ex post facto: Bengals vs Vikings

[ArmyBengal]

As I watched the game yesterday, it simply appeared that they didn't really care. Minus a handful of players, it just seemed like there was no real concern about a win or loss out there. Hall and JJoe are beasts and well, er, um, Hall and JJoe are beasts...

Anyway, injuries and penalties are killing them right now. Peko being out hurts them in the run game and the penalties are simply inexcusable, especially the pre-snap variety. It's undisciplined football and although we are missing some due to injury, this team seems to be very different from the team at the beginning of the year that had the attitude of knowing they were going to win the game come hell or high water.

They seem to be playing not to lose and don't appear very aggressive in any aspect of the game. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy this team is where it is, but since we have seen this team produce at a level where they sweep both the Steelers and Ravens, playing down to competition and showing up yesterday unmotivated is no longer just "ok".

Regardless of the expectations at the start of the season, the expectations have changed and yesterday's game should serve as a wake up call for them. If it doesn't, will they still make the playoffs ?? Sure, but not even a few weeks ago many were claiming this team had the stuff to go deep into the playoffs. While they still may have that, do most of you still think that's the most probable outcome ??

I think they still take the AFCN without much thought, but back their way into the playoffs. If they continue to play the way the did yesterday, they might win one game, but not much more. Should I be happy with that ?? Sure, but like I said, I think the expectation for this team changed and knowing they have the talent, but not executing irritates me.

Here's to hoping they can figure things out and have the game they need to have next week against the Chargers...

EDIT: Oh yeah, I'm done with Shayne Graham...

[chandon]

I must admit, I watched the game up to the start of the 4th quarter here in the UK and I was very unimpressed.

Something is very wrong with the Oline coaching staff, as we are nearly at the end of the season and we are STILL commiting stupid ofensive penalties!! We have been saying for weeks...and weeks...stop the penalties. If we can see it, surely Marvin can see it too? Do your job and tell your damn team to sit the f*ck still at the line and have some discipline! Every penalty negates a good defensive move and just loses us yards.

I really don't blame Carson in particular for the woes of the passing game. Yes, he is not the CP we all know but I think more than anything else he has a big confidence problem. Confidence that his OC can run plays that actually have a chance of success, and confidence in his WRs. Yesterday I saw him scramble more than I have seen in a long time...and he did it fine...but you see he was frantically looking for someone to actually throw to!! When Chad is double-teamed, who the hell has he got? No Henry, drop-the-ball Coles and Caldwell who is good, but only a mid-range guy. I think Carson can still throw downfield, but he has no-one. We are woefully short of good WRs. Say what you like about TJ, he was an excellent No. 2 WR and put up numbers to prove it. No he isn't doing jack in Seattle, but Seattle doesn't have Carson! Get a receiving core that can work with Carson and build that rapport, and you will see a passing game again. Until that happens, you're just going to see more of the same. I just think we concentrated a little TOO much on the running game. You can't run the ball ALL the time! You need a balance, and teams now know that the Bengals do not have a passing game to fear any more. Stuff the run, and you've got us beat.

Finally...and I may be way off base here...but I seem to remember hearing late in the third quarter that Ced had 96 yards off 14 carries. Each time I saw him get the ball he was moving the chains nicely. So what happened to our running game? I thought that was what we were going to do this year! If he can get 96 yards off 14 carries, what would he get off say...25 carries? Where was LJ? I hardly heard his name all game!! It just seemed to me that we assumed the running game wasn't going to work...or didn't give it enough of a chance...and moved to a passing offense which clearly wasn't working. If running the ball is what we do well...just about the only thing we do well on offense...then find a way to adjust and make it work. Get inventive with the playcalling, and pound the damn ball to wear down their defense. It may actually help the passing game...you never know!!

We have not played well offensively all year. We have got away with it...just...against lesser teams. Minny are a good team...not a great one...and we got our ar*es handed to us. SD is going to be easier to run against I think, but the offense is arguable better than Minesotas. We have GOT to get creative offensively, and stop the damn stupid penalties.

[gregstephens]

I believe the latin used in the thread title is incorrect. It should have read: "Post mortem".