Play Off picture

[HoosierCat]

It all comes down consistancy which the bengals have none. For 3 weeks Dalton looks great, the next 3 he looks like crap. It's the whole offense, until they find consistancy it's going to be up and down, lets just hope it's up the next few games.

Oh and I'm still trying to figure out what kind of offense Gruden runs.

This is probably the core of the problem. It starts up top with Jay's magical mystery system, runs through Andy's streaky play and finally pools around the ankles of a receiving group that, broadly speaking, looks better on paper than on the field. They all take turns making you believe, but you can also cite any one as a problem.

Which of course only points higher up the chain. Over the past decade the buck has stopped everywhere but Marvin's desk. If the team implodes yet again, I think its time to move on.

[volcom69]

I couldn't agree more Hoosier. I hope it dosnt come down to that, but we been down this road too many times.

[gregcook68]

Would you agree that there are games that teams beat themselves, and then there are games where the team plays well, the other team just played better in that given ballgame?

[gregcook68]

Dalton is ranked 17th. There are 6 QBs ranked higher that have better records than the Bengals, and 2 of them are Brady and Manning, which no one can compare to.

So that means there are 6 teams more consistent than the Bengals this year, and there are 25 that are less consistent.

The Bengals have lost 5 games so far by a total of 29 points.

They lost the first game in 2012 by a total of 31 points.

I'd say, so far, we are more consistent than last year.

[HoosierCat]

Would you agree that there are games that teams beat themselves, and then there are games where the team plays well, the other team just played better in that given ballgame?

I would. The Bengals just have to minimize the first type of game. Chicago and last weekend fall into that category.

[gregcook68]

Would you agree that there are games that teams beat themselves, and then there are games where the team plays well, the other team just played better in that given ballgame?

I would. The Bengals just have to minimize the first type of game. Chicago and last weekend fall into that category.

Two out of 14 isn't bad. Paul Brown had it right when he said it's a game of errors and whoever makes the least usually wins!

My opinion is a little different on the losses. I believe out of the 5 losses, there were 2 games that, they were outplayed, and did not beat themselves, and that was the Browns and the Steelers loss.

Did they make mistakes in those games, yes. Were there calls in those games that went against them that shouldn't have, yes.

But it was what it was, and they were never in either of those games.

I agree with your statement, you have to minimize those games where you make more errors than the other team and beat yourself.

I think the Bengals have done that better this year than last.

What I am truly hoping for, is that they begin to peak these last 2 games at home and on into the playoffs.

The Ravens lost 4 out of their last 5 before the playoffs but got hot at the perfect time like the Giants did twice.

I think Giants are one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL, and Eli Manning is without a doubt the most inconsistent QBs in the league and he's been here a whole lot longer the majority of the Bengals.

Yes, as much as I can't stand his personality and his constant whining, I will give credit where credit is due, and say that John Harbaugh is a good coach. But talent-wise, they are no better man for man than the Bengals.

Hoping we can start a run Sunday that will last at least the next 3 weeks or more. Time will tell!

[kingwilly]

Let me state for the record, I'd prefer Dalton continue to find consistent results and only build on this year in his progress. Many a QB, didn't set the world on fire out of the gate, or even approach what Dalton has accomplished. Brees is the perfect example. Brunell is another that fits. He's in a perfect position. The team is 100% behind him. He has, truly, as talented an offense as any. He does have poise and the demeanor to handle the pressure. So, I'm behind him.

I toss the other stuff out there to make a point. Is his ceiling, despite the data and records, limited to the point that they'd possibly be further ahead with a different trigger man. I mean, if Rogers or Brady were in this offense, few would argue Dalton is better. Of course that's a ridiculous scenario but it underlines the main point: is Dalton the weak link. I guess the way I see it is I will and won't be surprised if they take a QB in r1 if the Bengals crap out the season. I won't be surprised, given the time he's had and considering the tool. I will be surprised as its not the Bengals style to toss a guy, given his success so far.

