Are we just hitting our stride at the right time?

[alleycat]

This was a game where the rookies turned into veterans and stepped up big time.

Chris Henry is a bonafide #2 receiver anywhere in the league and climbing.

Tab Perry was a late-round steal of the century (along with TJ)

Jonathan Fananae was in on 5 snaps and had a 4 yard TFL and QB pressure on two (I'm actually the most thrilled about this one).

ODell leads in tackles, had 2 FF (they only gave him credit for 1), and the INT that helped seal it.

AND David Pollack had a WHALE of a game. He pressured the QB all day long, and nearly had sacks on two other plays where Rothlisberger threw it as he was going down (how those weren't in the grasp but the final play that he threw the ball to Landon for the pick-6 I don't understand).

Our run D is really getting there. With Shaun Smith and Pollack (who is making a huge difference with his penetration and forcing contain and re-routing of runs even though he might not be getting the tackle), I think we are finally finding a good mix. And don't count out Fananae to keep coming on strong - he just looks like a player. The final piece which hasn't been getting much attention is that Landon is really back and playing solid, too. Our run defense is actually containing runners, stuffing gaps, and making plays.

Our offensive line has solidified into a group with attitude and given Carson and Rudi the protection and holes they need. With those holes, Rudi is returning to last season's form and Carson is turning in MVP numbers.

Our receivers may be the best corps in the league.

Our pass defense blows. God I miss Madieu. (For this reason, I think we would most like to see Jacksonville in the playoffs first. We will own them this time). Because of much of the above, I see the greatest needs in next year's draft now as Safety AND Corner

Even though we gave up 31 last night, it really feels like this team is just starting to gel - even on the D.

Just at the right time...

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Yet let's not get ahead of ourselves with just how bad the defense is here.

I think Breshnahan has to be on the hot seat at some point, his group gives up way too many yards and points and either long drives or big plays constantly, no matter who they face.

Despite missing Madeiu, as Ohalete is a huge liability in pass coverage, it seems whatever schemes they are running out there on Sundays, always fail miserably if it wasn't for guys just making plays with their raw athletic ability and instincts.

The Bengals' will go as far as their weak defense takes them - and just think how good they can be when Madeiu is back and they bolster other weak areas with draft picks and FA's.

FA's may actually want to come here now.

Anything they do this year is gravy - but I am not here predicting a SB appearance, or even an AFC Championship game. Getting to the playoffs is more than enough for me at this point honestly.

I just don't think this defense is nearly good enough to take them very far - you can't expect your offense to score over 30 points every week just to win games - ecspecially against teams like Pitt and the Ravens.

A positive note is that they seem to be getting better stopping the running game - but at the cost of a lot of one-on-one and zone coverage that is leading to huge gains, ecspecially on 3rd downs when they rush with just their front 4.

If Breshnahan can come up with some more adjustments to make the more stout - anything can happen - but just don't see it with this defense.

[skyline]

Yet let's not get ahead of ourselves with just how bad the defense is here.

I think Breshnahan has to be on the hot seat at some point, his group gives up way too many yards and points and either long drives or big plays constantly, no matter who they face.

Despite missing Madeiu, as Ohalete is a huge liability in pass coverage, it seems whatever schemes they are running out there on Sundays, always fail miserably if it wasn't for guys just making plays with their raw athletic ability and instincts.

The Bengals' will go as far as their weak defense takes them - and just think how good they can be when Madeiu is back and they bolster other weak areas with draft picks and FA's.

FA's may actually want to come here now.

Anything they do this year is gravy - but I am not here predicting a SB appearance, or even an AFC Championship game. Getting to the playoffs is more than enough for me at this point honestly.

I just don't think this defense is nearly good enough to take them very far - you can't expect your offense to score over 30 points every week just to win games - ecspecially against teams like Pitt and the Ravens.

A positive note is that they seem to be getting better stopping the running game - but at the cost of a lot of one-on-one and zone coverage that is leading to huge gains, ecspecially on 3rd downs when they rush with just their front 4.

If Breshnahan can come up with some more adjustments to make the more stout - anything can happen - but just don't see it with this defense.

No chance Chuck is in the hot seat yet! Yes, the D is our obvious weakness, but I think it's equally obvious that it is a much improved unit from last season. Give him another year of solid draft picks, another year for the players to gel under his system, and I think the improvements will continue...

[HoosierCat]

I just don't think this defense is nearly good enough to take them very far - you can't expect your offense to score over 30 points every week just to win games.

Perhaps. But then again, we knew that going in this year, no? Bengals were going as far as Palmer and the offense could take them, while the D was still a year away.

That said, the D has to be given credit for all the turnovers they've gotten. That's a been a huge part of why this team has stepped up from average this season. And thats a bit of a wild card when it comes to the playoffs. Our defense has problems stopping people...but they have demonstrated a knack for giving the offense extra opportunities...and then suddenly you do start scoring 30 on a regular basis.

I'm not convinced they're Super Bowl caliber yet, but they're starting to look like more than "one and done."

