Tough years ahead for Bengals?

[cincycats]

David James, sports anchor at CBS says the Steelers may win Super Bowl sooner than the Bengals...

http://www.kutv.com/davidjames

[Stripes]

That article seemed pretty weak, especially this statement...

In Pittsburgh the Steelers are the only major league team unless you count the Pirates and the Penguins.

This may have been meant as a joke or something, I don't know. I don't think it is right to say that any team is more likely than not to win a Superbowl in the next three years. There are just way too many variables in a league with thirty-two different teams. We'll see I suppose, but as I see it there are many other teams out there in better position to win it all in the next few years than Pittsburgh, including our Bengals.

[NJ29]

Don't worry, that team really has nowhere to go. Where does Pitt improve? We have many places where we can still improve, and we will this offseason. We'll be back in the playoffs next year.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Pitt finally has a franchise QB - a proven, long term system in place, a great defense, and an experienced head coach (and a lack of class and a bunch of punks).

I think Sunday's game opened a Pandora's box though and the current Bengals' aren't going to forget that day any time soon - which doesn't bode well for the Steelers in the years and months ahead.

The experience of this year will mean a lot for the young guys on this team in the next few years...they know what it takes now and what it's like at least.

[kingwilly]

Pitt can upgrade their WR spot, get better pass rush and more depth at CB. O-line depth is spotty as is their back-up QB spot.

If benji can get a top line WR, a guy better than Plax, they could be even more dangerous...or terrible...

This league has so much parity...just look at teams from last year's playoffs that missed this year:

Dallas

Philly

SD

NYJ

ATL

GB

Minny

STL

Hell, the bengals and Pitt could miss next year, barring bad play, injuries, coaching implosions, etc.

[ArmyBengal]

It's all a crap shoot this time of the year... How many looked at our schedule this year and thought 8-8 would be nice ??

WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

Steelers defense is overrated & team is getting old...

Steelers great vs the run /balanced teams but IMO can't fly with teams like Bengals,Colts,rams or eagles

+ wearn't they 10 million over cap next year?

[HoosierCat]

David James, sports anchor at CBS says the Steelers may win Super Bowl sooner than the Bengals...

Well, if they're gonna, they'd better do it soon. Father Time is not on Pitt's side these days. CB Willie Williams will turn 36 during next season. Kimo VonKneecapper turns 35 this month. T Brooks Barrett and C Jeff Hartings will be 34 when 06 starts. Bettis will be 34 if he stays on for another season. DE Travis Kirschke and S Mike Logan, 32, CB Deshea Townshend and LB James Farrior, 31, and Hines celebrates the big 3-0 in March.

On top of that, they haven't drafted so hot of late. Their last really good draft was 2002, at least in terms of guys still on the roster. Since then they've drafted 22 guys and have 11 left, including 6 from 2005; they went 5 for 13 in 03-04.

They have this year, probably next year, but unless they start drafting better real soon it all falls apprt by 07.

[walshfan]

We have as many old players as the Steelers.. you better check their starting lineups again...

They can improve their secondary and are after another wideout that can take it deep..

[jjakq27]

They have had a great run since 1992. However in that time, teams like the Ravens, Rams and Tampa Bay have all won the Super Bowl while Pittsburgh has not.

They could do it but I'll take my chances on us winning before them.

[HoosierCat]

We have as many old players as the Steelers.. you better check their starting lineups again...

No, we don't. And all those Steelers are either 1 or 2 on the depth chart right now.

Yoou could add Staley (31 this year) Maddox (35) and Batch (32) to the list if you want more. Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca? 30 next December. Starting DE Aaron Smith? 30 in April. And starters Casey Hampton and Joey Porter both turn 29 before the 06 season starts.

By contrast, most of the age on the Bengals is concentrated on stopgaps brought in over the last 3 years to stem the bleeding while we brought up new talent (Duane Clemons, Tory James, Bryan Robinson, Carl Powell, Anthony Mitchell, Kim Herring, John Thornton). Half that group will be gone next year and no one will miss them. Really, there's only five "oldsters" starting or in key positions that are of any real concern: Willie (31), Richie (36), Bobby Williams (30), Brian Simmons (31), and Brad St. Louis (30).

