Nice thing about yesterday

[walzav29]

The big plays from guys who have been on the teams 3 seasons or less

Andy Dalton

AJ Green

Carlos Dunlap

Geno Atkins

Vontaze Burfict

Jermaine Gresham

Mohammad Sanu

Orson Charles

It definitely saved the season, assuming they can take care of business the next 2 weeks. Great win. Just going to enjoy the week!

[ArmyBengal]

I don't think one game is sufficient enough to call the season "saved" at this point.

As you mentioned the next two weeks, I would say the rest of the season.

They put themselves in a spot where they can't afford to lose, but maybe one more game the rest of the way.

10-6 probably won't get it done with all the tie breakers they will certainly lose.

Happy about the win though.

[BengalszoneBilly]

The nicest thing about yesterday is I wasn't screaming at the TV. I sat there with a confused look on my face asking myself who ARE these guys, and where have they been all year.

[ArmyBengal]

Inconsistency at it's finest Billy.

Can't beat teams like the Dolphins and Browns and then beat the defending champs with good defense and a nice effort on offense.

Will add that while i'm happy with the win, at the same time it pisses me off.

Where the hell has THIS team been ?? What could have been ??

F*CK !!

[HoosierCat]

Nice things about yesterday?

Sanu finally getting some serious action, and looking good. Yet another case of Marvin's obsession with looking good in practice shortchanging the team.

Welcome back Pat Sims.

AJ Green's big TD to start the game. I seem to see that play about 10 times a week -- blown coverage, WR wide open for an easy bomb TD -- just never with the receiver wearing stripes.

O-line. The unsung hero of the game. They totally stoned the Giants' pass rush.

Pacman's big return. This team needs at least one of those a game.

Tackling. Anyone else notice that? There were a few wiffs but overall very, very solid.

Oh, and that Dalton kid. He's pretty good, no?

[Stripes]

The road to the playoffs is extremely difficult, so I am still not interested in thinking about that. However, I think getting the win yesterday re-opens the Bengals' chances at pushing for 9-7, which would still be significant even without the playoffs.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Oh, and that Dalton kid. He's pretty good, no?

I picked the wrong week to sit Andy and start Brady in my other fantasy league.

[UK Bengal]

Nice things about yesterday?

Sanu finally getting some serious action, and looking good. Yet another case of Marvin's obsession with looking good in practice shortchanging the team.

Welcome back Pat Sims.

AJ Green's big TD to start the game. I seem to see that play about 10 times a week -- blown coverage, WR wide open for an easy bomb TD -- just never with the receiver wearing stripes.

O-line. The unsung hero of the game. They totally stoned the Giants' pass rush.

Pacman's big return. This team needs at least one of those a game.

Tackling. Anyone else notice that? There were a few wiffs but overall very, very solid.

Oh, and that Dalton kid. He's pretty good, no?

And to think the majority of the board were wanting a change already !!!

Btw the bengals actually made the british press today granted it was a 3 line paragraph mentioning the giants losing and andy daltons 4 TD day but hey thats good for the british press lol

[walzav29]

I meant the season is saved in the sense of 3-6 was a knockout. It makes the feelings of a playoff possibility linger. If the Bengals are 5-5 going against Oakland it will just make the season funner.

[ArmyBengal]

To go on record, I have never said Dalton should be replaced.

He should have a line built in front of him that allows him to use his legs if needed and a running game.

A #2 WR is helpful, but I think Sanu and Jones will get there come next year.

I still have no faith whatsoever in this team this season.

Will readily admit to enjoying the beat up of Eli however.

[COB]

I did, I said Dalton should be replaced, but not this season and not by just anyone. We should upgrade to a franchise quarterback. Has anyone noticed that the perrenial powers in this league all have that guy? Does Dalton have that arm? Anyone?

[HoosierCat]

I meant the season is saved in the sense of 3-6 was a knockout. It makes the feelings of a playoff possibility linger. If the Bengals are 5-5 going against Oakland it will just make the season funner.

