Beware of the Bandwagoners

Lets talk...last night's game:

8-2. For any team in the NFL, that is an impressive record. Oh but wait, bring on the "fans" who are ready to trash the Bengals and jump right off the bandwagon. Good riddance. To see what I saw out of our fan base posted to social media is despicable. On a night where pass protection was non-existent, the Andy Dalton haters came out to play. Don't get me wrong, I had my fair share of criticism for Andy last year, but I have been pleasantly surprised with his level of play and leadership thus far this season. The Texans loss, yeah that was pretty bad. Losing on Monday night to a subpar team wasn't a good look, but we are talking about the Cardinals. Most people have Arizona as a Super Bowl contender this year. We were on the road, against a very good team, and it came down to a last second field goal to win the game. Granted, we weren't on the winning side of that kick, but we hung tight.

Lets talk...perspective:

The Bengals clearly didn't play up to their potential last night. The offense didn't move the ball for most of the third quarter. Andy got no help from his offensive line. Our entire secondary was depleted in a matter of about 10 plays. Speaking of which Dennard will need shoulder surgery, and is now out for the season. It's a tough break, but c'mon people we still have a great shot at not only making the playoffs but WINNING A GAME! If the Bengals hadn't started 8-0 and maybe lost these two games more in the beginning or middle of the season, I don't believe these fans and "experts" would be so harsh. I mean look at the Packers for god's sake. They were undefeated then lost three in a row! But guess what, they just beat a Vikings team whose offense has been tearing people up lately. Just because you drop a couple games doesn't mean you'll never win again; a little nugget of wisdom for all you so quick to turn on your own team.

Lets talk...Top 25:

Some good news came on Monday for Cincinnati sports fans...the Cincinnati Bearcats check in at No. 24 in the AP Poll. This comes after they put a hurting on Arkansas-Pine Bluff yesterday, 99-50. The Cats have been lighting up the scoreboard in their first four games posting at least 83 points or more. No, they have not played the juggernauts of college basketball, but to see the offense gel is a wonderful thing. Since the exit of star Sean Kilpatrick, running an offense that can score consistently has been a real problem for Mick Cronin and his team. I believe they will always be a defense-first cast, seeing the oh so familiar full-court press that Mick loves so much proves that. However; if they can keep up the intensity on the defensive side, and score points, that is a deadly combination for opponents to combat. Farad Cobb posted his second 20-point game in a row yesterday, hitting four of six from beyond the 3-point line. Four other bearcats also scored in double figures.

Basketball and Bearcats and Bengals...Oh My!

Lets Talk...bearcats basketball:

The time has come! The Bearcats take the court tonight for their home opener, and I couldn't be more excited! With Gunner Kiel and the football team having a tough time with their even tougher schedule this year, Mick Cronin and the boys will be a refreshing sight. That's right, I said Mick Cronin. The head coach we all expect to see on the sideline was watching his team from afar last season after doctors found he had an unruptured aneurysm. Cronin has been cleared to coach this year and will be working with some outstanding returning talent. Floor sergeant Troy Caupain will be returning for his junior season, as well as sophomore forward Gary Clark. The biggest asset being Senior forward Octavius Ellis, who was voted preseason first team All-AAC by the league's coaches.

These returning vets know that this is a defense-first team. Last year they were ranked number six nationally in scoring defense with opponents only averaging 55.8 points per game. However, the Cats did struggle to put points of their own on the board. Cronin says the team is still adjusting to a new style of play offensively, which will run at a faster pace than last season. Despite being unranked in the preseason polls, the Cincinnati hometown fans, including myself, think this team could make a dangerous push in March. The workload starts tonight at 7 as the Cats tip off in Fifth Third Arena against Western Carolina.

Lets Talk...Monday Night Football:

Undefeated. The Bengals sitting at 8-0 look to remain that way against the Houston Texans on Monday Night. The primetime curse was broken against a down and out Cleveland team last Thursday, and for the second week in a row the Bengals will be in the national spotlight. Another Sunday without a Bengals game?! Whatever shall we do?!

Although Houston has had a less than stellar year, they still possess one of the biggest defensive threats in the league; J.J. Watt. Better known as J.J. Swatt to some. He  doesn't just make intriguing commercials, he gets to the quarterback. He matched a career high last season recording 20.5 sacks. The man is a machine. Although, in the meeting with the Texans last year, Watt was not able to penetrate the Bengals O-line. Lets hope recent history can repeat itself as the Bengals look to go 9-0 on Monday.

Ohio Rumble in the Jungle

Lets talk...Sunday's game:

What should've been an offensive shootout, turned into a defensive grudge match between the Bengals and the Steelers this past Sunday. An offense that has been seemingly unstoppable through the first six games, couldn't produce a touchdown until it was nearly over. On the other side, Pittsburgh just got Big Ben back off of the knee injury. Oh yeah, not to mention Le'veon Bell (pre-injury), Martavis Bryant, and Antonio Brown in the mix. But, much to my surprise, it ended with a whopping final score of 16-10. Big Ben looked anything but comfortable in that knee brace, and the Bengals looked SLOPPY for coming off a bye week. I had a bad feeling about that game from the start. Bye week, playing a division rival who just got their star QB back, and it's in Pittsburgh! I could have seen a close one coming from a mile away. I feel like I'm still on my couch with my fingers crossed, watching the final play. But here we are, 7-0. Gosh, does that feel good to say! For the first time in franchise history no less! We're also part of an elite, undefeated crowd that includes: the Broncos, Patriots, and Panthers.

