OT - Bengals

[Figrating]

Whatta game. Clinched the division. Nobody wants to play these guys. Burrow might have the best arm in the game. In a previous post about the worst owners in pro sports, someone here said the owner of the Bengals was a candidate and not committed to winning. Doesn't seem that way any more.

Elsewhere in the pros, I see Lovie is DC in Houston. Though the record shows Houston is weak, they had won the two previous games and the Houston D looked strong against the Niners. Good for Lovie.

 

[GOUNUII]

Whatta game. Clinched the division. Nobody wants to play these guys. Burrow might have the best arm in the game. In a previous post about the worst owners in pro sports, someone here said the owner of the Bengals was a candidate and not committed to winning. Doesn't seem that way any more.

Elsewhere in the pros, I see Lovie is DC in Houston. Though the record shows Houston is weak, they had won the two previous games and the Houston D looked strong against the Niners. Good for Lovie.

A couple observations from a guy in Cincy who knows the front office at Paul Brown Stadium very well.

Mike Brown is as good and decent a human being as I have ever met. He takes care of the people who take care of him and his organization. He and his Dad jump started my career in professional sports.

The Bengals success this year won't last long if they don't keep Burrow upright. The OL stinks. Been that way for a while. Burrow now has a surgically corrected left knee from last year, and he took way too many sacks/hits this year. Kid is seriously banged up as I write this.

Burrow is a real deal talent. Elite in every quality you could want in a QB. Had he not elected to transfer to LSU, when he was a 3rd string junior at OSU, we might never have seen him play. Not sure why LSU was interested in a 3rd string junior that was a 4th choice - last minute addition to the Buckeye scholarship roster. But extremely happy they took a chance on him.

Rookie WR Jamar Chase single handedly saved the Bengals from defeat vs the Chiefs. Him and a 4th down penalty against the Chief's defense, in the last minute of the game, that gave the Bengals a 2nd chance to score the winning points and kept the ball out of Mahommes' hands.

As we look toward the playoffs keep in mind that this Bengal team lost to both the Bears and the Jets. And got humiliated at home by the Browns. So yes. They can play with the best and also lose to the rest.

GOUNUII

 

[TheC]

A couple observations from a guy in Cincy who knows the front office at Paul Brown Stadium very well.

Mike Brown is as good and decent a human being as I have ever met. He takes care of the people who take care of him and his organization. He and his Dad jump started my career in professional sports.

The Bengals success this year won't last long if they don't keep Burrow upright. The OL stinks. Been that way for a while. Burrow now has a surgically corrected left knee from last year, and he took way too many sacks/hits this year. Kid is seriously banged up as I write this.

Burrow is a real deal talent. Elite in every quality you could want in a QB. Had he not elected to transfer to LSU, when he was a 3rd string junior at OSU, we might never have seen him play. Not sure why LSU was interested in a 3rd string junior that was a 4th choice - last minute addition to the Buckeye scholarship roster. But extremely happy they took a chance on him.

Rookie WR Jamar Chase single handedly saved the Bengals from defeat vs the Chiefs. Him and a 4th down penalty against the Chief's defense, in the last minute of the game, that gave the Bengals a 2nd chance to score the winning points and kept the ball out of Mahommes' hands.

As we look toward the playoffs keep in mind that this Bengal team lost to both the Bears and the Jets. And got humiliated at home by the Browns. So yes. They can play with the best and also lose to the rest.

GOUNUII

As another poster formerly from Cincinnati and probably the one who complained about their owner, Mike Brown, I am glad to hear from GONU that he is a good guy. I have been scarred by 30 years of failure and many years where it looked like they weren't even trying (from an outside perspective). Mike Brown earned a reputation nationwide as cheap - whether fairly or unfairly - due to his unwillingness to put enough money into scouting, the lack of team facilities such as an NFL (or even P5 college)-level practice facility and, until very recently, his unwillingness to do much in free agency. He also insisted on being his own general manager, which, many people felt, led to the crummy teams the Bengals put on the field in most years since he took over.

