Bengals @ Steelers Pregame Thread

[volcom69]

Big thing for me in this game will getting the running game going. I would love to see them go over 100 yards, and run it over 30 times in this game.

Defense does worry me, losing Newman to me will be hard. Always seemed to me like QBs were avoiding Newmans side, and would pick on Jones all the time. Well now Jones will be coving there number 1, so looks like the QBs will now have there choice on who to pick on. So they need a pass rush, and they need to tackle.

So im hoping by running the ball they will keep Ben on the sideline, and the bengals can control the clock in this game. If the CBs get beat in this game its going to be very tough to win this game. Pressure will help big time.

[gregcook68]

Even with Newman out, I think it comes down to the running game, protection for Andy, and turnovers.

If we can hold onto the ball I think we will control the game.

[kingwilly]

Running game and Dre Kirkpatrick.

That is all.

[ArmyBengal]

Yeah, i'm going with the play of the o-line as the overall.

Protection usually equates to no INT's and running holes usually equate to a nice balanced game, eating up the clock.

A close second will be the play of Kirkpatrick.

[101Airborne]

Yeah, i'm going with the play of the o-line as the overall.

Protection usually equates to no INT's and running holes usually equate to a nice balanced game, eating up the clock.

A close second will be the play of Kirkpatrick.

Dre needs to have a coming out party. He's been so banged up and such a marginal player for a first rounder that he needs to show that he can really get it done when the weight is on him. I'm still pulling for us to draft another CB though, even if Dre comes out dominant, unless science discovers a way to keep Dre in one piece for five minutes.

[cincyhokie]

Yeah, i'm going with the play of the o-line as the overall.

Protection usually equates to no INT's and running holes usually equate to a nice balanced game, eating up the clock.

A close second will be the play of Kirkpatrick.

Dre needs to have a coming out party. He's been so banged up and such a marginal player for a first rounder that he needs to show that he can really get it done when the weight is on him. I'm still pulling for us to draft another CB though, even if Dre comes out dominant, unless science discovers a way to keep Dre in one piece for five minutes.

That play where he stripped the ball from Antonio Gates for an INT was the kind of play he needed. That's his style. Agressive, in your face. He's not incredibly fast but he's got more than enough skills to be a starting cornerback for this team.

[HoosierCat]

Now Harrison is out sick. BJGE and Burfict back today tho.

[gregcook68]

Now Harrison is out sick. BJGE and Burfict back today tho.

Sounds like they may not be operating at full strength with the bug going around.

I just hope they don't take a step backwards Sunday.

Nice article on the website with Collinsworth giving his opinion as an analyst, opposed to an ex-player.

He thinks game is a toss up, but also says he's real impressed with the Bengals offensive line. He thinks that moving Whit to guard gives the Bengals even more ways to beat you.

[volcom69]

They said yesterday Harrison didnt practice because he was ill. Sounds like he needs some rest

[HoosierCat]

Newman ruled out. All other ill/dinged guys are probable.

[cincyhokie]

Zeitler is probable? Does he go in for Whitworth who moves back into his LT spot? Or does Zeitler go in for Pollack?

Good write up on the "new" line. I say keep it as is! Dalton hasn't been sacked in 3 games. When he has time and there's a running game, this offense can hang with anyone.

I also say Boling was the problem. Addition by subtraction.

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Prime-time-line/d3e123b3-7d9b-44fc-ad75-e3996617a031

[gregcook68]

Zeitler is probable? Does he go in for Whitworth who moves back into his LT spot? Or does Zeitler go in for Pollack?

Good write up on the "new" line. I say keep it as is! Dalton hasn't been sacked in 3 games. When he has time and there's a running game, this offense can hang with anyone.

I also say Boling was the problem. Addition by subtraction.

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Prime-time-line/d3e123b3-7d9b-44fc-ad75-e3996617a031

The depth chart shows the following;

LT:Collins/Roland

LG:Whit/Hawkinson

C:Cook/Robinson

RG:Zeitler/Pollack

LT:Smith/Roland

[cincyhokie]

Zeitler is probable? Does he go in for Whitworth who moves back into his LT spot? Or does Zeitler go in for Pollack?

Good write up on the "new" line. I say keep it as is! Dalton hasn't been sacked in 3 games. When he has time and there's a running game, this offense can hang with anyone.

I also say Boling was the problem. Addition by subtraction.

/>http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Prime-time-line/d3e123b3-7d9b-44fc-ad75-e3996617a031

The depth chart shows the following;

LT:Collins/Roland

LG:Whit/Hawkinson

C:Cook/Robinson

RG:Zeitler/Pollack

LT:Smith/Roland

Championship!

[TJJackson]

Bengals are not the same team on the road that they are at home

I expect a low scoring game with the winner being the team that makes the least mistakes

I think the loss of Newman is a lot bigger problem than it is generally perceived to be. I think the two glass replacement corners will be exposed this week while matched up all game long against starting WRs

We really, really REALLY need Good Andy to show up

[HoosierCat]

Steelers injury report. DE Brett Keisel has been declared out and DT Steve McClendon is questionable after not working all week. Polamalu is probable after just one day of practice but I expect he will go. Emmanuel Sanders popped up in the report late in the week with a foot injury. He was limited the last two days and is probable. A few other probables include Cotchery, Hood and Decastro.

