I guarantee that NO ONE in the pressbox was thinking "what a loser" Your career and reputation speak for itself. Everyone there would be proud to have the accomplishment you have earned over the years . I think they think, "Wow, Docs in the house". Us Mobsters are glad you're back.
Winning ugly is ok, to a point. The Bengals do NOT look like a good team. They look like a team trying to find out how good they are. They might be good, but the O Line, despite PayJoe's support, leaves our QB in continuous peril. Protect the QB, rush the QB. That's how you win in the League. Not getting either of those done yet.
1. Football players know the risks of playing. Grotesque physical injuries are part of the deal. They choose to play anyway. That's on them. They choose to work in a crazy profession. They get wealth, fame, and celebrity from it. So I don't get too bent about NFL injuries. They happen. That being said, other than select Steelers over the years, I never want anybody hurt. It's frightening and sad. The NFL must vigorously pursue better and better helmet design. If the next helmet has to be some huge, ugly thing in 10 inches of foam, so be it. The game is so fast on artificial turf, and , when skulls hit fake turf over and over, it is not a good thing.
2. Bell's 2nd interception was due more to a horrible pass by Bridgewater than great D. Until then, I expected The Fish to march right down the field like so many other teams do in the 4Q against the Bangers. D was OK, pass rush was hit or miss. Grade: B-
3. Burrow with a little time is a beautiful thing. He dropped some picture perfect passes to his guys like feathers from the sky. He was razor sharp, almost saintly. That foreshadows future good things.
1) “Peeve” would be a great name for a dog. “This is my pet Peeve.”
2)The NFL needs the kickoff to keep fans engaged until the very end with the remote possibility that an onside kick can salvage a win. It doesn’t happen often but that kick stops everyone’s breathing while the scrum is on. It’s the most unexciting yet possibly exciting few seconds in sports.
Agree with most of your points with one glaring exception..."Tupou's hit was....not at all vicious". It definitely was clean. But, rewatch it in regular speed (slow-motion makes it look fairly meek) and watch how Tua's neck gets whiplashed before he hits the ground. Everyone has been concentrating and commenting on his head hitting the turf but that to me was not the culprit for his fingers 'fencing'. It was clearly the severe movement of his neck and neck's injuries can cause concussions just as much as head trauma. The neck whiplash was vicious. So glad he appears to be ok, at least in short term...long term is another story (CTE).
Just able to comment, having hunkered away from a hurricane. Found out we won this morning when power returned. Just highlights on ESPN so far. Gonna look for replay. Missed the white unis. Another much-needed win. Gets real going forward. As for #7, totally agree. Always felt that if you have a great kicker and solid special teams, kick it to the 5 or so and pin em back. Time for a BIG WIN!
My 63 year-old amateur eyeballs could not discern whether Joe M was missing holes last night, or just not getting them. But either way it's definitely a source of concern.
I liked the White helmets as a once-a-year thing. It was the first time in a long while that I've really wished I was there.
I hope you continue to take a press credential. I think I speak for many when I say that our access to your post-game Column is vital enough to warrant your presence there. You represent what really is the new media anyway. Why not embrace it? Columnist Laureate has a nice ring to it :)
Sounds better than "Columnist Ate Laura". Love those white unis. My favorite all-time Bengal unis are the all-white ones of the '70s, topped by that dull Orange helmet with the single word "BENGALS" on the side in no-nonsense Ariel block letters. They screamed "Paul Brown: Mr. No Foolin' Around". Absolutely fabulous look. I think the new ones should be entered in the Paris fashion shows next spring. Paris Hilton would look stunning in a tight black-and-white Bengals striped ensemble. I think I'll make that my first fantasy blog-jack-of-the-day.
Well then, I hope you will accompany me to Paris to see Paris in her stripey tidy- whiteys, growling at the jaded fashionistas in the "Beautiful People" audience. It's a can't miss for us mavens. Mark your calendar today.
I think you meant to say the "rabbits", correct? Yes, we will not be sitting with the rabbits again this year. Last year it got so crazy when they started that big fight over too much taffeta on the models. It was downright hare-y. Or did you mean the "rabbis"? The ones with the wild beards don't project well on the runways. I suggest we try to keep our act down low and out of the spotlight this year.
Alternative to Mixon? You ask. I'm trying to figure out how Chris Evans is not getting carries. This is the NFL and not the Big10, but his collegiate career as a Wolverine (splitting time with other feature backs) saw him carry the ball 304 times for 1,710 yards and a 5.6 yards per carry average over 3 seasons. Three because 2020 was truncated due to pandemic cancellation and saw him add only 16 more carries for the whole shortened season. So, maybe a little more mixing (NOT Mixon) in of Samarjae Perine and some Chris Evans might result in a little stronger run game and inspire something from Mixon. Go.
I agree, Doc, wait and see works for me as well. I had higher hopes for the OL but, hey, at least the Brown Trust sprung for some certified outside help even if it has yet to come together. Next Sunday will be the measuring stick but then, the Ravens D has a lot of questions to answer this Sunday so there's that.
