Recently, I have traded emails with a fellow blogger. The House of Georges covers the Chiefs and the Broncos.
Most of us that read Bengal Stripes are Bengal fans, so we can only assume what Chief followers think. However, I was able to ask Bankmeister of House of Georges a few questions.
Bengal Stripes: As a Chiefs follower - Do you think Larry Johnson has lost a step after signing his big contract? Bengal fans are starting to question Rudi Johnson, what about your RB Johnson? Also, Damon Huard has struggled, do you want to see the rookie (meant second-year Brodie Croyle) start? Were Chief fans upset about the whole Trent Green thing (asking to be traded) this offseason? Who are the surprise players that Bengal fans don’t know about? What is your prediction for the game and why?
House of Georges: I don’t think LJ has lost a step. Rather our blocking schemes/offensive line is not the same as it was and I can’t explain why. I do know that the right side of our offensive line is absolutely atrocious right now and LJ’s attitude isn’t helping much. Basically, the entire offensive unit is a disaster right now and Johnson is just a cog in that non-functioning machine. What needs to happen is a simple balance to the pass/run attempt ratio.
To say that Damon Huard has struggled is inaccurate. I believe he has six interceptions on the season; five of those were either tipped balls or catches that guys got drilled on and coughed up the ball. The most recent knock on him is that he looks to his second and third receiving options too soon (a.k.a. panicking), and that may be the case, but it’s a bit odd to me that anyone would claim that they see his reads better than he does.
Regarding the situation in the off-season, a solid half of the fan base (I estimate) didn’t want Green to become the starter again once he’d been cleared to play. I was one of those. Chiefs fans loved Trent Green, but after your boy Geathers scrambled his noodle (and didn’t get flagged for it), his game was not the same. Now, after last week’s Grade Three concussion, I think he’s done for good. He certainly should be.
I’m anxious to see Brodie Croyle (above - right) start for this football team, but not before he’s ready. I’m glad Huard is still the guy.
Usually my last post of the week is the Bengal Stripes’ Preview, but this week I was contacted by multiple Chief blogs, so there could be more after this.
Quarterback: The Bengals clearly have the advantage at the quarterback position. Carson Palmer is on pace to throw for 4,684 yards with 40 touchdowns. Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard has struggled this season. Earlier in the week, the rumor was that second-year Brodie Croyle was going to get the start. Fortunately for the Chiefs, the Bengals defense, especially at linebacker and in the defensive backfield, is depleted – ADVANTAGE BENGALS
Running Back: The national media is ripping on Larry Johnson (left). Last week, he rushed for 12 yards on nine carries. Now, ESPN’s so-called experts say Johnson should be benched. However, how does everyone forget that Johnson ran for 123 yards on 25 carries and caught three passes for 25 yards against San Diego the previous week. Rudi Johnson hadn’t participated all week, but suited up on Friday. I expect Kenny Watson to get most of the playing time with Rudi coming off the bench. The Bengals’ running game has been nonexistent this year. Larry Johnson’s backups are Michael Bennett and Kolby Smith. - ADVANTAGE CHIEFS
Wide Receivers: T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson are putting up some huge numbers this year. Housh is on pace to catch 156 passes, which would be an NFL record, and 20 touchdowns - CJ is on pace to catch 112 passes for 1,980 yards. While they make up a great duo, the Bengals still need a third receiver to step up. It won’t be Tab Perry, who is out with a hip injury. However, it could be Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt or Skyler Green. The Chiefs have a great rookie in Dwayne Bowe. Tight end Tony Gonzalez has always been great. Eddie Kennison looks to be out with a hamstring injury. Samie Parker is a solid option, hopefully the Bengals secondary doesn’t make him look a great one. – ADVANTAGE BENGALS
Offensive Line: Willie Anderson’s starting streak ends at 116 games. Levi Jones will start on one side and Stacy Andrews will start on the other side. Both tackles will have their hands full with defensive ends Jared Allen and Tamba Hali. With Andrews at tackle, it should help the running game, but he could have trouble stopping pass rushers (remember the Colts game last year). Eric Ghiaciuc is expected back at center. Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams make up a strong interior. The Chiefs offensive line is solid. Guard Brian Waters is the best. Center Casey Wiegmann is a tough player. The weakness for the Chiefs is at tackle, Damion McIntosh has experience, but is better suited as a backup. And Chris Terry looked to be a promising prospect at one time has been sidetracked by off-field problems. Despite the injuries, I like the Bengals’ o-line. – ADVANTAGE BENGALS