[BengalszoneBilly]

Everyone knows I'm the #1 person around here who bad mouths the defense, but even I see differences from last year to now. Also the pure effort given to get to Roethlisberger and sack him on the 4th down to end the game was tremendous!

They are young, and they'll improve, but until they get there, I'll continue to rip 'em when they deserve ripping. I can't wait until they shut my big mouth up!

[Jet23]

This was a game where the rookies turned into veterans and stepped up big time.

Chris Henry is a bonafide #2 receiver anywhere in the league and climbing.

Tab Perry was a late-round steal of the century (along with TJ)

Jonathan Fananae was in on 5 snaps and had a 4 yard TFL and QB pressure on two (I'm actually the most thrilled about this one).

ODell leads in tackles, had 2 FF (they only gave him credit for 1), and the INT that helped seal it.

AND David Pollack had a WHALE of a game. He pressured the QB all day long, and nearly had sacks on two other plays where Rothlisberger threw it as he was going down (how those weren't in the grasp but the final play that he threw the ball to Landon for the pick-6 I don't understand).

Our run D is really getting there. With Shaun Smith and Pollack (who is making a huge difference with his penetration and forcing contain and re-routing of runs even though he might not be getting the tackle), I think we are finally finding a good mix. And don't count out Fananae to keep coming on strong - he just looks like a player. The final piece which hasn't been getting much attention is that Landon is really back and playing solid, too. Our run defense is actually containing runners, stuffing gaps, and making plays.

Our offensive line has solidified into a group with attitude and given Carson and Rudi the protection and holes they need. With those holes, Rudi is returning to last season's form and Carson is turning in MVP numbers.

Our receivers may be the best corps in the league.

Our pass defense blows. God I miss Madieu. (For this reason, I think we would most like to see Jacksonville in the playoffs first. We will own them this time). Because of much of the above, I see the greatest needs in next year's draft now as Safety AND Corner

Even though we gave up 31 last night, it really feels like this team is just starting to gel - even on the D.

Just at the right time...

I think the timing is perfect. With the no-huddle being effective, I see teams game planning against Carson, like they do against Peyton. That should open up the running game even more, which will take some pressure off of our defense. I look for Rudi to be the difference maker down the stretch and into the playoffs. Man, is it nice to be able to run the ball or what?

Don't read too much into yesterday's pass D. They were obviously overplaying the run, making Ben beat them, which he DID NOT do. Ben said he and his receivers wanted a shootout, now he has a great big L to show for it. Be careful what you wish for.

[Defender]

I think this is all due to the bye week coming when it did. It's the biggest reason that the Bengals and the Steelers were two different teams when they played yesterday than when they played in Oct. Who knows if it will have much inpact in the playoffs or not, but had the bye week come in week 4 or 5, the Bengals probably would have been living how the Steelers are living life right now.

[DontPushMe]

Tab Perry was a late-round steal of the century (along with TJ)

While he was a very good pick, and very good value where we got him, I wouldnt call him a big steal until he proves himself as a WR. Even the best kickoff return specialists wouldnt be drafted higher than the 4th round. Getting him in the middle of the 6th was good, a borderline steal, but not like TJ until he starts catching passes.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Tab Perry was a late-round steal of the century (along with TJ)

While he was a very good pick, and very good value where we got him, I wouldnt call him a big steal until he proves himself as a WR. Even the best kickoff return specialists wouldnt be drafted higher than the 4th round. Getting him in the middle of the 6th was good, a borderline steal, but not like TJ until he starts catching passes.

I tell you what Pushy, we already have (IMHO of course) one of the top two corps of recievers in the league, combined with THE best QB in the league, (that's not my opinion, that's a FACT, JACK!) so there already isn't enough passes to go around as it is. Especially when you consider all the passes going to your boy Chris Perry (yeah, I know I dissed him, and I was wrong. First time ever don't cha' know. ) and the other running backs get as well.

I imagine some day he will get his chance to line up at WR with the offense, but if he keeps consistently giving the Bengals killer field position with those awesome returns like he did yesterday, The only other thing I want to see him do is return punt's too, and stay rested for those streaking runs he makes through the opposing special teams! I swear, just about everytime the man touched the ball, I thought he was on the edge of breaking it for a TD! Does anyone realize the Bengals drives AVERAGED starting on our own 46 yardline, versus the Steelers averaged starting theirs at thier own 31?! That's a HUGE advantage!!

Guy's who can return kicks like that don't fall off of trees ya' know. Dante Hall is one of the few that comes to mind. Regardless if he ever catches a pass, if he keeps up this progress, I'll consider him one major steal!

[HairOnFire]

Watching the defense is frustrating, but we knew it would be before the season began. That said, it's actually pretty amazing that the defense is responsible for about half of the Bengals victories so far, and I believe strongly that they will get better next season.

As for the playoffs, this team can play with anyone and based upon the earlier matchup may have the best chance to upset the Colts of any team they'll face. So while I acknowledge the weaknesses that we all see there's no way I'd rule out a Bengal appearance in the Super Bowl. The offense ranks amongst the elite, and the defense is a high risk/high reward unit that can make surprising plays.

