Cincy Jungle

The one in which the Bengals' secondary is still awesome and the Bengals take a 4-0 division record...Bengals win 17-7

2009-11-08T22:16:16Z

by Al Behrman - AP

about 3 hours ago: Baltimore Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) is gang-tackled by, left to right, Cincinnati Bengals defenders Domata Peko, Keith Rivers, Frostee Rucker, Dhani Jones and Leon Hall after a short gain in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

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Today was the first time in recent memory that I sat down to watch a Bengals division game and did not get nervous from the first snap. Were there some things that happened today that give me pause? Were there some things that happened today that concern me going forward?

Of course there were. I don't like that Ed Reed made Chad Ochocinco cough the ball up again today. That bothers me. I credit Chad for continuing his theme of improving his yards after catch, but when it comes at the cost of possessing the ball it can be a detriment. Chad has been great at making things happen after catching the ball all year long, and it usually happens the same way. He will catch the ball on the left side of the field, turn to his left and spin off a defender and take off like a bat down the field. It is usually a thing of beauty. Got to keep better control of the ball while he's running, but I'm sure he doesn't need to hear that from me.

Let's do some breakdown after the jump, shall we?

The loss of Chris Henry (possibly for the year, unofficially) is unfortunate to be sure. The young man has done a terrific job getting his life back on track and now he likely has a clear schedule for the next eight or nine months. I do believe that he has turned the corner in his personal life, and now he has a great opportunity to prove that to the rest of the world. Now that I've completed my Dr. Phil impression, on the field the lack of Slim 15 will definitely make a difference.

I would fully expect to see the debut of Jerome Simpson dressed for action next week, and hopefully he will make a difference. The solid play of Laveranues Coles and the emergence of Andre Caldwell makes the loss of Henry much less imposing, but regardless a hole now exists where production is going to have to be generated.

On a side note, I apologize for my role in Henry's injury. I picked him up and started him this week on one of my fantasy teams. I now know better and will not do that again. Please don't hurt me.

Looking at different areas of today's game, how about that secondary, folks? Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph continue to play out of their minds on the field of fake grass. Each contributed one interception of Joe Flacco today along with particularly stellar play from one Jonathan Joseph. Joseph was Deion Sanders-esque out there today. Seeing him laying on the field and limping to the sideline absolutely terrified me, it was great to see him back out later on in the game.

Cedric Benson continues to be a man possessed when he has a football in his hand. Running for 117 yards against Baltimore today made him the first running back since Ricky Williams to gash Baltimore for greater than 100 yards in consecutive games (thanks, Joe Reedy!). Williams ran for over a buck in consecutive games over two seasons, 2002-2003 against the Ravens. To the best of my knowledge, Benson is now the only running back to do it twice in one season. Fantasy owners continue to laud him with praise and more than likely bouquets of flowers for the point totals he brings.

One of the most impressive plays I've seen this year was the exchange between Kyries Hebert and Rey Maualuga to down a Kevin Huber punt inside the one. In the event you missed that one, you may want to keep an eye on ESPN later on tonight. I'm sure that one will be seen again. Huber bounced the punt inside the five and Hebert was right there waiting for it. He jumped backward preventing the ball from going into the end zone and threw the ball into the waiting arms of one Rey Maualuga who caught the ball and stood on the half-yard line. It was a thing of beauty.

The team also continues to miss Antwan Odom much less than expected. Three consecutive sacks to end the Ravens' last prayer at trying to put points on the board was pretty impressive if you ask this blogger. Had my children not been napping upstairs I would have likely shook the windows all the way down my parents' street.

That's pretty much all I have to say about today's game at the moment. I'm going to go and eat now, my dad just finished a fish fry. Enjoy it this week, ladies and gentlemen. One more biggie on the horizon next week at Pittsburgh before things get any easier. I'm looking forward to reading what the national media says about our boys in Orange and Black this week, though. For the Bengals to dominate the first half like that after Baltimore laid the beatdown on Denver that they did last week is a huge statement.

Needless to say, I enjoyed today's game very very much. Thanks again, Bengals.

Ever-increasingly optmistically yours,

A Pragmatic Bengals Fan

Post-Game Discussion: Baltimore Ravens (4-4) 7 - Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) 17

2009-11-08T21:21:26Z

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

Cedric Benson roars and stuff. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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Hearts started racing in the fourth quarter as the Bengals offense flatlined after opening a 17-0 lead early on. The Ravens were threatening for the entire quarter, Ray Rice breakin tackles as Ray Rice does. But, the defense stepped up with a huge sack before the two minute warning, forcing the Ravens to use their second time out with 2:18 on the clock and a big, long third down facing them. Sacks are huge in 2 minute drills. It was 4-down territory, though, and on 3rd and 19 Flacco was sacked by Geathers. Game over? 4th and 29, Flacco drops back as idiot Fouts mentions Brandon Stokely, Flacco sacked. Fanene takes his helmet off like an idiot and is flagged, but whatever, the game's gotta be over - or is it? It is.

The Bengals got off to a quick start, and that saved the day. Reminiscent of Northwestern's victory over Iowa yesterday, the Bengals kept the Ravens off the board, and the defense saved the day in this one. 4 sacks, including two big sacks in the 4th quarter, and 8 total QB hits from the D-Line sans Antwan Odom. In comparison, the Ravens sacked Palmer once and hit him 5 more times. The Bengals had 4 tackles for a loss, 2 picks, and 10 passes defensed. You know what that means? The defense played really well, it wasn't just Flacco missing targets.

The Bengals out-gained the Ravens 369-215 (of course, Ray Rice had to tack on a 35-yard catch at the end of the game to hurt our pass defense ranking). Coles finished the game as the Bengals top receiver, catching 6 passes for 72 yards, and Ochocinco caught 5 for 66. Cedric Benson had 34 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown, not a great average, but he sure did get stuffed a lot late. Carson finished with a 91.0 passer rating, better than Flacco's 48.3, on 20/33 passing for 224 yards and a touchdown.

My favorite stat, as you guys may have figured out by now, is time of possession. Well, the Bengals possessed the ball for 40:00 in this one, and the defense just got off the field consistently on third downs. The Ravens converted only 1 of 10 third downs, and were 0 for 1 on 4th. The Bengals were 8 for 18 on third down.

Penalties really hurt Baltimore early, and the Bengals defense held on. It's a big Bengals win, and 4-0 in the division could go a long way. Hopefully Keith Rivers can get healthy for next week's big contest against the Steelers.

2nd Half Open Thread: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) 0 - Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) 17

2009-11-08T19:43:25Z

More of the same since the overflow thread. Flacco tries that "deep throw" thing, but Leon Hall covers D. "you can't cover me 1-on-1" Mason and takes the ball away. Bengals hand to Cedric Benson, who gains his 80th rushing yard in the first half, but no more points resulted. Kevin Huber decided he wanted to punt it to the 1-inch line, and the Ravens ran out the clock to get to the half with a giant goose egg on the board, honestly, lucky that they weren't down 20, 23, 24, or even 31.

Some numbers...

Possession: Baltimore: 8:26 Cincinnati: 21:34 .

Goal of 20 minutes of first-half possession, achieved.
Total Plays: Baltimore: 18 Cincinnati: 42

Total Yards: Baltimore: 44 Cincinnati: 235

Will you take it? I'll take it. Domination!

Now, the Ravens are getting pressure on Carson, but it doesn't seem to matter. Cedric Benson has 18 first-half carries for 80 yards, which is kind of good against the Baltimore rush defense. Carson has been efficient and mistake-free, Ed Reed and the Ravens' defense looks uninspired. Joe Flacco posted a first-half QB rating of 12.0 (ouch) on 3.0 yards per atempt. The Ravens have 9 rushes for 17 yards (1.9/carry), and "dangerous" Ray Rice has only 10 yards on 2.5 yards per carry.

Good things happened, good things need to keep on happening. 17 points is great, but this team needs to NOT let up. Toward the end of the first half, the offense suffered from bad playcalling (broken screen) and bad play (low snap on a 3rd down blitz didn't give Carson a chance). If the Ravens clean up penalties, the Bengals will have to take this one away. Don't count on Baltimore to roll over.

Win it for Slim Henry!

1st Half Overflow Thread: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) 0 - Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) 17

2009-11-08T19:18:18Z

More photos » by TONY TRIBBLE - AP

2 days ago: FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson holds a sign asking the NFL not to fine him after scoring on a 10-yard reception against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tony Tribble, file)

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Well, the Bengals certainly came out firing on all cylinders in this one. Covering kicks, pushing large men around, throwing footballs, running and breaking tackles, tackling (swarm!), coverage tight down field, field goal snaps still routine. What a good half to be a Bengals fan, are you with me?

Here's an overflow thread because the other one is supermassivelarge. A second half thread will be, as always, posted around halftime.

Open Thread: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

2009-11-08T16:30:22Z

Game: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Series Leader: Baltimore, 15-12
Streak: Bengals have won four of the past six meetings
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 8-5. Harbaugh: 2-1.
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Dick Enberg, Dan Fouts. Westwood One Radio: Kevin Kugler, Mark Malone. SIRIUS: 129 (Bal.), 123 (Cin.). XM: 105 (Cin.).
SB Nation: Baltimore Beatdown
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Partly cloudy with a high of 64 degrees and light winds. [Weather.com]
Uniform: Black
Television Coverage: Ohio, West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, most of Virginia, Pennsylvania and Colorado [506]

CINCINNATI BENGALS


INACTIVE	QUESTIONABLE
Jordan Palmer	T Andre Smith (foot)
Andre Smith	S Roy Williams (forearm)
Roy Williams
Fui Vakapuna	PROBABLE
Chase Coffman	RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)
Jerome Simpson	DT Tank Johnson (foot)
Dan Skuta	S Tom Nelson (shoulder)
Orien Harris	RB Bernard Scott (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS


INACTIVE	QUESTIONABLE	PROBABLE
DT Haloti Ngata	S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	LB Prescott Burgess (illness)
QB John Beck	DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)
RB Jalen Parmele	S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)
CB Frank Walker		LS Matt Katula (elbow)
LB Antwan Barnes		RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)
T Oniel Cousins		CB Frank Walker (illness)
G Tony Moll
LB Paul Kruger

The Cincinnati Bengals should think about lower ticket prices to close the home schedule

2009-11-07T16:10:01Z

For the third time this year, the Bengals need help selling out Sunday's game. On Friday afternoon, while the deadline approached, Local 12, the Bengals and Kroger worked together to sellout the remaining tickets available to assure that the game will be broadcasted in the Cincinnati market. Kroger and Local 12 were in large part why the Bengals were seen on local television during opening weekend against the Denver Broncos.

Kroger is planning on giving away 250 pairs of tickets "members of the military" which will be distributed "at Kroger stores in Hyde Park (10-11 a.m.); Lebanon, Union and Fairborn (11 a.m.-noon) and Anderson Towne Center (1-2 p.m.) today."

Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn writes in a statement:

“We are thrilled with the response from our fans, Kroger and Local12, and we are pleased that Bengals fans across the region can watch our game on Sunday. We have great fans and their vocal support will give us a real home field advantage for this big AFC North game. We are especially pleased that we will have so many members of the Military on hand.”

If the Bengals can not sell a game out, against a division rival while in first place, you have to wonder if this isn't another sign that the Bengals should be more aware of the area and their loyal fanbase. On Friday a released government report says "the U.S. unemployment rate hit a 26-year high of 10.2 percent last month." The state of Ohio's unemployment rate hovers around 10.1% in September (lost 258,100 jobs in one year). Kentucky's jobless rate is 10.9% and Indiana's is 9.6% in September. On Tuesday, Ohio voters voted to legalize Casinos by six points in an effort to bring money and jobs to the state. Hamilton county recently passed a $209 million general fund budget, which is $29.6 million less than last year and the smallest since 1999. An October 20 Middletown Journal article writes that jobless numbers in Hamilton County are at 10.8%, which actually feel from the previous month of 11.6%.

In one respect, the Bengals are helping out by assuring tickets are sold in one way or another. While Cincinnatians are struggling to sellout games at Paul Brown Stadium, the fifth home game will ultimately be sold out. However, the home games this year have mostly hosted teams that are in playoff races, such as Denver and Houston (wild card), or games with bigger fanbases like Pittsburgh and Chicago.

If we base on what we've seen this year, I find it hard to believe that the Bengals will be able to sellout their remaining home games. Cleveland could sellout, because most football fans in this state are either Bengals fans or Browns fans. After that, the Bengals host the Lions and Chiefs to close out the home schedule. Yikes.

With the economy and some many that remain jobless, I think it's time that the Bengals examine the possibility of reduced ticket prices for the remainder of this year. As of now, games against the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, the cheapest tickets remain at $64 through Ticket Master. Add to area parking, as well as concessions, and your price could easily top $90. And of course, you're not going alone. So let's add a few tickets for friends and/or family. Many can't justify that cost of even the cheapest ticket available.

Think of the advantages. Cheaper tickets means availability to more people, maybe even children who could become the future generation of Bengals fans who would buy tickets in 2020. Do the Bengals recognize that? It's a great public relations effort, with a fanbase that really doesn't trust the Bengals front office and hasn't for years. If they're looking at the bottom line, the Bengals won't have to eat the cost of those unsold tickets.

Now we'd be trivial not to mention that the Bengals wiped out the remaining tickets against the Ravens and plan to donate them. That's a great start. While they're looking to help out, the Bengals should keep trying, reaching out to a community that's struggling right now, even though the citizens of Hamilton County gave the team one hell of a stadium deal. Let's reciprocate the love a little for fans who could use a little help to support cheering for the team they've cheered for all of our lives.

Final Practice/Injury Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

2009-11-07T15:21:42Z

CINCINNATI BENGALS

QUESTIONABLE	PROBABLE
T Andre Smith (foot)	RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)
S Roy Williams (forearm)	DT Tank Johnson (foot)
	S Tom Nelson (shoulder)
	RB Bernard Scott (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

QUESTIONABLE	PROBABLE
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	LB Prescott Burgess (illness)
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)
	LS Matt Katula (elbow)
	RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)
	CB Frank Walker (illness)

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)	LP	LP	FP
S Tom Nelson (shoulder)	LP	LP	FP
S Roy Williams (forearm)	LP	LP	LP
RB Bernard Scott (knee)	FP	FP	FP
T Andre Smith (foot)	FP	FP	FP
DT Tank Johnson (foot)	--	--	LP

RAVENS	WED	THUR	FRI
LB Prescott Burgess (illness)	DNP	FP	FP
LS Matt Katula (elbow)	DNP	DNP	FP
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	DNP	LP	FP
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	DNP	DNP	DNP
CB Frank Walker (illness)	DNP	FP	FP
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	DNP	LP	LP
TE Todd Heap (ankle)	LP	LP	FP
RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)	LP	LP	FP
LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	FP	FP	FP

With the Bengals Flexing Their Muscle; Will NBC Flex Their Schedule?

2009-11-07T01:30:26Z

When the prime time football schedule was released months ago, it was easy to expect not to see the Bengals a part of it. With the season they had last year, why should NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network reward a team with only 4 wins by putting them on the schedule? Oh, wait; the Browns got 2 games on prime time this year with just 4 wins from last season. Oh, well. I wonder if ESPN and the NFL Network wish they could flex their schedule.

This season has been far different from last season. The Bengals have already won more games this season, which is not yet half over, then they did all of last year. Plus, those wins put them in the middle of the AFC North Division title race with the defending Super Bowl Chumps, I mean Champs Pittsburgh Steelers. The majority of those wins have had the kind of ending the networks love; close, hotly contested with a last minute scoring drive to win the game. This was all unexpected from a team that was unable to score points or keep the opposition from doing so.

When NBC re-signed with the NFL to show Sunday night prime time games, they agreed to do a flex schedule starting week 11 to provide the best possible match-up for primetime including those with playoff implication. With the Bengals playing at such a high level and playoff aspirations in hand, could one or more of their late season games get moved to primetime?

Of course that will depend on how they do over the next two games against divisional rivals Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers. If they do in fact do what is considered by many to be impossible, and the Bengals sweep them both, it will be a given that at least one game will get moved to primetime regardless what they do against the dysfunctional Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions. All three of these games should be considered winnable. But so was the Houston Texans and we know what happened there.

So now, if things go well and the Bengals don't do a sudden swan dive which has been a part of the franchises modes operandi, a game could be moved to primetime. But which game is most likely to be changed?

The first game that comes to mind is in week 14 against the Brett Farve lead Minnesota Vikings. Everybody, okay, the media, loves what Brett has been doing since un-retiring to play for the Vikings. He has defeated his old team, the Green Bay Packers twice and has the Twin Cities thinking Super Bowl with a current record of 7-1. With a favorable schedule as three of the next four games are at home and the only road game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Vikings could be coming into this game with a possible record of 10-2 or 11-1. If the Bengals do as expected, they could be coming into this game with a record of 9-3 or better at 10-2 making this game very attractive to NBC.

The next possible game that could be flexed is the following week against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego. But the problem with this team is they are not meeting expectations. Many prognosticators had the Chargers landing in the Super Bowl due to their high powered offense and supposed tough defense. Currently at 4-3, they have had a number of games that left you wondering just how good they are. The schedule leading up to the game is not easy as they face the powers of the NFC East and the Broncos. The other part of the equation is the Chargers head coach Norv Turner, who has more pedigree as an offensive coordinator then as a head coach. His teams have a reputation of not living up to the hype or falling over their feet after a good start and missing the playoffs. Unless this team is an aberration, they could be coming into this game with a record at best of 6-7 pending an upset or two against some tough foes.

Week 17 of the schedule is left wide open for NBC to choose the best possible matchup that will have direct impact on the playoffs. That is when the Bengals take a trip to New York against the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets! This game initially looked good on paper after the first 3 weeks of the season as the Jets start 3-0. Now the Jets have fallen once again into a rut which he team is known for, that could leave them out of the playoffs again making this game less appealing. Rex Ryan came over from Baltimore to improve a team that Eric Mangini had left in a bit of a mess. With the drafting of Mark Sanchez and the fast start, Ryan looked like a genius. Now they have lost 4 of the last 5 with a schedule that does not look favorable as they have games against the Patriots in New England, the Falcons at home and travel to Indy to face the Colts. Games against Carolina, Jacksonville and the Buffalo Bills could go either way as no one really knows which team will show up. The game against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay should be the most winnable game on the remaining schedule, but knowing the Jets, should not be taken lightly.

There will be a number of factors that go into NBC's selection for their impending flex schedule. They will take into consideration what game most people will want to watch along with how much of an impact it will have on the standings heading into the playoffs. If the Chargers and Jets get things together for a late season run, those games could play into the decision for their respective weeks. But if they fail to prove their worth, expect the game against the Vikings to be the only game selected for the flex schedule and the Bengals token appearance on prime time.

Will We See Andre Smith Against the Ravens?

2009-11-06T21:32:37Z

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

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Is this the weekend the Bengals see their first round draft pick hit the field for the first time this season? Considering what we were told going into the bye week, no doubt many Bengals fans were thinking, "Yes, I'll finally get to see Andre Smith play when the Ravens come to town," however, those thoughts might have been a bit premature. It's either that or Marvin Lewis just wants to keep everybody on their toes.

Or he's just practicing his non-committal skills.

Offensive line coach Paul Alexander would not discuss Smith's status. On Wednesday, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Smith "would have to be one of the best 45 guys" to suit up.

So yeah, that sounds like an "I'll never tell" if there ever was one. It seems the Bengals staff seems really hesitant to use any of the offensive rookies at their disposal. Granted, Smith's ankle and his weight have been issues, but while every other team in the NFL showcases their new offensive talent, the Bengals take "wait and see" to a totally different level.

Now, if you are a defensive rookie with miles of potential, you'll have every opportunity to play through your mistakes. Unfortunately, that same level of approval seems to be missing for known college stars like Chase Coffman, and now Smith. Of course, the lack of Andre Smith "he's playing" talk might just be gamesmanship on the behalf of the coaches. Or it could very well be Lewis and his staff doesn't want Smith to stop working hard, and they feel any news about playing time could affect Smith's preparation.

Considering how well the Bengals have been running the ball, it's hard to not think how an Andre Smith, a player known as being an incredible run-blocker, might improve that aspect even more.

Breaking: Game between Bengals and Ravens sells out

2009-11-06T20:35:46Z

Just when you think the Bengals are bound for their first non-sellout in nearly 50 games, somehow, someone (fans perhaps?) pull through. Local 12 Tweets that "*BREAKING NEWS* Bengals game WILL AIR Sunday at 1 p.m. on Local 12. Game is sold out!!" (via Joe Reedy's tweet because we actually don't follow local 12)

No word on how many were sold to fans, or to an area company or to a player looking to hand them out on Saturday. In fact, the team has yet to make the announcement official. We'll update as news breaks through.

But yea. Bengals. Ravens. Local 12. Time to kick some ass.

Blackout deadline approaches for Bengals; Chad isn't sensitive to how the Ravens feel

2009-11-06T16:49:16Z

Like the other two times the Bengals were granted television extensions, we'll be waiting anxiously to see if the Bengals sellout Sunday, or if we're forced to listen to the radio and day dream of our boys in Lord of the Rings garb -- Andrew Whitworth is Sam, Carson Palmer is Frodo and Ray Lewis is Gollum. If it's like before, we'll get bits and pieces of information preceding a mid-afternoon announcement. So bit and piece #1: C Trent got a tweet that someone is going to the game "compliments of WKRC." Yea?

Sometimes you just have to appreciate right now and worry about tomorrow the next day. When Lance McAlister listed topics that are off the table when discussing the Cincinnati Bengals, WDR took exception. Lance said:

Off the table
Ever stop and consider the sports talk radio topics that are off the table with the Bengals winning?
Talk of......
1. Staging a walkout during a game
2. Banners to fly over the stadium or take into the game
3. Burning tickets
4. Boycotting sponsors
5. Firing the coach/who the next coach should be?
6. Who should they draft?
7. Billboards
8. Urinal cakes
9. The next task from Who Dey Revolution
10. What team to adopt?
11. Do you root for them to lose to embarrass Mike into change and get a better draft pick?

In response, WDR writes:

Clearly this list is directed towards WDR and its followers, seeing as how we're mentioned by name along with many of our actions towards instituting change and it correctly points out how some Bengals' fans typically stop supporting us when the team wins.

Once again, the cold-hard, un-Coors Light sponsored facts: this nice little run to begin the season, in the larger scheme, means nothing. Yes, nothing. Mike Brown continues running his organization in the same manner as he has since taking over, with methods that directly go against the "goal" of competing (like still employing only one full-time scout). Mike Brown, for the most part, put this team together using these same out-of-date, lazy and cheap methods that make reaching sustained success unrealistic.

But I ask this. Did Chick Ludwig give the quote of the day?

By not selling out Paul Brown Stadium against the Ravens, Bengals fans have spoken. You wanted a winner and finally got a winner. Now you’re turning your backs on the team. You prayed for rain. Now you’re complaining about the mud. Congratulations …

Levi Jones to start for the Redskins? Former Bengals left tackle Levi Jones signed with the Washington Redskins on October 20. In a Washington Post piece, David Elfin writes that "Levi Jones might make his first start at the position for the Redskins on Sunday at Atlanta." Jones was cut by the Bengals during the offseason:

"I have missed [18 games in seven seasons], but they label me injury-prone?" he said. "I've never been on injured reserve. To have that knock, I definitely want to get that off and show people that I'm back... and try to return to the elite status I once had."