Defensive Line: Chiefs defensive ends Jared Allen (right) and Tamba Hali are scary. I expect at least one of them to get a sack, if not two. I don’t know much about defensive tackles Ron Edwards and Alfonso Boone, but according to sources they are average at best. The Bengals could have an even match-up at this spot, but DEs Robert Geathers and Justin Smith have been disappointing since the first game. DTs John Thornton and Domata Peko are solid. The Bengals’ d-line could have a big game against the weaker Chiefs’ o-line, but for now I can’t give them any credit until they actually do something. – ADVANTAGE CHIEFS
Linebackers: I couldn’t imagine any situation where the Bengals would have the advantage over any NFL team at the linebacker spot. Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller didn’t practice on Friday and are doubtful for this game. I would say they are out. That leaves the Bengals with only four linebackers. Cincinnati will start Dhani Jones (entering his third game with the team), Landon Johnson (who might have vision problems) on outside with Anthony Schlegel (who is injured with turf toe and signed with the Bengals on cut-down day) starting inside. That would leave the newly acquired Corey Mays as the only backup. Do I need to even talk about the Chiefs’ LBs. Starting for the Chiefs will be Derrick Johnson, Napoleon Harris and Donnie Edwards. All three are in the top-three on the team in tackles this season and have combined for six sacks. – ADVANTAGE CHIEFS
Secondary: Safety Dexter Jackson has missed a lot practice this week due to an illness, but is listed as probable. That’s big because the Bengals are expected to use their other starting safety has their third cornerback. Cincinnati’s No. 1 CB Johnthan Joseph will be serving a one-game suspension this week. Scary, not in a good way, rookie CB Leon Hall will start on one side with Deltha O’Neal on the other. That could mean more playing time for rookie Chinedum Ndukwe and Herana-Daze Jones at safety. The Chiefs have a pair of aging cornerbacks in Ty Law and Patrick Surtain. Both are still good, but each has lost a step. Young safety Jarrad Page is fourth on the team in tackles and is a good open-field tackler. Bernard Pollard is another young safety that continues to improve. – ADVANTAGE CHIEFS
Special Teams: This is probably a toss up. The Bengals have been terrible this year on kick/punt return coverage, but they recently have added Blue Adams and John Busing off the practice squad to help. I still think Glenn Holt is a good kickoff returner. And I have a feeling this will be the week that Skyler Green gets his big return. However, punter Dustin Colquitt is one best in the NFL. I hate to say this, but Shayne Graham is a better kicker Dave Rayner. Returner Eddie Drummond is extremely dangerous and has six career touchdowns off returns - EVEN
OVERALL BREAKDOWN:
The Bengals defense is worse than ever, but I just have a feeling that they will play well enough to win this game.
Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh should be able to run by the Chiefs ancient cornerbacks. However, I see at least one INT from the savvy veterans.
I expect Huard to have a bad game - at least two picks and sacked around three times. Hopefully this will give the Bengal defense some confidence.
I also expect Bowe to make a big play, but only one.
Stopping PR/KR Eddie Drummond could be the key factor.
Tony Gonzalez will cause headaches -
-but-
FINAL SCORE: BENGALS 28, CHIEFS 13 I know the Bengals would be 5-0 if all my predictions were correct. However, I can just feel this one. This isn’t baseball, but this team is due. The Bengals need to win this game if they have any hope to make a late-season playoff run.
Also, check out Arrowhead Addict and House of Georges two sites that connected Bengal Stripes and cover the Chiefs - we might hear more from them before and after the game.
Last season, Bengal fans watched the police report closely. This season, fans are watching the injury report.
Cincinnati’s local media have echoed the idea that the bye week couldn’t come at a better time due to the many injuries on the Bengals’ roster. However, those injuries didn’t heal. Now, you can add offensive tackle Willie Anderson (left) to that group.
Anderson, who barely played in the Bengals’ last game, won’t start or play in Kansas City game. That will end his straight start streak at 116.
Linebacker Rashad Jeanty, safety Ethan Kilmer and wide receiver Tab Perry will not play either. Fans and media thought all three would’ve been recovered from their injuries by now. Jeanty’s injury hurts the most, as the Bengals remain thin at linebacker. One positive will be the return of Landon Johnson. However, Ahmad Brooks and Caleb Miller didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday. If Brooks and Miller can’t go, the Bengals will probably start Dhani Jones and Johnson on outside with Anthony Schlegel starting inside. That would leave the newly acquired Corey Mays as the only backup.