Freakin' Who-Dey.

[Stripes]

It's good that we played the Colts before the playoffs. I think we'll certainly be seeing them again, probably in the AFC Championship Game. What a great season this has been and is shaping up to be!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Read all the replies and the original post regarding the defense, and I don't necessarily disagree with anyone.

But do you guys really think good playoff teams are going to turn the ball over 3-4 times a game, in the playoffs? Nada.

The Bengals are barely winning games now because of their defense - the key is they are winning them I guess.

But you can't squeak by to a 13-3 record either - the defense HAS to step up and start playing better.

I do not see any difference in last year's defense other than some additional youth and speed here and there, and a CB in Deltha who has really improved his game.

I realize Breshnahan isn't on notice yet certainly - if any time between now and next season - as I was being slightly sarcastic - but he should be. The defense is just as bad and unreliable as it was last season IMO, and arguably much worse the 2nd half (no time to look up #'s here yet).

But honestly can't see Marvin putting yet another coordinator in his place.

One thing's for sure, we won't have to worry about any defensive coaches getting offered HC jobs.

So I say - let it ride and the defense is what it is - the achilles heel of this year's Bengals', and they'll go as far as the defense allows them to ultimately.

[Stripes]

I do not see any difference in last year's defense other than some additional youth and speed here and there, and a CB in Deltha who has really improved his game.

I realize Breshnahan isn't on notice yet certainly - if any time between now and next season - as I was being slightly sarcastic - but he should be. The defense is just as bad and unreliable as it was last season IMO, and arguably much worse the 2nd half (no time to look up #'s here yet).

I see where you're coming from here, but I must disagree. The defense is no better in the sense that it still struggled to stop the run, and struggles on third down. Still, we have forced 37 turnovers, 24 of which have been interceptions. Those numbers are just out of this world. I think it is a sign of things to come. Fast defenses always create turnovers very well, and with just one or two big changes, this defense will be very good. We need a defensive tackle, preferably a free agent, and a strong safety. That's it.

[HairOnFire]

But do you guys really think good playoff teams are going to turn the ball over 3-4 times a game, in the playoffs? Nada.

The Bengals are barely winning games now because of their defense - the key is they are winning them I guess.

But you can't squeak by to a 13-3 record either - the defense HAS to step up and start playing better.

Do good teams turn the ball over in the playoffs? Yeah, judging from the performances of the Colts and Steelers in recent years.

The Bengal defense has won their share of football games this year, and the record wouldn't be 9-3 without their efforts. If you don't believe me, just look at the points the Bengals have scored off of turnovers. I think the graphic they flashed on the screen before the end of the Steeler game listed something like 122 points.

The way this team is performing the defense will get the blame for every failure, and that's fair to a point. But let's give them their due even though our most recent memories are of shootouts. Let's not forget the fact that the defense managed to produce 4 turnovers simply because it almost wasn't enough.

It WAS enough.

[walshfan]

the Bengal offense is the most formidable in all of football....

We put 37 on the Colts defense.. they put 45 on ours..

I think our offense could put over 45 on our defense!

[BengalszoneBilly]

the Bengal offense is the most formidable in all of football....

We put 37 on the Colts defense.. they put 45 on ours..

I think our offense could put over 45 on our defense!

Didn't the defense win the training camp scrimmage against the offense earlier this year, or was I hallucinating?

[walshfan]

You said it best Billy..."scimmage"...

Do you really think our defense could stop this offense in a real game?

[jrandom42]

Read all the replies and the original post regarding the defense, and I don't necessarily disagree with anyone.

But do you guys really think good playoff teams are going to turn the ball over 3-4 times a game, in the playoffs? Nada.

The Bengals are barely winning games now because of their defense - the key is they are winning them I guess.

But you can't squeak by to a 13-3 record either - the defense HAS to step up and start playing better.

I do not see any difference in last year's defense other than some additional youth and speed here and there, and a CB in Deltha who has really improved his game.

I realize Breshnahan isn't on notice yet certainly - if any time between now and next season - as I was being slightly sarcastic - but he should be. The defense is just as bad and unreliable as it was last season IMO, and arguably much worse the 2nd half (no time to look up #'s here yet).

But honestly can't see Marvin putting yet another coordinator in his place.

One thing's for sure, we won't have to worry about any defensive coaches getting offered HC jobs.

So I say - let it ride and the defense is what it is - the achilles heel of this year's Bengals', and they'll go as far as the defense allows them to ultimately.

Didn't the Rams win a Super Bowl and go to 2 others, with a mediocre defense (at best) and "The Greatest Show on Turf"?

[HoosierCat]

I do not see any difference in last year's defense other than some additional youth and speed here and there, and a CB in Deltha who has really improved his game.

Deltha has definitely improved -- or perhaps simply returned to his early-career Pro Bowl form. But the big difference I do see is that, as a unit, they are actually making the interceptions this year. Last year, they probably had as many chances come their way, but were constantly dropping balls that hit them in the hands or numbers. The D has a long way to go still, but there's no doubt in my mind it's better than last year.