Bengals Fans Just Don't Get it

         During the NFL lockout there were plenty of fans that weren't excited about the football season. I heard more than one person say "they hoped there wasn't a season, so the Bengals didn't embarrass themselves." Well, a week 1 victory and a solid week 2 from rookie QB Andy Dalton has suddenly raised expectations. The Bengals lost their home opener on Sunday. Andy Dalton didn't play well and looked like a rookie all afternoon.  Last night on Twitter someone asked the Bengals' beat Writer Joe Reedy if he thought we would win another game this season. I do not get how you could ask that question. The Bengals will win another game. They will win a few more, but they won't be the 8-10 win team that fans were dreaming about. They also won't be the 1 win team that is in the running for the first overall pick in this year’s draft. Stop getting too high and too low Bengals fans. Isn't that bad for your health?

          Before the season started, I said I was excited. I was excited to start a season without having high hopes. I was interested in seeing this young team play. I said that they would entertain us and be competitive. I also predicted they'd win four games. The Bengals have potential, but they won't touch their true potential this season. That is okay with me (and should be okay with all Bengals fans), because going into this year I knew they would be average or below average most of the time. I knew they would show flashes of very good play and follow it with horrid play. That's what young players do and that's what we can expect from the 2011 Bengals. They had no business beating Cleveland in season opener, but they also had no business losing to Denver when the Broncos were missing 40% of their starters.

          This is a young team and we need to give them time to work out all of the kinks. Becoming great at anything takes time, and the Bengals just aren't there yet. Stop jumping on or off the bandwagon because there isn't one this year. This season is an interview for next year. We don’t have a horrible record (1-2) and as long as we grow each week I can’t be mad at them. Watch the games and make a decision on whether or not you'll be on the band wagon next year. Next year they may have a shot to be 10-6, but for now let's realize that this is just the beginning and with a little luck we might just have a shot to be very good in a few short years.

AJ Green (above) and the Bengals have potential, they just need time to grow as players.

Let's Try This Again

          Last season when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats played N.C. State they got beat up. The Bearcats were physically and mentally weaker than the Wolfpack. UC was on the road, had a new head coach and was missing their starting running back. Not to mention that the team was very young. This season, they are at home, have veteran leaders and are hoping for a better outcome than they received last season.

          They have to turn to guys like J.K. Schaffer to help the defense really hold its’ own against North Carolina State. The Bearcats are 2-1 and if they want to re-establish their relevance in college football, this is a game they have to win. The game is being nationally televised on ESPN. The win would give them a 3-1 record and give them momentum heading into their conference schedule.

          I think their offense is going to need to score. Defense has been a problem in Bearcat country for years and with young defensive backs it will be hard for the defense to contain the Wolfpack. The key to the offense is the offensive line and Senior QB Zach Collaros. If the line can open up holes for Isiah Pead like they have the first three games and give Collaros time to throw the ball our offense should be in good shape. Zach needs to be able to feel when he is being pressured and make good decisions in and out of the pocket. One way to hide a defense is to keep them off of the field. Third down conversions will play a major role in deciding this game. It would be huge if the UC defense can get off of the field and get the ball back for its’ offense. If we can run the ball effectively and have long 10-12 play scoring drives it will keep our defense rested for a big stop late in the game. I think the defense will have to make a play late to bring home a win.



Bottom Line: For UC to win this football game they need to do a few things:


1.Establish the run. After that they need to run, run and run some more.


2. Give Collaros time to throw: If Zach gets time, he is very effective. I would like to see him use his feet some tonight to get positive yards in pressure situations.


3. Get the ball to the playmakers: Isiah Pead, D.J. Woods, Anthony McClung.


4. Get off of the field on Third down: If the UC defense can step up and get off of the field on third downs, it will really give the Bearcats a good shot at winning.



Prediction: I think that the defense who can slow the others offense down (just a little) will win. I think it will be a high scoring game and one in which the Bearcats win in a very tight contest. The team with the last defensive stop will win and that will be UC.


Final Score: UC: 38 N.C. State: 31

Isiah Pead (above) didn't play in the loss at N.C. State last
season. He should be a difference maker in
a game that UC needs to win.

