Pete Prisco: What a Jerk

[HoosierCat]

Y'know, normally I don't pay too much attention to power rankings. They're fun, but the rankings that really count are the standings (tho I keep watching Aikman's Efficiency Ratings with interest to see how they come out as a measurement tool). But I can't let that dingbat Prisco go this week:

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7894226

OK, let me get this straight: We WIN our first ROAD GAME against the NO. 1 DEFENSE in the NFL and we DROP -- repeat DROP -- 2 SPOTS????? Not one, not two, but THREE 3-6 teams are ahead of us????

[Kirkendall]

I think this is expected for at least this year only because of our history and the lack of consistent success. We are up and down... if we played like we did against Washington, Dallas, or Denver every game, we could easily be 7-2.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

If we played like we did against Washington every game we could easily be 9-0!

[turningpoint]

yeah that's f**ked up ESPN has us at a more respectable 19.

[skyline]

Yeah, it's all based upon reputation, it seems. For example...yes, we did lose to TN, but I think it's very obvious that they are in worse shape than we are right now. Still, they are the Titans that went to the Super Bowl a few years ago, and always seems to be in contention. The Bengals...well, you know about them.

[HoosierCat]

I think this is expected for at least this year only because of our history and the lack of consistent success. We are up and down.

We certainly need more consistency...but then again, this was also out second win in a row. And at this point we are 3-1 after starting 1-4. So shouldn't that count in the "consistency" category too?

Personally, I think Prisco is just ticked off. He's still smarting from 2 years ago when he jumped on the Bengals bandwagon in preseason and ended up looking stupid, and if you look at the sportsline guy's picks for week 10, all (including Prisco) but one picked the Skins to win.

He does give us some props in the intro, where he warns the Steelers to beware, so I suppose that's something. But even that doesn't square with his rankings...

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Every week he warns the Steelers to beware whoever they are playing, I think he just cuts and pasts their opponent in hoping they will finally lose and he'll look smart to the uneducated.

[Kirkendall]

We certainly need more consistency...but then again, this was also out second win in a row. And at this point we are 3-1 after starting 1-4. So shouldn't that count in the "consistency" category too?

Absolutely it does. But I'll bet a 4 or 5-week consistency for some has more weight than a 16-week consisency, or season-long for others. I think it's in the eye of the author. That's all.

I've got Cincinnati at 15 this week at the BZ Power Rankings. But I'll bet detractors will call me a fool, or a "homer" because the Bengals "will show their true colors" -- the most used phrase on e-mails to me. But they are playing great football right now...

[HoosierCat]

I've got Cincinnati at 15 this week at the BZ Power Rankings. But I'll bet detractors will call me a fool, or a "homer" because the Bengals "will show their true colors" -- the most used phrase on e-mails to me. But they are playing great football right now...

They are getting it done, that's for sure, and this week will be a big test of just how "for real" they are. I don't think 15 is out of whack. Heck, I'm not sure that Prisco's 24 is out of whack -- it's just the fact of downgrading them after a road win against a tough D seem like sour grapes to me.

Just as a comparision, I was watching Sportscenter Sunday night and Berman & TJ couldn't say enough nice things about Green Bay, which also started 1-4 and since has gone 4-0 to climb back into the race. Now, I know Pitt's record means that even the Bengals' 3-1 run has them way behind, but still it seems we're due a bit of respect, not a slap down!

[Kirkendall]

I think with GB you have the Favre factor, so they know what they get with them more so than they know about Cincy. H-E-double hockey sticks, there are times that I don't know what Cincy will do next. Tennessee did that to me.

Now all my discussions around the watercooler have me saying the Bengals could win, if they show up like they have in the past 4 weeks (minus Tennessee).

But I agree, something should be said about Cincinnati's run at least. Something.

...well I don't watch CBS because for all I know they could have a memo stating Arizona will win the entire show and stand by it even if they lose the next 7 games.

[JPW]

Is there a site that has a Calculator for Aikman's own version of QB Ratings ?

Like the site that has the NFL Calculator:

Quarterback Rating Calculator

[HoosierCat]

Is there a site that has a Calculator for Aikman's own version of QB Ratings ?

Like the site that has the NFL Calculator:

Quarterback Rating Calculator

Aikman's ratings are for the total O and D. I haven't seen a "calculator" but he has the breakdown of how they are figured out at the bottom of his rankings on nfl.com. Going into last week's game the bengals were, IIRC, 4 or 5 from the bottom on offense, which seemed about right, but in the middle of the defensive pack, which also seemed about right (at least to me).

[Dan2330]

If we played like we did against Washington every game we could easily be 9-0!

And that would be the same Denver and Dallas teams that made the playoffs last year. I think ESPN has a 'love to hate and make fun of' thing going for the Bengals.

