May 7, 2010



Two Browns, One Bengal chosen on Top 10 NFL Draft Busts list

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Ohio Football — @ 10:25 am

For years, professional football in the state of Ohio has struggled. The Cincinnati Bengals spent nearly a decade as the laughing stock of the NFL and since coming back in 1999 the Cleveland Browns have had just two winning seasons. If there is one thing that every bad franchise can point to for their lack of success it is how their picks from the NFL Draft have fared on the field. For the Browns and the Bengals, there have been many bad drafts and many highly-publicized bad draft picks, and as a result Pro Football Fans has put together their list of the biggest NFL Draft Busts featuring two Browns picks and a single Bengals pick.

In the heart of the Bengals run as one of the worst franchises in the NFL, they drafted Ki-Jana Carter #1 overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. But just three plays into his first preseason game Carter tore his ACL and never returned to his pre-injury form.

For the Browns, since their return in 1999, Cleveland has had just one playoff appearance and just two winning seasons. The major reason for this terrible run? Bad drafts. The Browns took Tim Couch #1 overall in 1999 and followed by taking Courtney Brown #1 overall in 2000 with neither making a major splash in the NFL. Couch was turnover-prone and later had a dead arm while Brown was never the anchor on the defensive line that Cleveland expected.

April 21, 2010



2010 Browns & Bengals schedules released

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Ohio Football — @ 11:19 am

The 2010 NFL team schedules have been released with both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals schedules now having become public. The 2010 Cleveland Browns schedule begins with two very winnable games playing at Tampa Bay in week one and against Kansas City in week two. Overall, if the Browns can show improvement in the first year with Mike Holmgrem in charge and in Eric Mangini’s second season as head coach, the Browns could potentially start moving their franchise in the right direction thanks to a somewhat favorable schedule. The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals schedule has the defending AFC North Champions starting the season @ New England before hosting division rival Baltimore in week two.

January 2, 2010



Cleveland Browns Recap and Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Preview

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Ohio Football — ttc @ 6:52 pm

The Browns end their season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game which only impacts their position in the draft.  The Browns look to finish the season with four straight wins under the watchful eye of new President Mike Holmgren.  The Jags are still scratching their heads on a season that got away.  Speculation grows surrounding the drafting of college phenom Tim Tebow.  Next week we will review the 2009 Browns and offer a glimpse of the 2010 draft.

The Bengals sit at 10-5 as they travel to New York to face the 8-7 Jets on Sunday night.  The only movement for the Bengals is possibly moving up to a number three seed.  All will be settled before the game kicks off so there may be little drama.  The Jets will most likely still need a win to get in the playoffs.  The Bengals best match-up in the playoffs would be a Jets team that severely struggles on the offensive side of the ball.  As result it would behooves the Bengals to rest their starters and prepare for the wild card game to be played in Cincinnati.  Next week we will have a complete preview of the Bengals 1st round game and the playoffs as a whole.

Enjoy week 17!!

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

December 19, 2009



Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Diego Chargers

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 3:50 pm

Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers

December 20th 4:00 ET

The Bengals traveled to Minnesota to face a very good Vikings team.  Against the Vikings the Bengals proved they are not yet ready to play with the big boys.  They were dominated throughout showing that when they fall behind they are in big trouble.  Carson Palmer threw for only 94 yards in the 30-10 loss.  The defense made some plays but eventually fell apart against the powerful running game of the Vikings.

The San Diego Chargers faced the Cowboys in their new digs and were unfazed.  The Charger running game struggled but the aerial attack is one of the best in the league.  Phillip Rivers was solid throwing for 272 yards and a score.  Stud WR Vincent Jackson hauled seven balls for 120 yards in the 20-17 Charger victory.

Prediction: This game could potentially decide the #2 seed in the playoffs which results in a first round bye.  With a win the Bengals will claim the AFC North title.  The Chargers are on a roll and one of a handful of teams that could win the Super Bowl.  The Bengals will attempt to keep the San Diego offense off the field by pounding the ball behind Cedric Benson.  The Chargers will air it out and test a Bengals secondary which has played well.  In the end, the Chargers passing game will execute at a very high level and be the difference.  San Diego 34 Cincinnati 17

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

December 13, 2009



Cincinnati vs. Minnesota Preview

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 1:29 am

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview

 

The Bengals enter the Twin Cities with “visions of the playoffs dancing in their heads” and will have to overcome their toughest challenge to date to solidify that (Vikings #7 ranked defense, with Antoine Winfield set to return, maybe…).  This match-up highlights the Week 14 NFL schedule and could determine who gets a First Round bye & home field advantage, and who will have to make travel arraignments for Round Two. 

 

Cincinnati, who has been leaning on the running game for the majority of the season, must pass the ball in order to stay in this one.  QB Palmer should be able to crease a banged up Vikings secondary, especially if 85 is in the mood to perform.  With that being said, WR Ochocinco, aka; Chad Johnson, will need to show up at the Metrodome with more than just his mouth.  Look for RB Benson to get a couple more looks in the passing game, in an attempt to slow down Minnesota’s vaunted pass rush.  If this occurs, the Bengals could control the clock and their destiny.