On that note, an interesting piece for stat junkies from CHFF here:

/>http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/predicting-the-second-half-nfl-season-using-the-first-half/19151/

Basically they looked at teams from 2002-2011 to see what their record would be in the last 8 games based on the results of the first 8 games. Over that time frame, 59 teams have gone 3-5 over the first 8 as the Bengals have this season. 20 had winning records in the second half, 28 had losing records and 11 went 4-4. The average number of second-half wins was 3.47, so if you bet on the Bengals going 6-10 or 7-9 this year you're on pretty solid ground at the moment.

Interestingly there was virtually no difference between 3-5 and 4-4 in terms of how teams did in the second half.

Trivia tidbit: only 1 team since 2002 has gone 0-8 over the first 8 and had a winning second half.

Guess who? (Hint: fill in the blanks: d _ _ d c _ t b _ _ _ _e.)

[HoosierCat]

Back to nice things about yesterday, rant sports has a good breakdown of Robinson's first full game.

/>http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/11/11/cincinnati-bengals-breaking-down-trevor-robinsons-enticing-full-debut/

At only 22 years of age, Robinson’s physical limitations are obvious, but his combination of technique and controlled aggression allowed him to make plays on a consistent basis in this game. On 30 gradable pass plays, Robinson gave up just one quarterback pressure when he was beaten up the middle by an opposing defensive tackle. Robinson ended up on his back on the play as he never set himself initially after the snap. It was the only time that his technique in pass protection let him down however. He was consistently pushed back into the pocket, but always established his form to contain his assigned defender. On four occasions, Robinson was pushed at least three yards backwards on passing plays. Outside of those few minor marks against him however, he did enough to neutralize the Giants’ interior pass rushing threat.

On 27 gradable running plays, Robinson was just as impressive. The undrafted rookie was only noticeably beaten on four running plays in the whole game. Each of those plays were very difficult assignments that required him to gain outside technique on defenders who were showing him his inside shoulder. That required Robinson to get outside the defender before engaging them. While he didn’t prove to be athletic enough to move laterally like that effectively, he did show off his ability to consistently get to the second level and attach himself to defenders in space. Eight times Robinson moved into the second level of the defense, but only once did he fail to engage a defender in space. His agility was notable also in sealing off defenders to clear running lanes, something he did successfully six times, but his lack of physicality limited his impact when trying to push bigger bodies off the line of scrimmage.

In the very first start of his career, Robinson didn’t look anything like an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame. Of course, he still has a long way to go to be a recognizable secret superstar in the NFL. That doesn’t mean he will never be there however, and he showed off all the potential to one day give the Bengals the star center they desire. A physical presence can be molded through development and a commitment in the gym. If he can add those vital pounds, he has already shown all the technique and fundamentals to be a fine starting center.

[COB]

. A physical presence can be molded through development and a commitment in the gym.

HGH. Juice. Weighlifting. Whatever.

I'm ectsatic over his play and that writeup of same.

[Spor_tees]

. A physical presence can be molded through development and a commitment in the gym.

HGH. Juice. Weighlifting. Whatever.

I'm ectsatic over his play and that writeup of same.

Juicing can't fix when a player is weak between the ears. a guy like Robinson came in as an undrafted free agent and started at one of the hardest positions on the field, and was one of the best guys performance wise yesterday. He made all the correct audibles to the line, didn't have any bad snaps, and didn't step on Dalton's foot all game. That's a win in my book. I think he will be the center of the future for this team. He will back up to Cook and both guard positions next year, unless Cook is still hurting, or he could play LG if Wharton isn't ready, and then will take over at center the year after that.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I did, I said Dalton should be replaced, but not this season and not by just anyone. We should upgrade to a franchise quarterback. Has anyone noticed that the perrenial powers in this league all have that guy? Does Dalton have that arm? Anyone?

IF it were all about "the arm" then Brady and Brees wouldn't be who and where they are. Dalton's arm isn't great, but it's "good enough." They need to limit him at times, and force him to make better decisions, protect him better, and give him lanes to throw in more often. He has a low release point and his relatively short stature behind a line who's coach loves 6'5+ lineman doesn't help him any.