There have been some changes in more recent years though. The Bengals have been much more aggressive in free agency lately and have drafted pretty well (beyond just the obvious first-round hits in Burrow and Chase). I am not in Cincinnati anymore to know all that is going on, but from what I've read, some of this may be due to Brown's daughter taking on more of a role in running the team as Mike gets up in age. I don't know if it's that simple, but the effects are there. Not only is Cincinnati looking good this year, but this is a team who's core is very young and signed on contracts for at least the next few years. This team could actually become an NFL power over the next 5 years. As a long-time Bengal fan, that is so strange to think and even a little scary.

But GONU is also right that this team needs to address their OL. This is another one where the urban legend is that Mike Brown is not a believer in spending a lot of money on the OL. Now, they have used some first round picks on OL over the years, but they have really struck out with those picks. Their current LT is a first round pick from three drafts ago and the jury is still out whether he is going to be solid.

 

[CSCatFan1]

As another poster formerly from Cincinnati and probably the one who complained about their owner, Mike Brown, I am glad to hear from GONU that he is a good guy. I have been scarred by 30 years of failure and many years where it looked like they weren't even trying (from an outside perspective). Mike Brown earned a reputation nationwide as cheap - whether fairly or unfairly - due to his unwillingness to put enough money into scouting, the lack of team facilities such as an NFL (or even P5 college)-level practice facility and, until very recently, his unwillingness to do much in free agency. He also insisted on being his own general manager, which, many people felt, led to the crummy teams the Bengals put on the field in most years since he took over.

There have been some changes in more recent years though. The Bengals have been much more aggressive in free agency lately and have drafted pretty well (beyond just the obvious first-round hits in Burrow and Chase). I am not in Cincinnati anymore to know all that is going on, but from what I've read, some of this may be due to Brown's daughter taking on more of a role in running the team as Mike gets up in age. I don't know if it's that simple, but the effects are there. Not only is Cincinnati looking good this year, but this is a team who's core is very young and signed on contracts for at least the next few years. This team could actually become an NFL power over the next 5 years. As a long-time Bengal fan, that is so strange to think and even a little scary.

But GONU is also right that this team needs to address their OL. This is another one where the urban legend is that Mike Brown is not a believer in spending a lot of money on the OL. Now, they have used some first round picks on OL over the years, but they have really struck out with those picks. Their current LT is a first round pick from three drafts ago and the jury is still out whether he is going to be solid.

For TheC:

 

[Arlcatsfan]

A couple observations from a guy in Cincy who knows the front office at Paul Brown Stadium very well.

Mike Brown is as good and decent a human being as I have ever met. He takes care of the people who take care of him and his organization. He and his Dad jump started my career in professional sports.

The Bengals success this year won't last long if they don't keep Burrow upright. The OL stinks. Been that way for a while. Burrow now has a surgically corrected left knee from last year, and he took way too many sacks/hits this year. Kid is seriously banged up as I write this.

Burrow is a real deal talent. Elite in every quality you could want in a QB. Had he not elected to transfer to LSU, when he was a 3rd string junior at OSU, we might never have seen him play. Not sure why LSU was interested in a 3rd string junior that was a 4th choice - last minute addition to the Buckeye scholarship roster. But extremely happy they took a chance on him.

Rookie WR Jamar Chase single handedly saved the Bengals from defeat vs the Chiefs. Him and a 4th down penalty against the Chief's defense, in the last minute of the game, that gave the Bengals a 2nd chance to score the winning points and kept the ball out of Mahommes' hands.

As we look toward the playoffs keep in mind that this Bengal team lost to both the Bears and the Jets. And got humiliated at home by the Browns. So yes. They can play with the best and also lose to the rest.

GOUNUII

Maybe you can help me out.On the last possession for the Bengals why would you have three QB sneaks in a row?Why not hand it off to Mixon instead of having your franchise QB take the hits.And on the last sneak Burrow’s got up very slowly.Reminiscent of when TS got hurt for us against Purdue.Also why not kick the FG on 4th down instead of going for it.As it was you guys got bailed out because of the penalty on KC so in the end it worked out for you,but if Burrows would have gotten hurt or the game went to OT and you guys lost I would imagine the whole country would have heard the howls of anguish from Cincinnati.

 

[TheC]

For TheC:

I've had a long-term relationship with all three. I can assure you, the Bengals chick didn't always look like that.

 

[CSCatFan1]

I've had a long-term relationship with all three. I can assure you, the Bengals chick didn't always look like that.

Modern medicine?

