(12-23-2024, 02:25 PM)Millhouse Wrote: Ravens not as much because they know us, but hear me out. 

If Bengals win these games against good teams, that means the defense is playing better and the team is playing its best ball of the season with one of the very few elite QBs in the league. No one wants to face a team like that in the playoffs, especially one with experience in winning on the road in the playoffs.

(12-23-2024, 02:17 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: They would be playing at the Ravens, not sure that Baltimore would be nervous about playing the Bengals for a 3rd time.

(12-23-2024, 02:44 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Well since we tied them the first time in regulation and they won by 3 in OT the first game, and they beat us by 1 the last time, I'm sure they wouldn't worry about beating us a 3rd time. Some of you guys....

(12-23-2024, 02:46 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: We basically imploded and found a way to lose both games.  And they found a way to win both.

(12-23-2024, 12:45 PM)Sled21 Wrote: While this is not cherry picking, it does not really tell the story when it comes to chances of winning in the playoffs if we get there. Our losses to teams with winning records....
NE- Lost by 6
Chiefs- Lost by 1
Commanders- Lost by 5
Ravens- Lost by 3
Eagles- Lost by 20
Ravens- Lost by 1
Chargers- Lost by 7
Steelers- Lost by 6
The only team that beat our team by more than a touchdown is Philly. This team took the Chiefs and the Ravens to one-point games. And, this was with a defense that was playing way worse than it is over the last couple of weeks. Burrow is on fire, as is Chase. The Ravens beat us twice but by a combined 4 points. I don't think ANY team right now wants us to make the playoffs. Taylor's team has a habit of starting slow, but it has a habit of winning playoff games.

(12-23-2024, 12:53 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: It absolutely tells the story. The story is that good teams find ways to win those close games. It's the NFL, where a majority of games are close.

(12-23-2024, 02:46 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: We basically imploded and found a way to lose both games.  And they found a way to win both.

(12-23-2024, 02:50 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Both of this is true. If you cannot see the difference in the way the team is playing right now than early in the season I don't know what to say.

Our Defense needs to clean up the tackling, this is the problem. We are still relying on turnovers to win under Lou and this is why he needs to go.

Still, if we somehow make the Playoffs I know the Chiefs and Bills don't want to face a Burrow lead team with an opportunistic Defense.

(12-23-2024, 02:17 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: They would be playing at the Ravens, not sure that Baltimore would be nervous about playing the Bengals for a 3rd time.

(12-23-2024, 02:53 PM)Sled21 Wrote: And we're playing better now than we were then and they barely beat us then. You're kidding yourself if you think Baltimore wants to attempt a 3rd win against us, which is always hard to beat a team 3 times in any given year.

(12-23-2024, 02:56 PM)bfine32 Wrote: No doubt. I'm sure the Ravens would much rather play us that the Broncos who they beat 41-10. 

Good Call! 

(12-23-2024, 02:44 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Well since we tied them the first time in regulation and they won by 3 in OT the first game, and they beat us by 1 the last time, I'm sure they wouldn't worry about beating us a 3rd time. Some of you guys....

(12-23-2024, 02:43 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: We'll find out on Saturday if the Bengals are ready to take on a quality team in the playoffs. Denver has the #1 ranked OL in the NFL.

(12-23-2024, 03:24 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: We were up like 21-7 vs the Ravens. Our defense looked good. Our offense looked good.

Chase Brown fumbled...then we imploded. Gave up 28 2nd half points.

The issue isn't talent. It's mental toughness/coaching/culture.

(12-23-2024, 03:26 PM)Frank Booth Wrote: mmmmm right

crazy what beating up on DTR does to people's perception of the team

(12-23-2024, 03:32 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: The Ravens losses weren't talent. They were mental toughness and botching the game.

McPherson missing a FG. Zac playing for the long FG.

Then, the 2nd game we were in control, up 21-7 and Brown fumbled and literally all the momentum was gone and the Ravens took control.

Now the talent on the defense does need improved, but the Ravens losses weren't talent related.

(12-23-2024, 03:38 PM)XenoMorph Wrote: well if we can beat the broncos it will be the first team with a winning record this season

(12-23-2024, 02:54 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: We'll have a real good idea of how the Bengals would look in a playoff game when the face the Donkeys on Saturday afternoon. Denver has the #1 rated OL in the league, Bo Nix is playing with confidence, and they're defense isn't too shabby, either.

(12-23-2024, 03:26 PM)Millhouse Wrote: Well yeah, they have to win to get in first and foremost. Which goes to what I was saying, should they win and get in the playoffs, then they are playing their best ball of season, and will have the most confidence and momentum they have had so far. They lose this week tho, then they arent playing their best and won't make the playoffs anyways.

And all I was saying is no one will want to play a team like the Bengals in the playoffs. They would much rather face a Pitt with Wilson and no rb, or Broncos with a rookie qb.

Now do I think it will happen, no. They screwed themselves with Taylor's patented slow start to the season and the defense being garbage most of the season. 

(12-23-2024, 03:44 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Very true, we will know much more next Saturday. The Donkeys are a good team, especially on Defense and like you said they have about
the best O-line in the league which is saying something with how good the Lions OL is. Man, I wanted Quinn Meinerz that Draft.