Another way to look at it is looking around the league at teams who've gone after QBs again and again, like the Jets or Miami or Oakland or Arizona or Cleveland or Buffalo. They go all in and then dump before any real, meaningful assessment can be made. Those teams all struggle mightily, and still have no clearer a view at QB.

My guess is they win out. Beat Minnesota and Baltimore, get the 2 seed. Host either KC or Indy. Beat either. Head to Denver and win with Defense and strong run game. Face Saints in SB, win based on D and weather.

Dalton SB mvp, 3 TDs to Gio, Green and Eifert, and runs for one.

.. And still folks, even me from time to time, will question if Dalton is the best guy for the job.

[Stripes]

Two improbable special teams blunders desribed the entire loss in Pittsburgh. I don't think the Bengals are in a significantly worse position this week than they were last week.

[Wraith]

Add Peerman's Fair Catch and you have three improbably special teams blunders in the first quarter that sealed the game for the Steelers.

[Earendil]

Add Peerman's Fair Catch and you have three improbably special teams blunders in the first quarter that sealed the game for the Steelers.

What was the deal with that? I thought he was waving Tate off, not calling for a fair catch, my wife said the same thing when it happened.

I mean, how dumb do you have to be to do that on a kick off? It's not like Peerman only returns punts, so he didn't know. Has there been any statement from him on what he was doing?

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, that's what he was trying to do. Another ridiculous call.

[ArmyBengal]

I was thinking the same thing, it seemed more than clear he was trying to wave off others in calling for the ball.

Then you have Tomlin running down the sideline like an idiot claiming otherwise and the refs fell in line.

The Bengals should have done more in that game, but that was pretty crappy.

[cincyhokie]

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Buckle-up/b933a3b2-8b76-4d64-bee2-a50352fa0212

Good quotes in here by Whitworth.

[gregcook68]

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Buckle-up/b933a3b2-8b76-4d64-bee2-a50352fa0212

Good quotes in here by Whitworth.

Whit is a captain. He's ticked at the disrespect. I hope others follow suit and let that drive them the rest of the way!

[HoosierCat]

Like I said, if the media wants to crown the Ravens this week (and they have) while dismissing Cincinnati, by all means, do it. No card has proven more valuable to play then the underdog/disrespect/soft card. A day or so ago the Supreme Pontiff of Azzholes himself, Teddy "my former team drafted a serial killer" Bruschi reduced their chances of the playoffs to 10% and said the Ravens had the division in the bag.

More please.

[COB]

That's disrespect!

[ArmyBengal]

That's disrespect f*cking stupid !!!

Fixed

[cincyhokie]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

[gregcook68]

/>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

That's exactly why I don't venture into the media anymore. I won't even watch/listen to pregame shows. Sunday my brother and family will be in town for 3 or 4 hours and I'll be listening to Lap and Hoard on the radio.

No respect, and there will NEVER be respect until the Bengals prove otherwise. This is their shot at proving otherwise.

[cincyhokie]

/>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

That's exactly why I don't venture into the media anymore. I won't even watch/listen to pregame shows. Sunday my brother and family will be in town for 3 or 4 hours and I'll be listening to Lap and Hoard on the radio.

No respect, and there will NEVER be respect until the Bengals prove otherwise. This is their shot at proving otherwise.

I think it's a longer road than that. We were saying the same thing last year with a "win or go home" game in Pittsburgh. They won. Things haven't changed.

The media is the joke here. They do this to other teams than the Bengals, though the Bengals seem to get the brunt of it. I doubt any of this really changes until they win a SB.

[gregcook68]

/>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

That's exactly why I don't venture into the media anymore. I won't even watch/listen to pregame shows. Sunday my brother and family will be in town for 3 or 4 hours and I'll be listening to Lap and Hoard on the radio.

No respect, and there will NEVER be respect until the Bengals prove otherwise. This is their shot at proving otherwise.

I think it's a longer road than that. We were saying the same thing last year with a "win or go home" game in Pittsburgh. They won. Things haven't changed.

The media is the joke here. They do this to other teams than the Bengals, though the Bengals seem to get the brunt of it. I doubt any of this really changes until they win a SB.

