This is a two team race between Steelers and Bengals.

 

 

I'm sure the Ravens will have a lot to say about that.

They may have a lot to say but Im not sure they can back it up on the field. I understand its a long season but they looked terrible tonight. If McNair has a serious groin injury can Kyle B. lead them to a division title?

Was it just me or was there some major hits laid last night?

 

Ray Ray played with a torn bicep/tricep. I'm guessing he went into the locker room at halftime and ate some carrots and had a bit of textured sweet feed...

 

 

It wasn't just you for a change. There were a lot of big hits, and not always on the ball carrier. Jeremi Johnson got lit up on at least once trying to block Lewis. I thought it was kinda funny when TJ got into it with that midget for Baltimore after he hit him late.

Still concerned about the OL and I think the Bengals lack of being able to run the ball while TJ and Chad are being doubleteamed shows the OL is a work in process.

 

Very good win inside the division.

 

I'm not too concerned. The Ravens have one of the best defenses in the league. The Bengals essentially had two starters out, along with Ghiacec (sp?) going down for a little bit. They basically played 8 different lineman last night, and although Carson did get hurried a few times, he didn't get hit too much. My biggest concern is the punt and kickoff coverage teams. They lost a lot from last year, and they struggled last night.

Nice win for Bengals. I have to give props to the Ravens for giving up that kind of filed position on the turnovers and to still have a chance to win at the end is pretty impressive on their defensive effort but none the less, very nice win and I can't wait for the Steelers/Bengals match up!:fight:

 

On a side note, did anyone else see the Rowdy Friends, they were from Flatwoods Ky!

The most important stat of the night... 1 Win.

 

To make the playoffs, a team has to be able to win the close games that could go either way. The Bengals did not fold even when momentum began to shift towards the Ravens.

 

Don't panic about the offense. The Ravens are one of the toughest defenses around. Adjustments will be made. Chris Henry and Perry will only help when they are back. Would like to see Tab Perry contribute something. Rudi will get his yards (especially against lesser defenses than the Raven).

 

The punt/kickoff return team is a concern. Lets see how the coaching staff corrects this. Field position is huge.

 

What to say about the Defense? Wow! Who would have predicted before Monday that Tuesday we would be saying that the Bengals' defense won the game?

 

Its a win!!:dancingpa

Still concerned about the OL and I think the Bengals lack of being able to run the ball while TJ and Chad are being doubleteamed shows the OL is a work in process.

 

Very good win inside the division.

 

Im not to worried about it, I mean we were without 3 startling lineman against that Ravens defense one of the best in football if not the best. Then with all their crazy schemes they use, and I believe we only gave up 1 sack the whole game, that is really good. Most lines would have got torn up against that Ravens defense with 3 backups in there. As for the running game, it wasn't pretty but as I said again we got 50 yards from Rudi, and with 3 starters missing and going against that defense, it not to bad really...I think the thing that hurt the offense more tonight was not having Chris Henry to take advantage of the double teams on TJ and Chad..If this line can keep performing like this every week until Levi and Willie are completely better then it would be worth it. I think that is the reason why we didn't see Willie or Levi, because Marvin probably didn't want to take a chance of them getting hurt and having to play a whole season while hurt. We might as well to what we can now with the backups, and then be in full strength for the rest of the season when the tackles are completely better for most part...

I thought that the goat of the game would have to be Tab Perry. He had at least 3 or 4 opportunities tonight to step up and make some decent plays, but failed every time...

 

When, mostly everyone one of Palmers passes were not even close to Tab...So I dont think the blame can just go on him, because there is definitelly some big miscommunication problems going on with Palmer and Tab this year....

What about Deltha Oneal people!!! He is a person I really have not heard anyone mention, and he just played GREAT last night IMO. He seemed to have whoever he was guarding on lock down all night, and was back to making plays on the ball when the ball was in the air. I know I really loved seeing that again from Oneal...

I thought the Bengals played exceptionally well always looking for the big play on defense. Reminded me of the playoff Bengals team.

Here's what a fan said on espn.com...

 

"I'll take a lucky win any day. As a Bengals fan, I'll admit that offensive pass interference was bogus at the end."

On a side note, did anyone else see the Rowdy Friends, they were from Flatwoods Ky!

 

He's got quite a few songs about the Reds and Bengals along with other things. He was on the news up here not too long ago. There's a thread in this forum about him as he's got his own website where you can hear all of his songs.

 

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=124274&highlight=ryan

I didn't read through the whole thread, so it might have been brought up, but here's my thought(s).

 

Is it just me, or is Brian Billick an idiot? You pay McGahee $40 Million. You're playing Cincinnati (not exactly the Steel Curtain on defense)...plenty of time on the clock, down seven, with first and goal from inside the 5 twice and you run the ball 2 times and throw it about 5 or 6...why? I would have lined up and pounded the ball with McGahee. First, I don't think Cincy could have stopped Baltimore from getting 4 yards in 4 plays on the ground, and second, it would have run more time off meaning the Bengals probably wouldn't have had time to get in FG range if the special teams did it's job.

 

I think the call on Heap was terrible, but, IMO, the Ravens shouldn't have been throwing the ball in the first place. I'm glad that they did though. They gift-wrapped that game for Cincy.

 

That's why I just can't pick Baltimore. I have no confidence in their offense.

 

I do like the Bengals being more aggressive on defense. They aren't good enough to play that bend but don't break style...with their offense, I think their best bet is to play aggressive on D and try to force some TO's.

Was it just me or was there some major hits laid last night?

 

Ray Ray played with a torn bicep/tricep. I'm guessing he went into the locker room at halftime and ate some carrots and had a bit of textured sweet feed...

 

TJ got laid out a number of times, I was impressed he managed to hang on to the ball as well as he did.

This was one of the most physical football games I have ever watched.

The Ravens D is as tough as it gets and that caused some problems for the Bengals offense but they did enough to get the W.

Great job by the Bengal defense.