10 reasons the Steelers beat the Bengals this week.
by fanofsteel on Nov 13, 2009 1:01 PM EST
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10 reasons we beat the Bengals.
In no particular order.
1. Mike Wallace - The best rookie WR in the league right now hadn't had much playing time up until the first machup. Although he had a bunch of yards he wasn't a target in the enzone like he has become recently.
2. Rush-Hard Spindenhall - spent most of the game on the sideline in the first matchup.
3. Troy "QB's say it with their eyes" Polamalu was out for the 1st matchup.
4. Limas Sweed - He'll sit on the sidelines which will likely help more than if he played.
5. Henry is out, although his impact during the previous match was only 1 catch for 19 yards he still drew attention from the corners who will be able to focus on Ocho more fully this week.
6. Jeff Reed seems to have his head on straight. He missed 2 field goals in the preivous matchup. Don't expect to see this again.
8. Cedric Benson - If Adrian Peterson can't get 70 yards against the Steel Curtain neither will CB.
9. A change in game management from Bruce Arians. His bend but don't break, protect the lead kind of mentality seems to be out the window. We are playing to win and will protect the lead with more points.
10. Pulling a squeaker in Cincinati is one thing. But this time the Steelers have HOME FIELD advantage, and in Pittsburgh that's not a 3 point advantage. 35-17 final score.
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9.
I think we saw some of the “what the hell” defense we heard about a while back in the second half on Monday night.
I like #3
After the game: “You said it with your eyes Carson, you said it with your eyes.”
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 13, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions
Meant
After the game and a pick 6:
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 13, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
LMAO @ 4
The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done."
-George Carlin
by Cdsumm on Nov 13, 2009 1:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Wrongo on Reed
He was 2 of 3 in the first matchup. You’re probably thinking of the Bears game when he shankapotomus’ed twice.
You are right.. 2/3 sorry about that.
But if he had been on his game we would have gone to OT.
I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).
11. We haev 3 Willies
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
"have"
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
like the final score....
i picked 31-17 with a troy p pick 6!!!!!!
home field advantage
and a serious ass whoopin for the Bengals.
I believe this may be the largest margin of Victory this season.
Hangman is comin down from the gallows. . .7x soon
Ron Paul was Right.
All I know
From what I saw in the denver game, there will be no letting up and sitting on a league, if they can they will try to embarrass the bengals
by tannofsteel84 on Nov 13, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
72-0 Steelers.
Ryan Clark remarked that Coach Tomlin once asked whether he wanted to be the nail in the defense, or the hammer. "I said, 'I want to be the hammer coach.'"
Reason #11
The Steelers uniforms are cooler than the Bengals.
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Nov 13, 2009 4:29 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
amen to that
hard to find better ones than ours in the league, so simple but just perfect
by tannofsteel84 on Nov 13, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
Just hurt each other bad so we can have a very distant prayer. We broke Henry’s arm so you have to at least snap a Bengal femur or something.
Will do mate.
And you guys should let us sweep you, just to make sure its not those damned Bungles winning the AFC North.
Ryan Clark remarked that Coach Tomlin once asked whether he wanted to be the nail in the defense, or the hammer. "I said, 'I want to be the hammer coach.'"
Down by the river
Walkin’ on water
Offense may sell tickets, but defense wins championships
by canadianblackandgold on Nov 14, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I'm suprised how long it took for someone to ask that.
I left it out on purpose because it goes without saying. Reason #7 is #7 he’s in the middle of his best season of his career. He’ll light up the Cin. defense for 300+ yards and 3 TD’s.
I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).
There's way too much blind optimism here
Let’s go over your list a little more realistically:
1. Mike Wallace was the #1 target in the first game, and Pittsburgh still didn’t win. He got a pass to the 1 yard line that set up a TD. He’ll be no more a target than he was last time, and the Cincy defense (particularly at corner) has intensified their play since the last matchup.