 

As for the Vikings, they have one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history leading the way (QB Favre).  On top of that, he is having a career year (3149 yards 26 td and 5 int).  I’m not sure the young Bengals are up to the task of stopping his myriad of weapons.  WR Rice has become a pretty solid #1 (62 rec for 1036 yards and 4 td), RB Peterson is one if the best in the game (1103 yards and 12 td), and WR/RB Harvin appears to be the real deal (receiving, rushing and returns).  Sprinkle in TE Shiancoe, WR Berrian and RB Taylor and you come away with the understanding that the Vikings have 6 legitimate targets on any given play.

 

Minnesota looks to rebound from a surprise loss last weekend (30-17 @ Arizona) and should be able to.  QB Favre will throw for 300+ and 2 td, with RB Peterson eclipsing 100 yards rushing and at least 1 td.  On the other side of the ball, the Vikings D will attack QB Palmer and put him on his back a half a dozen times.  This game could get ugly in the 3rd quarter.  Minnesota 33 – Cincinnati 17.

 

Todd P Coleman 12-12-09

December 5, 2009



Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions Preview

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 12:59 pm

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions Preview

 

The Cincinnati Bengals try to continue their march toward the playoffs this Sunday, as they face the less than impressive Detroit Lions (from Paul Brown Stadium).  On paper, this is a mismatch, but fortunately for us the games are not played there.  Last week the Bengals pounded the Browns into submission, rushing for 210 yards and controlling the clock for 38 minutes and 11 seconds. It was complete domination in the trenches, as the Browns could not get off the field and the Bengals couldn’t help but run the ball.  Heck, I think Ki-Jana Carter could have gained 100 yards last week.

 

Cincinnati has relied on the run for most of the season, rushing for 132 yards per game (7th in the league), while chewing up the clock and breaking the will of most of their opponents.  Their success is due to RB Benson who has had a rebirth in Cincinnati this year, carrying the rock 209 times for 859 yards and 6 td.  This one time #4 overall pick (2005), was left for dead after wallowing in mediocrity for 3 years in Chicago.  The Bengals took a chance on the former Longhorn and have reaped the rewards.  Since Benson arrived in Cincinnati, he has rushed for 1,606 yards in 21 games (12 games in 2008 for 747 yards & 9 games in 2009 for 859 yards) and appears to have turned the corner, both mentally and physically.  Another bright spot for the Bengals is their defense.  This much maligned unit has shown some backbone, going from the laughing stock to borderline cream of the crop.  Defensive Coordinator Zimmer needs to be applauded, as he has given the Bengals D a facelift and an attitude adjustment amidst his own personal hell (his wife Vikki, 50, passed away during the season).  This hardnosed, dedicated and grieving man has stood tall and proved his worth.  In addition, his methods have proved to be the difference between 8-8 and a shot at the Super Bowl (potentially).   

 

As for the Lions, they’ll need some luck to keep this game close.  Coming off a 34-12 thumping by the Packers, Detroit will have to get their running game going.  With QB Stafford dealing with “growing pains” and their defense dealing with “defensive pains” (couldn’t stop the Browns from scoring 37), you come away with the overwhelming sensation that this team is destined for another top 10 draft pick.  In fact, the Lions have had a top 10 draft pick in 7 of the last 10 drafts.  What does that tell you?  I don’t know what more can be said about their situation.  The fact of the matter is, they have made so many mistakes that it will take another 4 years to crawl out of the hole.  Incidentally, it will take their city just as long to recover from the financial devastation and the poverty engulfing it as we speak.  All we can do as citizens and NFL fans is hope and pray that both the Lions and the city recover from their ills. 

 

That recovery does not start now, as both RB Benson and RB Johnson will have a field day (175 yards rushing and 2 td).  If the Lions stack the box, QB Palmer will butcher them (330 yards passing and 2 td).  The Lions have no answer for the Bengals offensive attack and can only hope to win the turnover battle.  With this being said, the game will not be close.  Cincinnati wins 39-16.

 

Todd P Coleman 12-05-09

November 27, 2009



Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns — ttc @ 11:49 pm

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

November 29th 1:00 ET

The 1-9 Browns are coming off their most impressive day of the season on the offensive side of the ball.  Brady Quinn threw for 304 yards and four scores in the 38-37 loss.  Yes it was against the Lions but the key was offensive coordinator Brian Daboll finally calling plays down the field, well at least in the 1st quarter.  The Browns defense was horrible and is certainly worthy of shouldering the blame for the loss.  The defense played on their heels allowing rookie QB Matt Stafford to throw for 422 yards and five touchdowns.  Despite the implosion on the defensive side of the ball Daboll still deserved a lion’s share of the blame, no pun intended.  Quinn was humming and having his way with one of the worst defensive backfields in the league.  The Browns held a 24-7 1st quarter lead when Daboll decided to run the ball on 1st and 2nd downs.  The Browns could have easily put up 50 points on the Lions.  In the end, the Browns were flagged for pass interference on a hail mary which allowed Stafford to throw the winning score with no time remaining.  As questioned all season in this column, how is Hank Poteat in this league?  This loss ranks up there on the list of strange losses that are etched in Browns lore.  However, this one didn’t mean near as much.