Does one become King if they predict the future? Peter King predicts that the Bengals will lose to the Ravens by ten points.

Cincinnati is 3-1 in the past four in this series at Paul Brown Stadium. The 1: Baltimore 34, Cincy 3 last November. In this one, I say the Ray Rice Show continues. "He's better than we thought he was,'' John Harbaugh told me the other day. "He was pretty much an inside runner at Rutgers, but his blitz pickup and receiving skills are so much better than we thought.''

I rarely make predictions. It's not because I don't like it. No. It's because my crystal ball I used to see into the the future broke a few months ago after I threw my controller because a middle linebacker in Madden 10 made this impossible catch over the middle when he was twenty yards away while I was making my throw. Prick.

Who Dey Fans calls it a season sweep. Chick Ludwig calls it a three-point win.

The story of Cedric Benson fascinates. Sports Illustrated's Damon Hack chronicles Cedric Benson's return to the league as not just an effective running back, but a pretty good one.

The Bengals signed him on Sept. 30, and after two games he had earned the starting job. By the end of the 2008 season he'd rediscovered the power-running form that had made him one of the most accomplished backs in college football history—over the last three games for Cincy, Benson rushed for 355 yards. The resurgence has carried over to 2009. In Week 5 he became the first back in 40 games to run for more than 100 yards against the Ravens, pounding out 120 yards on 27 carries in a 17--14 win at Baltimore. And ultimate redemption came two Sundays ago at Paul Brown Stadium, when he gouged Chicago for a career-high 189 yards and a touchdown in a 45--10 romp that improved Cincinnati's record to 5--2 and certified the Bengals as a playoff contender.

If he continues at this pace, one has to believe that Benson is the leading candidate for comeback player of the year award.

If you're a Bengals fan and you don't like Chad, you kick puppies. Except for Tim, of course. As far as we know, Chad Ochocinco is 0-1 when sending gift care packages to opposing defenses the week that they play.

"I got a special package being delivered to the Ravens' secondary -- actually the whole defense," Ochocinco said. "I just want to send my condolences right now. You're welcome ahead of time."

My favorite quote in the ESPN piece is when James Walker asked Chad about the Ravens attitude after losing the first meeting on a last second touchdown.

"I can care less how they feel," Ochocinco said bluntly. "I can care less about their attitude. All of them."

That's our boy.

More, more, says Number Five.

Carson Palmer has thrown for 2,506 yards and 13 touchdowns in ten meetings against the Baltimore Ravens. Better still, he's 7-3.

It's still uncertain if Andre Smith will play this Sunday.

Robert Geathers and Michael Johnson are both looking to turn around disappointing starts to their season.

Bengals granted extension to sellout game against the Baltimore Ravens

2009-11-05T20:34:55Z

Anytime you go three for three, that's really good. Unless the subject is rejection from women. But batting 1.000 is good by most standards. So far the Bengals have had three games that didn't sellout by the deadline (the third being against the Ravens). Cincinnati was granted a 24-hour extension to sell 3,000 tickets with the new deadline being 1 PM on Friday.

Said Bengals ticket sales manager Andrew Brown in a statement: “We still have approximately 3000 tickets to sell, so it’s by no means assured we can avert a blackout. But we are pleased to have the chance for some great closing sales to keep our sellout streak alive.”

Through seven games, Bengals ratings locally are up 36 percent with a 33.9 rating and 58 percent market share (it was 25.0/49 last year). That is the second biggest increase in the league with Arizona leading at 37 percent.

After not selling out either preseason game for the first time since 2005, the Bengals went down to the wire in order to sell out the regular-season opener against Denver when the team, Kroger and WKRC-TV (Channel 12) bought the remaining tickets. For the Houston game, Motorola bought the remaining tickets.

Practice Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

2009-11-05T14:52:16Z

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, we'll (TRY TO) update the practice/injury chart leading up to Sunday's game. The chart is pretty self-explanatory. If the player is listed as out, they're out for the game. If they did not participate, they didn't practice. If they were limited, then they only participated during a portion of practice (typically means missing 11-on-11 drills). If the player is listed as full participation, it simply means that they practiced fully and that the only reason they're listed is because injury was an issue the week before.

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)	LP	LP
S Tom Nelson (shoulder)	LP	LP
S Roy Williams (forearm)	LP	LP
RB Bernard Scott (knee)	FP	FP
T Andre Smith (foot)	FP	FP

RAVENS	WED	THUR	FRI
LB Prescott Burgess (illness)	DNP	FP
LS Matt Katula (elbow)	DNP	DNP
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	DNP	LP
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	DNP	DNP
CB Frank Walker (illness)	DNP	FP
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	DNP	LP
TE Todd Heap (ankle)	LP	LP
RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)	LP	LP
LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	FP	FP

Deadline Approaches: Bengals still have 3,500 tickets available for division game against Baltimore

2009-11-05T14:13:03Z

The deadline for the Bengals to sellout and have the game shown locally is Thursday at 1 PM. If the team thinks they'll sellout and the league agrees, they could be granted a 24-hour extension, similar to the one they were given against Denver and Houston.

Joe Reedy writes that the there's still 3,500 available tickets remaining.

The ticket office said that the amount of remaining seats is about the same that were left for the opener against Denver at this point but less than what was left for the Oct. 18 game against Houston. In both cases, the Bengals were granted a 24-hour extension to reach a sellout.

The fact there's so many available tickets against a division rival, with possible playoff implications and the Bengals sporting a first place 5-2 record, makes you certain that it's about the economy. If we can't sellout this game before the day of the deadline, then you have to worry about the remaining home games this year. There's probably a good chance that the team's sellout streak will end one way or another this year. I just thought it would be more likely against 1-6 Detroit on December 6 or 1-6 Kansas City on December 27.