Time for ESPN to find a new team to pick on, perhaps Irvin can take cheap jabs at his former team since they are headed for the tank!

[JPW]

Is there a site that has a Calculator for Aikman's own version of QB Ratings ?

Like the site that has the NFL Calculator:

Quarterback Rating Calculator

Aikman's ratings are for the total O and D. I haven't seen a "calculator" but he has the breakdown of how they are figured out at the bottom of his rankings on nfl.com. Going into last week's game the bengals were, IIRC, 4 or 5 from the bottom on offense, which seemed about right, but in the middle of the defensive pack, which also seemed about right (at least to me).

Yea I knew about his total O and D ratings.

I just thought that he had his own Formula for Passing Ratings to, but I could be mistaken.

In my mind the NFL Formula is often times very misleading.

I had thought that I had seen a Formula by Aikman somewhere, that was a Lot Better at Rating Passers.

But like I said I could be mistaken.

BTW this is an interesting read on the subject:

NFL: The Arms Race

[HoosierCat]

BTW this is an interesting read on the subject:

NFL: The Arms Race

Good article, thanks JPW.

QB ratings are ultimately problematic, even the one the author of this piece suggests. I agree about making yards per attempt paramount...but even that's subject not just to the QB, but to the guys he's throwing to. Would Montana have racked up the kind of numbers he did without Jerry Rice? I dunno.. when I think about great QBs, I always think back to the old "definition" of pornography: I can't define it, but I know it when I see it. There are just something you can't describe with numbers.

I found this comment interesting, from the notes on Dan Fouts and the Air Coryell offense, since it's the one our O is supposed based on:

Among other things, the system relied on spot passes and exploiting mismatches. Coryell relied on his quarterback to deliver the ball not to where the receiver was, but to where the receiver would likely finish his route. The defensive line couldn't harass the quarterback since the ball was in the air so quickly. Neither linebackers nor defensive backs had time to react. It was a "ball-control" game—airborne style.

Palmer has that quick release, now we just need to get him on the same page as his receivers.

[Jam31]

Just beat Pittsburgh for me and you'll be in the Top Ten for the all important power rankings.

After you beat KC last year you were everybody's glory boys so its either "THEY'RE BACK" or "THEY'RE STILL THE BUNGLES"

LIke I said before, do me a favor and beat Pittsburgh. The Steelers D is only as good as their lead so get up on them early and you have a great chance.

:player:

[Barbarian]

Y'know, normally I don't pay too much attention to power rankings. They're fun, but the rankings that really count are the standings (tho I keep watching Aikman's Efficiency Ratings with interest to see how they come out as a measurement tool). But I can't let that dingbat Prisco go this week:

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7894226

OK, let me get this straight: We WIN our first ROAD GAME against the NO. 1 DEFENSE in the NFL and we DROP -- repeat DROP -- 2 SPOTS????? Not one, not two, but THREE 3-6 teams are ahead of us????

If the Bungles were a college team, then their "quality wins" would be an absolute zero!!!! Let's list the teams that they beat:

1. Miami--lost their numero uno offensive weapon--this organization is in total disarray.

2. Dallas--Just got shelled on MNF. I'm just wondering how Dallas won 3 stinking games.

3. Washington--Their offense is non-existent. Now, they're doing the QB Shuffle. Not a good sign. Having the #1 defense in the NFL matters nothing when you are left on the field for 40 minutes per ball game. Brunell actually passed for 57 yards for an entire game.

4. Denver--The Bungles actually played smart ball against this team--however, I'm not so sure that Denver is THAT GOOD. They could miss post-season altogether. If Denver gets behind, they are finished. Plummer can't win games by himself and definitely can't lead his team from behind. He gave up "gimmes" all game against the Bungles.

So, those 4 wins are misleading. We'll see how good the Bungles are in the next 4 games:

Sun. Nov. 21 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Nov. 28 Cleveland 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Dec. 5 @Baltimore 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Dec. 12 @New England 1:00 PM ET

I'll make a bet that the Bungles lose ALL these games.

[jditty47]

ill bet u 3 paychecks that we dont lose all 4 games.

[kevnz]

So, those 4 wins are misleading. We'll see how good the Bungles are in the next 4 games:

Sun. Nov. 21 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Nov. 28 Cleveland 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Dec. 5 @Baltimore 1:00 PM ET

Sun. Dec. 12 @New England 1:00 PM ET

I'll make a bet that the Bungles lose ALL these games.

What the hell kind of fan are you Barb? I can understand you thinking that they will lose to Pitt, Balt, and NE, but to think they'd lose the the Browns at home no less. Have you seen how bad the Browns are playing??? WTF Barb? Have you shown your true colors and admitted you're a Browns fan????

Will anything ever satisfy you? Can't you accept the fact that this is a young team and that they are showing improvement???? What the hell is your problem? Are you just so stuck on your hate Mike Brown kick that you can't accept that hey, maybe things have changed? If you can't see the changes that have gone through this organization then maybe it is time to find another team to "cheer" for.