[jjakq27]

Bengals are not the same team on the road that they are at home

I expect a low scoring game with the winner being the team that makes the least mistakes

I think the loss of Newman is a lot bigger problem than it is generally perceived to be. I think the two glass replacement corners will be exposed this week while matched up all game long against starting WRs

We really, really REALLY need Good Andy to show up

I look for them to test Dre a lot on Sunday.

[HoosierCat]

Just in case you were wondering, the price tag for shoving your hand up some guys butt in an NFL game is $7,875.

/>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/13/cody-wallace-fined-for-accidental-on-field-prostate-exam/

[TJJackson]

I'm sure in some bar somewhere in Cincinnati, agreen/gizzle is checking his bank account to see if he can afford it

[volcom69]

Bengals are not the same team on the road that they are at home

I expect a low scoring game with the winner being the team that makes the least mistakes

I think the loss of Newman is a lot bigger problem than it is generally perceived to be. I think the two glass replacement corners will be exposed this week while matched up all game long against starting WRs

We really, really REALLY need Good Andy to show up

I look for them to test Dre a lot on Sunday.

Teams have been going after Jones all year when Newman was healthy. I still see them picking on Jones who now has to cover there number 1. Seems to me the QBs will have there choice, just hope the CBs are ready.

[gregcook68]

Bengals are not the same team on the road that they are at home

I expect a low scoring game with the winner being the team that makes the least mistakes

I think the loss of Newman is a lot bigger problem than it is generally perceived to be. I think the two glass replacement corners will be exposed this week while matched up all game long against starting WRs

We really, really REALLY need Good Andy to show up

Based upon what I've seen this year is when he gets protection and the run game he is always good@

He's 19-3 when we rush 100+ yards!

He struggles when the protection and the run gets stymied.

Getting ahead early is critical too that way we control the ball.

How many times have you seen the Bengals take possession of the ball, up by 7 with 4:30 left in the game, and drive down to the 3 yardline, mostly using the run, eating up every minute of the clock to win the game like they did in San Diego?

The same team that just beat Denver, at Denver, scoring 17 more points against Denver's defense, than they did Cincy's defense.

[COB]

Steelers injury report. DE Brett Keisel has been declared out and DT Steve McClendon is questionable after not working all week. Polamalu is probable after just one day of practice but I expect he will go. Emmanuel Sanders popped up in the report late in the week with a foot injury. He was limited the last two days and is probable. A few other probables include Cotchery, Hood and Decastro.

Did the Steelers injury report say if their sideline tripper guy would be healthy enough to trip people from the sidelines?

[ArmyBengal]

We really, really REALLY need Good Andy to show up

No mention of "Cold Peyton" showing back up after people said he beat that wrap after one game.

We really need the same thing we had last game.

Dominant play by the oline opening holes and protecting Dalton.

No turnovers or crazy dropped passes.

This is a game they should win, but the Steelers are always a tough game regardless of records.

[HoosierCat]

Munoz is seeing what we're seeing, and loves it.

/>http://blogs.bengals.com/2013/12/14/hall-of-fame-praise-for-bengals-o-line/

“The running game over the years has been pretty good, but I believe right now that it’s as good as it’s been in a long time with the Law Firm and Giovani Bernard,” said Munoz. “For me to see that little pitch with the guard and tackle pulling out – those are things we used to do not only in college but with the Bengals. We used to run that with Max Montoya leading James Brooks around the corner and it’s great to see that again. And not only doing that, but then they’re lining up and running the power and just pounding people.”

One caveat from Lap:

“I’m going to be interested to see how Anthony Collins holds up against bull-rushers,” said Lapham. “Pittsburgh will bull-rush you and that is the only fly in A.C.’s ointment. Speed rushers he eats alive. The guy’s got tremendous feet and takes great angles. He can get that extra kick step and frustrate the speed guys that want to get on the edge. That’s basically what (Indy’s) Robert Mathis was trying to do. The first guy that comes in and tries to bull-rush him…it’s going to be interesting to see how A.C. holds up.”

[gregcook68]

Munoz is seeing what we're seeing, and loves it.

/>http://blogs.bengals.com/2013/12/14/hall-of-fame-praise-for-bengals-o-line/

“The running game over the years has been pretty good, but I believe right now that it’s as good as it’s been in a long time with the Law Firm and Giovani Bernard,” said Munoz. “For me to see that little pitch with the guard and tackle pulling out – those are things we used to do not only in college but with the Bengals. We used to run that with Max Montoya leading James Brooks around the corner and it’s great to see that again. And not only doing that, but then they’re lining up and running the power and just pounding people.”

One caveat from Lap:

“I’m going to be interested to see how Anthony Collins holds up against bull-rushers,” said Lapham. “Pittsburgh will bull-rush you and that is the only fly in A.C.’s ointment. Speed rushers he eats alive. The guy’s got tremendous feet and takes great angles. He can get that extra kick step and frustrate the speed guys that want to get on the edge. That’s basically what (Indy’s) Robert Mathis was trying to do. The first guy that comes in and tries to bull-rush him…it’s going to be interesting to see how A.C. holds up.”

Nice info. This is a road win I really want badly for many reasons.

I've never cared for Ben and lost all respect for Tip Toe Tomlin!

Lastly I want the Bengals to be the team to give them a losing season!

[HoosierCat]

Ok this got a chuckle or two out of me. The Peko one was the best.

/>http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/late-night-superlatives-bengals-steelers/n44326/