Ex Post Facto: Bengals vs Patriots

[ArmyBengal]

Yeah, I guess I should have said "at least" 3 hours. Me ?? I came back and wished I hadn't. Maybe 30 IS the way to go...

[HairOnFire]

Yeah, I guess I should have said "at least" 3 hours. Me ?? I came back and wished I hadn't. Maybe 30 IS the way to go...

Yesterday I finished a major gardening project, completed all of the prep work needed to repaint my spare bedroom, and then ripped out all of the old wallboard and insulation in a garden shed I'm converting into something I haven't quite decided yet.

Just saying.

[bwillycuse]

Lock the site down until Monday Night games.

[kingwilly]

Yeah, I guess I should have said "at least" 3 hours. Me ?? I came back and wished I hadn't. Maybe 30 IS the way to go...

Yesterday I finished a major gardening project, completed all of the prep work needed to repaint my spare bedroom, and then ripped out all of the old wallboard and insulation in a garden shed I'm converting into something I haven't quite decided yet.

Just saying.

I was calm and serene until the half opened with a kick return for 6. Kind of went into a slide after that. Called my brother and vented for 15 minutes about how unprepared the team was after a WHOLE YEAR to get ready.

Opening this way after ending the season with a loss at NY, then again to NY in the playoff game, was like ripping off a scab mid-way through the healing process.

[derekshank]

Put me in the camp that thinks the 2nd half offensive improvement was completely irrelevant. Granted, the Bengals passing game eventually showed what it was capable of, but we already knew what it was capable of simply by looking at the pieces that have been assembled. All that counts is when it mattered the most the Bengals offense couldn't produce more than 3 points and a handful of 1st downs....and failed utterly in multiple 3rd and short situations.

Fair enough. But it was the defensive TD and the KO return that put the game out of reach, not the slow start on offense.

Last year, I watched a Bengal team get completely dominated in all aspects in the first half by a Steeler team that appeared to be playing at a completely different level. The Bengals managed to win that game by refusing to lay down.

You can't live in a hypothetical world... but who knows what happens if the Bengals are down by 14 instead of 28?

They didn't perform any miracles, but after an embarrasing 1st half followed by a heart breaking opening play of the 2nd half... they didnt lay down. Instead, they cut the deficit in half when they had no momentum on their side. I just wouldn't use the words "completely irrelevant" to describe that.

[Kazkal]

They didn't perform any miracles, but after an embarrasing 1st half followed by a heart breaking opening play of the 2nd half... they didnt lay down. Instead, they cut the deficit in half when they had no momentum on their side. I just wouldn't use the words "completely irrelevant" to describe that.

And we are playing agaist the Patriots a team that is known for racking up points even in garbage time...If we were losing 51-3 and there was 2 minutes left in the game Tom Brady would still be throwing the ball trying score a touchdown.

[HairOnFire]

Put me in the camp that thinks the 2nd half offensive improvement was completely irrelevant. Granted, the Bengals passing game eventually showed what it was capable of, but we already knew what it was capable of simply by looking at the pieces that have been assembled. All that counts is when it mattered the most the Bengals offense couldn't produce more than 3 points and a handful of 1st downs....and failed utterly in multiple 3rd and short situations.

Fair enough. But it was the defensive TD and the KO return that put the game out of reach, not the slow start on offense.

But the defensive score by New England was the direct result of the slow offensive start, wasn't it? Specifically, Carson Palmer throwing a very silly pass to a rookie TE who not only was blanketed by a defender, but wasn't even looking for the ball.

[derekshank]

Put me in the camp that thinks the 2nd half offensive improvement was completely irrelevant. Granted, the Bengals passing game eventually showed what it was capable of, but we already knew what it was capable of simply by looking at the pieces that have been assembled. All that counts is when it mattered the most the Bengals offense couldn't produce more than 3 points and a handful of 1st downs....and failed utterly in multiple 3rd and short situations.

Fair enough. But it was the defensive TD and the KO return that put the game out of reach, not the slow start on offense.