 

[TheC]

Maybe you can help me out.On the last possession for the Bengals why would you have three QB sneaks in a row?Why not hand it off to Mixon instead of having your franchise QB take the hits.And on the last sneak Burrow’s got up very slowly.Reminiscent of when TS got hurt for us against Purdue.Also why not kick the FG on 4th down instead of going for it.As it was you guys got bailed out because of the penalty on KC so in the end it worked out for you,but if Burrows would have gotten hurt or the game went to OT and you guys lost I would imagine the whole country would have heard the howls of anguish from Cincinnati.

They did run Mixon on at least one of those plays. He didn't get in either, obviously. I tend to agree with the maxim that if you only need a short distance, you really shouldn't go backwards (i.e., to hand the ball off in the backfield). I think QB injuries on sneaks are fluky. It doesn't happen that often.

As for the go for it/kick the FG debate, I was clearly one of those yelling at my tv to kick the FG. I understand the reasoning behind going for it, but I was scared to death. That said, KC couldn't stop Cincy's receivers one-on-one all day, and they couldn't here either. For as much as KC fans were howling after the game, the penalties called there at the end were absolutely the right calls. On the first 4th down play, the KC defender tackled Chase in the endzone before the ball was thrown. On the second, the KC defender grabbed Boyd's facemask and yanked him off his route.

 

[TheC]

Modern medicine?

A little Bayou voodoo medicine.

 

[GOUNUII]

As another poster formerly from Cincinnati and probably the one who complained about their owner, Mike Brown, I am glad to hear from GONU that he is a good guy. I have been scarred by 30 years of failure and many years where it looked like they weren't even trying (from an outside perspective). Mike Brown earned a reputation nationwide as cheap - whether fairly or unfairly - due to his unwillingness to put enough money into scouting, the lack of team facilities such as an NFL (or even P5 college)-level practice facility and, until very recently, his unwillingness to do much in free agency. He also insisted on being his own general manager, which, many people felt, led to the crummy teams the Bengals put on the field in most years since he took over.

There have been some changes in more recent years though. The Bengals have been much more aggressive in free agency lately and have drafted pretty well (beyond just the obvious first-round hits in Burrow and Chase). I am not in Cincinnati anymore to know all that is going on, but from what I've read, some of this may be due to Brown's daughter taking on more of a role in running the team as Mike gets up in age. I don't know if it's that simple, but the effects are there. Not only is Cincinnati looking good this year, but this is a team who's core is very young and signed on contracts for at least the next few years. This team could actually become an NFL power over the next 5 years. As a long-time Bengal fan, that is so strange to think and even a little scary.

But GONU is also right that this team needs to address their OL. This is another one where the urban legend is that Mike Brown is not a believer in spending a lot of money on the OL. Now, they have used some first round picks on OL over the years, but they have really struck out with those picks. Their current LT is a first round pick from three drafts ago and the jury is still out whether he is going to be solid.

Mike's daughter is involved and does a lot of things. But she plays no material role in the direction of the franchise.

Mike is and always has been a personally frugal, but generous and caring man. He lives a very modest lifestyle. You saw that reflected in how he managed the team. But only because he saw no connection between lavish surroundings, attention getting free agents and success. IMO he wasn't always entirely wrong.

I think time has changed that perspective. That, and having several new people earn his trust and confidence.

GOUNUII

 

[Hungry Jack]

For TheC:

One of these is not like the others.

 

[GOUNUII]

Maybe you can help me out.On the last possession for the Bengals why would you have three QB sneaks in a row?Why not hand it off to Mixon instead of having your franchise QB take the hits.And on the last sneak Burrow’s got up very slowly.Reminiscent of when TS got hurt for us against Purdue.Also why not kick the FG on 4th down instead of going for it.As it was you guys got bailed out because of the penalty on KC so in the end it worked out for you,but if Burrows would have gotten hurt or the game went to OT and you guys lost I would imagine the whole country would have heard the howls of anguish from Cincinnati.

All of your head scratching questions are legit and reflect the frustrations of Bengal fans going back a very long time.

GOUNUII

 

[Arlcatsfan]

All of your head scratching questions are legit and reflect the frustrations of Bengal fans going back a very long time.

GOUNUII

Kinda like how us Bears fans have felt for a very long time as well.

 

[Figrating]

Burrow is a likely come-back POY and MVP candidate.

