Vikings @ Bengals Pregame Thread

[Earendil]

Good news, looks like everyone is practicing today but Newman.

That makes me feel better.

[HoosierCat]

Hobs update:

The Bengals went out to Friday morning's practice on the Paul Brown Stadium turf with their heavy hitters that missed Thursday with concussions and they went full go.

That is a good sign, but not definitive. Left end Carlos Dunlap suffered a concussion on the defense's last snap in Piitsburgh last Sunday and SAM linebacker James Harrison left with one in the first quarter. Left guard Andrew Whitworth was listed with one Thursday after Wednesday's practice. They were all called questionable even though they were full go in in Friday's last full-scale workout before Sunday's game (1 p.m., tickets still available) against the Vikings at PBS.

The Cincinnati defensive line rotation may take another shot. Tackle Devon Still (back) missed his second day of practice and is questionable. Cornerback Terence Newman,(knee) who hasn't practiced since he got injured 12 days ago is doubtful. Right guard Kevin Zeitler (foot) is also questionable even though he went full Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday. Tight end Jermaine Gresham (abdomen) went full all three days of practice and is probable.

In Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) went limited Friday and is questionable.

[HoosierCat]

sellout declared

[ArmyBengal]

I will say that I thought Charles had a future at the TE spot. I mean that was his position at Georgia and where they wanted him to play when drafted.

I saw this move mostly as a way to provide depth at the TE spot "IF" there were an injury and he could provide time at the FB spot.

Again, I think that was being too cute.

My guess is that it all started with Eifert. I don't think they expected him to be there, and when they ended up adding another first-round TE that put Charles on the bubble. BUT I also don't think they are sold on Gresham long-term. So they wanted a way to keep Charles around in case Jermaine keeps, well, doing what he keeps doing. And so this H-back attempt.

That aside, I agree, Ryan Whalen has the NFL's easiest job. I wish I could get paid $555,000 (yes, that's his salary!) to sit on my azz once a week.

I agree. Eifert being there put them in a great spot. It's what they've done to manage the roster after that has me scratching my head. Keeping Charles, Sanzenbacher AND Whalen? For what? Practice? Perhaps.

Given the injuries to the DBs, have to also wonder if Crocker is really the best scenario. A year older...slower... Couldn't have brought along another CB, just in case? This roster, with the talent here, is not that hard to manage. There are like 7 guys that are the hard decisions. baffling...

Maybe one of the best, I mean the best, roster signings they've ever made is the addition of Gilberry. They nailed that one.

I get that with Eifert for sure.

Charles, Sanzenbacher, Whalen AND Hamilton. Can't forget Cobi. Why they got rid of Connor baffles me.

I like Crocker even though he's getting up there. On that note, I still hate the Shawn Williams pick.

[kingwilly]

I honestly don't mind the Williams pick. I'd like to think either he, Dye or Miles is a better option that Crocker. Gotta give young guys time to play and get better. Iloka is playing, which I like, and he's improved. We keep bringing in a guy like Crocker, means they're not ready for Williams. Then why freaking draft him?

[ArmyBengal]

1.I'd like to think either he, Dye or Miles is a better option that Crocker.

2.We keep bringing in a guy like Crocker, means they're not ready for Williams. Then why freaking draft him?

I numbered the parts of your post to respond to.

1. I'd like to think that as well, but I don't.

2. Exactly

I know they think Williams is a Crocker type of player, but i'm skeptical with all the injuries and him not getting any time.

Doesn't mean i'm not hopeful, but that's only because I don't have any other choice in the matter.

Yes, i'm happy about Iloka as well.

[ArmyBengal]

Was it Hokie that posted emotional thinking for each say of the week ??

If so, I think Saturday was more along the lines of feeling pretty confident heading into the game.

That's pretty much where I am today.

Thinking the Bengals should handle the Vikings while playing at home.

The injuries still concern me.

[HoosierCat]

This game will come down to three things, all of which need to happen if the Bengals are going to win.

1. The errors have to stop. No more teams flubs, fumbles, dropped balls, stupid penalties, etc.

2. Get pressure on Cassel. AP may or may not have a big day, but if Cassel gets going he will definitely run amok. And we can't count on the banged-up secondary to do it all.

3. Smart playcalling and execution. Focus on running the ball, safe high-percentage passes (you know, that WCO thing we are supposed to be running) and keep the ball away from Minny.

I'm actually pretty bullish that they can accomplish 3. But they regressed badly on 1 last week (granted, with a big assist from the refs) and their ability to get 2 has been fading as injuries take their toll - and now it looks like the DT rotation is down another guy in Still.

I was confident of a win last week and they lost. Let's hope I'm wrong again this week because this feels like a big fat L to me.

[membengal]

Gonna be windy. Winds forecast at 20-30 mph during the game.

[gregcook68]

This game will come down to three things, all of which need to happen if the Bengals are going to win.

1. The errors have to stop. No more teams flubs, fumbles, dropped balls, stupid penalties, etc.

2. Get pressure on Cassel. AP may or may not have a big day, but if Cassel gets going he will definitely run amok. And we can't count on the banged-up secondary to do it all.

3. Smart playcalling and execution. Focus on running the ball, safe high-percentage passes (you know, that WCO thing we are supposed to be running) and keep the ball away from Minny.

I'm actually pretty bullish that they can accomplish 3. But they regressed badly on 1 last week (granted, with a big assist from the refs) and their ability to get 2 has been fading as injuries take their toll - and now it looks like the DT rotation is down another guy in Still.

I was confident of a win last week and they lost. Let's hope I'm wrong again this week because this feels like a big fat L to me.