NFL Picks Week 2

Well, after such a pass heavy opening week to the NFL, I expect things to settle down some. There are some great games scheduled though and with that said, here are my picks for week 2:


Buffalo vs Oakland- 1pm game time and Oakland is coming east to play this game in Buffalo. Oakland doesn’t seem to beat anyone outside of the AFC West. That, the time change and the fact that Buffalo is a pretty solid football team lead to the Raiders losing to the Bills.


Final Score: Buffalo: 31 Oakland: 21


Green Bay vs Carolina- I know that Carolina is at home and Cam Newton had a great rookie debut, but they lost last week. That Arizona team they lost to is nowhere near as good as tthe defending Super Bowl Champs. Packers cruise.


Final Score: Green Bay: 38 Carolina: 17


Detroit vs Kansas City- Kansas City was embarrassed last week and a lot of people think that this game will be no different. They are on the road against an up and coming Lions team. I think Kansas City is better than people think, but Detroit is at home and they win by two scores.



Final Score: Detroit: 30 Kansas City: 17


Cleveland vs Indianapolis- In my opinion, this is the hardest game to predict. Cleveland did not look good at all lost week. They seem over hyped and before Peyton Manning went down the Colts were definitely the favorite. I think this game will be a battle. Kerry Collins doesn’t want to be a bust and Indy has a few playmakers to keep it close. However, Peyton Hillis is going to run wild on this Indy team and he will lead his Browns to a win.



Final Score: Cleveland: 24 Indianapolis: 16


Chicago vs New Orleans- New Orleans came up short last week at Lambeau field, but have a shot to redeem themselves at home to a Chicago team that beat up on Atlanta last week. Before the season I said Chicago would be better than Detroit in their conference and compete for a playoff spot. After last week, my prediction looked right. The problem is, I just can’t see New Orleans starting 0-2.


Final Score: New Orleans: 31 Chicago: 28


Jacksonville vs New York: Jacksonville beat a very weak Tennessee team by two and I have a feeling they won’t be so lucky this week. The Jets escaped the Cowboys and now will destroy the Jaguars.


Final Score: New York: 28 Jacksonville: 7


Baltimore vs Tennessee: Baltimore is coming into this game very confident. They just dismantled their division rival at home and I expect them to beat up on the Titans the same way. They are going to be too physical for Chris Johnson and the Titans.



Final Score: Baltimore: 24   Tennessee: 10


Cincinnati vs Denver: The Bengals come off a very grind it out win against Cleveland. They are going up against a beat up Denver team, but for some reason I am leaning toward the Broncos here. Whoever runs the ball best will have the advantage (Cincinnati), but I think the Broncos use their home crowd and deny the Bengals their first win in Denver since 1975 (I hope I'm WRONG).


Final Score: Denver: 23   Cincinnati: 20



Washington vs Arizona: This is a very interesting matchup. Tim Hightower goes against his former team. Two quarterbacks that won in their first week of being the official starter of their respective teams. Arizona's pass defense worries me and it will really hurt them on the road in this game.



Final Score: Washington: 28  Arizona: 21


Dallas vs San Francisco: Dallas choked last week in the meadowlands and the 49ers got two big plays on special teams that helped them get by Seattle. I think Tony Romo and the Cowboys are going to be all business and win this game by two possessions.



Final Score: Dallas: 27   San Francisco: 16


Miami vs Houston- Houston is coming off of a big win and is extremely confident. Miami gave up the most passing yards in Monday Night Football history. I think Miami will perform better defensively than they did last week, but they still come up short and Houston becomes 2-0. Arian Foster also looks to return to the Texans after being out last week with a hamstring injury.



Final Score: Houston: 31  Miami: 17


St. Louis vs New York Giants- Here we have two teams that missed the playoffs by a game last year and opened this season with a week 1 loss. St. Louis would normally be my pick here, but they are just too banged up. Sam Bradford is hurt, but expected to play. I think the Giants D line is going to get after him. Their workhouse Steven Jackson is also banged up and is not playing. I think being on the road, banged up against a Giants team that would be facing a lot of heat if they lost this game is too much to overcome for Bradford and the young Rams.