The Bengals looked to gain an easy victory as they traveled to Oakland to face the inept Raiders.  Instead, the Bengals were upset 20-17.  The Bengals ran the ball an astonishing 43 times.  Despite what the 1950 coaches manual states regarding how to win football games and what you hear on pre-games shows every week, in 2009 the aerial game is what wins football games.  By running the ball as much as they did the Bengals effectively shortened the game which kept the Raiders in it.  With the loss Cincinnati failed to gain a game on Pittsburgh who lost at Kansas city.

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Prediction: If the right side of the Browns offensive line can hold up Brady Quinn should find plenty of gaps in the Bengals secondary.  Back-up RB Chris Jennings should get plenty of carries especially if the Browns get an early lead.  No doubt Brian Daboll will get very conservative and stagnate the Browns offense.  Cedric Benson should return and will find success against a weak Browns defense.  If the Bengals open it up Ocho Loco and his golden teeth and Laveraneus Coles should find success against Toast and Skirt.  Quinn has another solid game but it won’t be enough as the Bengals make big plays down the stretch.  Cincinnati 34 Cleveland 24

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

November 20, 2009



Cincinnati Bengals vs. Oakland Raiders

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 2:00 pm

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Oakland Raiders

November 22nd 4:15 ET

The Bengals had their biggest win of the season at Pittsburgh.  The 18-12 victory put Cincinnati in the drivers seat in the AFC North division.  The Bengals won the game by running the ball on offense and playing physical on defense.  Their pass rush forced Ben Roethlisberger into early throws and kept him in the pocket.  RB Cedric Benson left the game with a hip injury but seldom used Bernard Scott managed to make critical 1st downs in the 2nd half and pulled off the biggest play in the game in the 1st quarter with a 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

 

Prediction: The Bengals can control their own future and will start their journey at Oakland.  The Raiders finally benched JaMarcus Russell and will start Bruce Gradkowski against Cincinnati.  The Raiders have an effective running game with Michael Bush, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.  The Bengals will pound the ball with a strong running game and make plays down the field.  Cincinnati 31 Oakland 17

 

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

November 14, 2009



Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 12:36 pm

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

November 15th 1:00 ET CBS

Line: Pittsburgh -7
The Steelers seek revenge in the game of the year in the AFC North.  In the 1st match-up the Steelers jumped out to an early lead then attempted to hold on instead of being aggressive.  Cincinnati’s offensive line dominated the game protecting Carson Palmer and allowing Cedric Benson to run for 76 yards and a touchdown in the 23-20 victory.  Carson Palmer drove the Bengals down the field connecting with Andre Caldwell with only 14 seconds left to pull out the victory.

Both teams come in at 6-2 in a game that will likely decide the division.  The Steelers started the season at 1-2 but bounced back in impressive fashion with a five game winning streak which includes victories over San Diego, Minnesota and Denver.  The Bengals were dominated by the Houston Texans in week 6 but rebounded nicely with dominating performance against the Bears and the Ravens.

Prediction: Pittsburgh All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu missed the 1st contest due to an injured knee but will be at full force in front of the home faithful.  Polamalu effects the entire scheme and aggressiveness of the Steeler defense.  Carson Palmer and the Bengal offense have to rely on Cedric Benson to slow down the vaunted Steeler blitz packages.  In the end, Ben Roethlisberger will make big plays in the 4th quarter and lead the Steelers to the victory.  Pittsburgh 31 Cincinnati 23

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

October 24, 2009



Cincinnati vs. Chicago Preview

Filed under: Cincinnati Bengals — ttc @ 12:47 pm

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago BearsOctober 25th 1:00 ETLine: Pick’emThe Bengals came crashing back to reality with a home loss to the Houston Texans.  Houston dominated all facets of the game as QB Matt Schaub sliced and diced the Cincy defense.  In the 28-17 Texan victory, Schaub threw for 392 yards.  The road doesn’t get any easier for the Bengals as they face another good QB in Jay Cutler.Offense: The Bengals must rely on Cedric Benson to control the clock and limit the Bears pass rush.  Benson, a former Bear, will be running with a purpose against a team that cut him a few years ago.  Benson has run for 531 yards with 4 touchdowns on the season.  QB Carson Palmer doesn’t appear to have the same feel for the game that he did in years past.  He has been solid with a QB rating of 78.3 but has only completed 59% of his passes.  Defense: The Bengals are much improved but played uninspired against the Texans.  They will now face a very good passing team without their leading pass rusher Antwan Odom who is out for the season with a torn Achilles’ tendon.  QB Jay Cutler likes to spread the ball around and his always a threat to throw the ball deep.  Prediction: If the Bears and Cutler limit turnovers they should have immense success against an overrated Bengal secondary.  Chicago 31 Cincinnati 23Scott Dryden, Senior Writer 

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