Lets talk... the Brownies:

Don't sleep on Cleveland. Most of the Browns' losses this year have been against quality opponents, and even more of them have come in heartbreaking fashion. Their defense is a force to be reckoned with. One of the top cornerbacks in the league, Joe Haden, will prove to be a fun matchup for A.J Green. Mr. Jonathon Football was just announced as the starter too. I know what you're going to say next, "We smoked Manziel last year, made him look like a fool". Well folks, that was Johnny Rehab. In the games that he has played in this year, he's accurate, makes good decisions with the football, and he's still the mobile QB that he was in college. And lets not forget, Cleveland has taken three of the last five meetings with the Bengals.

One more thing we all have in the back of our minds is...PRIMETIME, dun dun dun. Yes, we are aware that the Bengals have come up short in almost all of their primetime games within the last three years; However, this is a new team. They're undefeated! After that win in Pittsburgh, and the crazy comeback against Seattle, I feel like something is meant to happen for this team this year. Not to mention I'll be in attendance so they better bring home the W!

Heartrates Return to Normal in Cincy

Lets talk...Russell Wilson:

It's always best to get the win, especially when it comes down to the wire, but it's even better when I hear something great about the opposing quarterback. My boyfriend sends me a text message about a woman in her 60s that he works with who came in today with quite the story. He explains to me that this woman lives in the outskirts of Cincinnati and got a knock on her door Saturday afternoon. She opens the door to see Russell Wilson and his girlfriend and pop star, Ciara. Mind you this elderly lady does not know who the two are, or that they are insanely famous. Wilson was born in Cincinnati and proceeds to tell her that he used to live in her house when he was just four years old. He was wanting to take some pictures of the house to remind him of his time there as a child. She said he was super polite so she let him take his pictures as he walked around her home.
 
When he was leaving, Wilson gave the woman and her husband a gift card to a restaurant in town, signed it with his autograph, and thanked them again. As she was explaining the story to her co-workers she said her husband googled his name and they found out he played for the Seahawks. She then exclaimed, "I'm not sure what that is, but that's great!". Too cool.

 

Lets talk...the comeback:

"Did we really just win that game?", the question that was probably heard all around Cincinnati on Sunday. I think I experienced all of my emotions in a one hour period. The Bengals down 17 at the end of the third quarter had me feeling pretty defeated. With so much talk about this team being legitimate this year, I was desperately hoping for a comeback so we could live up to the hype. When Eifert caught his second TD pass of the day, a glimmer of hope shined. Then, Andy Dalton marched down the field and capitalized by taking it into the end zone himself! Alright, we can do this. As time ticked down, and no timeouts remaining, the offense rushed off the field, making room for Nuge. "Hurry up and kick the d@$% ball!". Yes, I scream at my TV. Of course the kick is good, but first it has to bounce off the left upright making every Bengals fan gasp for air. Only fitting that he makes a 42 yarder to seal the deal in overtime. And lets not forget about the defense. Without all of those stops at the end of the game, we'd be singing a different tune.

Lets talk...the significance of 5-0:

Undefeated. Feels good just saying it. There have been many years of agony associated with the Cincinnati Bengals, or the "Bungals" as some used to call them. Recently, this team has made up for those dark times, but there's still something missing...a playoff win. Well let me tell you something you might find interesting. The last time the Bengals went 5-0
was 1988. 1988 was also the year they went to the Super Bowl. I don't want to jinx it, but it's an enlightening stat!

The Quest for 5-0: Seahawks Game Preview

Lets talk...match ups:

The Bengals explosive offense will see one of the best defenses they will face all year today in the Seattle Seahawks. The "legion of boom" is back at full force with Kam Chancellor returning to the lineup. Andy Dalton, who has been near perfection in every game this year, will have to utilize every offensive weapon he has in his arsenal today. The dynamic duo of Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard will need to be working like a well-oiled machine. Hill, who was limited in practice earlier this week, went full throttle in Thursday's practice and will be probable for today's game. Personally, Mr. Hill having a huge game like the one he had last week against the Chiefs would be lovely seeing as my Fantasy team is becoming the laughing stock of my league. My Bengals are undefeated while my fantasy team is the exact opposite. Defeated; staring at 0-5 if they don't get their act together this week.