Mays should see the field on special teams against Kansas City. The most surprising thing to see from Mays would be his number, 51 jersey. Recent Bengals to wear the number include Takeo Spikes, then it was Kevin Hardy, to Odell Thurman, now it is Mays. The No. 51 jersey has been the most altered since Spikes left the team. Fans would change the name on the back repeatedly, it has yet to seen if Bengal fans will change their Thurman-into-Mays.
Besides Johnson, it appears Eric Ghiaciuc should finally return to his starting center spot. Even though some sources say that this could be a big upgrade to the running game, I’m not quite sure if Ghiaciuc is any better than Alex Stepanovich, who has been filling in Ghiaciuc’s absence.
Defensive end Jonathan Fanene and running back Rudi Johnson also didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday.
Stepanovich, DE Frostee Rucker and safety Dexter Jackson took in a limited practice session on Wednesday.
The Bengals’ website doesn’t include Kansas City’s injury report. However, it was announced that quarterback Damon Huard will start for the Chiefs. Rookie Brodie Croyle was rumored to get the start earlier in the week, but Huard’s shoulder injury proved to be less serious than originally thought.
Wide receiver Eddie Kennison and safety Greg Wesley didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday.
Johnathan Joseph (below - right) has been suspended for the Kansas City Chiefs game.
The NFL ruling stems from Joseph’s arrest in Kentucky back in January for marijuana possession. The case had been dismissed back in the spring after Joseph went into a diversionary program and complied with what the Bengals say is all league and law-enforcement obligations, according to Bengals.com.
In response, the Bengals have added safety John Busing to the roster. Up until now, Busing was on the practice squad. Busing is expected to help out the Bengals special teams, but he probably won’t be able to fill in the giant hole at cornerback.
Rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will go up against Deltha O’Neal and rookie Leon Hall. Hall has played a lot this season, but will get his first start this season. The rookie cornerback has struggled this season by giving up the big play. Bowe has been making big plays this season, he has 22 catches for 369 yards (16.8 yards per catch) and has three touchdowns. Also, you can’t use a linebacker on tight end Tony Gonzalez, who has 39 catches for 338 yards.
However, Hall getting the start isn’t the scariest part about John Joe’s suspension. The suspension leaves a huge question mark on who will be the Bengals’ third cornerback. It could be rookie David Jones, who was picked up from New Orleans at the start of the season. I can’t recall anytime that I have seen Jones on the field this season. Also, recently the Bengals signed Blue Adams, but he seems like a special teams’ specialist.
The most logical choice to fill in that spot would be safety Madieu Williams. Throwing Williams at corner could weaken the team, as he currently leads the team in tackles with 30, including 25 solo tackles. That means Chinedum Ndukwe and Herana-Daze Jones (left) should get some extra playing time this Sunday.
According to the Associated Press, Joseph will forfeit his salary for both this game and the Jets game on Oct. 21, the club said. He was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. However, it seems that Joseph should be able play in the Jets game.
The Bengals are playing the Chefs once again in Kansas City.
Last year, Cincinnati kicked off the season with a 23-10 victory over Kansas City. In that game, defensive end Robert Geathers spiked Trent Green out of commission.
Now, Green is on the Miami Dolphins, where he has suffered two concussions in consecutive weeks.
It makes you wonder if Geathers’ hit ended Green’s career. It is obvious that he hasn’t been the same since.
Before the hit, Green was coming off his third straight 4,000-yard season.
Even though the NFL and the media was quick to dismiss any blame on Geathers, I still think that it was a dirty hit. I don’t think Geathers was intending to injury Green, but I really doubt he was blocked into him. Personally, I think Geathers was a little to eager to make a play. At the time, the Bengals were being regarded as bad boys of the NFL, so I was very surprised to see the media side with Geathers.
Green’s latest concussion, which was a grade three (highest kind), has people believing that he won’t ever play the game again.
Then there is the that one game that seems be the best recent memory for any Bengal fan. Actually, we all need to stop talking about or I do, because it only reminds us how much we have underachieved since. So I guarantee that after today I will never mention the Chiefs @ Bengals game in 2003 ever again.
