Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Bengals Raiders Wrap Up




First things first. I was in the category of fans that felt Palmer should be booed, but I could understand why fans may cheer as well -- he did get the Bengals back to respectability, he did give the Bengals some of their best years, he did ‘stick it’ to the management team we all would love to stick it to….but, ultimately, he quit on his teammates, the organization, and the city, and never had the balls or decency to even offer an explanation. That, I cannot excuse,and therefore loved hearing the chorus of boos all game long. And, though we will never know for sure, I think that had something to do with his poor performance.

With that being said, there are reports of Bengals fans pouring beer on Carson Palmer. I am all for rowdiness. I am all for creating a hostile environment for the opposing team. I am all for creating an incredible home field advantage. I am not for pouring beer on other people. Especially someone who doesn’t have the opportunity to punch you in the face after you pour said beer on them. Boo all you want. Heckle all you want (within reason). Don’t pour beer on people. That is completely classless and cowardly. Those people are not Bengals fans. Those people are societal hooligans that have no place in sports (or life for that matter). If those reports are true, and unfortunately they probably are, I hope those fans are banned from the stadium. Your ticket gives you the right to cheer, boo, have a good time, etc. It does not give you a right to pour beer on someone. That violates not only the rules of society, it violates the rules of all drinkers…when you pay $9 for a beer, you protect it at all costs…you sure as hell do not pour out $9 beer!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the actual football part of the game. There was a pretty good performance by the Bengals on Sunday.

What I Did Like


BGJE

It took 10 games for BJGE to get his first 100 yard game. After 11 games, he now has 2. When the Bengals can get the run game going, their offense is tough to stop. The last two weeks teams have been blanketing Green, meaning the run game and TEs need to hurt the defense in the middle of the field. The last few games that has happened, and the last few games the Bengals offense has been hard to stop. After 129 yards on 19 carries and 1 TD, BJGE is now on pace for nearly 1,200 yards and 7 TDs, numbers all Bengals fans would have been very happy with at the beginning of the season.

O-Line

That is now 441 yards on the ground in the last two games. Regardless of the opponents, that cannot be done if the O-Line is not playing well.

0 INTs

After throwing a pick in the each of the first 8 games of the season (3-5), Dalton (knock on wood) has now gone 3 games without throwing a pick (9 TDs in that span). No surprise that the Bengals are 3-0 in that span. It is not rocket science: when you don’t turn the ball over, you stand a good chance to win.

Cedric Peerman

He doesn’t do much flashy, but he produces when he plays. What else can you ask for? 29 carries for 240 yards on the season. Even without the fake punts he has 27-160 which works out to 5.9 ypc. That is good and worthy of more play.

Mohamed Sanu

12 games in and I think the Bengals have found that #2 WR they have been looking for since TJ Houshmanzadeh left in 2009. Just 5 catches for 29 yards, but they were big catches and 2 TDs (including 1 really nice 1 handed snag). He also provides the offense nice flexibility – great 3rd down run for the 1st down.

Jermaine Gresham

Jermaine Gresham can benefit the most from AJ Green and has the ability to make teams pick their poison. When teams blanket Green, Gresham has to expose the middle of the field. When he does that, this offense is dangerous. The last few weeks he has begun to show signs of finally cashing in on some of his potential (19 catches for 233 yards and 2 TD over the past 4 weeks). No surprise that during that stretch the Bengals are 3-1, averaging 29 ppg, and have seen a reemergence of the running game.

AJ Green

He only had 3 catches, but they went for 111 yards, including a big 48 yarder to convert a 3rd and 11. Still the best All-Around WR in the game if you ask me.

Pressure on Palmer

We all know how uneasy Palmer gets in the pocket and how erratic he is when he has pressure on him. The Bengals knew it as well and they had him under constant pressure starting with the first drive of the game (sacked twice on the opening drive). The Bengals had 4 sacks and 8-15 QB hits on Palmer (depending on which site you look at), forcing him into 1 INT and 1 fumble. Whether it was the pressure, the boos, or a little of both, Palmer had his worst performance of the year in regards to yards (134) and QBR (4.6). Even more impressive when you consider the fact that for the 3 game stretch prior to facing the Bengals, Palmer was averaging 365 ypg.

