As a completely unbiased observer with no interest in the winner of the game, the difference was that the TE for the Bengals didn't make plays and the TE for the Texans did. Also, if the Bengals want to turn the corner defensively, someone who can run needs to replace Mauaofjgptkaluga.

As bad as the offense performed, one good pass by Dalton to a wide open Green in the end zone and the Bengals could have won 20-19. Bengals got no pressure on Schaub. The better team won but Houston is not playing well enough to scare New England at NE.

I think Marvin Lewis needs to go. Been at Cincinnati 10 years, playoffs 3 times and have lost all 3 games. If Cincinnati cares about winning then they need to fire Lewis immediately and go after Lovie Smith hard, he won't be on the table too much longer

Before you say it ssc Dalton and gruden were disappointing so no argument from me on this game.

 

Were they disappointing or were they just who they are? I'm leaning they're a little over matched at that level and they played and coached to their capabilities

If a stud running back is there in round one, I take him. The law firm is a solid back but nothing more. If the Bengals had Foster and the Texans had the law firm, I think the Bengals win the game.

 

I completely agree; I talked about this with a few friends while watching the Sugar Bowl.

IMO, this game wasn't as close as the score. Houston should have had the game in hand pretty early on. As far as draft picks are concerned, I believe that we need more on offense. With the first pick, I would go after a runningback if one good enough is available and linemen.

Were they disappointing or were they just who they are? I'm leaning they're a little over matched at that level and they played and coached to their capabilities

 

I can buy being a little over matched. Houston went through like three straight 8 and 8 season's before breaking through last year. They kept adding talented pieces and why they are where they are now and have 8 pro bowlers. The Bengals have a good young team. They just are not to the level yet of these other playoffs team's. But there is still reason to be excited about this team they just need to keep adding talented pieces in some other areas. So they can get to that level.

IMO, this game wasn't as close as the score. Houston should have had the game in hand pretty early on. As far as draft picks are concerned, I believe that we need more on offense. With the first pick, I would go after a runningback if one good enough is available and linemen.

 

The reason why it was close was because the Bengals have a good defense. Bengals are a good team but just not there yet. Defense played good enough to win even though it was not their best performance.

I can buy being a little over matched. Houston went through like three straight 8 and 8 season's before breaking through last year. They kept adding talented pieces and why they are where they are now and have 8 pro bowlers. The Bengals have a good young team. They just are not to the level yet of these other playoffs team's. But there is still reason to be excited about this team they just need to keep adding talented pieces in some other areas. So they can get to that level.

 

Houston isn't elite. They're 10 point dogs to an actual elite team next week

Objectively who's worse: Andre Smith or Mualuga?

Houston isn't elite. They're 10 point dogs to an actual elite team next week

 

Two years in a row two playoff wins. And as you liked to mention they did that last year with a third string qb. If they are not elite then they are about as close as you can get. Curious what teams would you say are elite?

Objectively who's worse: Andre Smith or Mualuga?

 

What's your deal about smith? He has been pretty good this year. He got beat some by the same guy who has beaten everyone this year. I honestly thought it was the to old veterans in Andrew and Kyle who struggled the most.

I think Marvin Lewis needs to go. Been at Cincinnati 10 years, playoffs 3 times and have lost all 3 games. If Cincinnati cares about winning then they need to fire Lewis immediately and go after Lovie Smith hard, he won't be on the table too much longer

They've lost 4 games: Pittsburgh, Jets, Texans twice. Marvin is a good coach, but not great. This is as far as this group of coaches will ever take them. And I don't think Zimmer is the answer or we would not have given up 130 yards rushing to Foster and we would have sacked Schaub.

Marvin has a good football mind so they should make him the GM and let Zimmer coach. Dalton is too scared to lead this team to any playoff wins. He is solid but wont get you past first round.

 

The Bengals should have run the ball more today, period. Defense is tough but Mauluga has gotta go. He is awful and cant cover a mle hole with a blanket, plus he is soft. He got his contract and then settled for being soft.

Two years in a row two playoff wins. And as you liked to mention they did that last year with a third string qb. If they are not elite then they are about as close as you can get. Curious what teams would you say are elite?

 

They played the Gals both times. Not elite wins. Nice try.