But the defensive score by New England was the direct result of the slow offensive start, wasn't it? Specifically, Carson Palmer throwing a very silly pass to a rookie TE who not only was blanketed by a defender, but wasn't even looking for the ball.

That was clearly a bad decision. How much it was influenced by the slow start is up for debate I suppose.

Perhaps Palmer forced the ball because they were down by 17. But those 17 points were as much the fault of the defense as anyone. Regardless... I'm betting the Bengals don't find themselves in such a dire position many times this year.

That said, I think the desire to keep fighting is, if nothing else, an encouraging display of character from a team whose main criticism is a lack of said character.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

And we are playing agaist the Patriots a team that is known for racking up points even in garbage time...If we were losing 51-3 and there was 2 minutes left in the game Tom Brady would still be throwing the ball trying score a touchdown.

They haven't done that as much recently, it seems. They did in 2007 because they were in full-on F*** YOU mode after Spygate. That's when they obliterated the record books.

I think they're afraid of the bad karma that followed, losing the Super Bowl on a ridiculous catch and Tom's knee the following year. Don't anger the football gods.

Point is, it did seem they let up when they were up more than twenty. And when the Bengals pulled to 14, the Patsies immediately dropped the hammer and scored a quick touchdown. Didn't seem like a comeback to me - it seemed like when my cat toys with a bug by letting it live for a few extra minutes solely for the amusement.

[HairOnFire]

Put me in the camp that thinks the 2nd half offensive improvement was completely irrelevant. Granted, the Bengals passing game eventually showed what it was capable of, but we already knew what it was capable of simply by looking at the pieces that have been assembled. All that counts is when it mattered the most the Bengals offense couldn't produce more than 3 points and a handful of 1st downs....and failed utterly in multiple 3rd and short situations.

Fair enough. But it was the defensive TD and the KO return that put the game out of reach, not the slow start on offense.

But the defensive score by New England was the direct result of the slow offensive start, wasn't it? Specifically, Carson Palmer throwing a very silly pass to a rookie TE who not only was blanketed by a defender, but wasn't even looking for the ball.

That was clearly a bad decision. How much it was influenced by the slow start is up for debate I suppose.

Influenced by the slow start or simply an important part of it? In the Bengals first 5 offensive drives they went punt, punt, fumble, punt, and interception. And just 3 first downs as well, despite having two 3rd and 2 opportunities. Worse, the Bengals offensive miscues led directly to two of New Englands first half scores...including the Pick6 backbreaker.

That said, I think the desire to keep fighting is, if nothing else, an encouraging display of character from a team whose main criticism is a lack of said character.

The failure to quit isn't notable. After all, it's opening week. Rather, the Bengals 2nd half offensive comeback simply makes their failure to start on time all the more unforgivable.

[Kazkal]

And we are playing agaist the Patriots a team that is known for racking up points even in garbage time...If we were losing 51-3 and there was 2 minutes left in the game Tom Brady would still be throwing the ball trying score a touchdown.

They haven't done that as much recently, it seems. They did in 2007 because they were in full-on F*** YOU mode after Spygate. That's when they obliterated the record books.

I think they're afraid of the bad karma that followed, losing the Super Bowl on a ridiculous catch and Tom's knee the following year. Don't anger the football gods.

Point is, it did seem they let up when they were up more than twenty. And when the Bengals pulled to 14, the Patsies immediately dropped the hammer and scored a quick touchdown. Didn't seem like a comeback to me - it seemed like when my cat toys with a bug by letting it live for a few extra minutes solely for the amusement.

So Stomping the Titans last year 59-0 throwing for 400 yards and 6 td's was them just them letting up?

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

And we are playing agaist the Patriots a team that is known for racking up points even in garbage time...If we were losing 51-3 and there was 2 minutes left in the game Tom Brady would still be throwing the ball trying score a touchdown.

They haven't done that as much recently, it seems. They did in 2007 because they were in full-on F*** YOU mode after Spygate. That's when they obliterated the record books.