Andrew Whitworth

Finally! A Bengals team with some fight in them. Throwing a QB down after a whistle like Lamarr Houston did is ‘Busch League,’ cowardly, etc. He deserved to get his ass kicked and that is exactly what Offensive Lineman are supposed to do. As Whit said, "I've got two contracts in my life, one with my wife and the other to protect Andy Dalton.” I like that this team has each other’s backs. I have seen too many soft Bengals teams get pushed around and do nothing about it. I wish someone on the O-Line in 2005 would have done that to Von Oelhoffen. While I don’t like Whit getting kicked out (he can’t protect Andy if he isn’t in the game), and the Bengals can’t afford him or anyone else getting hurt, I liked what he did, like what he stands for, and like what it showed about this team.

Geno Atkins

Best DT in the league. He now has 9.0 sacks in 11 games, and sacks aside, Atkins causes havoc in the backfield every single game. Even when he gets blocked, he garners so much attention that it allows someone else to make a play. The Bengals would be wise to try and lock him up as soon as possible.

Chris Crocker

I have spent ‘many a Monday’ cursing Chris Crocker’s name (especially after last season’s playoff loss). But, this defense was terrible through the first 3 weeks. Then Crocker joined them and collected the first pick of the season for the secondary. Since then, this has been a different defense and Crocker, despite joining the team 3 weeks into the season, leads the team with 3 INTs. He may not be a Pro Bowler, but he has stabilized this defense and is playing very well right now.

All-Around Team Win

During this 3 game winning streak, the Bengals have won with solid play in all 3 aspects of the game. When that happens, a team is tough to beat, and right now, the Bengals look like a tough team to beat. The offense, defense, and special teams seem to be feeding off one another and that is a good thing.

Having a Horrible Call Go the Bengals Way

I actually was laughing at the fumble return for a TD that was called back. Laughing because of how bad the call was, but also laughing at the disbelief of how a terrible call finally went the Bengals way. How long has it been since you could say that? If you rooted for the Bengals in the ‘90’s and ‘00’s you know exactly what I am talking about. It seemed as though every call went against the Bengals….and when you are as bad as those Bengals teams were, you don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. For the first time that I can ever recall, a terrible call helped the Bengals. Rather than being 27-17 with about 10 minutes left and all momentum in the Raiders favor, you saw the Bengals take a 34-10 lead with about 5 minutes left and saw the Raiders self destruct….just like what used to happen to the Bengals.

Adam Jones

How good has he been this year on not just special teams, but defense as well? Jones lead the Bengals with 6 tackles and added to that a sack and a QB hit. Jones looks like the best CB on this defense right now.

Quick Start – Jumping on Bad Teams

In year’s past the Bengals would let bad teams hang around long enough to beat them, or at least make a game out of a game that had no business being close. Hell, they did that this year with Cleveland and Miami and they lost. Beating the Chiefs and Raiders, 2 of the worst teams in the NFL, is no great accomplishment. But, jumping on them so quick and beating them as thoroughly as they have is impressive and is very unlike Bengals teams of the past. The next 3 games are against teams not quite as weak as KC and Oakland, but weak nonetheless. Let’s see if the Bengals can handle SD, Dallas, and Philly the way they did KC and Oakland. If they do, they will be sitting pretty come playoff time.


What I Did Not Like

Not much to dislike in a this game, but there can always be improvements.

Another Poor 3rd Quarter

What does this team do at halftime? Eat orange slices, drink Capri Sun’s, and watch Sponge Bob Square Pants? The lackluster way this team and many of its’ brethren before it have played coming out of halftime is disturbing. It seems as though the opponent makes adjustments at halftime while the Bengals just worry about whose mom is buying snacks after the game. They need to get this under control – do that against playoff teams and you will lose.

