If the entire team shows up to play and the game plan is sound, the Bengals should be able to win even with Keith Wenning. Since approximately 2009 Cincinnati has evolved from a player-centered team to a system-centered team and this is a very good thing. The Bengals, by doing this, are more like the Patriots and Broncos who, when they encounter an injury, simply say, "Next man up!" If the last part of the season has proven anything it has proven Cincinnati isn't all about the Red Rifle. Losses cannot be blamed solely on Andy Dalton -- and he has played at an elite level before getting injured against the Steelers.

Here in Cincinnati we are fortunate to have AJ McCarron, the best backup quarterback in the NFL including Peyton Manning. AJ lacks experience, to be sure, but under the spotlight he rises to the occasion, fails occasionally, but he gets up, learns from his mistakes, and keeps pushing forward. I look forward to getting Andy Dalton back as much as anyone but with AJ on the roster, Andy can take his time and heal completely.

(01-02-2016, 11:24 PM)The Real Deal Wrote: All joking aside, Monday nights game,  although a loss, strengthened my confidence that this team can get it done in the playoffs with McCarron.  I do believe we are much better off with a healthy Dalton.  Hell, we may even be super bowl favorites with Dalton. But with McCarron there is still a punchers chance.

This just about sums it up.

(01-03-2016, 12:09 PM)muskiesfan Wrote: AJ McCarron is capable of winning a playoff game for the Bengals.

Where people lose me is saying that McCarron is playing at the same level as Dalton. That's just a lie. There is a very noticeable difference. Again, that's not saying McCarron can't help the team win, but he's not on the same level as Dalton. Nowhere close.

Just the mental game alone gives Andy a huge edge.  And the advantage doesn't stop there. 

But we're talking about a savvy vet vs. practically a rookie.  I like what he's done but you're right, he is no AD at the moment.

They will need to do a better job on third down to have a chance.

(01-03-2016, 06:59 PM)Beaker Wrote: They will need to do a better job on third down to have a chance.

or actually make a third down... 

I'm more worried about the coaching, play calling, and prepping. Most people know we certainly have the talent. Just need it implemented the correct way.

(01-03-2016, 07:02 PM)Hoofhearted Wrote: I'm more worried about the coaching, play calling, and prepping. Most people know we certainly have the talent. Just need it implemented the correct way.

It's a huge issue.  Gotta find a way to win a second half.

(01-03-2016, 07:05 PM)McC Wrote: It's a huge issue.  Gotta find a way to win a second half.

Like they did today?

One reason why we won't win a playoff game this year. The Shittsburgh Stoolers. 7-18 since 2002 with Starvin' Marvin.

2002 Cincinnati L, 7-34
Pittsburgh L, 21-29
2003 Cincinnati L, 10-17
Pittsburgh W, 24-20
2004 Pittsburgh L, 17-28
Cincinnati L, 14-19
2005 Cincinnati L, 13-27
Pittsburgh W, 38-31
Cincinnati L, 17-31*
2006 Pittsburgh W, 28-20
Cincinnati L, 17-23 (OT)
2007 Cincinnati L, 13-24
Pittsburgh L, 10-24
2008 Cincinnati L, 10-38
Pittsburgh L, 10-27
2009 Cincinnati W, 23-20
Pittsburgh W, 18-12
2010 Cincinnati L, 21-27
Pittsburgh L, 7-23
2011 Cincinnati L, 17-24
Pittsburgh L, 7-35
2012 Cincinnati L, 17-24
Pittsburgh W, 13-10
2013 Cincinnati W, 20-10
Pittsburgh L, 20-30

(01-03-2016, 07:10 PM)GodFather Wrote: One reason why we won't win a playoff game this year. The Shittsburgh Stoolers. 7-18 since 2002 with Starvin' Marvin.  