2. Mendenhall spent the whole game out last time because he screwed up in practice too much. Parker had a decent game through the first half. What Mendenhall will or won’t do is a big question mark this time – there’s game tape to see how he has played, even without direct experience, so the “surprise” factor is limited. As with all things football, his use will be determined by early effectiveness(or lack thereof) and the score as the game progresses.
3. I’ll give you this one. Having him back is a huge boost. But an anchor DE is out, as is the primary backup. That’ll hurt (probably not completely offsetting, but it hurts).
4. This I give you too. He’s not been good. But it doesn’t really hurt the Bengals; the major cogs of Holmes, Ward, Wallace, and Miller will be out there, just like last time. Maybe it helps the Steelers only if he’s deactivated and a more useful person is given a gameday spot.
5. Henry’s out, but his impact has been negligible. He’s only been on the field in third down situations, and as you pointed out, did as much as Holmes did in the last game. So instead the Steelers face an unknown who has been hyped a ton (and had damn good college success), which might actually be to the Bengals benefit here. Henry you knew – Purify you don’t. Leaving him alone could be a mistake, with Palmer throwing.
6. Not even from the Bengals game, so this isn’t even a good reason.
7. There isn’t a number 7. Can’t call it 10 reasons the Steelers win without 10 reasons, can you?
8. The Vikes are built around the run even moreso than the Bengals. The Steelers sold out to stop the run, and Favre almost beat them. It took a so-so tripping call negating a touchdown and 2 fluke defensive scores to beat them. Even if the Steelers sell out to stop Benson, does that mean Palmer can’t beat them? What are the odds of 2 defensive TD’s happening again?
9. Has Arians’ mindset changed? He’ll call plays as the game dictates. It’s not up to him for the Steelers to score points. That’s up to the men on the field, on both sides.
10. Home field advantage is not the thing it once was. The Bengals are perfect on the road, and there is no noticeable dropoff in production on the road. They’ve always played tough in Pittsburgh with Palmer. The noise will only be a big(ger) factor if it’s close late (either way). And the Bengals have demonstrated many times this season that close late (down or up) is not going to affect them. For other teams, this might be a point. For the Bengals, not so much.
So, take off the blind homer glasses for a minute and realize the truth. This game is going to be a war. Impossible to predict the outcome. It’ll come down to a couple key plays: a pivotal 1st down, a poorly timed or placed turnover, a key on field injury (if it happens). It’s going to be a GAME, maybe the biggest of the season for both teams. Because the matchup is such a toss up. I am SO looking forward to it.
The seeds of doubt
were planted in the bengals last monday when they watched the Steelers go into Denver and dominate the second half. They saw a steeler team vastly improved from the team they squeaked a win from at home in week three. Deep down, the bengals know they are not on the same level with the Steelers and going into Heinz tomorrow, they are going to be just plain scared.
I don’t think them beating Denver will make the Bengals scared. Probably, as most people, they expected the Steelers to throttle Denver like Baltimore did. Pittsburgh’s defense is a big problem for every team to deal with, especially teams outside the AFCN who rarely see it up close and personal. That outcome doesn’t intimidate the Bengals because, with no game tape and facing a completely unknown (and better than expected) Denver team in week 1, the Bengals did the same thing to them on defense. It took a play that you couldn’t replicate if you tried it 1000 times for Denver to win, and the only reason that game was close was because the offense couldn’t score as well, what with Palmer not playing a game in 10 months and missing most all of camp with the ankle sprain.
I think the Bengals realize both teams are playing well right now, on both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh has improved, though it was the D stepping up to the offense (and that might be the Polamalu effect). For the Bengals, it’s the reverse – the offense stepping up to the D. And both sides are playing the mutual respect angle in the press – moreso than usual. Because it’s deserved on both sides. I think both sides realize Sunday is a challenge, probably one of the greatest of the season, and are up for it and looking forward to it.