[bamjoop]

It is true. Steelers fan here, and we are at the end of our window and you are just at the very beginning. We have got to get more depth at o-line more than anything. Our big problem has been signing new guys.

We have seriously drafted pretty well, but we don't keep them in favor of keeping a veteren. I see quality ex-Steelers draft picks all over the league. Noah Herron up at Green Bay will be a stud. Many of our best young o-lineman are now with other teams.

That is the problem of being on top for a while without a lot of injuries, when do you decide to replace a good veteran with a younger player, possibly risking winning when you are fighting for a playoff spot? The Bengals will start to see that problem in four or five years also.

[jjakq27]

It is true. Steelers fan here, and we are at the end of our window and you are just at the very beginning. We have got to get more depth at o-line more than anything. Our big problem has been signing new guys.

We have seriously drafted pretty well, but we don't keep them in favor of keeping a veteren. I see quality ex-Steelers draft picks all over the league. Noah Herron up at Green Bay will be a stud. Many of our best young o-lineman are now with other teams.

That is the problem of being on top for a while without a lot of injuries, when do you decide to replace a good veteran with a younger player, possibly risking winning when you are fighting for a playoff spot? The Bengals will start to see that problem in four or five years also.

I have heard that keeping the vets over a younger guy is one of the knocks on Cowher. I think that also lead to some of the friction between Cowher and Donohue while he was there. Eventually they all get old at the same time and they become a slow, ineffective team. Look at the Raiders. After the Super Bowl, they have been in the dumper.

BTW, St. George Utah is a beautiful corner of the world. We passed through while traveling from Vegas to the North Rim a few years ago. We also stopped in Zion NP, which was equally beautiful.

[Chopjaw]

It is true. Steelers fan here, and we are at the end of our window and you are just at the very beginning. We have got to get more depth at o-line more than anything. Our big problem has been signing new guys.

We have seriously drafted pretty well, but we don't keep them in favor of keeping a veteren. I see quality ex-Steelers draft picks all over the league. Noah Herron up at Green Bay will be a stud. Many of our best young o-lineman are now with other teams.

That is the problem of being on top for a while without a lot of injuries, when do you decide to replace a good veteran with a younger player, possibly risking winning when you are fighting for a playoff spot? The Bengals will start to see that problem in four or five years also.

BamJoop, You are a TOOL!

First off, Our secondary is VERY YOUNG. Ike Taylor (the guy who shut's down Chad every game this year) is in his 3rd season (not to mention that it's his 5th year of playing any type of organized football at any level). Deshea Townsend is getting old. He is being phased out over the next few years once Colclough is in his 2nd year and Mcfadden is in his first. one of those players are going to take Desheas place. Polamalu is in his 3rd year. Hope is in his 4th year. So you tell me where we are old at in the Secondary.?

Our LB's are in there middle age of players. Farrior is in his 9th, Porter 7th, Haggins 6th, Foote 4th. The D-line is geting old. Hampton 5th, Kimo 12th, Smith 7th.

And as far as players that have left the Steelers. Name a player who has done good???? Maybe Chad Brown. THAT"S IT.

So no worries Bungal fans. We'll be here in your face for many years to come.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Pitt finally has a franchise QB - a proven, long term system in place, a great defense, and an experienced head coach (and a lack of class and a bunch of punks).

I think Sunday's game opened a Pandora's box though and the current Bengals' aren't going to forget that day any time soon - which doesn't bode well for the Steelers in the years and months ahead.

The experience of this year will mean a lot for the young guys on this team in the next few years...they know what it takes now and what it's like at least.

Pittsburgh also has an OLD defense, ours is young and improving theirs is old and devolving.

Pittsburgh counts on it's running game. The average age of their backs is 30 years old. Willie Parker is the only one that is less than 30 years old. Their running game needs an influx.