As for Bridgewater, I wouldn't sell him short just yet. He was 5-0 as a Brees replacement and the Dolphins may be a similar opportunity. He does have a winning record as a NFL starter, you know. How many Bengals QB's can say that?
Finally, the white get ups need to come out only once in a blue moon IMO. I know it's a marketing ploy to make more Trust money but after all these years, it looks silly to this OG.
Thanks for continuing to go to the games I can remember living in Chicago and Jay Marriotti would take pot shots left and right from his couch but never in person
My enthusiasm is also muted as a result of what happened to Tua as well as realistic assessment of a victory over a Dolphin team whose defense was four days out from 90+ snaps in stifling conditions and whose QB was ripe for a neurological crisis almost certainly tied to the 'back injury' suffered against the Bills on Sunday. Every NFL win is a good one but let's not overvalue last night. More importantly, let's hope that what happened to Tua and how it was likely mishandled results in even more change in the management of injuries to player's brains.
1 - The NFL's concussion protocol should get some close scrutiny after this. Will it?
2 - White Stripes are okay, but The Raconteurs are better. Seriously though, I agree with you: that was cool, but not cool enough to make it a regular thing.
3 - The OL has gotten a handle on keeping Burrow upright, but can they do that and also open running holes? Not yet.
8 - Wholeheartedly agree! It's a tough song to sing, yes, but not a song to make your own. Jose Feliciano started this.
9 - If confidence counts for anything, the team is starting to roll. It should be fun to watch them answer.
I worked in press boxes for a while. Fun place to be at times. A different place when you are on a deadline from when you are not. I'm glad you still get to enjoy it.
This shouldn't matter one bit and maybe it says more about middle-aged me than anything, but does Burrow get paid to wear outfits like the suit he was wearing before the game last night?
A friend posted a link to the suit - it's $3,500. I know he can afford it multiple times over, but I can't imagine paying that much to look like that.
There is a local tailor that has videos on YouTube about dressing Joe in those suits. I would think arrangements are made between the two for the free publicity or Joe just likes the guy and pays him for what he does for him.
Oddly, it seems most of those suits are designed in Canada. In fact, that bouquet Joe wore last night was worn by a Blue Jay’s player earlier this year.
I guarantee that NO ONE in the pressbox was thinking "what a loser" Your career and reputation speak for itself. Everyone there would be proud to have the accomplishment you have earned over the years . I think they think, "Wow, Docs in the house". Us Mobsters are glad you're back.
Thank you, Andy.
Winning ugly is ok, to a point. The Bengals do NOT look like a good team. They look like a team trying to find out how good they are. They might be good, but the O Line, despite PayJoe's support, leaves our QB in continuous peril. Protect the QB, rush the QB. That's how you win in the League. Not getting either of those done yet.
Better late than never.
1. Football players know the risks of playing. Grotesque physical injuries are part of the deal. They choose to play anyway. That's on them. They choose to work in a crazy profession. They get wealth, fame, and celebrity from it. So I don't get too bent about NFL injuries. They happen. That being said, other than select Steelers over the years, I never want anybody hurt. It's frightening and sad. The NFL must vigorously pursue better and better helmet design. If the next helmet has to be some huge, ugly thing in 10 inches of foam, so be it. The game is so fast on artificial turf, and , when skulls hit fake turf over and over, it is not a good thing.
2. Bell's 2nd interception was due more to a horrible pass by Bridgewater than great D. Until then, I expected The Fish to march right down the field like so many other teams do in the 4Q against the Bangers. D was OK, pass rush was hit or miss. Grade: B-
3. Burrow with a little time is a beautiful thing. He dropped some picture perfect passes to his guys like feathers from the sky. He was razor sharp, almost saintly. That foreshadows future good things.
Great points, Doc. My thoughts on two of yours:
1) “Peeve” would be a great name for a dog. “This is my pet Peeve.”
2)The NFL needs the kickoff to keep fans engaged until the very end with the remote possibility that an onside kick can salvage a win. It doesn’t happen often but that kick stops everyone’s breathing while the scrum is on. It’s the most unexciting yet possibly exciting few seconds in sports.
Agree with most of your points with one glaring exception..."Tupou's hit was....not at all vicious". It definitely was clean. But, rewatch it in regular speed (slow-motion makes it look fairly meek) and watch how Tua's neck gets whiplashed before he hits the ground. Everyone has been concentrating and commenting on his head hitting the turf but that to me was not the culprit for his fingers 'fencing'. It was clearly the severe movement of his neck and neck's injuries can cause concussions just as much as head trauma. The neck whiplash was vicious. So glad he appears to be ok, at least in short term...long term is another story (CTE).
Just able to comment, having hunkered away from a hurricane. Found out we won this morning when power returned. Just highlights on ESPN so far. Gonna look for replay. Missed the white unis. Another much-needed win. Gets real going forward. As for #7, totally agree. Always felt that if you have a great kicker and solid special teams, kick it to the 5 or so and pin em back. Time for a BIG WIN!