It’s the little things that will probably decide Sunday (a play designed from film study, a reaction due to recognition, a coaching decision, a penalty or 2, a timeout, a challenge). I will agree with you that the mindset and psychology will factor in, but I’m thinking more as the game progresses, not from the outset. If the Steelers are down, I think their history and confidence of having been there before and succeeded will buoy them up. If the Bengals are down, their more recent history of come-from-behind success will buoy them up. Will either truly affect the game’s outcome? Will one mindset not be up to the challenge? Who knows. That’s why the game will be so griping on Sunday.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Their come-from-behind success got them a win week 3. That’s not going to work tomorrow. The deficit is going to be too big to come back from. This won’t be a gripping game.
And a win in week 2, week 4, and week 5. The Bengals play tough this year. No one has put them away. Even the gaudy stats the Steelers hung on them in week 3 didn’t put them away. And both teams are better than they were then.
I’m man enough to admit I don’t know what’s going to happen. Predictions of a too big deficit are ridiculous. There are so few supports to say it will happen that it’s like taking a hit on 18 or 19 in blackjack: sure you can get 21 from there, but the odds are stacked against it.
Read my long response below. I’ll be back and admit I was wrong if it turns out to be a lopsided Steeler win. Will you admit you supported long and foolish odds if they don’t pan out?
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Of course
I have no problem giving the bengals kudos if they win tomorrow. They’ve swept the Ravens and if they can sweep the Steelers, they deserve the division.
I honestly
don’t see where the bengals have improved, they were a good team in week 3 and the same now.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Nov 14, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
you forgot to mention..
You played them in Cincy…We played them in Denver, which we all know is a lot harder…Am I right? Bottom line..The steelers are a better team top to bottom than you…dont take it the wrong way, our roster is the best in ALL football…you dont have any Troys on your roster, or Harrison…Do you really think you are going to win this game?? Be serious and face facts, BB will not let you win this game!
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 14, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
Home field advantage isn't what it once was..
except in Pittsburgh. OH MAMA……………
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
"So, take off the blind homer glasses for a minute and realize the truth."
It’s foolish to think Steeler fans’ optimism is “blind homerism.” Did you pay attention last season, especially in Jan and Feb? YES, that is relevant to 2009 since it’s almost the same team, arguably with significant improvements. The Steelers are reigning champs in the AFC North, the AFC, and the NFL. Cinci is the underdogs, cinci is the team with something to prove, and cinci is the team that has to come to Heinz Field and take the AFC North from the Steelers.
Good luck with that (not really)
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I agree with everything you said as far as the facts go. But here’s where I disagree: while Pittsburgh fans and the team itself have every right to be optimistic based on history and last year’s team stats and how they’re playing now, the best that can tell you is what might happen. To completely ignore another team’s successes, its strengths, and predict a blowout with all things optimistically bouncing in the Steelers’ favor goes beyond optimism, though – that’s blind homerism.
Any dispassionate observer looking at these 2 teams will have to predict a dogfight. All the odds point at it being a close game, with a few key moments deciding the ending. Predicting that will be the Steeler win is fine; it’s justifiable and quite possible. All I’m saying is when even the team recognizes the challenges and respects the opponent, why can’t you guys?
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Your posts are some of the most well thought out, civil responses from an opposing viewpoint (fan) that I’ve read. For that, I’m grateful if not a little suspicious.
Let’s target some of differences. “History is an excellent gauge to the future.” If you buy into that philosophy, then history (ie stats and relevant, current team members) shows a clear advantage to Pittsburgh. This is not saying the Bengals have not surprised and yes, even impressed the vast majority of Steeler fans and any fan of the game with their play (and more importantly to me) their fight-to-the-finish attitude in their games. History, however, says the Bengals fizzle when the Steelers and the rest of the elite teams in the NFL begin to sizzle. Once again; can it change? OF COURSE. Will it…. only your team can determine their own destiny.
The Steelers don’t let anyone control their destiny but themselves. You have a team breaker on your sidelines. While he’s a remarkable athlete; his attitude alone will eventually lead to problems. He’s not all that and a bag of chips by himself, but if you ask him; he can do it alone. Ain’t happening. No respect from him or to him.
