duus Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I know it is completely unpopular and most 'football minds' would strongly disagree, but I want to offer my opinion about what the game plan should be. I have watched every Steeler game for about 12 years now, and obviously follow the Bengals as much as I humanly can being remote. That said, here it is:Play the run. Load the box. Make Ben beat you. This worked for the Jags, and has worked for the Patriots. Will Ben complete some passes? Of course. They might even get lucky and get a long one. But this takes away what they want to do, and IMHO works to our strength. Just be willing to allow them to pass, pass, pass. Pass the ball. I know the tradition is to run to set up the pass. I've seen the Steelers year over year, and that is what they want you to try to do. You have to do the opposite. Pass to set up the run. You may have a few 3 and outs, but deal with it. Keep going. This works especially nicely this year given our offense, and if TJ is back. Add to this that their secondary is banged up and it looks even smarter.DO NOT PLAY THE GAME THE STEELERS WANT YOU TO. I'm telling you, if you see this game plan (which is probably unlikely given that it goes against football traditions), you will win, and probably by 20. I'm sure the Bengal staff is watching as much as possible, but I've seen this year in and year out for the Steeler team. I just wish we would concentrate on what has worked over the years to beat the Steelers. A few years back, the Raiders came in here and passed passed passed, and they kicked butt. You have to have the patience, the qb, and the recievers willing to go short as well as long. We do ... and it will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Next_Big_Thing Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 TJ MIGHT be back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet23 Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 With their wrs & dbs banged up, ML is going to want to turn this into a shootout. I hope to see Carson slinging on the very first play. I would love to see the no huddle on the very first series. As a matter of fact, I bet we do see the no huddle very early. If the Cats are able to stop the run, it could be a very long day for Ben and the boyz... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJBestInAFC Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I am going to have to agree with you. I think the Bengals need to pass to set up the run. Run in the last quarter when the Bengals have the lead. I think if Ben is put in a position where he will have to pass to win he will fail. He has some hurt WRs too. You know they are going to run, so like you said put an extra man in box like Ohalate. It's going to be a great game, which I think the Bengals will win. At home in the jungle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 You're probably right.You never want to go into a game, though, saying you're going to pass first. You have to look at the defense and see what they're giving you.But generally, you're right. If history repeats itself, then the Steelers will play to stop the run, and if that's the case then we need to come out firing.As for our running game...I don't know that Rudi will break 100 yards, but the Steelers haven't played us since Perry joined the fray. Combined, we'll have another solid game of 120+ yards from our running backs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMC Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 It does make some sense. Especially if the Steelers are forced to play catch-up, or are always trying to stay even with our O. I think if we score first or go up 10-0, it will be huge! Rudi will be fresh in the 4th Q in this scenario. The Steelers may win TimeOfPossession, but they will have to run from behind to do it. I see Chris Perry having a very huge day? What about you? To me he is the key to the game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjakq27 Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Sort of like the playoff game against the Browns a few years back. I think both teams scored in the 30's and the Steelers pulled it our at the end. So they are vulnerable to the pasing game. I agree that we will have to pick our spots running the ball and go down swinging with Palmer. If they beat us, I want to know that we went with our strength rather than playing their game. I also don't believe we have shown everything we have on offense, especially Chris Perry and the short yardage plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duus Posted October 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Raider game from 2002 Seriously, they are the same team, regardless what folks say. They still run the same defensive scheme. If it happens, you will hear Cowher once again say that he didn't expect them to come out throwing the ball. IT WILL WORK. You just have to have the guts and patience to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Raider game from 2002 Seriously, they are the same team, regardless what folks say. They still run the same defensive scheme. If it happens, you will hear Cowher once again say that he didn't expect them to come out throwing the ball. IT WILL WORK. You just have to have the guts and patience to do it. Remember a couple of years ago when Kitna threw for over 400 yards against Pitt? TJs breakout game...I froze my butt off at that game, but it was worth every frost-bitten second... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Whenever we encounter any third or fourth and ones, we better not blow it this week. We better not have red zone penalties this week. We have to get off to a roaring start, just like against Minnesota, and the defense must be able to hold its own at least marginally well. If we can hold Bettis and Parker to inconsistency (even if they have big statistical games) and force them to convert 3rd and 4 or 5, then we should be able to win this game. Big Ben is no slouch, but with his banged up receiving corps, we have the advantage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I'll go you one better. On offense I think we need to pass to set up the run for the rest of the season. No, it's not conventional, and it's against everything that Marvin publicly says. But when we have been most successful it's what we have done. The run for us is really just a "keep them honest" play. We can, and have, thrown over the top on everyone -- even when they're looking for it. If we get up 10 - 14 points, then we run the ball, throw underneath (see C. Perry) and run the clock. I think that's gotta be our game plan.On defense against the Steelers -- yeah I think we have to put the pressure on BB to pass accurately, often, when he doesn't want to, and with a little pressure in his face (7 sacks would be nice-but I just don't see that happening again). I think both starting WR's start this game, but everybody in that equation, from QB to WR is hurting. Maybe Miller's ready to step up big, maybe not, but I'd rather dictate to them that they have to lean heavily on the rookie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duus Posted October 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 The fact that 'pass happy' game plans have consistently beaten the Steelers proves two things:1) They are schemed to only stop the run.2) They either do not or, perhaps, CANNOT adjust in the middle of the game.For Cowher to suggest he thought they would come out running simply proves what many know ... he does not know how to adjust in the middle of a game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengalindian Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 No huddle all they way. Carson orchestrates it SOOO well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhunkE1 Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I like how all of us are thinking alike on this. The way to beat Blitzburg is to spread them out. You know they're going to blitz at least 1 LB per play. I want the ball in the hands of our best player right now and that would be Palmer. I think our O matches up with their D very well, but conversly I think their O matches up with out D well too. I do see us playing allot more 4-4 in order to keep Bettis and Parker in check. We need to pop Bettis early to let him know this isn't the same old Bengals. That's your que Odell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I want to see Odell lay out that fat a$$ Bettis bad. He looks ridiculous with that spare tire flopping around his waistline these days - there's no way that guy is in top shape. I swear if I see that lard ass do one of his dances after he carries the ball, I'm gonna be pissed. He looks terrible and it's time for the Bengals' to have some pride and put him in his place before he retires. Hell I hope Odell retires him personally.Put a helmet right in that fat gut of his and remind him that he's too fat to play in the NFL!Grrrrr, can't wait til Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet23 Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I want to see Odell lay out that fat a$$ Bettis bad. He looks ridiculous with that spare tire flopping around his waistline these days - there's no way that guy is in top shape. I swear if I see that lard ass do one of his dances after he carries the ball, I'm gonna be pissed. He looks terrible and it's time for the Bengals' to have some pride and put him in his place before he retires. Hell I hope Odell retires him personally.Put a helmet right in that fat gut of his and remind him that he's too fat to play in the NFL!Grrrrr, can't wait til Sunday.Agreed. Although I like the guy, I'm sick of watching his tubby butt fall for 5 yards on every play. Does anyone know where the hell Askew is? It would be nice to have his big a$$ in the rotation against the squealers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMC Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 No huddle all they way. Carson orchestrates it SOOO well.I agree with that.Dictate tempo on their D...So what if it only takes 90 seconds to score a TD.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekshank Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I'm not a big fan of the pass to set up the run... at least not for the rest of the season. Like Skyline, I think you need to take what the defense is giving you. Last year, the Colts passed to set up the run all season, but they couldn't beat physical teams like the Patriots because they were too finesse.I want to have a running game that is tough enough to run between the tackles even at the beginning of the game when you need to.However, against a team like the Steelers that is clearly weaker against the pass, it makes sense to spread them out. Use Chad, Housh and Henry to keep from overloading the box. Get several 5 and 6 yard completions (like the Raiders always did in their superbowl run), and then run it down their throats (something the Raiders couldn't ever do) after you've established that you'll do whatever you want to on them.In a lot of cases the most important drive your team can have is the opening drive. Be the first to get points on the board. This is what made the Patirots so good for those two years. They always scored a TD on their opening drive. We need to get the Steelers playing from behind... and with Carson Palmer being hot... the best way to start quick is with his hot hand. I say call a few passes in a row to start the game with 4 wide... spread their defense out, and get them in the nickle, or dime, and then run a draw. Let them know, we control the pace of this game.On defense, I agree that we need to focus on stopping the run. With their WR's gimpy, our secondary should be able to keep from getting burnt. Slow down Bettis, we win the game.We need to play our game plan... not theirs. Earlier I was getting worried that we might lose this game... but the more I think about it, I am realizing that I am reverting to my pessimistic side that the Bengals have made me for 15 years. This is a new team... with confidence. The fan base should be confident too. I can't be there, so make PBS LOUD!