My 63 year-old amateur eyeballs could not discern whether Joe M was missing holes last night, or just not getting them. But either way it's definitely a source of concern.
I liked the White helmets as a once-a-year thing. It was the first time in a long while that I've really wished I was there.
I hope you continue to take a press credential. I think I speak for many when I say that our access to your post-game Column is vital enough to warrant your presence there. You represent what really is the new media anyway. Why not embrace it? Columnist Laureate has a nice ring to it :)
Sounds better than "Columnist Ate Laura". Love those white unis. My favorite all-time Bengal unis are the all-white ones of the '70s, topped by that dull Orange helmet with the single word "BENGALS" on the side in no-nonsense Ariel block letters. They screamed "Paul Brown: Mr. No Foolin' Around". Absolutely fabulous look. I think the new ones should be entered in the Paris fashion shows next spring. Paris Hilton would look stunning in a tight black-and-white Bengals striped ensemble. I think I'll make that my first fantasy blog-jack-of-the-day.
It does at that. And much better than the columnist Lory ate too! 🙂 Agree about those old white unis.
Well then, I hope you will accompany me to Paris to see Paris in her stripey tidy- whiteys, growling at the jaded fashionistas in the "Beautiful People" audience. It's a can't miss for us mavens. Mark your calendar today.
I trust you got us a seat up front and away from the rabble.
I think you meant to say the "rabbits", correct? Yes, we will not be sitting with the rabbits again this year. Last year it got so crazy when they started that big fight over too much taffeta on the models. It was downright hare-y. Or did you mean the "rabbis"? The ones with the wild beards don't project well on the runways. I suggest we try to keep our act down low and out of the spotlight this year.
One last comment. A friend was at PayJoe last nite. Stupidly, he bought a gin and tonic. Mike Brown sells special gin…..cost?……$30 big ones.
Alternative to Mixon? You ask. I'm trying to figure out how Chris Evans is not getting carries. This is the NFL and not the Big10, but his collegiate career as a Wolverine (splitting time with other feature backs) saw him carry the ball 304 times for 1,710 yards and a 5.6 yards per carry average over 3 seasons. Three because 2020 was truncated due to pandemic cancellation and saw him add only 16 more carries for the whole shortened season. So, maybe a little more mixing (NOT Mixon) in of Samarjae Perine and some Chris Evans might result in a little stronger run game and inspire something from Mixon. Go.
Amen on the anthem vocal gymnastics. Sing it as written or bring in a band!
I agree, Doc, wait and see works for me as well. I had higher hopes for the OL but, hey, at least the Brown Trust sprung for some certified outside help even if it has yet to come together. Next Sunday will be the measuring stick but then, the Ravens D has a lot of questions to answer this Sunday so there's that.
As for Bridgewater, I wouldn't sell him short just yet. He was 5-0 as a Brees replacement and the Dolphins may be a similar opportunity. He does have a winning record as a NFL starter, you know. How many Bengals QB's can say that?
Finally, the white get ups need to come out only once in a blue moon IMO. I know it's a marketing ploy to make more Trust money but after all these years, it looks silly to this OG.
Thanks for continuing to go to the games I can remember living in Chicago and Jay Marriotti would take pot shots left and right from his couch but never in person
My enthusiasm is also muted as a result of what happened to Tua as well as realistic assessment of a victory over a Dolphin team whose defense was four days out from 90+ snaps in stifling conditions and whose QB was ripe for a neurological crisis almost certainly tied to the 'back injury' suffered against the Bills on Sunday. Every NFL win is a good one but let's not overvalue last night. More importantly, let's hope that what happened to Tua and how it was likely mishandled results in even more change in the management of injuries to player's brains.
White with stripes is Halloweenish, but Orange with stripes isn't? I prefer the white uniforms.
Random remarks on the 10:
1 - The NFL's concussion protocol should get some close scrutiny after this. Will it?
2 - White Stripes are okay, but The Raconteurs are better. Seriously though, I agree with you: that was cool, but not cool enough to make it a regular thing.
3 - The OL has gotten a handle on keeping Burrow upright, but can they do that and also open running holes? Not yet.
8 - Wholeheartedly agree! It's a tough song to sing, yes, but not a song to make your own. Jose Feliciano started this.
9 - If confidence counts for anything, the team is starting to roll. It should be fun to watch them answer.
I worked in press boxes for a while. Fun place to be at times. A different place when you are on a deadline from when you are not. I'm glad you still get to enjoy it.
This shouldn't matter one bit and maybe it says more about middle-aged me than anything, but does Burrow get paid to wear outfits like the suit he was wearing before the game last night?
A friend posted a link to the suit - it's $3,500. I know he can afford it multiple times over, but I can't imagine paying that much to look like that.
There is a local tailor that has videos on YouTube about dressing Joe in those suits. I would think arrangements are made between the two for the free publicity or Joe just likes the guy and pays him for what he does for him.
Oddly, it seems most of those suits are designed in Canada. In fact, that bouquet Joe wore last night was worn by a Blue Jay’s player earlier this year.