"You can't cover me single coverage," Mason said earlier today. "You can't. It hasn't been done in...

2009-11-04T21:29:23Z

"You can't cover me single coverage," Mason said earlier today. "You can't. It hasn't been done in 13 years, and it won't be done. But it is what it is. You try to take advantage of coverages and how they play you. But Cincinnati did a good job, a very good job, the first game at totally taking me out of the game. In the back of my mind, I just need to go into this game, work a little bit harder, find a way to -- if they choose to do that again -- find a way to get open. If not, then other people will be open."

Derrick Mason on coverage

Bengals will need someone to step up for injured Antwan Odom

2009-11-04T19:11:22Z

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

21 days ago: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom (98) is taken off the field after being injured in the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

Browse more photos »

No, injuries are not an excuse. We've heard that before. But injuries do hurt a team; sometimes critically. For example, Carson Palmer's injury in 2008. There. Point made. I've never bought into the general theory that a team fails because of injury. The counter argument is that a good organization will have great depth that could replace starters when they go down. Fine. But when your starting quarterback goes down for the season, you're not going to be as good. In the Bengals case, Palmer's injury led (perhaps not directly) to a 4-11-1 season. Even though Tom Brady's injury opened the door for Matt Cassell to lead the New England Patriots to an 11-5 record, the Patriots still missed the playoffs. Then again, would have the Patriots lost by 25 points to the Dolphins, 20 points to the Chargers or 23 points to the Steelers if Brady were playing?

The Bengals have had critical injuries already this year. Reggie Kelly is one; not for his pass catching skills, rather his blocking, leadership and tremendous mentorship for Chase Coffman (then again, he still could be mentoring Chase... we just haven't heard lately). I never thought that Ben Utecht was that big of a loss -- what exactly has he proven?

The one injury that could turn out to be big is Antwan Odom. Feels like forever since he went down, doesn't it? It's only been a game and a half.

Through the first two games of the season, Odom sacked the quarterback seven times -- including five against the Green Bay Packers. He recorded only one sack in the following four games. But his presence was known. The Bengals had a defensive player that the opposing offense had to account for -- how many times have we had someone like that? Just as Bengals lore goes, against the Houston Texans, easily the worst combined effort by the Bengals in 2009, Odom gets carted off the field after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon.

The Bengals have recorded at least one sack in eight straight games dating back to December 21, 2008. In six of those eight games, the Bengals recorded two sacks or more.

After moments of cursing, which included a Hudson-like over-reaction in Aliens ("WTF are we going to do now, we're in some really pretty............"), the Bengals had to figure a way to replace their best pass rusher of the season. Do they change philosphy? Do they blitz more? Do they rely on someone stepping up to the plate and crushing a fastball? Jonathan Fanene is a likely candidate, who has already recorded a career high three quarterback sacks -- two of which that came in two of the last three games. Behind Fanene is Frostee Rucker. The thing about Rucker isn't so much his talent -- we know he has it -- it's depending on him to stay healthy for the rest of the season. And he looked good against the Bears, didn't he?

Then you ask, where's Robert Geathers? Since recording 10.5 quarterback sacks in 2006, Geathers has recorded 6.5 sacks in the 34 games since. If there's someone that needs to produce, one would be justified to point at him now.

I like what I saw out of Rucker and I've always liked the way Fanene plays. However, effort and health, while critical, will need to be followed up with results. And against a team like Baltimore, whose offense can put points together in a heart beat, the Bengals need to rattle Joe Flacco, who recorded a season-low 70.1 passer rating thanks to a season-high two interceptions the last time the Ravens played Cincinnati.

Trust isn't an issue with the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals

2009-11-04T18:32:35Z

While Bengals fans might not be buying into the team after seven games this season, one Washington Post blogger isn't convinced of Cincinnati. Why? Mostly trust issues.

It's a fine story now, but Cincinnati is one of those teams you just can't trust. The Bengals have disappointed so many times that you're almost waiting for them to collapse. This is, after all, an organization that has had two winning seasons in 20 years.

Can we really blame him for thinking this way? Most of us have and probably still do. Aside from a struggling economy that has blue collar fans -- the heart of the Bengals fan base -- penny pinching, trusting the Cincinnati Bengals has been a difficult thing to maintain. An accurate reminder of trust issues could be traced back to 2006, when the Bengals went into a Monday Night Football game on December 18 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Bengals were 8-5, riding a four-game winning streak with wins over the Saints, Browns, Ravens and Raiders -- three of those four wins were won by 15 points or more and the Bengals beat the Browns 30-0.

It was simple, if the Bengals win just one their last three games, they make the playoffs. With a win over the Chiefs and a potential win over the Broncos during week 16 (game #15) the Bengals would own tie-breakers against two competing teams that were vying for the final wildcard spot. It seemed so easy. Win one, you're in. Maybe not as good as they were in 2005, these Bengals were still good.

The Bengals went 0-3 in the worst possible way.

Peyton Manning threw four touchdowns passes in a 34-16 route. Brad St. Louis made a poor snap that cost the Bengals an extra point that would have tied the Denver Broncos with 46 seconds left in the game. And in the final game of the year, the Steelers and Bengals battled into overtime when Ben Roethlisberger completed a 67-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes to end the Bengals season. Consider for a moment that the Bengals lost 23 of their next 35 games after beating the Oakland Raiders on December 10, 2006.

However, I believe the issue of trust shouldn't factor into whether you buy into this team this year. The Bengals are different. How much? Carson Palmer isn't putting up the passing stats he did in 2006. Then again, he's winning football games on last minute drives. Cedric Benson is on pace to equal Rudi Johnson's 12 touchdowns that year; his 1,645 yards rushing he's on pace for will shatter the club record. Offensively the Bengals are worse than that year. Defensively, they're far stronger. All around, the depth is better.

