I have said the same thing about the QB's we have played. Sort of like a OSU schedule. But the silver lining is we will not be playing at Arrowhead Stadium. Of course we have to get that far but no team wants to play us. The coin flip by Mixon was awesome and it sent a message. My understanding was Chad Johnson was involved in it. Let the Bengals roar. Bengals played weak QB's but defenses were not. Who Dey!
You know, not to take anything away from the Bengals 12-4, but nobody complained about the Stillers beating up on a Bengal team (ever) when they were not "full strength", or even the Ravens beating up on the Bengals (ever). It is the NFL, last year Bengals remained healthy and won, this year they have overcome some injuries. Tough taters to all those teams with QB's who could not answer the call when it came time to play Cincinnati in 2022. It is the NFL. Win, and win anyway you can. And NO COIN FLIPS to decide games, or game locations. P L E A S E! Nah baby, nah!
No doubt we earned the top cat in the division. Here is another thought to finish out what has been one bad move after another by a defunct leadership at the NFL CEO levels. With all the tragedy concerning Hamlin there isn't a person in America who doesn't agree with cancelling the game on Monday night, following that night is a different matter, but I digress. The Bengals are now gonna get the shaft in the second round and all of America will turn a blind eye to the fact the Bengals, who gave in to the Bills desire to quit that night for good reason, should be given a home game.
-If the Bills players and leadership were worth their salt, they would throw the 'Battlecats from Ohio' something to scratch on. Like giving the Bengals a deserved home game. Otherwise this has all the makings of watching WWE. Glad to see Hamlin is doing well, but that's the same as anybody who gets concussed, they go out of the game and may not play for a while. Only in those games, the game continues and no one loses out. The Bengals are losing out because we were showing signs of understanding, brotherly love, and leadership. These things are not common and are hard to come by, but when it is shown as it has been in recent days by Zac Taylor and the 'pride' the NFL shows it can't handle it. Currently, the Bills show they can't handle it either.
Bills should not only have forfeited their game, but should also be willing to give the Bengals a chance to play their matchup at home should it come to that. If the Bills 'are willing to play anybody anytime anywhere because they are a true Super Bowl team then they should show the same leadership, understanding, and brotherly love the Battlecats have shown them. Time top return the favor! McDermott has leadership....right now this smells funny unless they make it right!
Previously stated:
In what sports world would we cancel the game in this manner? Why is it the league, who called the game, the bengals didn’t call it, wont follow its rules? If this were any other sports in blue-collar land we would consider it a FORFEIT! The Bills chose not to play albeit a tragic situation. The Bengals went along with it and frankly the game wouldnt have lived up to its game of the year hype following the incident had they played after. Monday night was fine. It’s the fallout/collateral damage. Bills have no chance at number 1? We wouldn’t as Bengals fans get to see number 1? Ryan Clark said these guys’put their lives on the line’, if so then that equates them with firemen, police, anybody who ran into the towers when they were struck, and guess what they did the next day after tragedy struck, went back to work. The players ‘risk their lives’. They choose to play a violent sport like rodeo, boxing, bull fighting, etc. Do rodeo arenas quit the moment a guy gets gored? These guys get paid way more money than most professional sports and they should own their choices. They forfeited and no other team other than the bills should be penalized if any are penalized. A tragic situation just got worse with the nfl choices concerning the playoffs. Bengals get the shaft! Go get ‘em boys, we can overcome this too!
There was a graphic offered on screen during the game. I remember it stated that 64 QB back-ups had started this year in the NFL. The Bengals aren't the only team to have benefited this season. Just saying!!
Okay, Bengals. You made your feelings known, now let it go. Time to focus on nothing but the game ahead. I agree with ESPN's Dan Orlovsky's assessment. Overall, the Bengals are the best team in the AFC, factoring in injuries. But he also picked Baltimore as the dark horse in the conference. We'll find out next week just how healthy they are. I have a feeling Baltimore was sandbagging a bit, focusing on being as healthy as possible for the game that really matters. Regardless, it's put up or shut up time. Let's go!!
Hi Paul. I continue to enjoy your insights. What fun! “Quietly confident bad ass.” What it lacks in eloquence, it far exceeds in descriptiion! 😍 Keep it coming.
Another day of “let’s play two” for the Bengals. Quarters that is. Why change what is working? Against the Bucs, Pats and Ravens anyway.
