Last season the Bengals didn't start the season off on a good note. In a very sloppy performance against the Denver Broncos the Bengals managed to get the lead late in the game to make it 7-6 in the waining last seconds of the game. It was going to take miracle in order for Denver to win, but thats just what happened. One tipped ball and some miss positioned defenders was all it took for the Broncos to pull off the amazing last second win.
Bengals fans sat and watched this play many of times played over and over as it was replayed on ESPN and on local news stations. It made me sick every time I seen it and I sat there and thought here we go again. Its going to be another season of us shooting ourselves in the foot.
The Bengals proved me wrong though finishing the season off 10-6 and winning every division game they played. They made the playoffs for the second time in the decade, and gave Cincinnati something to be proud about.
This season the Bengals expect the Bengals to be amazing and do big things, but this is the NFL its not that easy. Unfortunately the Bengals have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL and they have to face new challenges every week.
In the first game of the season the Bengals give up 24 unanswered points to the New England Patriots. Yes, this was a disappointment for the organization to start the season. I knew by the end of the second quarter when even Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens left the field they would lose.
At half time it was no longer about winning now its just regroup and try and get some rhythm going that may carry into the next game, and the Bengals did just that.
Carson Palmer made some questionable throws early on in the game but he settled down and statistically had a good game. He distributed the ball fairly evenly and and had a big passing game throwing 50 passes which is highly unusual for this Cincinnati team.
Chad Ochocinco had 12 catches, out of the 13 times he was targeted, and had 159 receiving yards for a touchdown.
Terrelle Owens and Jordan Shipley both combined had the same amount of catches for 135 yards. Owens had more catches, but the Hail Marry catch Shipley had gave him more yards.
I think this was more of the Patriots coming out and beating the Bengals not so much of Cincy being a bad team. There were some very bright spots I've seen and fans should stick by there team because its close.
The biggest disappointment in this game was special teams. They need to find a new kick off coverage scheme. They tried the Colts style of kicking the ball off and it looked sloppy. The first time I seen them kick off after the field goal in the second quarter I cringed because the players didn't keep their designated lanes.
I thought they would make an adjustment at half time, but they kicked off the second half the same way and I knew before the player had the ball it was going to be six for the Pats.
Another thing that bothered me is the offensive line. It's not that they didn't block good enough it was they were not deceptive with the play calling. They get into a three point stance with their hands on the ground when they run the ball, and they stay standing in a two point stance during a passing play.
This coming week they have the Ravens that have a short week off of what looks to be a physical game against the Jets. They need to come together and rebound off this loss.
I liked what I seen out of Palmer near the end of the game and with his skills at pulling the team together in key moments I have no doubt the Bengals will play the Ravens better than they did the Patriots.
Written by:
