Our offensive production

[CrashDavisSports]

When was the last time the Bengals scored 40+ points 3 times in a season?

I know the Browns game was more the defense there, but in general, this team has scored 40+ points 3 times this year!! Seriously, when was the last time we did that?

When was the last time we were 6-0 at home?

When was the last time we beat teams like GB, NE, IND, DET (road), SD (road), who are potential playoff teams, all of them, especially with a healthy Rodgers?

I can't remember the last time we had this much balance in our offense and defense. We have lost a lot of quality players, especially on defense, and we have the depth to actually not be devistated by that, including the best defensive tackle in the NFL, our #1 CB, and several more key players.

If we can stay healthy the rest of the way as a lot of teams are starting to lose players left and right, we may have the depth to actually help us push for a deep playoff run.

NE has to play Balt and Miami on the road, two teams tied for that 6th wildcard slot, without Gronk. I like our chances of getting that #2 playoff slot. With the way we have played at home this year, if we can get a free pass in round 1, and then get a home game in round 2, we have a great chance of facing Denver in the AFC Championship game.

 

[bengaldoug]

Who'da thunk it? It's time to homer it up, Crash...........seriously, I believe we are the second best team in the AFC.....better than Kansas City, better than Indy, even better than New England. Now Denver, that's different. They are an offensive juggernaut. But if we have to go there eventually, we'll have a puncher's chance.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Who'da thunk it? It's time to homer it up, Crash...........seriously, I believe we are the second best team in the AFC.....better than Kansas City, better than Indy, even better than New England. Now Denver, that's different. They are an offensive juggernaut. But if we have to go there eventually, we'll have a puncher's chance.

Well, I think we are the second best team also. KC can still be dangerous, Denver is the class of the AFC right now.

However, if we can capture that #2 seed, get a first round bye, spend two week preparing for a home game, where we are undefeated this year, and get a little healthy during that bye week...we have a damn good shot of making the AFC Championship game, which is a drastic improvement over one and done in the wildcard round as a 6th seed.

Plus, we have played pretty well on the road, no blowouts yet against us. We have a decent offense. We have a pressure type of defense that Manning struggles with a little because of his mobility, although, he gets rid of it so damn quickly, doesn't make a difference most the time. Plus, that first playoff victory, if we can get it, would mean a world of confidence for Dalton, and put some of his media critics to rest for a little bit.

A confident Dalton is a good Dalton. However, I noticed that Dalton is a good QB when the weather is in his favor. If there is a stiff wind, or a bunch of elements (snow coming down hard, or rain coming down), he falls to pieces. So we need to hope for some good playing conditions. I don't think cold makes a difference to him, but that wind with his weaker arm, and his smaller hands and his grip (rain) do make a difference. Pray we get the #2 seed, and then pray for decent conditions for our games. If we get that, I think we may even have a slight chance of upsetting Denver in Denver.

 

[JBUCK66]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHSAOMcg8uk/TcvnqnXffOI/AAAAAAAAADc/D0_J3UQpoIc/s1600/bk_tinyhands.jpg

 

[cincygrad]

Doug -- The last time you started homering it up, we proceeded to lose two straight.

Can you please remain a pessimist?

 

[CrashDavisSports]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHSAOMcg8uk/TcvnqnXffOI/AAAAAAAAADc/D0_J3UQpoIc/s1600/bk_tinyhands.jpg

Well, not that little. Still enough to pleasure his wife I am sure, but not enough for her to go..."Oh God, wow, holy crap, only half please."

 

[bengaldoug]

Doug -- The last time you started homering it up, we proceeded to lose two straight.

Can you please remain a pessimist?

I just can't help myself.....LOL

 

[NCBengal]

Let's just hope their focus is on winning these next 3 games b/c God knows we will not get any help from any other team in this league. Sunday proved that.

 

[DanBengalfan]

who dey then.

I do remember the Colts getting trounced by the Rams though, they are in serious shit. it's not like we beat them at full strength, but we're not a full strength either.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I think Baltimore will lose this week at Detroit. That will help some. They still have to play NE as well.

The pitt game is the only game that really concerns me from here out. Minny's defense is terrible, and there is a chance Peterson won't be back (he's out this coming week) by that game, too.

Baltimore, at home, I have zero concerns about. We played them pretty even in Baltimore with a horrid game from Dalton, and still could have pulled that game out.

 

[bengaldoug]

The Steelers game will be close, but I expect them to win. All season as we've gone along this team has shown consistent character in crucial situations. Even in their worst games they have come back and almost pulled out wins in back to back games at Miami and Baltimore. They are just a couple of plays away from 11-2. They play with confidence which gives me confidence in them. I really think they'll win out. I know they have a lot of negative history to overcome, but I think they finally have the team to do it, and they have shown ability to overcome poor quarterback play. My sincere hope is they clinch the 2 seed week 17 while dethroning the defending champs.

 

[Cincyfan78]

The Steelers game will be close, but I expect them to win. All season as we've gone along this team has shown consistent character in crucial situations. Even in their worst games they have come back and almost pulled out wins in back to back games at Miami and Baltimore. They are just a couple of plays away from 11-2. They play with confidence which gives me confidence in them. I really think they'll win out. I know they have a lot of negative history to overcome, but I think they finally have the team to do it, and they have shown ability to overcome poor quarterback play. My sincere hope is they clinch the 2 seed week 17 while dethroning the defending champs.

All while knocking them out of the playoffs

 

[bengaldoug]

All while knocking them out of the playoffs

Exactly!!!!

 

[CrashDavisSports]

All while knocking them out of the playoffs

I want to lock up that #2 slot before then. I want the Patriots to lose the next two games to MIA and BALT, but I want to see BALT lose to DET and CIN. This allowing the Dolphins to win that 6th seed, dropping NE to the #3 seed, kicking the Ravens from playoffs, and wrapping up our best regular season in 25 years.

Dolphins vs. Patriots
Chiefs vs. Colts

See the Dolphins upset NE in Foxboro, and see the Colts take down the Chiefs to end their charade.

We would then play the Colts at home in the Divisional playoff game after having a week off.