[Barbarian]

So, those 4 wins are misleading.  We'll see how good the Bungles are in the next 4 games:

Sun. Nov. 21 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM  ET

Sun. Nov. 28 Cleveland 1:00 PM  ET

Sun. Dec. 5 @Baltimore 1:00 PM  ET

Sun. Dec. 12 @New England 1:00 PM  ET

I'll make a bet that the Bungles lose ALL these games.

What the hell kind of fan are you Barb? I can understand you thinking that they will lose to Pitt, Balt, and NE, but to think they'd lose the the Browns at home no less. Have you seen how bad the Browns are playing??? WTF Barb? Have you shown your true colors and admitted you're a Browns fan????

Will anything ever satisfy you? Can't you accept the fact that this is a young team and that they are showing improvement???? What the hell is your problem? Are you just so stuck on your hate Mike Brown kick that you can't accept that hey, maybe things have changed? If you can't see the changes that have gone through this organization then maybe it is time to find another team to "cheer" for.

Browns???? Who are they???? Do you mean the Terd colored Terds up by the mistake by the lake????

I could never like them.

As for what kind of fan I am--it's none of your damned business.

Just kidding. Since you asked, I'm a logical fan. I do think that they get beat up by s**ttsburgh and they get their confidence blown up. They drop that game to the Browns because of the Squeeler letdown. That's how they lose 4 straight.

It happened last year too.

[HoosierCat]

If the Bungles were a college team, then their "quality wins" would be an absolute zero!!!! Let's list the teams that they beat:

Oh, let's not. I mean, why bother? If we beat Cleveland, you'll just complain they they suck, and if we beat any of the other teams you mentioned, you'll just retreat to your "Denver" excuse and that you aren't convinced that they're any good.

But all this is, of course, beside the point, which was that we won on the road against the league's toughest defense, and for that Prisco drops us two places. I take it you agree: that a Bengals road win against the Redskins isn't simply unimpresive, but downright worthy of complaining about and knocking them for achieving?

Well...of course you do. It's your schtick, after all. I'm, just surprised Prisco picked it up.

[Barbarian]

If the Bungles were a college team, then their "quality wins" would be an absolute zero!!!!  Let's list the teams that they beat:

Oh, let's not. I mean, why bother? If we beat Cleveland, you'll just complain they they suck, and if we beat any of the other teams you mentioned, you'll just retreat to your "Denver" excuse and that you aren't convinced that they're any good.

But all this is, of course, beside the point, which was that we won on the road against the league's toughest defense, and for that Prisco drops us two places. I take it you agree: that a Bengals road win against the Redskins isn't simply unimpresive, but downright worthy of complaining about and knocking them for achieving?

Well...of course you do. It's your schtick, after all. I'm, just surprised Prisco picked it up.

No, I'm arguing why that Pricksco would have done that. If I were writing, I may have move the Bungles UP a slot or 2--it couldn't hurt. They won 2 straight.

I was just trying to view the WHOLE PICTURE, Joisey.

[MexicanFan]

I don't think the BENGALS are so bad . Every game was close until one awful mistake:

Jets 31 Bengals 24, only 7 points=> then an interception in jets territory

Ravens 16 Bengals 9, only 7 points=> then Jamal run td Ravens 23 Bengals 9

Steelers 21 Bengals 17, only 4 points=> then an interception Steelers 28 Bengals 17

Titans 27 Bengals 20, only 7 points=> then a sack in Titans territory

I mean, they are not the same old bengals with a high points allowed and an imposible comeback.

SALUDOS

[HoosierCat]

No, I'm arguing why that Pricksco would have done that. If I were writing, I may have move the Bungles UP a slot or 2--it couldn't hurt. They won 2 straight.

I was just trying to view the WHOLE PICTURE, Joisey.

I understand, but Power Rankings are supposed to be a current and historical tool. They are based on what a team has done (and the Bengals are 3-1 in the last 4 games) and what they did in the most recent week (where we won our first road game). Moreover, we weren't supposed to win. Almost everyone, including Prisco, picked the Skins. Like I said before, 24 out or 32 may be a fair ranking for the Bengals -- but in this case, not after they were at 22 the week before!

MexicanFan:

I don't think the BENGALS are so bad  . Every game was close until  one awful mistake:

Jets 31 Bengals 24, only 7 points=> then an interception in jets territory

Agreed, they've had a horrible propensity for the big goof.

Though actually, I think the real killer in the Jets game was Rudi's fumble, which was returned for a TD by the Jets.

[HoosierCat]

Guess if I'm gonna knock Prisco, I have to give him his props, too. The crazy bastage actually had the cajones to pick us over the Steelers...

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/NFL_SC-PRED