We have nothing to prove, rorschasch. I do understand why most people think Steeler fans are arrogant, but it’s misunderstood. We respect other teams, we just don’t care about them. We care about Pittsburgh Steelers football and we show up winning season or losing one (yep; we’ve suffered through those too) Just not often and it’s never, EVER been acceptable. We’re harder on our own team than you or any fan of another team could ever dream of being. We expect a win every game and we’ll pick them apart even IN a win. Arrogant? No… confident and without a doubt certainly sure the Steelers will carry a chip on their shoulder tomorrow. We respect our opponents, do you??
Thanks again for your posts! Really enjoy them!
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
You’re welcome. Being a raving psycho-fan on another team’s board is an object lesson in time wasted or the very definition of “epic failure” – you’re not going to change anyone’s mind, and you look foolish doing it, so the fact that you bothered says way more about you than whatever you bothered to post.
To your first paragraph, I’ll say that certainly is what history says. That you are willing to accept the possibility that history does not predict this game and that history can change is refreshing. Not blind homerism :)
Chad is, well, he’s Chad. Most often, you either love him or hate him. He draws a lot of attention, but there are people (and I tend to think he is one), that reacts favorably to pressure. If he draws more of it due to his antics, he responds more often than not in favorable fashion. He’s an entertainer, though I admit his emotional temperament in the past has perhaps messed with the TEAM concept. This year, I think he’s playing hard for that team, and say what you want, but he backs up his mouth and his antics with his work ethic on the field, in practice, etc.
I think there’s always something to prove in the NFL, for every team every year. If you’ve been good, you have to continue to prove you are. If you’ve been bad, you have to prove you’re not anymore. Confidence is great, carrying a chip on your shoulder is great, and pride in things done the right way all the time is great – when it translates on the field. So far, Pittsburgh can say it has. And I think they as a team are showing respect for their opponents and each other by how they’ve played.
We respect our opponents, do you??
Of course I do. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here posting. If I were, I’d be that raving psycho-fan I mentioned at the start.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
I really am a firm believer that history doesn’t have to continually repeat itself but rather can and should be used as a means of identification of errors made and provide the lessons to change the future. (Except with the Steelers….then I want SB history to repeat again and again…lol)
Wish you luck? Sure, just not as much luck as I wish us. :o)
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
To Rorshcach
1. A bigger ENDZONE target.
2. No question. Mendenhall runs for 100+ yards.
3. Yep.
4. yep.
5. We won’t leave the other recievers alone, just gives opportunity to focus on the bigger threat a little more.
6. He did miss one in Cin. Last time and seems to be in a better place now.
7. As I pointed out in a previous reply went without being said. #7 is reason #7.
8. The odds of 2 defensive TD’s happening again? 50/50. Either they will or they won’t. I’m betting on at least 1 def. TD though.
9. Most of Steelers Nation believe that Arians has gotten more agressive in the past 4 games.
10. I’ll let the game tape be the evidence in this one.
As you picked up on, I tried to stick with things that were not factors or related to the last game. As an entire team the Steelers are on the move up. I may be a homer but this homer will be the proud fan of the AFC North Division leaders after this game.
Please agree to come and do a fanpost about the reaction of a Bengals fan after the game Sunday regardless of the outcome. I’d love to hear your feedback.
I wasn’t pleased because we didn’t win - Mike Tomlin (after the 2009 week 2 loss to Chicago).
An in-depth response
Just a couple rejoinders here:
For #1, I know you specified endzone. My point was he was the big target before, so what makes you think Wallace wasn’t an endzone target the first game? The fact is that the first game, most everyone was covered in the red zone / endzone, which resulted in Steeler field goals over TD’s, which ultimately cost them the game.
For #2, that’s a bold statement. Steelers and Bengals are 1 and 2 stopping the run. And while Benson has a higher yards/game average than Mendenhall, the best I can say is that he might go over 100 Sunday. Nothing is assured in a football game. For all we know, Mendenhall or Benson might get injured on the first play and not gain a single yard. So “no question” on 100+ yards – that’s just ridiculous.
