support by a corner and he'll beat the guy deep.

[bpepper]

This is getting pretty funny. Everyone else has said what needs to be said as regards our 9-3 record. At 9-3, I could give a f*ck if we win 3-0 every week. Nine and freakin three.

But, I too would like it this year, and on that note - i still have no idea what all the commotion is. We still have Carson Palmer, we still have Chad, and although Carson's been a little iffy here and there, when the game's on the line, and we need to move down the field, there's no one I'd rather have firing passes and no one I'd rather have catching them in 85. Losing Chris Henry is a huge blow, and with Palmer waxing nostalgic for TJ he's definitely wishing he had another target or two. So step it up Coles, earn your money. Not sure why Caldwell's not getting open more. Pass protection's been a bit weaker too - Roland isn't foolproof, but with Andre working in we're in good shape.

Also, remember if it wasn't for one particular piss-poor excuse for a TE we'd have scored Joe Pong's 17 points. That's two passing TDs, and failure to do so has nothing to do with Carson or the rest of the offense. 100% on Marvin for even allowing Coats to run a route. He shouldn't be allowed past the line of scrimmage unless he's blocking. Maybe an electric dog-collar? Carson does tend to throw to the open receiver, so it's awfully deceptive to let him run out there and pretend he is a receiver.

[HairOnFire]

I have a confession to make.

I was pretty happy when they threw to Coats.

Not kidding.

Last week I was this close >< to writing a post about how it was time to try again. How this team can't afford to have a checkdown option they're too afraid to throw to.

But I couldn't bring myself to write the words.

Because it's Coats we're talking about, right?

But I was thinking it.

And I just had to tell someone my secret shame.

Please don't judge me too harshly.

[Pidge]

I trust all further thoughts will be put out of your mind post-haste.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Last week I was this close >< to writing a post about how it was time to try again. How this team can't afford to have a checkdown option they're too afraid to throw to.

That's funny. When it happened, there was a second where I thought I accidentally fired up an old game I still had on my DVR from like 6 weeks ago. I thought we'd seen the end of that madness. Afterward, it did occur to me that up a couple scores against the Lions, might as well see if a few weeks off helped him get over his case of the Pinkstons. Apparently not. I trust we can dispense with him now?

And I just had to tell someone my secret shame.

I have every confidence you have scarier skeletons in your closet.

[derekshank]

It's true Hair. They can't afford a TE that you can't throw to. Especially inside the 10.

Which is why I'm now of the opinion that Chase Coffman is actually a rumor. Mizz made him up as a joke to see if they could get a team to draft someone that doesn't exist. My friends and I did the same thing in highschool. And a kid who doesn't exist has diploma. At this point, Mike Brown is just too proud to admit he got fooled. Seriously... Is there any real evidence that he exists?

[JoePong]

Let me get this straight...

The Detroit Lions offense, which supposedly completely sucks, was able to score 2 TDs against the stingiest defense in the NFL.

The Bengals offense, playing against the worst defense in the NFL, could only score 1 TD.

[HairOnFire]

I trust we can dispense with him now?

Not a chance.

Sadly, I was hoping to get one in the bag before making Coats the Bengals secret weapon in Miami. But maybe this way is better...because nobody will be expecting it now.

[Pidge]

Let me get this straight...

The Detroit Lions offense, which supposedly completely sucks, was able to score 2 TDs against the stingiest defense in the NFL.

The Bengals offense, playing against the worst defense in the NFL, could only score 1 TD.

Edit: Yep.

[BengalByTheBay]

It's true Hair. They can't afford a TE that you can't throw to. Especially inside the 10.

Which is why I'm now of the opinion that Chase Coffman is actually a rumor. Mizz made him up as a joke to see if they could get a team to draft someone that doesn't exist. My friends and I did the same thing in highschool. And a kid who doesn't exist has diploma. At this point, Mike Brown is just too proud to admit he got fooled. Seriously... Is there any real evidence that he exists?

50,000 push ups say he's real.

"Chase....chase....CHASE....chaaase"

[JoePong]

Hey, JoePong, the offense today scored...you guessed it...16 points. The Bengals are just mocking you now, man. They have things under control, winning 9 of 12, and still managing to make you look foolish for crying when they win. Face it, Joe, they are in your head.

Ok, that was nice.

I think what the ponger is missing is simply that no team is great in every phase of the game. Nobody is oblivious to the fact that the vertical game isn't clicking, least of all the Bengals. I do think they're making efforts to fix it (36 yarder to Chad) but they're trying to do so within the context of the strengths established so far and without going nuts about it. They're not going to come out and throw a post, followed by a flea flicker, followed by another post, so don't lose your mind demanding it. On the other hand, go ahead an lose your mind - it's mildly entertaining.

I don't expect the bengals to be great in every phase of the game. I expect their offense to be good enough to score TDs. And once again... I am not complaining about the lack of a vertical passing game. I don't know why you guys keep bringing that up as if that is what I am complaining about. I am complaining about their lack of ability to score. Lots of teams are able to score points without having a great passing game. We just aren't one of those teams, I guess.

As for the passing game, if we can't throw the ball deep, that's fine. But at least be able to have an efficient possession passing game that's decent enough to keep drives alive to allow us to score TDs. Or, if the running game is so good, just sustain drives that way. I keep hearing how we have a great running game. But it's obviously not been good enough to allow us to sustain drives long enough to score TDs.

It's difficult to put together 16 or 18 play drives coninually just to have a chance at a TD. If you need that many plays, it provides more opportunities for drive-killing mistakes. Yo have to be really good in order to do that. The bengals have not been good enough to do that so far.

[Kazkal]

I'm with Hoosier - every week I get greedier. I want the #2 bye - and I do think we need more offense to get a win in the playoffs.

I personally believe that the blitz pickups (or lack thereof) is a large part of the problem. They seem to be constantly having plays disrupted by blitzes that seem to catch Carson and the line by surprise. Or like today, with the DB blitz that nobody saw that led to a fumble.

What I don't know is, who's screwing this up? Who's supposed to be making these reads at the line, and isn't? Or is the problem that they don't have an adequate checkdown in the plays that Brat is calling?

I want 2# or 4# just to avoid having to travel to San Diego in the playoffs

[gregstephens]

Let me get this straight...

The Detroit Lions offense, which supposedly completely sucks, was able to score 2 TDs against the stingiest defense in the NFL.

The Bengals offense, playing against the worst defense in the NFL, could only score 1 TD.

Yep. I guess the NFL should take that win out of our column and give us a loss, 2-1, to the Lions.

Because, obviously, three field goals that wouldn't have been possible but for offensive movement, and a defensive touchdown don't count. It's ONLY about offensive touchdowns.

[JoePong]

Apparently you are satisfied with a regular season win over the lowly detroit lions and being one-and-done in the playoffs like we were in 2005.

Some of us are mart enough to realize that playing well actually matters. And it will matter big time in the playoffs. Some of us have higher aspirations, like actually advancing in the playoffs and making it to a Superbowl. And we are smart enough to realize this level of lay is not going to cut it. If you want to stick your head in the sand and deny that, go ahead. Have fun celebrating the fact that we edged out a win against the lions.

We'll see you next season...