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet23 Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I'm not a big fan of the pass to set up the run... at least not for the rest of the season. Like Skyline, I think you need to take what the defense is giving you. Last year, the Colts passed to set up the run all season, but they couldn't beat physical teams like the Patriots because they were too finesse.I want to have a running game that is tough enough to run between the tackles even at the beginning of the game when you need to.However, against a team like the Steelers that is clearly weaker against the pass, it makes sense to spread them out. Use Chad, Housh and Henry to keep from overloading the box. Get several 5 and 6 yard completions (like the Raiders always did in their superbowl run), and then run it down their throats (something the Raiders couldn't ever do) after you've established that you'll do whatever you want to on them.In a lot of cases the most important drive your team can have is the opening drive. Be the first to get points on the board. This is what made the Patirots so good for those two years. They always scored a TD on their opening drive. We need to get the Steelers playing from behind... and with Carson Palmer being hot... the best way to start quick is with his hot hand. I say call a few passes in a row to start the game with 4 wide... spread their defense out, and get them in the nickle, or dime, and then run a draw. Let them know, we control the pace of this game.On defense, I agree that we need to focus on stopping the run. With their WR's gimpy, our secondary should be able to keep from getting burnt. Slow down Bettis, we win the game.We need to play our game plan... not theirs. Earlier I was getting worried that we might lose this game... but the more I think about it, I am realizing that I am reverting to my pessimistic side that the Bengals have made me for 15 years. This is a new team... with confidence. The fan base should be confident to. I can't be there, so make PBS LOUD!!!Well said. If there was ever a game to air it out, Sunday is the game. Even if their dbs and wrs were not banged up, I think it would still be the right thing to do. I will be so pumped if they came out in the no-huddle, but I doubt if it would surprise Pittsburgh too much. They have to be expecting it. Also, if they are able to pass well against Pitt. it should soften up the running game against future opponents. You are right, teams that are able to run, win championships.Too bad you can't be there. I will try to yell twice as loud for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duus Posted October 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Yep, you must run to win the chamionship. But you must win the regular to get to the championship. And sometimes that means adapting a single game to the opponents weakness. This is that one time. Sounds crazy ... but if we run 20 times, it might be too much. It will work ... I've seen it. On the defensive side, stuff 'em, and either they fail passing, succeed passing, or get 3 and outs. If they succeed passing ... fine ... our ball ... to the air ... repeat. In the end, if both are going to the air, I love our chances. Get It Done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekshank Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Yep, you must run to win the chamionship. But you must win the regular to get to the championship. And sometimes that means adapting a single game to the opponents weakness. This is that one time. Sounds crazy ... but if we run 20 times, it might be too much. It will work ... I've seen it. On the defensive side, stuff 'em, and either they fail passing, succeed passing, or get 3 and outs. If they succeed passing ... fine ... our ball ... to the air ... repeat. In the end, if both are going to the air, I love our chances. Get It Done!No doubt. If this becomes a shoot out, we have an incredible advantage.If it looks more like a shut-out, I think the advantage swings their way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Orange Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I hate how the eagles run their O...I actually like some balance and some smashmouth...but for this game I would love to see the Steeler faithful admit in full soprano chorus (you know they're all eunechs, right?) that Carson is way better than Ben, and that Bettis should have retired last year, and our uni's rock...too much to ask for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 I see Chris Perry having a very huge day? What about you? To me he is the key to the game.I expect Perry to do next to nothing on the ground because the Steelers 3-4 should smother him up the middle and collar him outside. However, Perry makes for an excellent play action decoy on the run, especially early on a fake pitch. He might be able to get a decent run off a draw or else set up a big pass play downfield off the fake draw.I do think Perry can be a key in this game to thwart the zone blitz if Carson can get the ball to him for an interior screen or swing pass on the opposite side of the blitz before he gets drilled. I think they will find Perry for one big play and maybe a couple 3rd down conversions through the air. Blitz pick up by Perry could be a problem, so if he's in they need to work him out of the backfield as a receiver instead whenever he's in on 3rd downs.But I'm thinking Rudi rolls once the pass gets the Steelers back on their heels some. Rudi and Chad are the keys to this game by ground and air with Carson the biggest key IMO if he can beat the looks he faces w/ play changes at the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 If T.J. plays on Sunday, I think he will be the key to the game. Chad and Carson should be able to hook up at least marginally well with their banged up secondary. If Housh can make plays on third down against Polomalu, then we have a big advantage. Chris Henry may play a big role as well. We have three huge threats at receiver, and I can't imagine the Steelers stopping all of them consistently. Add Perry to the mix on occassion, and this game will be fun to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alleycat Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Madieu is out. As long as KK doesn't let anyone get behind him, I'm not terribly worried. But his absence was sorely felt in the Jax game and I worry that Pburg has a similar approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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