I've always said I like Dalton, but until he starts beating, or at least playing well against tough defenses, there's no use in sticking with him into the future if someone better comes along.

It sucks to have Pitt and Baltimore in this division, QB's have to hate that 4X a year...you have to have a guy who can beat them and not get shut down against them.

So far Dalton has yet to beat either of them. When he starts doing that, then they have something. I'm cool with being patient regarding him for now, no other choice, but I think the jury's still out on him. The Giants' defense isn't playing well at all and they are notoriously terrible in November as a team under Coughlin (7-7 last year before they went on their run).

[kingwilly]

I meant the season is saved in the sense of 3-6 was a knockout. It makes the feelings of a playoff possibility linger. If the Bengals are 5-5 going against Oakland it will just make the season funner.

On that note, an interesting piece for stat junkies from CHFF here:

/>http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/predicting-the-second-half-nfl-season-using-the-first-half/19151/

Basically they looked at teams from 2002-2011 to see what their record would be in the last 8 games based on the results of the first 8 games. Over that time frame, 59 teams have gone 3-5 over the first 8 as the Bengals have this season. 20 had winning records in the second half, 28 had losing records and 11 went 4-4. The average number of second-half wins was 3.47, so if you bet on the Bengals going 6-10 or 7-9 this year you're on pretty solid ground at the moment.

Interestingly there was virtually no difference between 3-5 and 4-4 in terms of how teams did in the second half.

Trivia tidbit: only 1 team since 2002 has gone 0-8 over the first 8 and had a winning second half.

Guess who? (Hint: fill in the blanks: d _ _ d c _ t b _ _ _ _e.)

Trivia answer: Washington Redskins with Schottenheimer coaching, and he was fired at end (I think).

I don't think the season was saved with the win. This team is so schizo they coould lose out. They also could get hot and win 5 of them. If they had a decent running game, I'd feel better.

Considering we don't see s**t from Tate or Binns at this point, I think its safe to say this team did need a ver WR as a legit #2. They guy didn't have to be Reggie Wayne but a guy like Lance Moore, Jacoby Jones or Earl Bennett would have done wonders to stabilize an unsettled cast of decent but not great players.

I have to also give props to ReyRey. Maybe his best game of the year. Seeing him get to the ball and make plays was encouraging. It would be funny if all the D needed was Pat Sims back.

Also, I think Dalton really put together a complete game. Well protected, he shoed how well he can play if he gets enough time. HOWEVER... he did underthrow that first deep TD to Green. AJ had to w a i t on it... Glad it worked out because that bitch Antrell Rolle can eat it.

[ArmyBengal]

Considering we don't see s**t from Tate or Binns at this point, I think its safe to say this team did need a ver WR as a legit #2. They guy didn't have to be Reggie Wayne but a guy like Lance Moore, Jacoby Jones or Earl Bennett would have done wonders to stabilize an unsettled cast of decent but not great players.

Also, I think Dalton really put together a complete game. Well protected, he shoed how well he can play if he gets enough time. HOWEVER... he did underthrow that first deep TD to Green. AJ had to w a i t on it... Glad it worked out because that bitch Antrell Rolle can eat it.

For the first part, when James Jones from the Packers said he could see himself with the Bengals, I wanted to see them make a push for the guy. I got grief for it, but all the guy has done is gather in 40 receptions for 462 yards, and 8 TD's. After Green, Hawkins is the closest to that with only 3 TD's. After that ?? Binns and his 18 receptions on the season. Not including Gresham, who's a TE of course. For what it's worth I did say Gresham would basically be the #2 WR on this team and after 9 games, he's been that.

For the second part Dalton did have a great game. I think he floated that throw to Green knowing no one was going to get there and he didn't want to mess it up. I could be wrong, but that's kind of what it looked like with all the air under it. Just get it there and put 6 on the board.

[walzav29]

Sanu is looking like better option than Binns or Tate. The better he gets the better the offense will get. If the D-line plays ike they did Sunday KC should be a win. Then they HAVE to beat Palmer. To me the swing game is SD. I won't get ahead of myself. KC.