 

Playing/Coaching with a Lead

This overlaps the 3rd Qtr issue, but at times this teams seems uncomfortable coaching with the lead. On Sunday the run was working. The Bengals were up 24-3 at the half. Why not come out killing the clock with runs, or screens? Why is the classic screen seemingly a forgotten play to this offense? Seems to me that Peerman, Leonard, Sanu, or Hawkins (when healthy) could do some damage on screen plays.

Nugent’s Missed FG

My trust for Nugent in the clutch is starting to waiver much like it did with Shayne Graham. Nugent missed another kick at the end of a half. Sure, it was a 47 yarder, but in perfect conditions. It nearly turned a 24-3 lead into a 21-6 lead. Lucky for Nugent Carson Palmer went all Carson Palmer on the Raiders and threw a pick and Nugent redeemed himself a few seconds later with a nice 55 yarder to end the half. Can’t count on getting a second crack at these end of the half points.

End of Green’s Streak

Sure, it’s an individual stat, but it would have been cool to see him break Rice’s record. I will take the win, but I would have loved to see Green catch a TD for the 10th straight game. Either way, when the ending of an individual streak is one of the ‘bad things’ in a game, it must have been a pretty good game.

Conclusion

At 6-5 with 3 of their last 5 against teams with losing records, I like where the Bengals sit. At least 1 of the AFC wildcard teams will be 9-7. If the Bengals can get to 9-7, I think they make the playoffs. At 8-8, they have a shot.


On a Side Note

Carson Palmer wanted out of the Bengals organization. I can understand that. That aren't many franchises run more poorly than the Bengals. The Raiders are. How do you think Palmer felt seeing what he gave up for what he had? 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Bengals Raiders Preview




To boo or not to boo? That is the question.

In 2003, the Bengals drafted Carson Palmer. Palmer was supposed to be the ‘Golden Boy’ to lead the Bengals out of the dark ages and back to NFL relevance and back to the Super Bowl. He accomplished the first part. Leading the Bengals to two division titles and two playoff appearances in his 7 years. However, he quit on the Bengals before having a chance to accomplish his second goal. 

So, should Bengals fans boo or cheer Palmer? I say both. Rarely is someone who quits worthy of cheering, but, in this situation, Bengals fans should be grateful. Thanks to Palmer’s selfish decision, the Bengals got Andy Dalton, Dre Kirkpatrick, and a high 2nd round pick in 2012. Palmer also did what all Bengals fans have been trying to do since 1990, he stuck it to the organization and embarrassed the owners. So, for those reasons, Bengals fans should cheer and celebrate Carson Palmer. However, I have a tough time doing anything but ‘Boo’ a guy that quits. And make no mistake, Carson quit. He quit on the organization, he quit on the city, and most telling, he quit on his teammates. Carson was the spoiled kid on the playground who took his ball and went home. I don’t blame Palmer for becoming upset with this management. We all understand that. But, he had recently signed a lucrative extension. He knew what this management was like prior to signing that extension. If he didn’t want to be here, don’t sign the extension and walk in free agency. I can’t respect someone that quits on his teammates the way Palmer did, and when you listen closely, it sounds like a lot of his former teammates feel the same way. So, I will Boo Palmer today. I also believe seeing him play for another struggling team (and organization) is karma.


When the Raiders Run the Ball

Darren McFadden is one of the more dynamic RBs in the NFL. However, he won’t be on the field. Neither will his backup Mike Goodson. The guy you will see carrying most of the load will be FB Marcel Reece. Despite being the 3rd back in the pecking order, Reece will be a challenge for the Bengals run defense (which has been playing well lately). Reece is a big back (6’1” 255 lbs) and has 151 yards on 33 carries in the last 2 games, so he is capable. However, 19 carries and 101 yards were against the Saints. It is arguable that any of us reading or writing this could get 100+ yards against that Saints defense. The Bengals run defense is much better than the Saints, and quite frankly, has been playing very well of late against better backs than Reece.

