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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 6^th 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. 24^th overall, 23^rd 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 24^th in passing defense and 24^th 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 24^th 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