I think they're afraid of the bad karma that followed, losing the Super Bowl on a ridiculous catch and Tom's knee the following year. Don't anger the football gods.

Point is, it did seem they let up when they were up more than twenty. And when the Bengals pulled to 14, the Patsies immediately dropped the hammer and scored a quick touchdown. Didn't seem like a comeback to me - it seemed like when my cat toys with a bug by letting it live for a few extra minutes solely for the amusement.

So Stomping the Titans last year 59-0 throwing for 400 yards and 6 td's was them just them letting up?

And see what happened, Welker's knee got taken out in the playoff game. They're not messing with that again!

I was joking about the karma thing. But from watching the game, it did seem like NE let up on the gas when they were up by 30ish. I know we're trying to find the silver lining, but I'm not sure it's there.

[derekshank]

The failure to quit isn't notable. After all, it's opening week. Rather, the Bengals 2nd half offensive comeback simply makes their failure to start on time all the more unforgivable.

Yep... It's the opening week. And I'm not trying to forgive the performance in the first half. I'm just not ignoring the 2nd half.

As for them not being ready... yeah, I agree. That said, there were several occasions where that appeared to be the case last year (the primary difference being that the defense kept them in those games). But I can point to very few instances where they moved the ball through the air as well as they did on Sunday.

Glass half full? Sure. But I'm willing to believe that the defense won't play that poor all season... and that assuming they don't get blown out every week, a proven passing game will make Benson that much more dangerous and ruthless when running down the clock in the 4th quarter.

[ArmyBengal]

Yeah, I guess I should have said "at least" 3 hours. Me ?? I came back and wished I hadn't. Maybe 30 IS the way to go...

Yesterday I finished a major gardening project, completed all of the prep work needed to repaint my spare bedroom, and then ripped out all of the old wallboard and insulation in a garden shed I'm converting into something I haven't quite decided yet.

Just saying.

Nice use of your time.

Even if I didn't jump on the board, I only would have used that free time to surf porn, download music, or watch some movie.

Come to think of it, I think I'll go ahead and take that 30 hours next week !!!

[HairOnFire]

As for them not being ready... yeah, I agree. That said, there were several occasions where that appeared to be the case last year (the primary difference being that the defense kept them in those games).

The defense, even when playing well, can't keep you in every game. There are days when you're simply going to have the wrong gameplan to matchup....which certainly seems to be the case this week. But the defense didn't lose the game by itself. Not when the game was all but decided by the time the offense woke from it's slumber.

But I can point to very few instances where they moved the ball through the air as well as they did on Sunday.

You can't point to those occasions precisely because last season the Bengals rarely attempted to move the ball as they had to in the 2nd half. And they didn't attempt it very often because they mostly didn't need to, weren't built for it, and likely couldn't have moved the ball through the air like that had they tried. Instead, last years Bengal offense would have focused their attack on the only thing they do well, a power rushing attack...often behind a heavy unbalanced O-line. An offensive attack that though limited also manages to support what the Bengals do on defense.

All of that was abandoned on Sunday, and not just after the score got out of hand. Rather, the Bengals very formations prevented them from attempting what had been a core team strength. From the opening whistle the Bengals so-called better and more balanced offense repeatedly attempted to attack using 3,4,and 5 WR sets OR multiple TE fronts featuring a big play rookie who also happens to be a very marginal blocker.

[jjakq27]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Randy Moss
/>http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5572051&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Ocho
/>http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=AB&Date=20100913&Category=SPT02&ArtNo=9130802&Ref=PH

[volcom69]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Randy Moss
/>http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5572051&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Ocho
/>http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=AB&Date=20100913&Category=SPT02&ArtNo=9130802&Ref=PH

Yep i heard he was going to be on Raw, didnt watch it though. I wouldnt expect anything less, its always something new for Chad. I see Peko and Odom were on hand for the fun night.