Sure, the Bengals have lost to some mice, but their level of play lately has been very high. With Burrow and Chase to carry them, the rest of the team should realize that they can win and deliver their peak performance the rest of the way. Sure, it took some luck to beat the Chiefs, but that TD to win the game was nothing but art on the field. Made a fan out of me. Should see a lot of the Bengals' second string this week against disheartened Cleveland. GO BENGALS!

Mike Brown might enjoy winning and start listening to people who can help him. Happened with the Bidwell family after a couple decades in the cellar, and those folks also looked like some of the worst owners in pro sports.

 

[Hungry Jack]

The Bungles are +89 and 8-3 vs the AFC. They are a decent team that could win a playoff game if things bounce their way. They have a very good young QB, two bonafide receivers, an outstanding pair of safeties and some defensive line talent. Unlike the Bears, they have quite a bit to work with.

 

[corbi2961]

The Bungles are +89 and 8-3 vs the AFC. They are a decent team that could win a playoff game if things bounce their way. They have a very good young QB, two bonafide receivers, an outstanding pair of safeties and some defensive line talent. Unlike the Bears, they have quite a bit to work with.

The Bears have much more young talent than you give them credit for. They just need a coach that knows how to develop and deploy it. Next year’s Bears team could easily be in a position to repolicate the type of performance the Bengals had this year.

 

[Hungry Jack]

The Bears have much more young talent than you give them credit for. They just need a coach that knows how to develop and deploy it. Next year’s Bears team could easily be in a position to repolicate the type of performance the Bengals had this year.

Maybe someone with access to the vault can share the PFF grades. But here is what I got on the Bears, starting at the top (in terms of talent)

Fields: crazy talent; Nagy in the process of ruining him
Ro Smith: very good player, not quite a game changer, needs more help in front of him
J Johnson: solid starter; can he take the next step?
Monty: impossible not to like him given his effort; very capable at a position that is devalued; If I were GM, I would see what his trade value is as Herbert can replace him
Mooney: solid #2; will miss Robinson
Goldman: decent starter, potentially very good; year off hurt his play
Borom: he can play; I think he will be a solid OT
Daniels: OK; potential to be a very good player (going off O Kreutz comments)
Mack/Quinn: very good player who won't be around when a new regime (hopefully) starts to win games
KMet: Meh
Nichols: Meh
Jackson: Meh
Gipson: Meh
Mustipher: Meh
Whitehair: Meh
Vildor: Yikes
Ifedi: Yikes
Guy With Tattoos: Meh
Peters: Enjoy the fishing

Other than Fields, which is all about potential, the Bears have ZERO difference-makers at WR, TE, OT, DE/Rush LB

Sorry, Corbi, but there is not much there. Certainly not as much as what the Bengals have on their roster.

 

[corbi2961]

Maybe someone with access to the vault can share the PFF grades. But here is what I got on the Bears, starting at the top (in terms of talent)

Fields: crazy talent; Nagy in the process of ruining him
Ro Smith: very good player, not quite a game changer, needs more help in front of him
J Johnson: solid starter; can he take the next step?
Monty: impossible not to like him given his effort; very capable at a position that is devalued; If I were GM, I would see what his trade value is as Herbert can replace him
Mooney: solid #2; will miss Robinson
Goldman: decent starter, potentially very good; year off hurt his play
Borom: he can play; I think he will be a solid OT
Daniels: OK; potential to be a very good player (going off O Kreutz comments)
Mack/Quinn: very good player who won't be around when a new regime (hopefully) starts to win games
KMet: Meh
Nichols: Meh
Jackson: Meh
Gipson: Meh
Mustipher: Meh
Whitehair: Meh
Vildor: Yikes
Ifedi: Yikes
Guy With Tattoos: Meh
Peters: Enjoy the fishing

Other than Fields, which is all about potential, the Bears have ZERO difference-makers at WR, TE, OT, DE/Rush LB

Sorry, Corbi, but there is not much there. Certainly not as much as what the Bengals have on their roster.

