As Bad as Manziel was........

[alf8478]

Regardless of what happens vs. Denver, the Pitt game is going to be nearly impossible to win, in my opinion. It's going to be a short week, with a holiday in the middle, going on the road to a place where they have had little success against a team that would love nothing more than to end our season (if they can).

 

[kramer1]

The Bengals can get into the playoffs easily without winning another game.

 

[flamingrey]

Hill's grade has been upgraded to a -0.8 overall and a +0.6 in rushing.

Based on the other ratings, it looks as if PFF is saying the run game was more a product of the o-line, than anything Hill did. And this isn't surprising given how bad Cleveland's run defense has been all season. That said, I don't think a +0.6 is bad considering Hill put the ball on the ground twice. His grade probably would have been much higher without those.

In run block:

Whitworth: +2.0
Bodine:+1.3
Zeitler: +5.5
Boling: +1.5

 

[vancelot23]

Hill was penalized for the 2 fumbles. PFF heavily penalizes fumbles, regardless of recovery. In their eyes, he fumbled and what happened after doesn't matter.

 

[bengaldoug]

Regardless of what happens vs. Denver, the Pitt game is going to be nearly impossible to win, in my opinion. It's going to be a short week, with a holiday in the middle, going on the road to a place where they have had little success against a team that would love nothing more than to end our season (if they can).

Strangely, the Bengals have more wins at Pittsburgh than at home against them in the Marvin era........they absolutely own us at PBS.......but I agree the short week during Christmas week has to be a huge factor against us......

 

[cincygrad]

The Bengals can get into the playoffs easily without winning another game.

One of the easiest ways is to have SD and KC lose this weekend..... The problem is that SD's game at SF gets easier every day. I'm not sure how that team will show up when its coach is now actively negotiating his way out of town.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Any idea what the weather is supposed to be like? Anything around the 20degree mark would seem to improve the chances against Manning since he seems to struggle in colder weather (whether true or not, I really don't know, but I always see this remark).

The Bengals 2ndary is pretty decent, and if everyone is healthy, I give them a shot. The Denver defense is hurting right now, and if Hill can continue to move the chains, keep Manning off the field, and keep the ball out of Dalton's hands...they have a shot.

 

[bengaldoug]

Any idea what the weather is supposed to be like? Anything around the 20degree mark would seem to improve the chances against Manning since he seems to struggle in colder weather (whether true or not, I really don't know, but I always see this remark).

The Bengals 2ndary is pretty decent, and if everyone is healthy, I give them a shot. The Denver defense is hurting right now, and if Hill can continue to move the chains, keep Manning off the field, and keep the ball out of Dalton's hands...they have a shot.

Denver's defense is second in rushing yards (71.6 ypg) and rushing average (3.4). We're going to have to try though, because the idea of Dalton putting up 40 passes on national tv is scary, to say the least. Our defense is going to have to play a great game, and get 2 or 3 turnovers for us to have a real chance. What we really need to do is score first. Opponents only average about 21 rushing plays per game against the Broncs, probably mostly because they are behind and give up on the run. If we can get the ball first and go right down and score a touchdown maybe we can stay in the game. As far as the weather goes, I think by Monday it's supposed to be toward 40 degrees, so we can't count on that to help us.

 

[alf8478]

Is the Denver run defense that good, or is it a product of them being up by multiple scores and making the other team have to pass more?

 

[bengaldoug]

Is the Denver run defense that good, or is it a product of them being up by multiple scores and making the other team have to pass more?

There's only been three games they gave up over 100 yards rushing and two of them were losses. St Louis had 131 yards at 4.0 per, and Seattle had 129 yards at 3.5 per. New England really didn't try to run it on them but had a huge day through the air. Since it's doubtful Dalton could replicate what Brady did, our best bet is stick to the run as much as possible. I really don't see us in the game with less than 30 rushing attempts.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I think it's a bit of both. Their DL is pretty good, but their LB's have taken a huge hit due to injury...if the Bengals can get to the second level blocking...Hill can have another monster day.

As for Manning, I actually think the matchup is decent. Most of his throws come short and guys are catching and running with the ball. With Newman and Hall best suited for press, short burst, coverage and solid tackling...it could be an interesting matchup. Manning simply doesn't throw the deep ball much anymore. Yes, he'll take his chances, but he's been mostly on short passes that get the WR in space to run after the catch.

 

[cincygrad]

There's only been three games they gave up over 100 yards rushing and two of them were losses. St Louis had 131 yards at 4.0 per, and Seattle had 129 yards at 3.5 per. New England really didn't try to run it on them but had a huge day through the air. Since it's doubtful Dalton could replicate what Brady did, our best bet is stick to the run as much as possible. I really don't see us in the game with less than 30 rushing attempts.

 

[cincygrad]

 

[bengaldoug]

That was selective bolding of my post, LOL..............Don't have one of Peyton laughing?

 

[cincygrad]

That was selective bolding of my post, LOL..............Don't have one of Peyton laughing?

 

[bengaldoug]

Ah, that'll do.......................

 

[Gypsumstack]

Win or lose against Denver, I expect the Steelers game to be flexed to Sunday night since the AFC North is the only AFC division that will be up for grabs. So we can get Primetime Dalton two weeks in a row.

 

[bengaldoug]

Win or lose against Denver, I expect the Steelers game to be flexed to Sunday night since the AFC North is the only AFC division that will be up for grabs. So we can get Primetime Dalton two weeks in a row.

Pardon my French, but that idea sucks donkey dicks.

 

[alf8478]

Actually, the NFC North would be up for grabs in Detroit v Green Bay, with the winner getting the #2 seed. I think that would be more popular than watching Andy implode again

 

[Gypsumstack]

For me, yes...for America? Remember, it's the Steelers. The Cowboys of the AFC.