Final Score: New York: 24   St. Louis: 17


Lock of the Week:
Seattle vs Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh is coming off a beating. Baltimore destroyed the Steelers. Well, this week the Steelers are going to take their anger and rage out on the poor Seahawks. This one is going to get ugly.


Final Score: Pittsburgh: 35 Seattle: 3


Upset Special:


Tampa Bay vs Minnesota- Both teams are 0-1 and are desperate for a win. Mcnabb struggled in his Vikings debut and will look to rebound. Tampa Bay is the better team and lost at home to the Lions last week. In this case, I am going to go with the veteran Quarterback at home, with the best running back in the NFL. This is my upset special; Vikes win on a last second field goal.



Final Score: Minnesota: 27 Tampa Bay: 24


Intriguing Matchup of the Week


Atlanta vs Philadelphia- Mike Vick comes back to where it all started. He's never played in the Georgia dome as a starter for anyone but the Falcons. It will be interesting to see how the crowd reacts to him, but a lot of reports i have read said Atlanta still loves Vick. Froma football standpoint Atlanta plays very well at home. They need to run the ball and keep Michael Vick on the sidelines. Atlanta secondary is concerning and is something that needs to be addressed. However, Matt Ryan is 20-2 on his home turf and he wants to show his own Atlanta fans that he is the man for the job and not Vick.



Final Score: Atlanta: 35   Philadelphia: 31

Matt Ryan looks to mark his territory against
 former Atlanta QB Michael Vick.

Game of the Week


New England vs San Diego- This is going to be a fun game to watch. Brady and Rivers are two of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, Brady has more weapons, a better coach and he is at home. New England takes this game.

Final Score: New England: 34   San Diego: 28

Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers square off in what
should be a great game.

Bill Belichick at His Finest

I absolutely love this video. Rare to see Belichick like this.


Usually he's focused like this

The Hope Solo Phenomenon Continues

2011 NFL Season Preview

NFC North



Green Bay Packers- Packer Nation should be ecstatic that they won the Super Bowl last year. But, now they have to try and repeat. With Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant both coming back from and injury filled season last year, they are reloaded and ready for 2011. Aaron Rodgers and a great defense will lead the Packers to an NFC North Title this year and give them a great chance to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
 Predicted Record: 13-3

                                             


<> 

Aaron Rodgers hopes to be holding up another Lombardi
trophy at the end of this season.



Chicago Bears- One game away from the Super Bowl last year and now most people have picked them to drop to third in the division (behind the Packers and Lions). Most people forget that they won this division last year and the Packers didn't. Although that will not be the case this year, the Bears will battle and get a second place finish in the NFC North and JUST MISS the playoffs.

Predicted Record: 9-7


Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings were a field goal away from being in the Super Bowl just two years ago. They still have a lot of talent and another veteran QB (Donovan McNabb) that has Super Bowl dreams. The problem is I think they lack a solid #1 receiver. They still have weapons with Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe. Don't forget they have a pretty good running back up there in Minnesota as well. The Vikings will finish third in the most competitive division in the NFL.


Predicted Record: 8-8


Detroit Lions- The Lions have improved tremendously since that 0-16 season just a few years back and some people have predicted them to go to the playoffs. Actually a lot of people have. However, I am not sold. They have an injury prone QB, a great WR and young Running Backs. Even if they are healthy this year they are going to need to learn how to win. I think they are a year away from really being a playoff contender. Next year is their year.


Predicted Record: 7-9




NFC South

Atlanta Falcons- The Atlanta Falcons won this division last year and they just added weapons on offense (Rookie WR Julio Jones) and defense ( DE Ray Edwards). They should remain at the top of the division. They have a trio of stars with Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Turner. Not to mention veteran leaders like Tony Gonzalez. The Falcons remain the team to beat in the NFC South, and lucky for them not many teams in the NFL will have the talent or firepower to stop them.

Predicted Record: 12-4 


Matt Ryan and Roddy White should help the Atlanta Falcons win
the NFC South and contend for a Championship.



                                                                                

                                                       

New Orleans Saints- The New Orleans Saints will battle with the young Falcons for the division crown, but will fall just short. They will be a threat in the playoffs and a team that nobody wants to see. Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees will lead them to a Wild Card Playoff Berth.