This club is like no other club Cincinnati has had during the Mike Brown era. There's unity. There's pride. There's ambition. There's a genuine lack of me-first personality. I can understand Gene Wang's point in the Washington Post. But having watched all the Bengals teams in the past, and immensely focused on this team now, I have to say that trust issues and recent history bear no relevance to the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals.

Primer: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

2009-11-04T15:03:08Z

Cincinnati Bengals

Dating back to December 14, 2008, the Cincinnati Bengals have won eight of their past ten games.
When a Bengals running back rushes 25 times or more, the Bengals are 25-1 (.961) under head coach Marvin Lewis er
Against the Chicago Bears, quarterback Carson Palmer had the best touchdown to interception ratio in his career (+5) tying Boomer Esiason for a franchise record.
Palmer is 7-3 when starting against the Ravens.
Dating back to December 21, 2008, running back Cedric Benson leads the AFC (second in the NFL) with 1,002 yards rushing on 227 attempts (4.4 yards-per-rush).
When Benson rushes 20 times or more in a game, he averages 105.3 yards rushing per game (his teams are 10-1-1).
Benson also looks to have back-to-back 100-yard rushing performance against the Ravens (recorded 120 yards rushing in first meeting).
Since 2002, Chad Ochocinco ranks second in the NFL with 9,149 yards receiving -- Torry Holt has 9,298 yards receiving.
Chad is looking to record a third straight 100-yard receiving game -- averaging 105 yards receiving per game in the past three games.
The Bengals defense has recorded six interceptions in the past three games.
Leon Hall has three picks in his past three games and Chris Crocker is looking to record an interception for a third consecutive game.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens offense averages 28.4 points per game. They are on pace to break the franchise scoring record they set in 2003 (24.7 points per game).
Joe Flacco is 2-1 as a starter against the Cincinnati Bengals with a career 84.2 passer rating against Cincinnati (completed 56 of 89 passes for 595 yards receiving, three touchdowns and two interceptions).
With a touchdown against Cincinnati, Flacco will have a passing touchdown in eight straight games.
Ray Rice is averaging 100.7 yards rushing in games that he records 20 rushing attempts or more.
In his past four games, Rice is averaging 149.3 yards from scrimmage (333 rushing, 264 receiving).
Willie McGahee is tied for fourth in the NFL with seven touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving).
Derrick Mason is averaging 85.7 yards receiving per game in his past three games against the Bengals.
Ed Reed is tied for second most career touchdown returns (12) among active players.
Reed has six interceptions against the Bengals, second most against any opponent.

TEAM RANKINGS

Offense	Bengals	Ravens
Total	345.9 (13th)	378.7 (7th)
Scoring	23.3 (15th)	28.4 (4th)
Third Downs	42 (t-12th)	48 (3rd)
Passing	218.1 (18th)	253.9 (10th)
Passing TDs	13 (t-8th)	12(t-10th)
Rushing	127.7 (9th)	124.9 (10th)
Rushing TDs	6 (t-14th)	10 (t-5th)
Sacks Allowed	11 (t-6th)	12 (9th)
20-yard Passes	18 (t-17th)	24 (t-9th)

Defense	Bengals	Ravens
Total	341.3 (21st)	313.7 (13th)
Scoring	18.3 (6th)	19.6 (11th)
Passing	253.3 (30th)	226.1 (19th)
Passing TDs	10 (t-16th)	9 (t-9th)
Rushing	88.0 (5th)	87.6 (4th)
Rushing TDs	3 (t-4th)	4 (t-9th)
Sacks	17 (t-11th)	16 (t-18th)
QB Rating	85.8 (t-17th)	86.1 (19th)
20-Yard Passes Allowed	26 (27th)	23 (t-23rd)
Interceptions	8 (t-5th)	7 (t-9th)

Special Teams	Bengals	Ravens
Kickoff Return	20.0 (29th)	26.4 (5th)
Punt Return	13.1 (5th)	4.3 (30th)
Punting (Net)	37.3 (t-19th)	37.9 (17th)
Punts Inside the 20	12 (t-15th)	10 (t-19th)

2009 STATISTICAL INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Carson Palmer	Stat	Ranking
Quarterback Rating	89.2	13th
Yards Passing	1,608	16th
Touchdowns	13	t-7th
First Downs	81	t-14th
Average Yards/Att	7.1	t-14th
Completions	140	t-14th
Interceptions	7	t-21
Times Sacked	11	t-11th

Cedric Benson	Stat	Ranking
Yards Rushing	720	4th
Attempts / Game	23.4	1st
Touchdowns	5	t-6th
First Downs	31	t-4th

Chad Ochocinco	Stat	Ranking
Receptions	39	t-11th
Yards Receiving	573	8th
Touchdowns	5	t-7th
20-yard receptions	9	t-5th
First Downs	31	t-4th

CAREER AGAINST THE RAVENS

Carson Palmer

Game	Date	Loc.	Comp	Att	Yards	TDs	Int
10	10.11.2009	Away	18	31	271	1	1
9	9.7.2008	Away	9	24	94	0	1
8	11.11.2007	Away	23	34	271	0	0
7	9.10.2007	Home	20	32	194	2	0
6	11.30.2006	Home	21	32	234	1	0
5	11.5.2006	Away	12	26	194	1	2
4	11.27.2005	Home	22	30	302	3	1
3	11.6.2005	Away	19	26	248	2	0
2	12.5.2004	Away	29	36	382	3	1
1	9.26.2004	Home	25	52	316	0	3
			198	323	2,506	13	9

Chad Johnson

Game	Date	Loc.	Rec.	Yards	TDs
16	10.11.2009	Away	7	94	0
15	11.30.2008	Home	4	45	0
14	9.7.2008	Away	1	22	0
13	11.11.2007	Away	4	73	0
12	9.10.2007	Home	5	95	1
11	11.30.2006	Home	8	91	0
10	11.5.2006	Away	4	31	0
9	11.27.2005	Home	5	88	1
8	11.6.2005	Away	5	91	0
7	12.5.2004	Away	10	161	2
6	9.26.2004	Home	8	99	0
5	12.7.2003	Away	2	15	0
4	10.19.2003	Home	5	130	1
3	12.1.2002	Home	4	78	1
2	11.10.2002	Away	7	110	1
1	12.23.2001	Away	3	28	0
			82	1,251	7