Of course on #5, though when you think about it, someone is going to be left alone. You figure they’ll be blitzing a lot or stacking the box to prevent the run while doubling Chad to take him away. That’s going to free up someone – the only question is for how long, and does Carson see them in time?
I thought #8 is funny – it will or won’t. That’s not how most people compute statistical odds, but hey, if it works for you.
Can’t say much about 9 or 10. Both are situational opinions, and since we don’t know what the situation will be or call for Sunday, there’s nothing to debate about. History and even tendencies mean nothing when it comes to who’s playing on Sunday – this precise situation has never occurred before and will never again.
Now, aside from that response, I will say this. I am a Bengals fan, obviously, but I am not a blind homer of my team. I try to look at things realistically. When I look at this game, I see a game that the Bengals can win; however, if I had to bet something significant on it (a huge sum of money, my life, my family, etc.), I’d probably bet on the Steelers. Why? Because this thing is so close in my mind – matchup and skill-wise – the only thing I can come down to are the intangibles. Both are good for both teams, but the slight confidence edge I think goes to the Steelers. When all is said and done, the Bengals are the challenger, in terms of trying to take the title of best in the AFC North. The Steelers have an innate feeling of possession by right of history. While sometimes this might result in over-confidence, I don’t see that here, not in the way the Steelers are approaching this game (and also not the way the Bengals are). If the game is close, if it’s a battle where one mistake can lose the game, I can see the Bengals being the one to blink first. I just think they might be the first to hesitate. But I freely admit that’s just a feeling – I am not on the team (either one), and I can’t speak for them, and obviously I can’t affect the outcome Sunday.
What I know is the Steelers are playing well right now. They started off sluggish, but that seems to be the rule rather than the exception. The Bengals are also playing well. I think both teams make the playoffs, and they might get to play a 3rd time (like Steelers and Ravens last year, or 2005 again), regardless of the outcome of Sunday. What’s so cool to me is that the matchup here actually has relevance again, and shows the promise of being the game of the year for both teams.
I will come back and offer my reaction post-game; I always do if I post on a rival board. Because I try to be honest, there’s no shame in my doing so, because I’m never insulting to another fan base or another team. If the Steelers whip the Bengals ass, I’ll come back and frankly admit it. Will you do the same?
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
well bully for you.
I’m loving the superior tone in all of your posts. Bravo. As for offering your post-game reaction, please don’t put yourself out. The only reason I can see for you posting so frequently on this thread is that you have nothing interesting on your own boards. Please don’t come here and pretend that you are doing this for our enlightenment.
There. I’m off my soapbox.
I for one like this post a lot! Hopefully all goes well and our boys will pull this one out with room to spare. I look forward to this game, it should be a good one!
Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.-- John Madden
by steelcitysweetheart on Nov 14, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
I read the Bengals posts on Cincy Jungle and on their own messageboard (I post more there than on this blog though, because I like it better). Really, I haven’t got anything to contribute that hasn’t been said on the Cincy Jungle side, so I haven’t posted there.
Here, I was looking for some more opposing viewpoints. As I say, I debate them because I find them excessive. And being the one “attacking” the many, I get more directed responses that I feel I should respond to (common courtesy – you took the time to react, and I give you a response in kind).
I’m not doing it for your “enlightenment”. I’m just positing that some of you are being a bit too over-confident, for reasons I have expressed. And I’m willing to say your confidence is justified if the game plays out as you have predicted, because I’m not ashamed to accept reality as it happens.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
You are a rare breed indeed.
Such civil discourse is quite the anomaly when it comes to fans in general. But I refute your claims with sound stats and opinions.
- - While indeed Wallace will be focused on more in this game there are two things you have to consider. One, if you scheme more for Wallace then you open things up for Holmes, Ward, and Heath. You only have but so many men on the field. Also there is no coaching against speed. Wallace is one of the fastest players in the game. I’m sure that you already know this but don’t think for one second that Wallace won’t have some impact in this game.