Predicted Record: 11-5


Tampa Bay Buccaneers- I feel sorry for the Bucs. They play in a division that is stacked at the top. Young Quarterback Josh Freeman played great last year and I think he will continue to do so. However, I think Tampa Bay is a year away from a playoff berth.

Predicted Record: 9-7


Carolina Panthers- The Panthers were the worst team in football last year and should stay there this year. They drafted Cam Newton who is freakishly big and athletic for a Quarterback. However, he is extremely inaccurate and there isn't much talent outside of running back Deangelo Williams. This division is just too good to let the Panthers be competitive. Andrew Luck sweepstakes anyone? They better figure out if Cam is their future.

Predicted Record: 3-13


NFC EAST

Philadelphia "Dream Team" Eagles- The Eagles were great last year and look to be just as successful this year. The problem used to be the health of Mike Vick. But, with Vince Young as a backup, the offense wouldn't really change if Vick went down. Both QB's are mobile and can resemble each other in the same offense. The health of Jeremy Maclin and the young linebacker core is a concern, but not enough for me to pick against the "Dream Team."

Predicted Record: 12-4


Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys struggled with injuries last year. Tony Romo is back and ready to lead Dallas to the playoffs. I think they will make the playoffs and become a contender. Jason Garrett shed the "interim" head coach tag and hired Rob Ryan as his defensive coordinator. The defense will be improved.  This team WILL make the playoffs.

Predicted Record: 11-5


New York Giants- The New York Giants choked last year against Philadelphia and it cost them the playoffs. This year, they won't get that opportunity. They will be a slightlty better than average team and will end up with an average record. If Eli can cut down on his turnovers, they may have a shot. They still have weapons, but also lost TE Kevin Boss and WR Steve Smith who signed with the division rival Eagles.

Predicted Record: 8-8


Washington Redskins- The Redskins aren't going to be any good this season. I'm glad they competed during the preseason, but I don't see this team winning more than four games. Their Quarterback isn't going to be good (Rex Grossman) and their backup isn't any better (John Beck). Tim Hightower could help in the running game. But, overall they will struggle and have less wins than they did a year ago.

Predicted Record 4-12


NFC West

St. Louis Rams- The St. Louis Rams let the division title slip through their fingers last year. I do not think that will happen again. Sam Bradford is no longer a rookie and he has a new target in Mike Sims-Walker. Steven Jackson is a beast at running back and collectively St. Louis will get its first division title in quite some time.
Predicted Record: 10-6       

Sam Bradford (right) and Steven Jackson (left) will lead
the Rams to a division crown. 

                                       
Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals were a quarterback away from the playoffs last season. Now, they have who they wanted at QB all along with Kevin Kolb. They gave up a Pro Bowl corner to get him. That will hurt the defense. I think the offense may struggle a bit early on because Kolb did not have any mini camps or practices because of the lockout. The Cardinals are a year away from the playoffs. Larry Fitzgerald will still ensure that the Cardinals are a winning team.

Predicted Record: 9-7


San Francisco 49ers- Speaking of not having a Quarterback? How does it feel San Francisco? They have Vernon Davis, a very good running back in Frank Gore, a solid defense, good WR's and yet they still won't contend. They are missing a Quarterback and once they get one they will be a solid team. With Alex Smith at the helm? How does 7-9 sound? Good, because you can't get there with Alex Smith


Predicted Record: 6-10

Seattle Seahawks: I cannot believe this team won a playoff game last year. Don't worry, I can assure you it won't happen again this season. Their quarterback bolted and went to Tennessee. When they signed Tavaris Jackson, they got a QB the Minnesota Vikings did not want. I do not think he can get the ball to the weapons they do have like Sidney Rice, Mike Williams and Zack Miller.

Predicted Record: 4-12 




AFC East

New England Patriots- The Patriots had a very good season last year, but came up a bit short in the playoffs. Now, journalists are calling this team "finesse" and picking them to lose the division to the Jets. Well, in the famous words of Chad Ochocinco: "Child Please." They have solid running backs, great Tight ends and plenty of Wide Receiver options. Oh and don't forget about the greatest quarterback in the game, Tom Brady.