But now, for historic purposes, let’s review:
Speaking of guarantees, we all remember Chad Johnson guaranteeing a win over the undefeated Chiefs. It was a bold statement and ESPN ate it up. It would be the first of many tricks that Johnson would hand out to the media over the next few years.
After a slow first half, the score was locked at 3-3. The Chiefs took a 6-3 lead in the third quarter before the Bengals would take the lead for the rest of the game on a Jeremi Johnson touchdown pass from Jon Kitna. After the play was reviewed, the play stood, making the score 10-6 Bengals.
Then early in the fourth quarter, wide receiver Peter Warrick returned a punt 68 yards for the touchdown, making the score 17-6.
The Chiefs wouldn’t give up and drove 92 yards down the field and scored on a Trent Green 12-yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez. After a failed two-point try, the Bengals led 24-12.
Cincinnati answered right away when Kitna tossed it deep, despite his baby hands, to Warrick (right) on a 77-yard touchdown bomb.
The Chiefs drove down again and scored, but running back Rudi Johnson and the Bengals were able to run out the rest of the clock for a 24-19 victory.
The game was amazing. Rudi was a new sensation. Warrick had the (NFL) game of his life. Kitna played smart and the defense was stingy.
Rudi finished with 165 yards on 22 carries.
Warrick totaled 212 yards and had two huge touchdowns.
I promise I won’t mention the ‘03 game ever again. However, the Bengals/Chiefs seem to have a lot of history together even though they barely play each other.
What will happen this time?
Hint: The Chiefs might have to start a rookie quarterback, but I will save my preview stuff as this is a historic piece.
Cincinnati is now 1-3 and a long shot to make the playoffs.
The Bengals need something to turn this season around and I’m calling out the mascot, “Who Dey” (right).
I have noticed a common theme in football this season. If you need some motivation, don’t turn to your coach, big mouth receiver or California quarterback. They can only do so much. Turn to your mascot.
However, what has “Who Dey” done for us lately? I remember the days in the not so distant future when Cincinnati didn’t have a mascot at games. “Who Dey” better step it up soon or those mascot-free days of the 90s (used baby Bengal Tigers from the Cincinnati Zoo) will be back.
According to the team’s website, “Who Dey” is listed at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds. It also says that “Who Dey” attended Bengal University.
What?
They don’t teach you how to fight at Bengal University? Is it an online college or something?
This might seem like a ridiculous post, but I have examples to back up my point.
Take the Oregon Ducks this season. The Ducks were picked by many to finish in the bottom half of the PAC-10. Oregon looked as if it was going to fulfill that prediction in the first week of the season, when Oregon found itself tied 20-20 in the third quarter to the Houston Cougars.
- BUT THEN -
All of sudden, Oregon started to dominate its competition. The Ducks finished off the Cougars 48-27, then beat Michigan 39-7, Fresno State 52-21 and Stanford 55-21 before losing a heartbreaker to No. 6 California. Oregon was ranked No. 11, prior to the loss and now are ranked No. 13 in USA Today Poll. That’s out of 118 teams, compare that to the Bengals’ ranking out of 32 teams (23rd according to ESPN.com).
Granted the Oregon mascot, “Donald Duck”, beat up on Houston’s mascot, “Shasta”, who happens to be a female cougar, but it is that ruthless behavior that we need for a turnaround in Cincinnati.
- Next example -
Did you see the fear in the eyes of the fan trying to dodge the “KC Wolf”?
The Kansas City Chiefs started the season 0-2. The fan ran onto the field in Chiefs’ home opener against Minnesota. If you were wondering, the Chiefs won 13-10. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
The next week, the Chiefs traveled to San Diego to face the Chargers in a game where they were favored to lose by 12 and 1/2 points. Kansas City won that game and did so by 14 (30-16).
- Last Example -
This didn’t happen this year, like the others did, but it is still a classic.
So where you “Who Dey”?
I’m tried of blaming the defense, the coaches and the players.
It is time to blame you, “Who Dey”!
Even the Colts are mocking us with their inappropriate mascots.
Linebacker Lemar Marshall, who seemed to be banged up since the first day the Bengals signed him, suffered a season-ending injury in Monday night’s New England game.
Marshall was put on injured reserve after getting a torn left Achilles tendon.
In response, the Bengals signed linebacker Corey Mays (left - #46).
Mays played in eight games as a rookie for the New England Patriots in 2006. He recorded nine special team tackles.