It will likely work again next week against a rusty Lamar, who will be expected to do what he always is, carry a predictable Greg Roman offense. After that it will be curtains for the Cincinnati Swaggers.
First, I didn't see Tom Brady on the list of very good QBs the Bengals have faced for an entire game this season. That somewhat picky detail does not impact the overall validity of Doc's point - but I still think the Bucs game offers some key insights into this team, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the Bengals have shown they can rise to the occasion when they must (and the first minutes of the Bills game suggested they might be able to contain Allen, too - at least that night). The negative counterpoint, of course, is that this team seems to have great difficulty putting two great halves together (with the possible exception of the Chiefs game).
As for the coin-flipping stunt, I had conflicting reactions. My first thought was what a shame it was for the team to make this week all about them after having earned national plaudits for their sensitivity and selflessness last week. Yet, I can understand their frustration. Yes, the NFL had a difficult decision to make - but why couldn't they simply follow their own rule book, which provides a simple and elegant solution (i.e., seeding and home-field advantage are decided by winning percentage when two teams have played a different number of games)? The Bengals have to feel singled out for no legitimate reason - and given a choice, I think I would rather they express themselves in the way they did (hopefully putting the matter behind them) than have them quietly obsess over this issue to where it distracts them (and the quality of their play) moving forward.
In some ways, this incident reminded me of Jim McMahon's "Rozelle headband" protest in 1985 during the NFC Championship Game. It was easy to write off a lot of McMahon's behavior back then as childish and boorish, but he did have a legitimate point that the NFL had allowed him to wear an Adidas headband all season long until they fined him for wearing it in the playoffs - and it's possible that he chose a humorous and harmless way to "blow off steam" in order to stay focused on the task at hand; i.e., blowing out the Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
You say “full of themselves” but how do you differentiate that from “swagger” or “confidence”? (Not being disingenuous… how do we decide where that line is?)
How many years are there where we can go back and find columns you wrote lamenting how the Bengals didn’t have the swagger that Pitt or Baltimore had? How many TMLs before and after Pitt games where the Bengals were referred to as “little brother”?
These guys have attitude and I understand that it may rub some the wrong way, but they have absolutely earned the right to be confident, maybe even cocky, based on what they’ve done on the field these past two seasons. Now if they go lay an egg next week, maybe there’s a discussion here. But this team has not shown a propensity to sit high on their horse and not do the work during the week.
I think this team puts their head back down tomorrow, does the work, is ready to go next weekend, and comes out with a win. If that’s the case, does it matter that they celebrated?
And what if, like Chad a decade and a half ago (and all those BAL and PIT teams), the swagger is part of what they need to make them great?
P.S. For those who write it off to a generational thing, I’m closer to Doc’s age than I am to the players’.
How much time is wasted choreographing these boorish celebrations? I DO NOT like them. Back in my day, we barely talked to teammates on the field because our leather helmets covered our ears. We couldn’t hear a damn thing other than the faint sounds of the sideline barber shop quartet singing “Oh Susannah”. Sure, maybe we heard the occasional “ahooga” horn from a passing motorcar but mostly we were quiet and gentlemanly while we played the game. Maybe once a year our emotions would get the better of us and one or two boys might give the ol’ hip hip hooray which so infuriated the old people in attendance that they would write to the newspaper to complain about it.
I agree that it was childish, but the team seems to be motivated by the "entire world vs the Bengals" theme. As for the QBs they have faced, Lamar Jackson was 19/32 for 174 yds 1 TD 1 INT; Mahomes was 16/27 for 223 yds 1 TD; Tua was 8/14 for 110 yds 1 INT before he went down; Tom Brady was 30/44 for 312 yds 3 TDs 2 INTs; Josh Allen was 3/6 for 33 yds before the game was stopped. Tom Brady looked rattled in the second half. I also think that Cooper Rush did a decent job in place of Dak this season. The Bengals beat the Titans and Ravens by making them pass and the Chiefs by making them run. The Ravens win by playing defense and it looked like their defensive starters played today.
What you don't seem to understand is that the Ravens won't perceive the celebrating the way you do. They'd do the same thing under the circumstances. None of these guys take it as personally as you do. It's generational.