Predicted Record: 13-3

Chad Ochocinco looks to give Tom Brady another weapon
and stretch the field for an offense that
lacked big plays last season.

New York Jets- The Jets beat the Patriots in the playoffs last season and look to finally get over the hump and get to a Super Bowl this year. They have a solid QB in Mark Sanchez and two potential big play threats with Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. However, they rely on their defense and running game to win games and they will win plenty, en route to a Wild Card Playoff Berth.

Predicted Record: 11-5


Miami Dolphins- The Miami Dolphins have weapons on offense. They lost two running backs, (Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams) but they added a very dangerous open field runner in Reggie Bush and Rookie Daniel Thomas. They have a solid defense and a top tier WR with Brandon Marshall. It is up to their quarterback Chad Henne to raise his game and lead this Dolphins team. If he can do that, they could compete for a wild card birth. I think he will be solid, but he's an average QB, that's all there is to it.

Predicted Record: 7-9



Buffalo Bills- Believe it or not, I like the Buffalo Bills this season. Hopefully, C.J. Spiller can have a breakout year and Stevie Johnson will build off of his very productive year in 2010. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a solid quarterback and definitely better than his Dolphins counterpart Chad Henne. With that said, the Bills will compete, but will struggle in such a tough division.

Predicted Record: 7-9



AFC West


San Diego Chargers- The Chargers were #1 on offense and defense last year and DID NOT make the playoffs. I believe that was an exception and not the rule. The Chargers will win the division this year and take back what is rightfully theirs. Phillip Rivers always makes them a contender and now they have Vincent Jackson back for a full season after brutal contract issues last year.

Predicted Record: 11-5



Kansas City Chiefs- The Kansas City Chiefs have the best running back tandem in the league. They added a big fullback in Leron McClain and should continue to dominate on the ground. They lost offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and will struggle in the passing game somewhat this season. They have a tough schedule and it looks like last year was their fifteen minutes of fame.

Predicted Record: 8-8



Oakland Raiders- The Raiders swept this division last year and still ended up with just 8 wins. They fired Coach Cable and promoted Hue jackson. I've heard great things about Jackson, but this team has lost one of the top tier tight ends in the game (Zack Miller) and an imortant offensive lineman (Robert Gallery). They will still compete, but take a step back from last year.


Predicted Record: 7-9



Denver Broncos- The Denver Broncos were bottom feeders in the division last year and odds are they will remain there. Brandon Lloyd had a breakout season, but unless Knowshon Moreno can prove he is the answer at running back in Denver, then this team will be about as bad as it was last season.
Predicted Record: 5-11



AFC South

Houston Texans- It's either now or never for the Texans. They have a great Pro Bowl trio with Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. They signed Daniel Manning at safety and cornerback Jonathan Joseph. They should win this division, even if Manning was healthy for the Colts, but he's hurt and the AFC South is up for grabs. Houston is the clear cut favorite and it should get it's first playoff berth in franchise history.

Predicted record: 11-5



Tennessee Titans: The Titans went out and signed an underrated QB. Matt Hasselback is a veteran and more than capable of competing with any team in this division. Running back Chris Johnson will need to have a big year, but if he does the Titans could sneak up on some people. I just don't think Hasselbeck will stay healthy for 16 games and that will define their season with rookie Jake Locker as Hasselbeck's backup.


Predicted Record: 7-9




Indianapolis Colts- The Colts have their backs against the wall. They went out and signed veteran QB Kerry Collins, who will try to fill the void that Peyton Manning left. Today, news came out that Peyton will be out a minimum 2-3 months after another neck procedure. This is why the Colts have dropped to third place in the division. Yikes.

Predicted Record: 6-10





Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars decided just a few days ago that they were going to go young and released the second best quarterback in the history of their franchise in David Garrard. This might not have been the year to turn to their rookie quarterback, but I bet Blaine Gabbert will be named the starter by week 5. They could have had a shot this year with Garrard to make some noise in the division, but without him, they are a work in progress. We will see if the decision pays off.

Predicted Record 4-12