This is the casual fan take. Do you actually watch all the games from start to finish? I just scan the list and when I see Ifedi with a Yikes next to him I stop reading. You obviously have not watched him play since he's been with the Bears. The guy has been an average to above average RT for the Bears. Mustipher Meh? Once again not reflective of what is actually happening on the field. In his first full season as a starter Mustipher has become an above average center in the league not only because of his blocking but also for his ability to diagnose and organize the OL before the snap. He will only get better and that's a take that Olin Kreutz agrees with. I think he knows a bit more about center play than you or me.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

A couple observations from a guy in Cincy who knows the front office at Paul Brown Stadium very well.

Mike Brown is as good and decent a human being as I have ever met. He takes care of the people who take care of him and his organization. He and his Dad jump started my career in professional sports.

The Bengals success this year won't last long if they don't keep Burrow upright. The OL stinks. Been that way for a while. Burrow now has a surgically corrected left knee from last year, and he took way too many sacks/hits this year. Kid is seriously banged up as I write this.

Burrow is a real deal talent. Elite in every quality you could want in a QB. Had he not elected to transfer to LSU, when he was a 3rd string junior at OSU, we might never have seen him play. Not sure why LSU was interested in a 3rd string junior that was a 4th choice - last minute addition to the Buckeye scholarship roster. But extremely happy they took a chance on him.

Rookie WR Jamar Chase single handedly saved the Bengals from defeat vs the Chiefs. Him and a 4th down penalty against the Chief's defense, in the last minute of the game, that gave the Bengals a 2nd chance to score the winning points and kept the ball out of Mahommes' hands.

As we look toward the playoffs keep in mind that this Bengal team lost to both the Bears and the Jets. And got humiliated at home by the Browns. So yes. They can play with the best and also lose to the rest.

GOUNUII

LSU seems like another purple team I know that has trouble recruiting QB's. Current guy looks pretty good, but they've had B1G transfers at least 3 times in the last decade or so, and have had some years with a McCall/Jake level of offense. EDIT: Burrow had a decent junior season there, certainly better than anyone else they had but nothing special, then, as I understand it, he went to some QB guru and then lit it up in his last year.

 

[TheC]

Oh well.... now half the team has tested positive for Covid this week. A little too much celebrating Sunday night. That is what young, stupid teams do. How very Bengalish of them.

 

[Hungry Jack]

This is the casual fan take. Do you actually watch all the games from start to finish? I just scan the list and when I see Ifedi with a Yikes next to him I stop reading. You obviously have not watched him play since he's been with the Bears. The guy has been an average to above average RT for the Bears. Mustipher Meh? Once again not reflective of what is actually happening on the field. In his first full season as a starter Mustipher has become an above average center in the league not only because of his blocking but also for his ability to diagnose and organize the OL before the snap. He will only get better and that's a take that Olin Kreutz agrees with. I think he knows a bit more about center play than you or me.

Corbi, you have not come close to making your point that the Bears' roster is comparable to the Bengals' roster. Mustipher is OK, and a nice find for a UDFA. And of course Kruetz is going to say nice things about a guy he trains.

Ifedi graded a 50.1 for 2019 (50th among NFL OT) and 65.5 for 2020, which is OK. He has not been any better this year. He was 58.4 vs. the Giants. PFF wrote " Ifedi was brutal in pass protection and fared just a little better in run blocking." In sum, Ifedi is a lower tier starting OT. Hardly anything to get excited about.

 

[corbi2961]

Corbi, you have not come close to making your point that the Bears' roster is comparable to the Bengals' roster. Mustipher is OK, and a nice find for a UDFA. And of course Kruetz is going to say nice things about a guy he trains.

Ifedi graded a 50.1 for 2019 (50th among NFL OT) and 65.5 for 2020, which is OK. He has not been any better this year. He was 58.4 vs. the Giants. PFF wrote " Ifedi was brutal in pass protection and fared just a little better in run blocking." In sum, Ifedi is a lower tier starting OT. Hardly anything to get excited about.

