Browns win a playoff game before the Bengals do

[BFritz21]

(01-11-2021, 05:21 AM)Bengalstripes9 Wrote: Yeah. They won because of their running game and defense. Who would have thought the better offensive line/ running game/ defense would win a game in the AFC north? Lesson to be learned here?

Pitt is definitely decimated with injuries on defense, and needs to fix their run game/oline in the offseason. Their defense will be better with players getting healthy. Will be a competitive division next year. Agree that the Ravens are the best team representing our division right now. Either the Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens rep the AFC this year (likely the Chiefs).

In order to be competitive next year, we’ll need to find a way to generate more pressure on defense, improve our offensive line and running game, and just improve our defense overall. We’re likely still a year away from being competitive at least. But Burrow might make up for our deficiencies and keep us competitive (if he’s fully healthy and gets adequate protection to stay healthy).

I think Geno could play a big role in that if we bring him back next year and he's healthy.  People point to this year and say he's done but he was also injured.  I think he could do a lot of damage next year with a year of not much use and a full offseason getting healthy, especially if we do end up giving more 3-4 hybrid looks or even go to that full-time.  I think that would make it very difficult to account for him every play.

(01-11-2021, 09:52 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I was kind of afraid this would be the sentiment.  The Browns are my second (and it is a distant second) favorite team.  I watched that game in utter disbelief as a team that lost a couple more of their offensive linemen kept Mayfield VERY clean and just picked pitt apart.  

I loved watching Piggy throw 4 INTs, and I am still a little bitter than one DB didn't catch #5 that Piggy threw right at him.

Props to the Browns.  They had a really good season and last night, they kept their foot on the gas and pounded the steelers. 

Piggy should probably be sent to slaughter and turned in to bacon, but I sure hope he comes back next year.  Fourth best QB in the AFC North has a nice ring to it.

Honestly, it sucks when you stop to think about it, but I was so happy watching the game that the thought only crossed my mind once, if that.

It felt like the end of an era in Pittsburgh and that we have the chance to start competing for the division, but, unfortunately, my mind literally started thinking about all of the things this team lacks, with the main one being an indoor practice facility and training/rehab facility.

The Browns and the Ravens will only continue to improve, so we need to start strengthening our roster because Joe can lead us where we need to go.

(01-11-2021, 09:54 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: And it WAS the steelers, and Piggy, that got throttled on National TV to possibly end Pig Ben's career.  That was a very nice end to the weekend.

It was pretty incredible to watch!  Ben crying was one of the sweetest moments I've ever seen!

He looked so defeated and the crying was because, in my opinion, it's over for him.  I think he decided before the playoffs, or maybe even before the season, that this was his last dance.

(01-11-2021, 09:58 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I know this is dripping with sarcasm at the beginning, but you are dead on there.  And as far as injuries go, the front line of the steelers, their strength, was 100% healthy.  

To be competitive next year, the Bengals need to protect Burrow, give him weapons, and fortify the defensive line.  I really think they can accomplish all three of those things with one draft and one FA.  Will it happen?  I actually believe it will.  I can imagine Burrow watching this at home is going crazy.  He will want to be there next year.  

I believe it can happen and we can compete next year, but, living in Greater Cincinnati all my life, I'm never fully confident that it will happen.

As for the Steelers, they just looked unorganized and defeated, mentally and physically, and, with Ben crying, I'm not sure that his team will have complete faith to follow him into next season with the confidence that he can take them where they need to go (if he even comes back).

I think the team lacks leadership and I don't think Ben can be that guy at this point in his career and I don't think Tomlin can, either.