Cedric Benson

Game	Date	Rush	Yards	TDs
3	10.11.2009	27	120	1
2	11.30.08	10	17	0
1	10.23.05	2	6	0

Laveranues Coles

Game	Date	Rec.	Yards	TDs
5	10.11.2009	--	--	--
4	9.16.07	6	57	0
3	10.2.05	1	16	0
2	10.10.04	3	25	0
1	12.24.00	0	0	0

ALL-TIME SERIES

Date	Location	Result
10.11.2009	Baltimore	W, 17-14
11.30.2008	Cincinnati	L, 3-34
9.7.2008	Baltimore	L, 10-17
11.11.2007	Baltimore	W, 21-7
9.10.2007	Cincinnati	W, 27-20
11.30.2006	Cincinnati	W, 13-7
11.5.2006	Baltimore	L, 20-26
11.27.2005	Cincinnati	W, 42-29
11.6.2005	Baltimore	W, 21-9
12.5.2004	Baltimore	W, 27-26
9.26.2004	Cincinnati	L, 9-23
12.7.2003	Baltimore	L, 13-31
10.19.2003	Cincinnati	W, 34-26
12.1.2002	Cincinnati	L, 23-27
11.10.2002	Baltimore	L, 27-38
12.23.2001	Baltimore	L, 0-16
9.23.2001	Cincinnati	W, 21-10
11.5.2000	Cincinnati	L, 7-27
9.24.2000	Baltimore	L, 0-37
12.26.1999	Baltimore	L, 0-22
11.21.1999	Cincinnati	L, 31-34
11.22.1998	Cincinnati	L, 13-20
9.27.1998	Baltimore	L, 24-31
12.21.1997	Cincinnati	W, 16-14
9.7.1997	Baltimore	L, 10-23
12.8.1996	Cincinnati	W, 21-14
11.3.1996	Baltimore	W, 24-21

Bengals Banter: Power Rankings, and the Bengals Actually Play This Week

2009-11-04T13:00:22Z

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Ed Reed is upset because his team is going to lose to our favorite team this week. Again. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Browse more photos »

So after a week off and me completely forgetting that it's football season, the Bengals are actually doing something this weekend, so I have something interesting to do for you guys on Wednesday morning. Without further ado, here are some quite varied pop-ups of "Cincinnati Bengals" in the news.

Power rankings! ESPN leaves the Bengals at number 6. That's, of course, going to change after the next two weeks. After we beat the Steelers and Ravens, we'll be 3 or 4. Heh. Michael Silver also leaves the Bengals at 6, wondering if Hard Knocks is going to turn into one of the first blessings (rather than curses) in sports.
Big Willie Anderson talked to Mr. Hobson at Bengals.com about the upcoming Bengals-Ravens game. I really miss that guy.
Some guy (TJ Jenkins) tries to defend Hines Ward as a clean, legitimate, not dirty football player in the face of a 296 player poll that voted Ward the dirtiest player in the NFL. I think it's hilarious, and that guy is clearly in denial.
A couple of predictions on this week's game. First up, Sports Odds breaks down the various gambling components of the game. The Ravens are -3 favorites, which is good, because the Bengals are undefeated as underdogs. Bleacher Report highlights the Bengals-Ravens game in its Week 9 WhatIfSports.com simulation explanation.
Dayton Daily News has news on a tight end not named Foschi or Coats! Our boy Coffman apparently is "making progress," whatever that means, says Carlos Holmes.

Holmes: Chase Coffman's long awaited pro debut could be on the horizon

2009-11-04T04:39:16Z

We have had as many posts about fullbacks on Tuesday as we have had all of last season. So that just means we need to update our Tight End position file for the 20th time since August. Here's the quick background version. Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht injured for season, Daniel Coats becomes starter, J.P. Foschi signed off the street. Coats disappoints and Foschi becomes the team's first team Tight End.

And of course, there's Chase Coffman.

Like the team's fullbacks, Coffman was a major storyline on Hard Knocks. And it wasn't very endearing. In fact, it was down right embarrassing for the rookie. Even though he made the 53-man roster, Coffman has yet to make his NFL debut; largely because he's still developing his blocking skills -- something that Coffman rarely did as a tight end with Missouri.

Dayton Daily News' (yes, they have a Bengals story) Carlos Holmes writes that Coffman's "long awaited pro debut could be on the horizon." Holmes believes that the Bengals could insert Coffman sooner rather than later because the position hasn't been very productive.

Coffman has used his time wisely working on becoming a better all-around player. The tight end hits the weight room religiously each day and continues to study hard in an effort to improve his overall game. The one area he is working the hardest to improve is his blocking skills.

Coffman struggled with blocking assignments throughout training camp and the learning experience has been humbling.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “I think it kind of surprised me because it’s not as easy as one may think. There’s nothing easy about playing at this level. There is a lot of technique involved along with everything else.”

Several weeks ago, Marvin Lewis said "I’ve got to make sure those guys who suit up on Sunday can fulfill covering those kicks and doing all those things Chase didn’t do a whole lot of at the University of Missouri." What Lewis, who likes Coffman's progress, is pointing out is that he still needs to work on things he didn't do with Missouri -- like everything other than running, catching, breathing and watching South Park reruns.

So we find it hard to believe Holmes is speaking with any authority; merely pointing out speculation based on disappointing play of the team's tight ends.

Once he gets his blocking technique down, there's still high hopes for Coffman, who could add a frighteningly new dimension to a Bengals passing offense that's only ranked 18th in the league.

Total Plays:	Baltimore: 18	Cincinnati: 42
Total Yards:	Baltimore: 44	Cincinnati: 235