My point is that your comments show that yours is the opinion of a casual fan who has not spent much time actually watching the games. Ifedi went from yikes to OK because you actually went online and googled his PFF grades from last season which showed he was above average and an excellent value given his modest contract. Don’t talk to me about anything that happened previously while he was the fan whipping boy in Seattle because neither of us watched those games and can’t judge what happened. I spend way too much time on the Bears and in my opinion the talent on the roster is greater than the results on the field suggest. That’s indicative of a coaching problem. The Bears head coaching job will generate tremendous interest from every available head coach and some who in theory are not available because the young core talent to quickly build a winner is there. Fields, Montgomery, Kmet, Mooney, Cohen, Herbert, Grant, Borom, Jenkins, Mustipher, Daniels, Nichols, Smith, Mario Edwards, Sam Kamara, Gipson, Caleb Johnson, Jaylon Johnson, Kindle Vildor, Deandre Carson and Thomas Graham are all talented, ascending young players to build on. That’s a good core that needs to be expanded but the Bears have salary cap room to do that. Hire the right coach, stay healthy and the Bears could easily be where the Bengals are this year. hire the wrong coach and they could easily be 4-13 next year.

 

[Hungry Jack]

My point is that your comments show that yours is the opinion of a casual fan who has not spent much time actually watching the games. Ifedi went from yikes to OK because you actually went online and googled his PFF grades from last season which showed he was above average and an excellent value given his modest contract. Don’t talk to me about anything that happened previously while he was the fan whipping boy in Seattle because neither of us watched those games and can’t judge what happened. I spend way too much time on the Bears and in my opinion the talent on the roster is greater than the results on the field suggest. That’s indicative of a coaching problem. The Bears head coaching job will generate tremendous interest from every available head coach and some who in theory are not available because the young core talent to quickly build a winner is there. Fields, Montgomery, Kmet, Mooney, Cohen, Herbert, Grant, Borom, Jenkins, Mustipher, Daniels, Nichols, Smith, Mario Edwards, Sam Kamara, Gipson, Caleb Johnson, Jaylon Johnson, Kindle Vildor, Deandre Carson and Thomas Graham are all talented, ascending young players to build on. That’s a good core that needs to be expanded but the Bears have salary cap room to do that. Hire the right coach, stay healthy and the Bears could easily be where the Bengals are this year. hire the wrong coach and they could easily be 4-13 next year.

I have watched Ifedi 4 or 5 games. He's not good. He's just another guy.

Jenkins has a back injury. Those never end well.

Kindle Vildor is a player to build around? Graham is worth another look. Vildor is really bad.

DHC is ascending? This is his 6th year in the league. Nice depth guy and good ST.

Mario Edwards is ascending after 7 years in the league? Rotation guy.

Caleb Johnson is rookie from Houston Baptist. Sam Kamara is from Stony Brook. Sounds like Pace dug up a few more gems behind the bushes.

I am surprised you are not selling Jesper Horsted to us!

This roster sucks.

 

[corbi2961]

I have watched Ifedi 4 or 5 games. He's not good. He's just another guy.

Jenkins has a back injury. Those never end well.

Kindle Vildor is a player to build around? Graham is worth another look. Vildor is really bad.

DHC is ascending? This is his 6th year in the league. Nice depth guy and good ST.

Mario Edwards is ascending after 7 years in the league? Rotation guy.

Caleb Johnson is rookie from Houston Baptist. Sam Kamara is from Stony Brook. Sounds like Pace dug up a few more gems behind the bushes.

I am surprised you are not selling Jesper Horsted to us!

This roster sucks.

Ok, carry on.

 

[TheC]

I have watched Ifedi 4 or 5 games. He's not good. He's just another guy.

Jenkins has a back injury. Those never end well.

Kindle Vildor is a player to build around? Graham is worth another look. Vildor is really bad.

DHC is ascending? This is his 6th year in the league. Nice depth guy and good ST.

Mario Edwards is ascending after 7 years in the league? Rotation guy.

Caleb Johnson is rookie from Houston Baptist. Sam Kamara is from Stony Brook. Sounds like Pace dug up a few more gems behind the bushes.

I am surprised you are not selling Jesper Horsted to us!

This roster sucks.

Not exactly Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Mixon.

For the first time in a long time, the Bengals are actually building a roster. Now they need to address the OL.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Not exactly Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Mixon.

For the first time in a long time, the Bengals are actually building a roster. Now they need to address the OL.

Higgins has really come on lately. Chase may make All Pro.

Maybe Anothony Munoz can come out of retirement.

 

[GOUNUII]

Higgins has really come on lately. Chase may make All Pro.

Maybe Anothony Munoz can come out of retirement.

Munoz remains a fixture in the Cincy community.

Does anybody remember who replaced Paul Brown as the Bengal's head coach?