- - While the Bengals are the number two in rushing defense, Denver was number three in rushing defense before Monday night. There are such things as inflated stats. In fact, I looked up the opposing teams rank in rushing. The Bengals have only played one top ten rushing team. The Green bay packers, who are tenth in the league in rushing. Do you really see them as a rushing team? I don’t I see them as a passing team. So there is plenty of reason to believe that Mendenhall has a chance to blow up the Bengals defense.
- - The DE hasn’t hurt so far remember we went up against Adrian Peterson without our starting DE. So who knows, I think the energy from our first round draft pick, Ziggy Hood, has helped in this regard.
- - Here I agree that Roy Williams being out won’t have much of an impact, he’s a liability in coverage anyway. It may affect the vaunted run defense though since that is his staple.
- - We may not know the guy, but best believe Tomlin does. Its his job to know him, and it would be foolish to believe that Tomlin doesn’t. (I’m not calling you a fool here). I’m sure Tomlin knows something about him, he has this team prepared, its not like Henry was just ruled out today ,Saturday, but he knew all week.
- - We expect Reed to hit every field goal however unrealistic that is.
- - Big Ben, enough said.
- - Vikes buit around the run? Then explain this…
Comp Att Comp Pct. Yards TD Int
Brett Favre MIN QB 174 256 68.0 32.0 1,925 16 3
Sure they run it, but they’re not the titans – they can put the ball in the air just like Cincy can.
- - I think her defensive struggles has made Arians more aggressive too. The mind set is that no lead is safe. For instance we were up 21-10 against Denver Monday night. Should sit on the lead and maybe kick a field goal? Nah go for the kill shot – one mistake ant the Broncos would be right back in the game. That is huge difference to the mindset we once had, 13 points was enough to win a game – now we scoring at least 25 points.
- - 4-0 at home. No Advantage? Then why Philly lose to Oak? Maybe cause they had to fly cross country to do it and took the team lightly? If thats a home game, I say they win. There is nothing worse than losing at home in front of ya fans. Just because the Bengals have lost their games at home doesn’t mean thats the same for the whole NFL. Remember when the Giants went undefeated on the road when they won the Super Bowl? Yea, that was a big story because it happens so rarely.
Does this mean Bengals get blown out….. I have no idea. But do think there is reason for Steeler Optimism.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Nov 14, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
In fact...
We may not know the guy, but best believe Tomlin does. Its his job to know him, and it would be foolish to believe that Tomlin doesn’t
Tomlin not only knows him, he can build a case as to why he is deserving of a hall of fame consideration in his before game press conference…
Quick reply, pregame
Hard to follow with the formatting doing what it did, but since you went pretty much by number, I’ll just reference the issues:
1) Mike Wallace will have an impact, I’m sure. He was the #1 target / impact player in the first matchup. My only point is I don’t see him having much more of an impact, because the first time was already pretty damn good. Odds would be more in favor of him having less impact, but others having more (ie the ball gets spread around a bit). The original poster thought he’d be a bigger endzone target. I only thought since he was a target the other game, he was also an endzone target there too. That he didn’t catch an endzone TD was probably more to do with the coverage than his skills. But the point remains he’d have to basically have a career day (yards wise) to top his previous game against the Bengals
2) I totally agree with inflated stats or meaningless numbered-based rankings. That’s one of the reasons I do a facepalm when fans on either side say “You suck because we beat a team that beat you” – totally different scenarios in every game, every time. I was unaware actually that the Bengals had not faced prime running teams, but that is not too surprising. But saying Denver had a great rushing defense only means something if they were trying their damnedest to stop the run and could not. Maybe they were more worried about the passing game (which, honestly, has been more of a threat of late than the running game). I don’t really know, because I’m not privy to the Denver defensive schemes or plans. And I’ve agreed Mendenhall can rush well, and can succeed. My only bone of contention was that it was not assured.
