Game started :(

[Columbusbengal]

Yup.

Bad decision and that's on Marvin.

42-37 would've put them in that position.

They needed a field goal at some point anyway, so why not get it there and keep their scoring momentum going? This is about the third time this year that it cost them to go for a yard on fourth and one. You'd think they'd learn sooner or later

[clevelandbengal]

I sure wish we had that field goal from last series

Yup.

Bad decision and that's on Marvin.

42-37 would've put them in that position.

They needed a field goal at some point anyway, so why not get it there and keep their scoring momentum going? This is about the third time this year that it cost them to go for a yard on fourth and one. You'd think they'd learn sooner or later

Every time they try they run a bone-head play

[Columbusbengal]

its about freakin time

Unfortunately, the Bengals offense is about due for a TO because we never lose if we have a positive TO ratio. Since we're going to lose and so far we have a positive TO ratio, we're bound to have a TO sooner or later

[BengalszoneBilly]

YES D HELD!!

Say WHAT!?! Where's the calendar, I gotta mark that one on it!

Keep it up Smith!

its about freakin time

Since we're going to lose and so far we have a positive TO ratio, we're bound to have a TO sooner or later :

Since when have you been able to see the future?

[clevelandbengal]

its about freakin time

Unfortunately, the Bengals offense is about due for a TO because we never lose if we have a positive TO ratio. Since we're going to lose and so far we have a positive TO ratio, we're bound to have a TO sooner or later

good call

[NJ29]

As bad as our defense is playing, that pick probably seals it.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

UGH

All day for Manning - pitiful defensive coaching - game over

[rizzy]

game set match defense is pathetic

[clevelandbengal]

how disapointing. Go colts next week

we sure could have used that God Damned field goal earlier

[NJ29]

At least Chad came through on his guarentee.

[BengalszoneBilly]

game set match defense is pathetic

How can anyone possibly argue that when, as the announcer pointed out, the Bengals gave up the 1st down on 3rd and +10 yards FIVE F**KING TIMES!

Wonderful job on your defense Marvin. Just f**king wonderful. By the way, lose the "Defensive Genius" tag would ya? Geniuses don't get their asses handed to them in this manner.

[clevelandbengal]

I sure they will score again to get my hopes up

[BengalszoneBilly]

There is but one way Cincy can win here. Get a TD on this drive before there is less than 3:00 left, then recover an onsides kick, and take it in from there. If Manning touches the ball again, just stick the proverbial fork in the Bengals...they're DONE!

[clevelandbengal]

I hate to keep harping on that 4th down call but if we kick it we have a good chance to tie it up

[schweinhart]

Yes, a glimmer of hope remains at 45-34 at the 2 minute warning.

Albeit a fading fast glimmer.

The Bengals offens has played an exceptional game. The playcalling was excellent throughout.

The defense OTH played badly. Other than Justin Smith and maybe O'Neal, I think it's fair to say that everone else pretty much sucked.

[schweinhart]

Smart onsides kick calls by the Bengals.

Liked the way Shayne knocked the defender on his a$$ on the second one to give his team a chance to recover.

Bengals 7-3.

Gotta beat Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cleveland to get a shot at the division.

Jagwires are bearing down for a wildcard and the Bolts are for real.

Ain't these games great

[Columbusbengal]

Well, if we're honest, we have to admit the Bengals are still a year or two away from being a top team in the NFL (Indy is clearly there at the moment and Pittsburgh, with Ben healthy, and Denver are second and third). We can't expect to beat these teams. However, we have to not get discouraged and instead be thrilled at the improvement from a decade of losing to being seriously considered as a team capable of beating the best in the NFL. I hope the Bengals don't have a big let down now. With their schedule, they can still make the playoffs, which will be a further learning experience. They'll continue to address the defense in the off season and draft and, hopefully, we'll get some players back from injuries that will help a lot next year (plus, some of our first and second year players will continue to improve). I think this is just a baby step toward the Bengals future position among the NFL elite teams.

[schweinhart]

Well, if we're honest, we have to admit the Bengals are still a year or two away from being a top team in the NFL (Indy is clearly there at the moment and Pittsburgh, with Ben healthy, and Denver are second and third). We can't expect to beat these teams. However, we have to not get discouraged and instead be thrilled at the improvement from a decade of losing to being seriously considered as a team capable of beating the best in the NFL. I hope the Bengals don't have a big let down now. With their schedule, they can still make the playoffs, which will be a further learning experience. They'll continue to address the defense in the off season and draft and, hopefully, we'll get some players back from injuries that will help a lot next year (plus, some of our first and second year players will continue to improve). I think this is just a baby step toward the Bengals future position among the NFL elite teams.

Hell no they're not a year or two away. They're here right now. Denver will blow up and Pittsburgh is beatable every time they take the field regardless of who they play.

The Bengals got to win now because you don't know what hand they got to play next year or afterwards. Too many key players w/ contracts up in 2006 to say play for whenever. Who knows who's injured next year?

This team is right there with anybody right now. The defense will regroup from this game. They may never be able to stop the Colts if it comes down to that again, but guess what? The Colts can't stop the Bengals either.