Regarless of how the game on November 1st turns out, the Bengals have 4 primetime games this year. Two at home back to back, two away back to back.

History shows the most they've ever won in a season is one.

What happens this year???

Any word on when this guy is going to practice?

I liked the idea of getting a top talent at a discount because of injury back when he was drafted but after seeing how deep this team is halfway through the season I love the idea. He still has to pan out on the field after he gets healthy but we have a good shot at keeping our string of great tackles going after Whit is retired.

John Clayton article highlighting the Bengals success at drafting and retaining their players:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/firstandgoal151022/what-rest-nfl-learn-patriots-packers-bengals

It's come at a good time so Rey can heal and Burfict can finish healing too but no Bengals game this week makes me a sad panda. Can't even play DK this week since they outlawed DFS in NV. Guess I'll be heading to the pumpkin patch with the little guy and finding a pumpkin. Sigh.

I'm going to rank the top 10, and would be curious to see what your top 10 looks like.

1. Patriots
The only thing that keeps them out of the AFC Championship game is an injury to Brady, Gronk, or JE.

2. Packers
Aaron Rodgers.

3. Bengals
Winning @Steelers elevates them to a firm #2. If they get handled, they could fall as far as #5 or #6.

4. Panthers
These guys will punch you in the mouth. Cam doesn't put up elite stats, but he's a big reason they are winning games.

5. Jets
Another really tough team, that seems to be highly motivated and having fun. If they play a clean game they could shock the World in NE this week.

6. Broncos
They are going to be vulnerable to teams that can put up points (e.g., Patriots, Bengals, Steelers).

7. Steelers
Not sure what kind of voodoo they're using to get the defense to play as well as they are. This franchise just wins.

8. Cardinals
They should climb back up the board here.

9. Falcons
Not fair to judge a team on one game, but the Saints are terrible and made the Falcons look worse. Not sure what to make of them.

10. Vikings
Mike Zimmer is building a winner there, as we all expected him to do. Bridgewater and the defense will continue to improve as the season goes on.

Who gets cut when Tez comes back ?

Obviously for the defense, working on tackling never hurts. And emphasizing ball security to the offense. Do you try to prepare some trick plays? Work on 2nd level blocking? Bring Obarski back for a FG kicking competition w/Nuge?

Disclaimer - I hope we win every game this season including the Superbowl!

BUT

Historically, we aren't so hot the game after the bye. As much as I want and believe we will beat the Steelers next Sunday, if we happen to lose.... I'd start to sweat a little bit. Which sounds odd after losing only 1 game after playing 7 games.

This is why - If we lose against Pittsburgh, we have a short week against Cleveland at home on Thursday Night Football. Prime time.... following our first loss of the season. What a story line right? I wonder how the Bengals would rebound? If they fold on Thursday Night Football (as they always seem to do in primetime), and we lose 2 games in a row to division rivals... the Steelers will be right behind us in the division race.

I truly believe we are a great team. As a great team, we should be able to rebound against such a loss if it were to happen, and quite frankly we should be able to win both of these games. But if they fold, how do you think the season will play out? How would you feel about our Bengals heading into the playoffs if they still cannot get it done in prime time? Of course, we have the whole season left after these two games.. but I might be concerned if this happens moving forward.

I'm surprised nobody discussed the quick pass to Jake Fisher (he dropped it) earlier in the last game.

Is Fisher Hue Jacksons little stud this year? Seems weird to get this rookie tackle involved this way but it's pretty fun to watch. He would have gotten 10 yards and a first if he caught it.

Just another WEAPON

If you have Showtime go watch the first like 1-2 minutes of Inside the NFL for a brief, but hilarious clip of a Bengal.