Of course not.

Why?

Because Paul rewarded long time associate Tiger Johnson with the selection. When he could have promoted Bill Walsh. But didn't.

UGH!

 

[Figrating]

The Browns are 6 point favorites over the Bengals, but luckily before I got to bet the house I read that Burrow and Chase will be resting for the playoffs. A Who Cares Bowl. Ditto Green Bay vs. Detroit. OTOH, don't miss LAC vs, LV, both facing elimination. LV seems to have 9 lives.

Next tier is a win-and-in game, SF vs. LAR, but the Rams have nothing to win, so their starters will likely sit, too. Rams favored by 4.5. Bet the house.

Next tier is win-and-still-alive game, but looks like a rout, Indy, favored by 15.5, vs. Jax. No need to watch that. Az favored by 6 vs. Seattle should be good because of Russel Wilson.

Looks like the Titans might get Derrick Henry back - vs. Houston, 10 point dogs, could be a good warm up for him.

Can't wait for the playoffs.

 

[NUCat320]

Who dey!?!

Everyone’s a Bengals fan!

 

[nickcat4]

Who dey!?!

Everyone’s a Bengals fan!

Especially those of us that live here

 

[TheC]

This is almost like the NCAA tourney trip was for me!! It’s unbelievable.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

That second half was highly amusing

 

[NUCat320]

EVERYONE’S A BENGALS FAN!

WHODEYWHODEYWHODEY?!?!

What a defensive performance.

 

[NU Houston]

EVERYONE’S A BENGALS FAN!

WHODEYWHODEYWHODEY?!?!

What a defensive performance.

Great defensive performance in the 2nd half. The Chiefs didn't punt in the 1st half. They drove down the field at will on every possession. It was the last possession of the half that ended up making the difference. I was sure they would score another TD to go up by 18, but when it got down to the last play with three seconds left, they should have kicked the FG. That was the difference in the game.

Congrats to the Bengals.

 

[wolve1972]

Great defensive performance in the 2nd half. The Chiefs didn't punt in the 1st half. They drove down the field at will on every possession. It was the last possession of the half that ended up making the difference. I was sure they would score another TD to go up by 18, but when it got down to the last play with three seconds left, they should have kicked the FG. That was the difference in the game.

Congrats to the Bengals.

I realize that Joe Burrow and Chase are the headliners - and rightly so - but you nailed the difference in the game - that Cincy defense. They're young and getting better and better as the season goes along.

 

[Fanaticat98]

That defense, particularly the secondary. 4th Q and OT there were numerous critical plays where Mahomes had ALL DAY and you’re thinking, here it comes, the TD pass…but he must have had no one to throw it to as he was dropped for a loss multiple times, had to run, fumbled and then threw the INT into double coverage.

 

[TheC]

I can’t even explain how strange and wonderful this run has been!

 

[NU Houston]

I realize that Joe Burrow and Chase are the headliners - and rightly so - but you nailed the difference in the game - that Cincy defense. They're young and getting better and better as the season goes along.

My point was that although the Cincy defense was indeed excellent in the second half and OT, it was almost nonexistent in the first half, up until the last play of the half. The Chiefs scored three TDs on their first three possessions and were on their way to scoring a fourth before they stalled at the one yard line. The second half was a completely different story.

 

[Hungry Jack]

That defense, particularly the secondary. 4th Q and OT there were numerous critical plays where Mahomes had ALL DAY and you’re thinking, here it comes, the TD pass…but he must have had no one to throw it to as he was dropped for a loss multiple times, had to run, fumbled and then threw the INT into double coverage.

The Bengals were rushing 3 and dropping 8. It obviously worked. Tyreek Hill is SO dangerous in space, and Kelce is still a big matchup problem, so 8 guys in coverage did the trick. Credit to the Bengals linemen for their motors. I thought Mahomes got frustrated a bit.

 

[corbi2961]

Joe Burrow is pretty damn good and yes that defense played really well. The DB sustained their coverage and Bengals DL was very disciplined in how they rushed the QB staying in their lanes and not giving up. Several instances where Mahomes ran around for a while back there but was ultimately sacked by a DL who came back a 2nd or 3rd time after missing him the first time. Burrow is absolutely in the same league as Mahomes, Allan and co. What a collection of young QBs in the AFC.