They have a lot to overcome in the next 2 weeks, and most non-Bengal folk have already chalked them up to fail and for Baltimore to win the division. From my coaching experience, this position can sometimes work to your advantage if it's approached right with hunger! That's what I'm hoping for!

[gregcook68]

I'm not superstitious whatsoever, and if anyone is, I understand.

I know everyone will be rooting for them, but I was curious of how everyone felt about how they think they will do?

I'll start. I truly believe that they will use this 'backs against the wall' to their advantage. They're hungry!

I believe they will win Sunday, and IF the Ravens win as well, I think they will make the same statement next week!

WHO DEY!!!

[ArmyBengal]

From my coaching experience, this position can sometimes work to your advantage if it's approached right with hunger!

I'm hungry.

[Scottishbengal]

I'm not feeling bullish nor confident about this game ... the Vikings do have the tools to beat us in Cincinnati .... argueably the Leagues best running back against a banged up D line, and a passer capable of making plays with various offensive "weapons" against a broken and inexperienced secondary, and a HC with something to prove.

As much as I would love to see the Bengals win 99-0 i don't believe they have that steeley edge to play a "statement" game as I was hoping they would against Miami, Baltimore or Pittsburgh.

I sincerely hope we get off to a solid start cos if we fall behind a couple of scores early on I can see Gruden going aerial to chase the game and that's when we'll get the turnovers against us.

Teaching granny to suck eggs but keep the Vikings from running up scores early, keep running the ball, stop the penalties, stop giving the ball away via turnovers and we'll have a chance.

I'd hate to see another play-off season where we back into the play-offs and die first time out. We still have a shot at the No.2 seed so lets start playing like we are a team capable of being a No.2 seed !!!

[Scottishbengal]

I am yet to see any evidence that when "backs are against the wall" this team can perform. Whether it be injuries, bad calls, lack of preparation or poor coaching calls I just don't know.

The Bengals COULD have had this division wrapped up by now. The Bengals COULD be sitting at the No.2 in the AFC. The Bengals COULD have taken the Steelers out of play-off contention.

The Bengals COULD still miss out on the play-offs altogether.

If they weren't motivated for any of the above scenarios ... (and I'm not saying they weren't motivated)... then I just can't see when it comes down to the 11th hour that they have the X factor to make a difference. They have failed in games where there hasn't been anywhere near the degree of pressure that a "backs against the walls" scenario would bring.

In my view if we lose against Minny and the Ravens win, and the final game of the regular season comes down to a must win for both Cincy and Baltimore (loser's seasons ends there and then type situation) then I can't see the Bengals have shown us anything thus far over the season that would give me confidence they could beat Baltimore. Of course I'd HOPE they would, but I wouldn't be rushing down the bookies to place a substantial bet on them doing so.

[gregcook68]

I am yet to see any evidence that when "backs are against the wall" this team can perform. Whether it be injuries, bad calls, lack of preparation or poor coaching calls I just don't know.

The Bengals COULD have had this division wrapped up by now. The Bengals COULD be sitting at the No.2 in the AFC. The Bengals COULD have taken the Steelers out of play-off contention.

The Bengals COULD still miss out on the play-offs altogether.

If they weren't motivated for any of the above scenarios ... (and I'm not saying they weren't motivated)... then I just can't see when it comes down to the 11th hour that they have the X factor to make a difference. They have failed in games where there hasn't been anywhere near the degree of pressure that a "backs against the walls" scenario would bring.

In my view if we lose against Minny and the Ravens win, and the final game of the regular season comes down to a must win for both Cincy and Baltimore (loser's seasons ends there and then type situation) then I can't see the Bengals have shown us anything thus far over the season that would give me confidence they could beat Baltimore. Of course I'd HOPE they would, but I wouldn't be rushing down the bookies to place a substantial bet on them doing so.

Stop hem hawing around Scottish and tell us how you REALLY feel! lol

There's not a whole lot I can say I disagree with, but this is the first time the Bengals have had a season like this at home! THAT, in itself, is something we haven't seen before since the 80s, and I'm hoping will carry on through at least the next 3 games!

I do believe a loss this weekend coupled with a Baltimore win would pretty much sum it up!

[kingwilly]

I think the injuries on Defense have caught up with the team. Now relying on Kirkpatrick and Ghee, Still and Johnson, with possibly Harrison and Dunlap dinged up, means the already depleted D is Really thin.

I do think the team can still win out and make noise but we need to see it over the next two weeks, starting tomorrow.

I see them beating the Vikes, 27-17.

[kingwilly]

I think the injuries on Defense have caught up with the team. Now relying on Kirkpatrick and Ghee, Still and Thompson, with possibly Harrison and Dunlap dinged up, means the already depleted D is Really thin.

I do think the team can still win out and make noise but we need to see it over the next two weeks, starting tomorrow.

I see them beating the Vikes, 27-17.

[volcom69]

The thing I always come back to can this team be trusted?

Just when you think this team finally gets it, they have that let me down game. Just when you think Dalton is finally on, he goes out and throws 3 ints. The o-line was putting togther a great 2nd half, then came out looking like they were lost.

This is where I keep saying they are inconsistant. I agree this division should have been wrapped up, but for some reason they always need help. It's about time they take matters in there own hand and win this division. It needs to start this weekend, get into the playoffs winning.

If they fail to make the playoffs, it going to be crazy around here and other fan forums. So just make the playoffs!

[membengal]

I think we will need to put up 28 or more to win.

[COB]

From my coaching experience, this position can sometimes work to your advantage if it's approached right with hunger!

I'm hungry.

Have a snack.

[Stripes]

Their chances of missing the playoffs are still close to remote.

Win the division, I don't care how. I don't care about the seed either.