Maybe one wrestlers was teaching Peko and Odom how to rush the passer

[Whur CHad At?]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Randy Moss
/>http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5572051&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Ocho
/>http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=AB&Date=20100913&Category=SPT02&ArtNo=9130802&Ref=PH

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers. That is what seperates them from most of the thugs in the league. They aren't doing anything wrong.

And Moss is being Moss. I don't care.

[BengalPimp]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Randy Moss

http://sports.espn.g...ce=NFLHeadlines

Ocho

http://news.cincinna...=9130802&Ref=PH

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers. That is what seperates them from most of the thugs in the league. They aren't doing anything wrong.

Yeah, Ocho gets crap for hosting WWE in Cincy, I'm sure some fans enjoyed it. What do you want them to do? Just sit around sulking after the loss? The show was on a Monday night...It's not like he was missing practice or something....Continue to rip on the guy, I mean, all he did was catch 12 balls for 159 yards and a TD (Currently 2nd in the NFL in recs and yds) It's not like he had a crap game and went out and did this. He played as well as anyone could have hoped....Other players, not so much.

[HairOnFire]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Ocho
/>http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=AB&Date=20100913&Category=SPT02&ArtNo=9130802&Ref=PH

Chad at a wrestling match? Seems rather fitting when you think about it.

After starring in an endless series of reality shows I wouldn't watch on a bet I did see how Chad's going to appear in a television show I actually watch. Specifically, a cameo appearance as himself on FX's fantasy football based comedy The League. Even better, as we speak I'm starting a rumor that Chad will soon play a bystander who dies of natural causes on AMC's oddly compelling no-action spy thriller, Rubicon.

[BengalPimp]

Also, regarding The Ocho, he has an NFL leading 8 catches that resulted in a 1st down....Just sayin.

[TJJackson]

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers.

Notice, no OTAs, no offseason conditioning, no extra time with the quarterback to work on timing, no professionalism, no run blocking, no effort to run down defenders who have intercepted the ball or picked up a fumble

[BengalPimp]

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers.

Notice, no OTAs, no offseason conditioning, no extra time with the quarterback to work on timing, no professionalism, no run blocking, no effort to run down defenders who have intercepted the ball or picked up a fumble

Notice 12 Receptions (2nd in NFL) , 159 yds (2nd in NFL) a TD, and an NFL LEADING 8 receptions that resulted in 1st Downs.....Their timing looked pretty good to me, HONESTLY, Chad was "Targeted" 13 times and made 12 receptions.....By Comparison T.O. was also Targeted 13 times but had only 7 receptions....Timing was DEFINITELY NOT a problem with Chad and Carson Sunday.

[jjvolt]

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers.

Notice, no OTAs, no offseason conditioning, no extra time with the quarterback to work on timing, no professionalism, no run blocking, no effort to run down defenders who have intercepted the ball or picked up a fumble

Notice 12 Receptions (2nd in NFL) , 159 yds (2nd in NFL) a TD, and an NFL LEADING 8 receptions that resulted in 1st Downs.....Their timing looked pretty good to me, HONESTLY, Chad was "Targeted" 13 times and made 12 receptions.....By Comparison T.O. was also Targeted 13 times but had only 7 receptions....Timing was DEFINITELY NOT a problem with Chad and Carson Sunday.

notice most of this took place in garbage time.

[jjakq27]

A couple of self-absorbed athletes and their after game activities. And they wonder why people write s**t about them.

Randy Moss

http://sports.espn.g...ce=NFLHeadlines

Ocho

http://news.cincinna...=9130802&Ref=PH

Notice, no DUI, no Murder, no drug chargers. That is what seperates them from most of the thugs in the league. They aren't doing anything wrong.

Yeah, Ocho gets crap for hosting WWE in Cincy, I'm sure some fans enjoyed it. What do you want them to do? Just sit around sulking after the loss?

Yeah, it's probably just me but I'm tired of all his off-field activities. Not sure how all of these other things are helping the team. Chad had a big day numbers-wise but what did he do in the first quarter when they were still in the game?

Again, I have a different set of work values than what I see in him so a lot of his stuff runs counter to that.