Advantage: Bengals


When the Raiders Throw the Ball


The Raiders are 6th in the NFL in passing. Palmer has been having a very good year statistically. 3,035 yards, 60.7% completion, 17 TDs. But, he is still the Palmer that began to weigh on Bengals fans. 11 INTs and 5 fumbles. More staggering, is Palmer’s penchant for throwing picks that are returned for TDs. In 2010 (Palmer’s last with the Bengals) Palmer threw 20 INTs, 5 of which were returned for TDs. This year, Palmer has also had 5 returned for TDs. I expect Palmer to be able to put up some numbers against this secondary, however, we know Palmer gets antsy in the pocket with pressure. This DL will get pressure on Palmer and when Palmer has pressure, Palmer makes mistakes (oftentimes in the form of pick 6’s). I think Palmer will have 2-3 TDs, but also 2-3 picks.

Advantage: Bengals

 

When the Bengals Run the Ball

This is not a stout Raiders defense. 24th overall, 23rd in rushing, and allowing 122 yards per game. The Bengals run game seemed to find some traction last week against the Chiefs and I expect that success to carry over into this week. Look for BJGE to pocket his second 100 yard game today against the Raiders.

Advantage: Bengals

When the Bengals Throw the Ball

The Raiders are 24th in passing defense and 24th in turnover margin (-5), so I expect AJ Green and the other receivers to have a big game. Especially if the Bengals can get BJGE going. If BJGE gets going, look for the Bengals to pick apart the 24th ranked pass defense.

Advantage: Bengals

Coaching

Rarely do I feel as though the Bengals have the advantage in coaching. This is one of those games. I saw a picture of the Raiders coach and had no idea who he was. Apparently his name is Dennis Allen. Who knew? Anyways, this guy who calls himself Dennis Allen is a first year coach that is 3-7 and probably just another short stay Raiders coach.

Advantage: Bengals

Conclusion

The Raiders have the ability to put up some points and I believe this game has the potential to be a high scoring contest. However, in the end, the Bengals are just the better team and I believe will come out of this one with a comfortable win.

Prediction


Bengals 34, Raiders 21

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Bengals Chiefs Wrap Up




Where was this team all year? The team we have seen the last two weeks would have beaten (at minimum) Cleveland, Miami, and Pittsburgh. They would be 8-2 overall, 3-1 in the division, have a playoff spot all but clinched, and be battling for the division title and possible bye. However, that team has not shown up every week, so they are where they are (currently the 7th seed), but playing well and looking like they have life and playoff aspirations yet again. At 5-5, Bengals fans should feel optimistic. 9-7 should get you into the AFC playoffs, 10-6 will for sure. The Bengals are playing about as well and complete as any team in the NFL right now and have: 3 games left on their schedule which they should win (Oak, SD, Phi), 1 winnable game (Dal), and then games against Pittsburgh and home against Baltimore. Pittsburgh and Indy are 1 game ahead of the Bengals for the 5th and 6th playoff seeds and Indy just gave up 59 points and Pittsburgh is down to their 3rd string QB … and don’t forget, the Bengals play the Ravens the last week of the season in Cincy – the Ravens may not have anything to play for at that point. Winning 4 or 5 of the last 6, with this schedule and the way this team is playing, is definitely doable.

What I Did Like


Playing the Chiefs

The Chiefs are a brutal football team. Worse than I thought going into the game. At times, it was comical. Jamaal Charles, Derrick Johnson, and Tambi Hali are studs. The rest of this team is rough…and not in a good way.

Matt Cassel/Brady Quinn

Wow. That’s pretty much all I can say about that.

AJ Green

It gets to the point where you begin to expect the amazing from him. His one-handed TD catch around the defender and toe tap was one of the best catches I have ever seen. The scary part (for opponents) is that Green made it look effortless. Green is on pace for 102 catches, 1,458 yards, and 16 TDs and now has 9 straight games with a TD, longest stretch since Jerry Rice (’87)

Jermaine Gresham

The last few weeks, Gresham has started to convert potential into production. As he does so, the Bengals look like a much more formidable opponent. For this offense to be dangerous, Gresham needs to be effective, not dominant. 6 catches for 69 yards is very effective and his near TD (carrying 3-4 players into the end zone) showed what kind of beast Gresham can be. Maybe Marvin needs to piss him off before each game off like Eric Berry did.