Frankly, This year is it for Pittsburgh. They will have to rebuild on a lot of fronts.

[bamjoop]

BamJoop, You are a TOOL!

First off, Our secondary is VERY YOUNG. Ike Taylor (the guy who shut's down Chad every game this year) is in his 3rd season (not to mention that it's his 5th year of playing any type of organized football at any level). Deshea Townsend is getting old. He is being phased out over the next few years once Colclough is in his 2nd year and Mcfadden is in his first. one of those players are going to take Desheas place. Polamalu is in his 3rd year. Hope is in his 4th year. So you tell me where we are old at in the Secondary.?

Our LB's are in there middle age of players. Farrior is in his 9th, Porter 7th, Haggins 6th, Foote 4th. The D-line is geting old. Hampton 5th, Kimo 12th, Smith 7th.

And as far as players that have left the Steelers. Name a player who has done good???? Maybe Chad Brown. THAT"S IT.

So no worries Bungal fans. We'll be here in your face for many years to come.

You are an idiot. Our secondary is young. But I don't think Coclough is good enough. Taylor is a stud and McFadden will be a stud. Hope/Flowers can't cover. Troy P is awesome. Defense is not really where our problem is. Our problem isn't all age, it is drafting quality guys to replace aging veterans. We will still be a contender for a couple more years, but if we do not start replacing o-linemen with young quality guys, we will have problems. Ben moves well, but does not throw well from his back.

[kingwilly]

Ok, bamjoop...the secondary may not be retring anytime soon but the skills of the back-ups are pretty poor. You need depth there.

BTW, Ike Taylor did not "Shut Down" Chad Johnson. In 3 games v Pitt, CJ had 13 catches for 207 yards, 3 plays for more than 20 and 1 for more than 40 and 8 of those 13 went for first-downs. Just how does that equal shut-down? If anything, the double teams on Chad make his stats even more impressive, while opening things up for the other bengal WR's.

Ike is a good CB but only Leigh Bodden "shut down" Chad.

If Pitt does not get some young upgrade players at RB, WR, O-line and CB, there is little chance to keep pace with even Cleveland, let alone Cincy.....

[Spain]

Im just waiting till there fans come here next year so we can kick the s**t out of these dirty bastards.

[HoosierCat]

So you tell me where we are old at in the Secondary.?

A better question might be, where are you good in the secondary? No smack intended, but in the last two weeks you've given up 5 TDs, against just 2 picks, vs. Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna.

Our LB's are in there middle age of players. Farrior is in his 9th, Porter 7th, Haggins 6th, Foote 4th.

Years of experience isn't always an indicator of age. Haggans and Porter both turned 29 within the last few days, Farrior will be 31 this year. They all likely have a couple good years left, but as someone who's watched both Brian Simmons and Kevin Hardy during the past three years, I've taken especial note of the rapidity of a LB's decline once he gets into his thirties.

[Chopjaw]

BamJoop, You are a TOOL!

First off, Our secondary is VERY YOUNG. Ike Taylor (the guy who shut's down Chad every game this year) is in his 3rd season (not to mention that it's his 5th year of playing any type of organized football at any level). Deshea Townsend is getting old. He is being phased out over the next few years once Colclough is in his 2nd year and Mcfadden is in his first. one of those players are going to take Desheas place. Polamalu is in his 3rd year. Hope is in his 4th year. So you tell me where we are old at in the Secondary.?

Our LB's are in there middle age of players. Farrior is in his 9th, Porter 7th, Haggins 6th, Foote 4th. The D-line is geting old. Hampton 5th, Kimo 12th, Smith 7th.

And as far as players that have left the Steelers. Name a player who has done good???? Maybe Chad Brown. THAT"S IT.

So no worries Bungal fans. We'll be here in your face for many years to come.

You are an idiot. Our secondary is young. But I don't think Coclough is good enough. Taylor is a stud and McFadden will be a stud. Hope/Flowers can't cover. Troy P is awesome. Defense is not really where our problem is. Our problem isn't all age, it is drafting quality guys to replace aging veterans. We will still be a contender for a couple more years, but if we do not start replacing o-linemen with young quality guys, we will have problems. Ben moves well, but does not throw well from his back.

