I don’t think people should be overreacting but it is a difficult loss to swallow. The penalties and turnovers returned today and this time the Bengals couldn’t overcome them. It is a shame that the team lost this game. With the rest of the AFC North losing today the Bengals missed on a big opportunity to widen the gap with the Steelers. Very disppointed that the D failed to put any pressure on Gradkowski. The team can stop Big Ben then let a garbage journeyman drive right down the field. Ugh. Bring on the Browns.

I would feel much worse if the rest of the division (or anyone in the division) had won today. I really wanted to see us extend our lead over Pitt, but such it is. I would also rather see us lose this game than a playoff game.

Maybe this is a wake up call. We are only as good as we play and we can’t take any game for granted.

We’ll bounce back

I think the reason that people may be freaking out is that the Bengals beat themselves today. Its really frustrating as a fan to see a team that cant get out of their own way.
I cant get mad though. I really thought this team would only win 8 this year. So the fact that theyve swept the division so far is just awesome.

didnt really get to see what happened with the Caldwell fumble, but my question is why was he returning the kick? Scott is the wild card back there on kickoffs.

Agreed that this is a teaching moment, but was thinking that while Scott had a tremendous day today, why we aren’t using LJ up the gut, and Scott more on outside/guard creases? Roland got beat pretty badly a couple times today…when are we going to see Andre Smith?

OL pass blocked well and had a poor day in pass pro

haha, good point. One more score would have ended it early

I thought at half time that Cincy would take this loss – about midway through the 2nd quarter they just weren’t getting it done. The missed field goal was a killer though… several potential INTs (several = 2 or 3)… but hardly no pressure on their QB and lots on Carson.

I’ve travelled from Dayton to LA one day and have had to do briefings the next morning and it is a frigging bear – I can only imagine what that is like to play football that next day.

Bernard Scott played very well today, but I don’t think of him being the primary back is his best utilization. I think he should be the back up running back and that way he will always be able to return kicks. I agree that Larry Johnson should be the starter going forward if Cedric isn’t able to go. He is the insurance policy to replace Cedric. I don’t see Brian Leonard as a good option for running from the line of scrimage. He is good at pass protection and outlet passes as a third down back and plays an important role.

We have no idea how Andre is progressing, i.e. do the coaches trust him with his level of play and knowledge of the playbook. It does seem like however that Roland’s struggles combined with the next two opponents being “winnable” games that it would present a good time to transition him into the offense. I think from that perspective, if you can get Andre playing at a high level and even incorporate Larry Johnson and Cedric eventually heals that you have yourself a very reliable running game prepared for the post season.

I feel like it’s the same story for this team, the team falters because primarily it’s the offense that doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. I know the defense didn’t play as well as last week, but come on, you can’t expect them to play like that every week. The offense needs to pull their weight.

I appreciate your viewpoint, John, and you most likely are correct. But it’s different for us Bengals fans. We have watched, year after year, a futile team that beats itself and never can put all the pieces together. We do well at the end of the year when we start awfully, but we do poorly at the end of the year when we start well. For example, 8-5 going into our last three in 2006, we lose all three. What really scared me yesterday though, and this is where I disagree with you, is that even though we were “in control,” the Raiders were in the backfield as soon as the ball was snapped on every play. They looked like the 2001 Ravens with the penetration they were getting. It was embarassing and worries me for when we play teams with Great lines like MN (I am terrified about Jared Allen and the Williams Wall). If our Oline suddenly can’t contain the Raiders without Seymour, we are in serious trouble. And then there was the pass rush today….

I’m still on . Different game with Ced in there. Still he needs time off. Costly loss . Bring on Johnson. Scott, after a great #’s game doesn’t look like a 25 carry a game runner. A number of guys here won’t agree but it’s just my opinion as somebody once said. I love Leonards heart and intelligence but it now looks like he’s a specialty back along with Scott.

I think the person who pointed out last week’s game being the most physical, grinding ML had been a part of is probably on to something. Both Pitt and Cincy looked worn yesterday. Also, agree about Leonard and Scott, Patmo. Not an indictment of their abilities, just reality of what their roles should be. I think Jeremy might have dropped his steady mealticket along with that fumble yesterday in the red zone. My guess is Fui will get the start next week.
JT, on a couple of plays it looked an awful lot like the Raiders D was already firing out before the ball was snapped. Did it look that way to you too? Thought there could have been a flag once or twice maybe. Carson has to stop having Delay penalties, Chad needs to stop having False Starts. Happening way too often.

Put the ball on the ground 4 times on the road and you lose.

I dispute the “playcalling got us to 7-2″ statement. This team gives the ball to Jeremi Johnson and he fumbles. Didn’t do that before.

Given that it was clear Brain Leonard and Bernard Scott were gassed, I put it on the coaches for not employing Larry Johnson to grind down the Raiders D. What a poor decision.

Also, where did the blitz go? Was Zimmer so concerned with the Raider WR’s and TE that he forgot to bring the heat on Gradkowski?

Once the Bengals failed to convert from the 1 yrd line, missed the FG, it got dicey.

Look at Cincy’s 2 losses this year (not counting game 1)

- After a huge effort vs Baltimore – and after an emotional week after Mrs. Zimmer passes – played with major emotion, then went through the week with a funeral and all the grief that comes with it.

- After a huge effort (grinding, etc) against a very physical Pittsburgh team and then travelling out west to Oakland.

Not surprising their two losses happen after big emotional weeks.

(Week one was a fluke)

haha. Tressel seem to be rubbing off here. Would u be more happy if Brian Kelly was calling the plays?

He’s a weak QB. Got lucky

hmmm not really. I didnt see that. When DL get hot. they can time it up pretty well

JT,
What’s up with Simpson? I just can’t believe he can’t run a few plays. If the play calls for Simpson to run a 15 yard curl, is he running a 10 yard out?? He needs to play.

why on earth do you give the ball to Jeremi when he is playing with an arm injury???

Good work with Artrell the other night. You two made a nice pair. You are both two smart guys with intimate knowledge of the game and team to boot. Your POVs are a little different, yet you both seem to have solid arguments for why. Also it is interesting to see that while you are both rooting for the Bengals, Artrell still shows a little bitterness with his experiences, while your experiences with the team are mostly positive. It was all good. I would tune in if you two got together again.

John – I didn’t say it was his “job” to carry the ball – but in that specific situation it IS HIS JOB.