0 Turnovers

It is cliché. It is easier said than done. It is true. When you turn the ball over, it is difficult to win. When you don’t turn the ball over, you win more than you lose. Two games in a row with 0 INTs by Dalton = 18 point and 22 point victories.

Aggressive Playcalling

I pound Marvin when he plays conservatively. Sunday was very unMarvin-like and the team seemed to respond well. The fake punt was perfectly executed and set the tone early, as did going for it on 4th and 7. Both were ballsy calls. Both were very unlike Marvin. Both were huge and set the tone. And, the 4th and goal naked bootleg call was brilliant and executed to perfection by Dalton.

Cedric Peerman

I would like to see him get the ball more. 21 carries for 179 yards on the season. Sure, 80 of his yards come from 2 faked punts, but, take those away and he is 19 for 119, still very good. On top of his numbers, I just like his effort, whether it be on a run, on special teams, a fake punt, etc, the guy just seems to ‘want it.’

Andy Dalton

Last two games 0 INTs. Both wins. That is not a coincidence. Along with the 0 picks, Dalton is 39-59 (66%), 429 yards, and 6 TDs over the last 2 games. Those are numbers that will win (or at least not lose) many games.

DL

This D-Line is a good group and the strength of this team. The rotation helps by keeping guys fresh, but don’t be fooled, Michael Johnson, Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, and Domato Peko by themselves would be a top 5 line. Atkins, the leader, had another sack, a batted ball, and another tackle for a loss. Most at ESPN and the other networks couldn’t tell you who he is, but he is likely the best DT in the game (8 sacks in 10 games).

BJGE

BJGE has been a disappointing signing this year. On Sunday, he was not disappointing. Sunday was his first 100 yard game as a Bengal. More importantly, he seemed to be running and hard and confident for the first time since the Washington game (his first fumble). When the Bengals can run the ball, it makes the air attack much more dangerous.

Linebackers

Surprised? So am I. For the second game in a row, the LBs seemed to play much better. While some of that can be attributable to playing the Chiefs, not all of it is. Rey (according to reports) has lost 20 pounds over the past few weeks. While I cannot confirm, nor deny that, he does appear to be moving better and missing less tackles. What I do know, is that the 265 lbs he was reportedly playing at is way to heavy for an effective MLB. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, please push away from the table Rey!

Mohammed Sanu

Maybe the Bengals have found their #2. While his stats were nothing spectacular (2 catches for 22 yards), he seems to get open and have good hands, and for the second game in a row, he had a TD. Then there is his ability to throw 70+ yard TD passes, so he does have that going on as well.

Tate Catch

While I still do not believe Brandon Tate provides any real value to this team, he did have one hell of a catch Sunday. 

4th Down Conversions

Maybe the Bengals can just skip 3rd downs and go straight to 4th downs. They are now 11-14 on 4th down conversions for the season, compared to their assuredly poor 3rd down conversion stats (4-13 on Sunday).


What I Did Not Like

Not much to complain about in this game, but there are always areas for improvement.

3rd Down Conversions

Continue to be a problem. On Sunday the Bengals were 4-13 on 3rd down conversions. If they want to beat good teams, this needs to improve.

Consistency

Again, where was this team a few weeks ago? How does the team we saw the last 2 weeks lose to Cleveland and at home to Miami? The Bengals have 4 very winnable games left, but their penchant for laying the proverbial egg concerns me.

Penalties

9 penalties on Sunday. That is too many. You don’t beat many good teams with 9 penalties.

Long Ball

While Dalton and Green have hooked up on a bunch this year, think of how many they have missed? Green is consistently open deep, and if Dalton can improve his accuracy on these deep balls, watch out.

All-in-all, a very good all around game and not much to complain about. This week the Bengals get a weak Oakland team and the opportunity to go against Carson Palmer. If the Bengals defense is available in your fantasy league, do what Loyd and Harry would do:“Pick ‘em up!”