What about Starks, Essex, Kemotau (or whatever his name is) These guys are going to be Great. The only person on the Line who needs to be replaced is Hartings. He's on his last legs. He will be replaced in the next few years. What about Fanaca, Smith??? Do you think he needs replaced?? Get with it kid, the Steelers are far from "being at the end of their window" as you say. They are like ever other team out there, 1 or 2 players from running the table. AND NOT behind the Bungles in that reguard!!

[BengalszoneBilly]

What about Starks, Essex, Kemotau (or whatever his name is) These guys are going to be Great.

So you say. Don't you think you may be a bit biased there Chopper? Time will tell one way or the other, as usual.

BTW guy's, (and not just "Chops" here) could we refrain from the "You're an idiot/tool/moron/etc" back and forth name calling stuff. That'll just drive this thread into the smack forum, and there's enough crap in there already.

[HairOnFire]

BTW guy's, (and not just "Chops" here) could we refrain from the "You're an idiot/tool/moron/etc" back and forth name calling stuff. That'll just drive this thread into the smack forum, and there's enough crap in there already.

Well, in a traditional sense it isn't smack. After all, it's two Steeler fans describing themselves as idiots and tools. Who could argue?

[jjakq27]

What about Starks, Essex, Kemotau (or whatever his name is) These guys are going to be Great.

So you say. Don't you think you may be a bit biased there Chopper? Time will tell one way or the other, as usual.

BTW guy's, (and not just "Chops" here) could we refrain from the "You're an idiot/tool/moron/etc" back and forth name calling stuff. That'll just drive this thread into the smack forum, and there's enough crap in there already.

You are kidding right? What kind of jackball request is that?

[bamjoop]

Essex has only shown how to land on your back properly so far, and Kemoeatu hasn't done anything yet. I hope they are solid, but you can't count on it yet. I think our defense is fine. Frazier should be a stud if he has a decent head on his shoulders. I am not saying we are over by any means, but if our young talent isn't given any gametime, we will be in trouble. That is my only beef about Cowher. O-line is my only concern really.

[jjakq27]

BamJoop, You are a TOOL!

First off, Our secondary is VERY YOUNG. Ike Taylor (the guy who shut's down Chad every game this year) is in his 3rd season (not to mention that it's his 5th year of playing any type of organized football at any level). Deshea Townsend is getting old. He is being phased out over the next few years once Colclough is in his 2nd year and Mcfadden is in his first. one of those players are going to take Desheas place. Polamalu is in his 3rd year. Hope is in his 4th year. So you tell me where we are old at in the Secondary.?

Our LB's are in there middle age of players. Farrior is in his 9th, Porter 7th, Haggins 6th, Foote 4th. The D-line is geting old. Hampton 5th, Kimo 12th, Smith 7th.

And as far as players that have left the Steelers. Name a player who has done good???? Maybe Chad Brown. THAT"S IT.

So no worries Bungal fans. We'll be here in your face for many years to come.

You are an idiot. Our secondary is young. But I don't think Coclough is good enough. Taylor is a stud and McFadden will be a stud. Hope/Flowers can't cover. Troy P is awesome. Defense is not really where our problem is. Our problem isn't all age, it is drafting quality guys to replace aging veterans. We will still be a contender for a couple more years, but if we do not start replacing o-linemen with young quality guys, we will have problems. Ben moves well, but does not throw well from his back.

What about Starks, Essex, Kemotau (or whatever his name is) These guys are going to be Great. The only person on the Line who needs to be replaced is Hartings. He's on his last legs. He will be replaced in the next few years. What about Fanaca, Smith??? Do you think he needs replaced?? Get with it kid, the Steelers are far from "being at the end of their window" as you say. They are like ever other team out there, 1 or 2 players from running the table. AND NOT behind the Bungles in that reguard!!

Who's tooling who Chopster?