Alright, alright enough with my Fantasy moans and groans, back to the real thing. After watching the less-than stellar Seahawks' performance last Monday against the Lions, it's clear that this is not the Super Bowl Seahawks' offense. Russell Wilson is just as mobile as ever, but putting points on the board is a struggle. Marshawn Lynch will not play for the second week in a row due to a hamstring injury. This leaves the bulk of the carries to undrafted rookie Thomas Rawls who only boasted 48 yards on 17 rushes last week. Although the Bengals are favored in this game, it will not be an easy task. This is the first time that Russell Wilson has visited Paul Brown Stadium, and he is still considered to be in the upper echelon of QBs in the league.

Lets talk...little known facts:

Marshawn Lynch is a huge part of this Seahawks' offense. Missing Beast Mode is a big blow. Since he joined the team back in 2010, this is the first time he has had to miss consecutive games.

The Bengals have proven to be an offensive powerhouse and the numbers don't lie. In the first two quarters of the games so far this season, they have outscored their opponents 66-18.

The Bengals have only trailed their opponent in all of one minute and 58 seconds this season.

Andy Dalton has owned the NFC. In his career, he has a record of 12-3-1 against NFC teams.

And last but not least, Russell Wilson was born in Cincinnati! He was only here a short time before his family moved to Virginia, but Russell admits it will be nostalgic returning to the Queen City. He also said that he's going to have to eat White Castle's and Skyline Chili on the trip. Well Russell, you load up on a hefty three-way or a couple of coneys before the game. If you move anything like I do after a Skyline meal, the Bengals will be in good shape.

Kick off is at one, WHO DEY!!!!!!!

A.J. Green Will Stay in Stripes

Lets talk...contract extension:

By far A.J. Green is the Bengals biggest offensive weapon, and now he's going to be paid like it. Sources are saying that Green and the Bengals have reached a deal that will span four years for $60 million. Despite the injuries that plagued him last season, Green has shown that he is the go-to guy for Dalton. The Pro Bowl receiver and the organization were anxious to get this deal done before the season opener at Oakland.

Finally this guy gets the money he deserves. Just to give you some perspective; according to ESPN, only Randy Moss, Torry Holt, and Jerry Rice have had more receiving yards in their first four seasons. The elite receivers in this league, (Julio Jones, Dez Bryant, etc.), have all signed monster deals close to $70 million in the recent past. I believe A.J. is right there in the conversation with these guys.  Another thing I admire about Green is that he keeps his head down and does his job. He's not the type of player that is making negative headlines in the media and killing you with ignorant substance abuse suspensions. I respect a player that can fly below the radar in this day and age. And with the Bengals making history being the only team with four straight playoff appearances with zero wins, maybe Green will have the peace of mind to get the rest of the team ready for a playoff victory.

Lets talk...season opener:

Speaking of Jerry Rice, a rookie receiver in Oakland is being named by some "the next Rice". His name...Amari Cooper. The Bengals secondary is really going to have to step up their game against this kid. He is quick and he is smart. I know college doesn't always translate to the NFL, but I watched Cooper extensively during his days at Alabama and he's got something special. I also have him starting on my Fantasy team so I hope I'm not wrong about him. Don't get it twisted! I will be rooting on my beloved Bengals full force on Sunday, as I also have Mr. Jeremy Hill on my Fantasy roster. But, if Cooper could go off and Cincy still gets the victory, I'm all for that too. Kickoff starts
at 4:25 on Sunday, WHO-DEY!!!

Unlucky 13

Lets talk...how we got to extras:

Reds starting pitcher, Raisel Iglesias, only gave up three hits and one walk to the Royals through seven innings last night. Every game I've watched that he's pitched I've been impressed. He's got a streak going of 12 scoreless innings after last night's outing. Of course when we have a great pitching day, we can't score runs. The only offense produced through the ninth inning was a solo shot by Eugenio Suarez in the first. Oddly enough, the pitcher who gave up the Suarez homer was former Red, Edison Volquez. Volquez wasn't the only former Reds pitcher in attendance. Our beloved Johnny Cueto was in the dugout last night too. Unfortunately we will just miss seeing him on the mound. Then again, that may be fortunate for the Reds.

The game was tied after a home run ball given up by closer Aroldis Chapman. Yes, that's not an error on my part. Although Chapman has converted 56 consecutive saves at home, last night he made a mistake. The man is human. You have to reach way back for the last blown save of his at home back on September 7th of 2012. The Royals went on to win the game 3-1 after a single and a throwing error by Ryan Mattheus.

Lets talk highlight reel:

Lets not beat around the bush. I'm not going to act like the Reds are going to make the playoffs this year. Even if they did have a winning the record, the Central is killing it. So when I watch games, I'm mostly thinking about how close football season is, but I also like to see players who still make the extra effort. Billy Hamilton gets an A for effort after that diving catch and stop out at second. Throw Billy throw! He almost made the catch, but luckily stopped the ball from trailing into the outfield and threw out Alcides Escobar at second. Royal's manager, Ned Yost, didn't like the call so he opted for it to be reviewed. After review the call would stand, out at second. Yost, still not happy with the decision, came out to chat with the umpire. He ended up being ejected from the game in the 11th. Personally I think he just wanted an early shower. Unfortunately every great play can come with injury. Hamilton left the game early due to shoulder pain from the dive.