I have said the same thing about the QB's we have played. Sort of like a OSU schedule. But the silver lining is we will not be playing at Arrowhead Stadium. Of course we have to get that far but no team wants to play us. The coin flip by Mixon was awesome and it sent a message. My understanding was Chad Johnson was involved in it. Let the Bengals roar. Bengals played weak QB's but defenses were not. Who Dey!
I didn't see that...it's a matter of opinion. This is not a political site so perhaps you are not on a comfortable site to share your opinions.
I heard about it on the radio this morning but didn't see it. That's something pretty clueless behavior all right.
You know, not to take anything away from the Bengals 12-4, but nobody complained about the Stillers beating up on a Bengal team (ever) when they were not "full strength", or even the Ravens beating up on the Bengals (ever). It is the NFL, last year Bengals remained healthy and won, this year they have overcome some injuries. Tough taters to all those teams with QB's who could not answer the call when it came time to play Cincinnati in 2022. It is the NFL. Win, and win anyway you can. And NO COIN FLIPS to decide games, or game locations. P L E A S E! Nah baby, nah!
No doubt we earned the top cat in the division. Here is another thought to finish out what has been one bad move after another by a defunct leadership at the NFL CEO levels. With all the tragedy concerning Hamlin there isn't a person in America who doesn't agree with cancelling the game on Monday night, following that night is a different matter, but I digress. The Bengals are now gonna get the shaft in the second round and all of America will turn a blind eye to the fact the Bengals, who gave in to the Bills desire to quit that night for good reason, should be given a home game.
-If the Bills players and leadership were worth their salt, they would throw the 'Battlecats from Ohio' something to scratch on. Like giving the Bengals a deserved home game. Otherwise this has all the makings of watching WWE. Glad to see Hamlin is doing well, but that's the same as anybody who gets concussed, they go out of the game and may not play for a while. Only in those games, the game continues and no one loses out. The Bengals are losing out because we were showing signs of understanding, brotherly love, and leadership. These things are not common and are hard to come by, but when it is shown as it has been in recent days by Zac Taylor and the 'pride' the NFL shows it can't handle it. Currently, the Bills show they can't handle it either.
Bills should not only have forfeited their game, but should also be willing to give the Bengals a chance to play their matchup at home should it come to that. If the Bills 'are willing to play anybody anytime anywhere because they are a true Super Bowl team then they should show the same leadership, understanding, and brotherly love the Battlecats have shown them. Time top return the favor! McDermott has leadership....right now this smells funny unless they make it right!
Previously stated:
In what sports world would we cancel the game in this manner? Why is it the league, who called the game, the bengals didn’t call it, wont follow its rules? If this were any other sports in blue-collar land we would consider it a FORFEIT! The Bills chose not to play albeit a tragic situation. The Bengals went along with it and frankly the game wouldnt have lived up to its game of the year hype following the incident had they played after. Monday night was fine. It’s the fallout/collateral damage. Bills have no chance at number 1? We wouldn’t as Bengals fans get to see number 1? Ryan Clark said these guys’put their lives on the line’, if so then that equates them with firemen, police, anybody who ran into the towers when they were struck, and guess what they did the next day after tragedy struck, went back to work. The players ‘risk their lives’. They choose to play a violent sport like rodeo, boxing, bull fighting, etc. Do rodeo arenas quit the moment a guy gets gored? These guys get paid way more money than most professional sports and they should own their choices. They forfeited and no other team other than the bills should be penalized if any are penalized. A tragic situation just got worse with the nfl choices concerning the playoffs. Bengals get the shaft! Go get ‘em boys, we can overcome this too!
There was a graphic offered on screen during the game. I remember it stated that 64 QB back-ups had started this year in the NFL. The Bengals aren't the only team to have benefited this season. Just saying!!
Okay, Bengals. You made your feelings known, now let it go. Time to focus on nothing but the game ahead. I agree with ESPN's Dan Orlovsky's assessment. Overall, the Bengals are the best team in the AFC, factoring in injuries. But he also picked Baltimore as the dark horse in the conference. We'll find out next week just how healthy they are. I have a feeling Baltimore was sandbagging a bit, focusing on being as healthy as possible for the game that really matters. Regardless, it's put up or shut up time. Let's go!!
You can't admit you are wrong and that's ok
Hi Paul. I continue to enjoy your insights. What fun! “Quietly confident bad ass.” What it lacks in eloquence, it far exceeds in descriptiion! 😍 Keep it coming.