That's kind of what I was alluding to, but, honestly, even if that happens there will some that credit their success because of others weaknesses.

[cincyhokie]

/>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

That's exactly why I don't venture into the media anymore. I won't even watch/listen to pregame shows. Sunday my brother and family will be in town for 3 or 4 hours and I'll be listening to Lap and Hoard on the radio.

No respect, and there will NEVER be respect until the Bengals prove otherwise. This is their shot at proving otherwise.

The media is the joke here. They do this to other teams than the Bengals, though the Bengals seem to get the brunt of it. I doubt any of this really changes until they win a SB.

That's kind of what I was alluding to, but, honestly, even if that happens there will some that credit their success because of others weaknesses.

Yeah, you know what's bizzare? Even after the 41-20 drubbing of the Browns, the media had a spin on the game as if the Browns had given the game away. The Browns. The. Browns.

Granted, scoring 31 points in a quarter is freakish but the defense and special teams were making plays that day. Period.

The NFL needs it's whipping boys just as much as it's heroes. The Bengals and Lions are teams that the media just loves to keep down, no matter the situation. The media doesn't like change, it hurts their credibility.

[gregcook68]

/>http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300982/article/baltimore-ravens-riding-wave-of-momentum-toward-playoffs

Theme of the story. This year the Ravens have momentum heading into the playoffs. Also, can the Bengals rebound to regain even a WC spot?

Stellar work, media! Keep it coming!

That's exactly why I don't venture into the media anymore. I won't even watch/listen to pregame shows. Sunday my brother and family will be in town for 3 or 4 hours and I'll be listening to Lap and Hoard on the radio.

No respect, and there will NEVER be respect until the Bengals prove otherwise. This is their shot at proving otherwise.

The media is the joke here. They do this to other teams than the Bengals, though the Bengals seem to get the brunt of it. I doubt any of this really changes until they win a SB.

That's kind of what I was alluding to, but, honestly, even if that happens there will some that credit their success because of others weaknesses.

Yeah, you know what's bizzare? Even after the 41-20 drubbing of the Browns, the media had a spin on the game as if the Browns had given the game away. The Browns. The. Browns.

Granted, scoring 31 points in a quarter is freakish but the defense and special teams were making plays that day. Period.

The NFL needs it's whipping boys just as much as it's heroes. The Bengals and Lions are teams that the media just loves to keep down, no matter the situation. The media doesn't like change, it hurts their credibility.

It's kinda like some fans we talked about in here. A lot of people do NOT like to admit they are wrong.

[jjakq27]

The NFL needs it's whipping boys just as much as it's heroes. The Bengals and Lions are teams that the media just loves to keep down, no matter the situation. The media doesn't like change, it hurts their credibility.

Has anyone noticed the fact that the Steelers will have missed the playoffs for the second straight season if they don't get in this year?

And how about the Dolphins? Since the whole Incognito/Martin blowup, they have been one of the hottest teams in the league. Maybe losing to them isn't the "debacle" that it has been portrayed as.

Dallas, Washington and a few others get so much airplay even though they are awful. I'll take our situation and go forward with it. It's been a good season with more to play for.

I'd like to know how many of this year's playoff teams also qualified in 2011 and 2012. Maybe New England and the Ravens? That's probably about it.

[gregcook68]

The NFL needs it's whipping boys just as much as it's heroes. The Bengals and Lions are teams that the media just loves to keep down, no matter the situation. The media doesn't like change, it hurts their credibility.

Has anyone noticed the fact that the Steelers will have missed the playoffs for the second straight season if they don't get in this year?

And how about the Dolphins? Since the whole Incognito/Martin blowup, they have been one of the hottest teams in the league. Maybe losing to them isn't the "debacle" that it has been portrayed as.

Dallas, Washington and a few others get so much airplay even though they are awful. I'll take our situation and go forward with it. It's been a good season with more to play for.

I'd like to know how many of this year's playoff teams also qualified in 2011 and 2012. Maybe New England and the Ravens? That's probably about it.

what would really be sweet would be to have the Ravens miss the playoffs this year too