Ohio Sports Time Ohio sports blog with news & opinions for college and professional sports teams in Ohio. The OST mission is to discuss major sports happenings across the state of Ohio. We cover teams like the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Ohio colleges like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bearcats, all 6 Ohio MAC schools and more. If it’s a sport and it’s happening in Ohio, then Ohio Sports Time is the place to discuss it.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 coordinatorBrian 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.
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
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
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
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
The Cincinnati Bengals sit atop the AFC North with a 3-1 record yet many think it is a façade.The Bengals lost to an undefeated Denver team in miraculous fashion to open the season.In week 2, they defeated Green Bay at Lambeau Field but the Packers were missing several starters on the offensive line.In week 3 they fell behind early against the Steelers but managed to come back for the victory.The pundits are quick to point out the Steelers were without their heart and soul, Safety Troy Polamalu.In week 4 they faced a Browns’ team that was on a 9 game losing streak with little or no offense during the streak.The Bengals escaped with a 23-20 overtime victory.Now, they face their stiffest challenge of the season against 3-1 division rival Baltimore on the road.To prove few are believers, Vegas has the Bengals as 8 ½ point underdogs.
Baltimore’s offense has been the story of the young season.QB Joe Flacco has avoided the sophomore slump entering the contest with a 94.3 QB rating.The Raven’s offensive line has played well as RB Ray Rice is averaging 6 YPC and Willis McGahee has 5 rushing TDS.The ageless wonder Derrick Mason continues to be productive with 19 catches in 4 games.The Ravens defense is still very good against the run and they put pressure on the QB.They have struggled against the pass in 3 of their 4 games.
Prediction:The Bengals will attempt to stay out of 3rd and long where the Ravens are very dangerous with their blitz packages.To do so, Cedric Benson will receive a substantial amount of carries.If given time, the Ravens secondary is susceptible.The Bengals will have to be aggressive and throw on 1st down. In the end, the Bengals will make some plays through the air but it won’t be enough.Baltimore 31 Cincinnati 20
Head Coach Eric Mangini officially named Derek Anderson the starting QB for the week 4 tilt against Cincinnati.He stated the reasoning was Anderson’s ability to move the team.Anderson directed one scoring drive which resulted in a field goal but threw three interceptions; a performance certainly worth a promotion (lathered with sarcasm) .Mangini prides himself on being a student of the game.He must have been playing hooky the day the professor lectured on the dangers of playing quarterback carousel and how first year starters usually fare (see Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning to start).Browns’ fans have seen this movie far too often.The beginning is exciting, the middle is filled with ups and downs, then, when the moviegoers are on the edge of their seat, Anderson throws yet another untimely interception; roll the credits.
On Mondays during the NFL season, most players are getting treatment, in the whirlpool and nursing various assortments of bumps and bruises.The Ravens following the Browns game were most likely looking for something physical to do on Monday, possibly a pickup game or a tough workout to burn off some energy as the Browns offered little resistance.Playing the Browns cannot be described in the typical NFL metaphor of war, the better comparison would be a day of crochet while sipping on tea.The only thing softer than the Browns (Charmin being the only possible exception) is their strategy and play calling.Cleveland fans expected a style similar to that of New York Jets’ Head Coach Rex Ryan.When accepting the Jets’ position, Rex Ryan stated they will play on their toes and not their heels.The Browns have played in the back pedal praying for the other team to make a costly mistake.Rob Ryan, the Defensive Coordinator of the Browns, should give his brother a call and put him on the phone with Mangini.This team could use some bravado.
All of this resulted from a humiliating loss at Baltimore 34-3.Brady Quinn was benched at half time for Derek Anderson.DA threw three interceptions in the 2nd half alone which won him the starting position; only in Cleveland.Quinn had the misfortune of playing against three of the top defenses in the entire league who have a combined record of 9-0.The schedule going forward is still very difficult but eases some.DA will get his fresh start where it all began for him, a home start against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Many thought the Browns would be boring and methodical under Mangini, they were correct, but also thought the team would be aggressive on defense and play smart football.Instead, penalties, blown assignments and turnovers continue to mount.
Preview:
Mangini preaches accountability and performance.Now that he has benched Brady Quinn, he needs to do the same at other positions.No starter in the league has played worse than right tackle John St. Clair yet he continues to play the role of matador on the Browns o-line.Jon Runyan and Levi Jones are both sitting at home and no doubt are better than St. Clair.Although Josh Cribbs is the best special teams’ player in the league, he is not a # 2 receiver.This has hurt both the offense and the special teams.It is time to get rookie WR’s Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi on the field and spread the offense.Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll has to get better.
On defense the Browns had their worst performance of the season.Instead of waiting till the 2nd half to collapse, they decided to delay the inevitable and fall apart in the 1st quarter.They were equally dismal against the run and the pass.Where is 2nd round pick David Veikune and 4th round pick Kaluka Maiava?Thus far they are only contributing to a special teams unit that isn’t as good as the previous season.
The Cincinnati Bengals are now 2-1 with their only loss coming via a miracle against Denver.The Bengals followed up an improbable win at Green Bay with a home victory over the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.The Bengals were on the verge of getting blown out when the Steelers took the foot off the gas.The Bengals held strong scoring with only 18 seconds left to win the game.This isn’t the same old Bengals as the defense and a running game have carried the team thus far.
Prediction: Brian Daboll will most likely open up the offense with DA as the starter.This should have happened in week one to see what Quinn can do.The Browns will look like a different team on offense but it will not be enough.Cincinnati 27 Cleveland 20