Do we have balance?

[The Big Orange]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview05/co..._len&id=2148647

After reading this article on team balance and thinking of all of the O-heavy and D-heavy teams in the NFL, most people would say we had a good offense. I know it will take some proving, and most of us are optimistic about this year's D, but I wonder how close we are to finding a real balance.

I think we are close...in fact there were several games and even wins last year where I thought our D carried us. Of course, the big question will be, "can the do it consistenly?", which isn't a good question to ask when you have as much youth as we do.

[bengalsLB]

its like 2 comepletely different Ds last year .our D almost carried us a win in 1 of the pitt games they played well versus the broncos... we shutdown 2 subpar O in washington and maimi... then there was the shamefull cleveland games our D was bad in both of those games. in general our D was mediocre last year but we were good at causing turnovers

[BengalszoneBilly]

After reading this article on team balance and thinking of all of the O-heavy and D-heavy teams in the NFL, most people would say we had a good offense.  I know it will take some proving, and most of us are optimistic about this year's D, but I wonder how close we are to finding a real balance.

I think we are close...in fact there were several games and even wins last year where I thought our D carried us.  Of course, the big question will be, "can the do it consistenly?", which isn't a good question to ask when you have as much youth as we do.

When you mention offensively heavy teams, I think the first team that comes to most peoples mind has to be the Indianapolis Colts. They made a move towards this "balance" when they nabbed Corey Simon, a solid defensive player.

When you mention defensively heavy teams, again I think the first team that comes to most peoples minds is the Baltimore Ravens. They too made a move towards being balanced (Well they really had to if you think about it. I mean you do have to score at least a few points to win a game, or else you finish the season 0-16-0! ) when they signed Derrick Mason, the leagues #2 reciever in total catches as a free agent from Tennessee. BUT theres just one little problem here. Warren Moon won't be throwing him the ball anymore. Nor is Billy Volek. It's this drunken guy:

Oh yeah. That guy brazenly groping that bar skank is Mr. Kyle Boller himself. From what I understand, it is the official starting QB's hat that by team rule is to be worn by him at all times off the field. It's also the main reason Trent Dilfer took his Super Bowl ring and high tailed it outa town!

IMO, as long as he's wearing the hat, I think things will remain a bit unbalanced in Maryland!

As far as the Bengals, we obviously need more defense! :player:

[Indycat]

Last year we had the 18th ranked offense and the 19th ranked defense.

Offense - With all 11 starters returning, the additions of Chris Perry and Chris Henry, a healthy intact O-line with quality backups, the offense should finish in the top 10 easily.

Defense - The addition of Robinson and the reshuffling of the D-line and the vast improvement of the LB's (last years game 1 starters were Hardy, Webster, & Miller the best of which would only be the 5th best LB this year) could vault the defense into the top 10 also. Especially if the offense can get early leads and control the game with the run.

:player: WHO DEY :player:

[BengalszoneBilly]

Last year we had the 18th ranked offense and the 19th ranked defense.

Those rankings, although accurate, simply don't reflect what I saw on the field. IMHO the defense trailed the offense by a wide margin in effectiveness.

Offense - With all 11 starters returning, the additions of Chris Perry and Chris Henry, a healthy intact O-line with quality backups, the offense should finish in the top 10 easily.

Defense - The addition of Robinson and the reshuffling of the D-line and the vast improvement of the LB's (last years game 1 starters were Hardy, Webster, & Miller the best of which would only be the 5th best LB this year) could vault the defense into the top 10 also. Especially if the offense can get early leads and control the game with the run.

If we start winning the all important Time Of Possession, then those things will have most likely come to pass. Wow. A top rated defense. In Cincy?? What a concept. I won't know how to act seeing other teams doin' the ol' "Three And Out Cha-Cha" on a regular basis! :player:

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Last year we had the 18th ranked offense and the 19th ranked defense.

Those rankings, although accurate, simply don't reflect what I saw on the field. IMHO the defense trailed the offense by a wide margin in effectiveness.

Well, it is exactly what I saw last year. At times, our offense stumbled big time, just like our defense. We ranked low because it took Palmer several games to get to where he was before his injury. His first several games, frankly, he blew chunks. We all forgave that and ignored it for the most part because we accepted that growth period was necessary and expected. The defense did the same thing. Early on, while our secondary was flip flopping like a mexican jumping bean, we didn't play well at all. Mid season, however, they pulled it together and we were leading the lead or close to leading the league in interceptions for a long time. Meanwhile, we didn't lead the league in turnovers because Carson was still playing like Troy Palalalalalamoo was on his team and throwing him the ball.

The defense gave up big plays last season, but they also scored for us and got us the ball back to make up for Carson's miscues.

In reality, they were at the same level as our offense, middle of the pack.

Our offense is back 100%, and our defense is improved. Carson has a year under his belt, and should be able to avoid many of the stupid mistakes he made that plagued him last season. Odell Thurman will be a difference maker. I see us with a top 12 offense and top 12 defense this season.

[Stripes]

The difference was in scoring. 10th in points scored per game, 21st in points given up. That's not balance, and that has to improve.

[walshfan]

No question in my mind that the offense is ahead of the defense at this point in time....

I dont think we feel the offense as a whole is a question mark.. We're pretty sure they will score allot of points this season barring injury to any key players.

On the other hand the defense still has us wondering how well they will play as a unit... Until thats answered the offense has the lead...

[BengalszoneBilly]

Well, it is exactly what I saw last year. At times, our offense stumbled big time, just like our defense.

Yeah, I see your point. I guess effectiveness is all in the eye of the beer holder. I'm obviously overly critical of the defense. Been that way for a long time, and I'm looking to quit!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Well, it is exactly what I saw last year.  At times, our offense stumbled big time, just like our defense.

Yeah, I see your point. I guess effectiveness is all in the eye of the beer holder. I'm obviously overly critical of the defense. Been that way for a long time, and I'm looking to quit!

*sniff* *sniff* *whine*

Damnit It can't be in the eye of the beer holder, I can't drink alcohol because of my damned arthritis meds! Thanks for the reminder of the thing I miss second most about football season!