Another day of “let’s play two” for the Bengals. Quarters that is. Why change what is working? Against the Bucs, Pats and Ravens anyway.
It will likely work again next week against a rusty Lamar, who will be expected to do what he always is, carry a predictable Greg Roman offense. After that it will be curtains for the Cincinnati Swaggers.
First, I didn't see Tom Brady on the list of very good QBs the Bengals have faced for an entire game this season. That somewhat picky detail does not impact the overall validity of Doc's point - but I still think the Bucs game offers some key insights into this team, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the Bengals have shown they can rise to the occasion when they must (and the first minutes of the Bills game suggested they might be able to contain Allen, too - at least that night). The negative counterpoint, of course, is that this team seems to have great difficulty putting two great halves together (with the possible exception of the Chiefs game).
As for the coin-flipping stunt, I had conflicting reactions. My first thought was what a shame it was for the team to make this week all about them after having earned national plaudits for their sensitivity and selflessness last week. Yet, I can understand their frustration. Yes, the NFL had a difficult decision to make - but why couldn't they simply follow their own rule book, which provides a simple and elegant solution (i.e., seeding and home-field advantage are decided by winning percentage when two teams have played a different number of games)? The Bengals have to feel singled out for no legitimate reason - and given a choice, I think I would rather they express themselves in the way they did (hopefully putting the matter behind them) than have them quietly obsess over this issue to where it distracts them (and the quality of their play) moving forward.
In some ways, this incident reminded me of Jim McMahon's "Rozelle headband" protest in 1985 during the NFC Championship Game. It was easy to write off a lot of McMahon's behavior back then as childish and boorish, but he did have a legitimate point that the NFL had allowed him to wear an Adidas headband all season long until they fined him for wearing it in the playoffs - and it's possible that he chose a humorous and harmless way to "blow off steam" in order to stay focused on the task at hand; i.e., blowing out the Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
You say “full of themselves” but how do you differentiate that from “swagger” or “confidence”? (Not being disingenuous… how do we decide where that line is?)
How many years are there where we can go back and find columns you wrote lamenting how the Bengals didn’t have the swagger that Pitt or Baltimore had? How many TMLs before and after Pitt games where the Bengals were referred to as “little brother”?
These guys have attitude and I understand that it may rub some the wrong way, but they have absolutely earned the right to be confident, maybe even cocky, based on what they’ve done on the field these past two seasons. Now if they go lay an egg next week, maybe there’s a discussion here. But this team has not shown a propensity to sit high on their horse and not do the work during the week.
I think this team puts their head back down tomorrow, does the work, is ready to go next weekend, and comes out with a win. If that’s the case, does it matter that they celebrated?
And what if, like Chad a decade and a half ago (and all those BAL and PIT teams), the swagger is part of what they need to make them great?
P.S. For those who write it off to a generational thing, I’m closer to Doc’s age than I am to the players’.
How much time is wasted choreographing these boorish celebrations? I DO NOT like them. Back in my day, we barely talked to teammates on the field because our leather helmets covered our ears. We couldn’t hear a damn thing other than the faint sounds of the sideline barber shop quartet singing “Oh Susannah”. Sure, maybe we heard the occasional “ahooga” horn from a passing motorcar but mostly we were quiet and gentlemanly while we played the game. Maybe once a year our emotions would get the better of us and one or two boys might give the ol’ hip hip hooray which so infuriated the old people in attendance that they would write to the newspaper to complain about it.
If they'd done something more egregious than mocking the coin flip I'd agree. But I don't think it was that big a deal.
I agree that it was childish, but the team seems to be motivated by the "entire world vs the Bengals" theme. As for the QBs they have faced, Lamar Jackson was 19/32 for 174 yds 1 TD 1 INT; Mahomes was 16/27 for 223 yds 1 TD; Tua was 8/14 for 110 yds 1 INT before he went down; Tom Brady was 30/44 for 312 yds 3 TDs 2 INTs; Josh Allen was 3/6 for 33 yds before the game was stopped. Tom Brady looked rattled in the second half. I also think that Cooper Rush did a decent job in place of Dak this season. The Bengals beat the Titans and Ravens by making them pass and the Chiefs by making them run. The Ravens win by playing defense and it looked like their defensive starters played today.
What you don't seem to understand is that the Ravens won't perceive the celebrating the way you do. They'd do the same thing under the circumstances. None of these guys take it as personally as you do. It's generational.