2002 Cincinnati L, 7-34
Pittsburgh L, 21-29
2003 Cincinnati L, 10-17
Pittsburgh W, 24-20
2004 Pittsburgh L, 17-28
Cincinnati L, 14-19
2005 Cincinnati L, 13-27
Pittsburgh W, 38-31
Cincinnati L, 17-31*
2006 Pittsburgh W, 28-20
Cincinnati L, 17-23 (OT)
2007 Cincinnati L, 13-24
Pittsburgh L, 10-24
2008 Cincinnati L, 10-38
Pittsburgh L, 10-27
2009 Cincinnati W, 23-20
Pittsburgh W, 18-12
2010 Cincinnati L, 21-27
Pittsburgh L, 7-23
2011 Cincinnati L, 17-24
Pittsburgh L, 7-35
2012 Cincinnati L, 17-24
Pittsburgh W, 13-10
2013 Cincinnati W, 20-10
Pittsburgh L, 20-30

Way to give up already.

(01-03-2016, 07:09 PM)Beaker Wrote: Like they did today?

Yeah.  Only in a playoff game, which was the topic at hand.  They do a pretty good job of it in the regular season, which, again, was not the topic.

(01-03-2016, 07:15 PM)Beaker Wrote: Way to give up already.

I don't think this team will beat Pittsburgh in the playoffs for a second. You can rah rah for a week. Then you'll be silent for months afterwards. 

Playoffs aren't like todays game where you can win a game with no 3rd down conversions. On top of it, this team never plays well with Lewis against Shitsburgh. You think everything is going to change? Id like to see you lay some serious money on the game with Bengals winning if your so confident.

PS- If you do, start applying for that second job to recoup your losses.

AJM isn't what i'm worried about. I'm worried about our overrated line and Marvin.

(01-03-2016, 07:24 PM)Atomic Orange Wrote: AJM isn't what i'm worried about. I'm worried about our overrated line and Marvin.

AJM makes the OL look a hell of a lot worse than it is. 

(01-03-2016, 07:25 PM)RoyleRedlegs Wrote: AJM makes the OL look a hell of a lot worse than it is. 

WRONG. AD 2nd fastest release in the NFL makes the line look better than it is. AJM not so fast release and the running game prove that.

(01-03-2016, 07:09 PM)Beaker Wrote: Like they did today?

Was today a playoff game. 

Holey ******* Moley

(01-03-2016, 07:29 PM)Atomic Orange Wrote: WRONG. AD 2nd fastest release in the NFL makes the line look better than it is. AJM not so fast release and the running game prove that.

You are an idiot.
I am flat out calling you an idiot.

It's not his release.
It's his inability to see the field and read the defense.
He holds the ball. On a play where the ball is needed to be out in under 3 seconds, he's holding it for 4 or 5.


The OL can't hold every goddamn block for 4+ seconds. No OL ever would be able to do that.
People are just really stupid about OL play. 

(01-03-2016, 07:15 PM)Beaker Wrote: Way to give up already.

You should grow some thicker skin, mr sensitive. 

Facts are facts. They don't regulate feelings.

(01-03-2016, 07:32 PM)RoyleRedlegs Wrote: You are an idiot.
I am flat out calling you an idiot.

It's not his release.
It's his inability to see the field and read the defense.
He holds the ball. On a play where the ball is needed to be out in under 3 seconds, he's holding it for 4 or 5.


The OL can't hold every goddamn block for 4+ seconds. No OL ever would be able to do that.
People are just really stupid about OL play. 

Lol. GFY

(01-03-2016, 07:32 PM)RoyleRedlegs Wrote: You are an idiot.
I am flat out calling you an idiot.

It's not his release.
It's his inability to see the field and read the defense.
He holds the ball. On a play where the ball is needed to be out in under 3 seconds, he's holding it for 4 or 5.


The OL can't hold every goddamn block for 4+ seconds. No OL ever would be able to do that.
People are just really stupid about OL play. 

He does hold the ball for a long time.