The next step

[*SHRacerX*]

(12-24-2015, 05:07 PM)EatonFan Wrote: This Denver game I think means more than any game in the last five years.  While we have secured a fifth straight playoff appearance, this game is the next step in the Bengals growth as a team -- securing a #1 or #2 seed and a bye.

Only six teams that were in the wildcard have won the super bowl (wildcard started in 1978)

And every time that I start thinking about the game, my emotions rise and fall and rise and fall like on the Daimondback at Kings Island.

Positives-

 The Defense.  Even without Iloka, having Adam Jones back, Geno playing (I'm sure they will limit his snaps, but still...his presence changes everything), and Burfict playing almost all the nickel snaps.  This group can shut down any team.  

Special teams- coverage units, Huber, and Nug in the thin air...both also used to kicking in the cold.  I'm not as thrilled about the return team sans Adam Jones, but I have a feeling Tate might actually make a big play (did I just type that?)

Experience-  This may be the biggest regular season game in a long time, but this team has a veteran group that will not flinch in the face of adversity.  


Negatives- 

QB- It isn't that I lack faith in McCarron, but I lack faith in McCarron.  I love the guy's moxy and he is more than capable of leading the team.  My fear centers around the knowledge of NFL "windows", and the fact that Denver has two very good CBs and is getting their safety (TJ Ward) back for this game.  I would hope the game plan would include some bootlegs to get him rolling out where it reduces his field read and gives him some scrambling options (but get DOWN and avoid hits).  

Coaching-  Picturing Marvin do his golf clap and saying "let's go" makes me literally sick to my stomach.  The leadership and attitude will not come from the coach, but from the team.  He simply can't be the wet blanket to put out the fire of the team.  He should tell his leaders that he wants to see passion and enthusiasm right from the first snap.  Screw this "composure" crap.  That doesn't mean to have a bunch of personal fouls, but get out there ready to lay the wood to someone.  Show your teammates that you are ready to take control of your destiny.   Team captains should be:  McCarron, Hill, Adam Jones, Burfict, and Peerman.   I think Marvin will play the game of "don't turn the ball over" and hope that Osweiler makes the first mistake.  I hope Hue actually spreads out Denver and lets McCarron attack them with short, quick passes to protect him from their pass rush.  

Running game-  I don't hold out a lot of hope for the sudden arrival of a power running game against the #1 defense in the NFL.  I simply can't imagine that Hue has been "saving" something for this cold weather playoff run as it relates to the running game.  It would be amazing if they came out and pounded the Broncos with Hill and the offensive line, but it is kind of like hoping the weather in December is tropical in Ohio...it has never been before.  (although it was about 60 degrees yesterday!)

This game is huge.  It is huge for both teams.  This could be one of the defining moments of this team in the Dalton/Green era.  C'mon, guys.  All your work this season comes down to this.  Win and you get to rest against the Ratbirds and also have a bye.  Let's go!