3) Skipping to the Vikes stat line, I say their primary and best weapon is their running game. Teams try to stop it and take it away because they know it’s coming. Those that try and fail, well, you get the AP gaudy stats and Favre caretaker stats. But teams have shut AP down a couple games this year, daring the 40 year old to beat them. And he has, playing some damn good football in the process, and proving that the passing attack is potent when another team makes it a bit easier by playing run-prevent D. Pittsburgh gets marks for shutting AP down, and they were daring Favre to beat them and counting on an opportunistic D to stop him. It worked out on the basis of that opportunism on 2 turnovers for TD’s. But I think you’d agree that that only happens because Pittsburgh (or any good team) can make the Vikes one dimensional, and the dimension you have to contain given the choice is the more dangerous one – the running game. That explains the stat line you posted – a smart and successful team forces the Vikes passing game.
4) Home field advantage – not saying it does not exist at all. All I’m saying is Cincy has shown that it’s not as big a deal for them. They’re perfect on the road; Pitt’s perfect at home. One falls today. Honestly, I don’t expect it will be a factor except under specific circumstances I already mentioned (close game, late). The OP’s original point was that it would help. I say not so much. I acknowledge that it could. Can’t hurt, after all. Like I said, it’s all about situations and each individual team. This stadium and crowd is not unknown to the Bengals, they have reason to believe success is possible, and they know they can play well on the road. So there won’t be any psychological edge even for playing on the road.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Good win for your Bengals rorschach.
Blows for us but hey~ your boys beat us today. Congrats and it really was great having your opinions around this week! See ya in the playoffs!
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Thanks – I appreciated talking about the matchup with you guys this week. And to me this game was the very essence of what this division has been about for the past several years – physical defenses imposing their wills. These two teams are just too familiar with each other, and like I was talking about, it was the little things that won out, because it was a dogfight all day.
Losing sucks (hell, I should know, right?), but the chances of many more are slim to none for the Steelers. If these two teams aren’t 1 and 2 (and I’m not ruling out the Steelers being the 1) in the division, both in the playoffs, and both wreaking havoc come January, something’s seriously wrong in the NFL.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
While the Bengals are the number two in rushing defense, Denver was number three in rushing defense before Monday night. There are such things as inflated stats. In fact, I looked up the opposing teams rank in rushing. The Bengals have only played one top ten rushing team…
You do realize, of course, we are merely an average rushing team with a ranking of 15th in the league. Rankings cut both ways.
"I’d probably bet on the Steelers."
you are a reasonable Bengals fan and I enjoyed reading your thoughts. You stand in stark contrast to many of your brethren.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Inter-team chitchat does seem to invite more of the obnoxious tool fans, doesn’t it?
I would like to think most Bengals fans are more like me. It’s a shame the ones that tend to do most of the talking are loudmouth idiots. I do my best to lessen their sting :)
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Will you do the same...?
I don’t know what you are asking…
If, somehow, Cincinnati beats the Steelers on Sunday, this board will be a Black and Gold suicide watch ward… with guys calling for (In no particular order) the benching of Mendenhall, the firing of Arians, and the promotion of Redman.
It’s what we do…
Believe me, no one will be talking about bad ref calls or lucky breaks. We will put the loss squarely where it belongs: On a team that let us down.
Let me put it this way: Our expectations of excellence do not change.
We expect to win on Sunday. We expect to win the division. We expect to win the Super bowl. We expect to enjoy another parade come February.
Anything less than that, and we will call it for what it is: A huge disappointment.
So I don’t know what you are asking of the fan base?
If you are asking us to come onto your Bengal fan board and post a mea culpa… no… I’m not about to do that. Because I am not on that board now talking trash. Hell, I couldn’t find it… that Bengal bandwagon must have the shocks worn out from folks jumping on and off every year!
I would rather spend my time in the company of fans who are here, win or lose, year in and year out, than to try to debate the finer points of football with some drunk painted in tiger stripes who only watches the game because he thinks shouting “Who Dey” substitutes for football knowledge…
(and though I think that your posts have been well reasoned and stated, you have to admit, most of your fellow fans’ entire football debate comes down to two monosyllabic grunts…)
I just happened to be reading another response when this one showed up
And it’s excellent. I’m like you when it comes to the Bengals – pick them apart even when they’re succeeding. The difference I guess is that I’ve had a lot more to legitimately pick on over the years than you :) What frustrates me to no end is seeing all the potential in the world squandered, as the Bengals have done year after year. So I can’t expect excellence every year, though I can acknowledge the possibility of it.
I agree with you about some Bengals fans, though to be fair, there are any number of idiotic douchebags that support every team that think their team is the king of the mountain with little to no knowledge about their team and when reality clearly says otherwise. And while I agree that Bengals bandwagon has had the “shocks worn out” (excellent metaphor by the way), I could make a similar argument for the Steelers: it’s just that there, the shocks are worn out due to overload of people jumping on and not getting off.
I don’t expect you to come onto the Bengals fan board – mostly because you’re not there now being the patronizing homer of a fan. If you were posting over there and making absurd arguments or brazen predictions, then you should man the f up if you are wrong. Otherwise, you’re just a mouth spewing crap.
I came over here to see what you guys were talking about, and I expected confidence. I quibble with the sentiments in this post because they’re a little too optimistic on too many fronts, predicting a blowout I find hard to believe. If you want to back this prediction, fine: all I’m saying is be a man willing to admit you were foolish in calling for such a scenario if it doesn’t happen. Because I’m willing to come back and say you whooped the Bengals’ asses if that comes to pass.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
When did "douchebags" get to be the word of the decade??
I miss having teenagers at home to keep me up to date on all of this.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Best word I could think of that doesn’t go over the line for board decency. And so long as you get the connotation, then it’s a good choice )
by rorschach1979 on Nov 14, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
"the shocks are worn out due to overload of people jumping on and not getting off."
Says something about LOYALTY, doesn’t it?
by Steeler in Cowboy country on Nov 14, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
I feel for you
I don’t know if I would have the ability to be a Bengals fan through the ups and the downs…
You Said It All, MarkJoe166
I have been a Steeler Fan since Bradshaw had hair. I count on a win on Sunday, a division win, and going to the Super Bowl. Going to someone else’s board and talking trash will not change that.
Now that's why I watch the game!!!!
THAT was a football game!!
So many awesome stops on both sides. Trench warfare all the way. Who can doubt the AFCN will beat the crap out of anyone now?
Oh sure! Easy for you to say!!
Waited patiently for my offense to show up… and they didn’t! Yeah there were some great stops on defense but I’m having trouble getting past the worst game I’ve seen my QB have in a very long time. The City of Pittsburgh is now on suicide watch….. < hanging head >
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Ben had a bad day because the defense was all over him all day, and the coverage downfield was excellent.
But the Pittsburgh D basically did the same thing to Palmer – pressure, hurries, blanketed Chad, and forced crappy days for both.
Like I said maybe 5 times above, it was going to be close and come down to a few key incidents. Mine would be:
1) Kickoff return (no brainer)
2) Lucky bounce interception, and
3) Stifling red zone defense
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Our ST gives one up every game it seems. That needs to come to a screeching halt. Yeah the D was all over Ben; 4 sacks in the first half. He did not have a good game, Bengals defense or not.
Hell I’m just pissed. lol
The bonus to this game was: Found another great bar in Nashville to watch with 40 – 50 Steeler fans. “Stucky’s” Was a good time… sort of.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
I don't mind eating my words
Congrats on the win rorschach. Good luck in the playoffs, unless you get us again.
Don't congratulate me
I had nothing to do with it, and I’m not the sort of fan that wants or takes the credit :)
But thanks for being courteous. I’ll be interested to see if others from this thread return and react as you did.
And as for the playoffs, both these teams will be there. It has to happen. They’re both too good.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
Don't congratulate me
I had nothing to do with it, and I’m not the sort of fan that wants or takes the credit :)
But thanks for being courteous. I’ll be interested to see if others from this thread return and react as you did.
And as for the playoffs, both these teams will be there. It has to happen. They’re both too good.
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