The year before, Mays was the starting middle linebacker for Notre Dame. In 2005, he finished second on the team in tackles (68) and had four quarterback sacks. Prior to that season, Mays saw most of his action on special teams.
Bengal fans have to be surprised that they didn’t go after Ed Hartwell. According to the team’s website, Hartwell hasn’t heard from the club.
It has to make you wonder what Hartwell did this preseason.
Mays could be a solid addition to the special teams, but at this point Cincinnati needs linebackers that can play on defense.
The site also mentions that it is to be believed that the team has interest in re-signing Earl Everett. Everett was a college free agent that was signed from Florida after the 2007 NFL Draft.
The site didn’t mention Ohio University’s Matt Muncy. Muncy was by far the better linebacker (better than Everett or Hartwell) this preseason. Muncy made play after play on special teams and played good defense when he was in the game.
Hopefully, Corey Mays will blow Bengal fans away with his play-making ability, but I will venture a guess and say that the only way to notice him would be through a pair binoculars on special teams.
- And the stench was broadcasted nationwide on Monday night -
Can you smell that?
To me, it smells like a 30-day-old hot dog that has been laying out in the sun.
In a Bengal loss hangover, do I pick it up?
Nah, maybe I’ll join the masses on ebay or stub hub and dish out the rest of my season tickets.
I don’t think I could that either.
One thing is for certain, the Bengals stink.
After the game Marvin Lewis yelled at his team and called them selfish.
According to the Associated Press, Lewis told his team, “If you don’t want to be on this team, please don’t show up! You don’t call the offense, you don’t call the plays. You just play. Nowhere in the NFL do guys act like this. We’ve got to figure this out.”
The Bengals seem to be falling apart, as their record dips to 1-3 with a 34-13 loss to the New England Patriots.
Granted, New England has defeated all of its opponents like this; New York Jets (38-14), San Diego (38-14) and Buffalo (38-7).
However, the Patriots seemed to be taking it easy on the lil’ Bengies. To me, New England could have scored at will.
Simple play after simple play - the Bengals’ banged-up defense was helpless.
The play that upset me the most happened when New England led 27-10 at the end of third quarter. As one defender runs off the field during the commercial break, two Bengals replace him. The Bengals’ defense goes on to stuff Kevin Faulk for a one-yard gain, setting up a fourth-and-one on Cincinnati’s 26. I know New England settled for a field goal on the next set of downs, but how can you have a penalty for 12-men on the field after a quarter change?
Randy Moss is good, but is Sammy Morris (below)?
Down 10-0, Cincinnati got an interception from cornerback Leon Hall in New England territory. Then quarterback Carson Palmer connected with Chad Johnson for a 21-yard gain and then to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a touchdown.
The Bengals held the momentum until the Patriots’ next drive. Morris rushed for 40 yards on the drive, which was capped off by a Randy Moss touchdown catch. Johnathan Joseph had great coverage, but Moss made a great play.
Prior to this season, Morris had only 1,469 career rushing yards in his seven NFL seasons. Last night, he rushed for 117 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown. It was only the second 100-yard game of his career (that’s two in 98 games).
The Bengals are now 6-11 in their last 17 games.
Prior to this season, Bengal fans thought a imminent playoff run had to happen. They also thought that another 8-8 season would cost head coach Marvin Lewis’ job.
The schedule gets easier after the bye and the team will get some key players back from injuries.
Recently, I have traded emails with a fellow blogger. The House of Georges covers the Chiefs and the Broncos.
To say that Damon Huard has struggled is inaccurate. I believe he has six interceptions on the season; five of those were either tipped balls or catches that guys got drilled on and coughed up the ball. The most recent knock on him is that he looks to his second and third receiving options too soon (a.k.a. panicking), and that may be the case, but it’s a bit odd to me that anyone would claim that they see his reads better than he does.
Bengals defense, especially at linebacker and in the defensive backfield, is depleted – ADVANTAGE BENGALS
Defensive Line: Chiefs defensive ends Jared Allen (right) and Tamba Hali are scary. I expect at least one of them to get a sack, if not two. I don’t know much about defensive tackles Ron Edwards and Alfonso Boone, but according to sources they are average at best. The Bengals could have an even match-up at this spot, but DEs Robert Geathers and Justin Smith have been disappointing since the first game. DTs John Thornton and Domata Peko are solid. The Bengals’ d-line could have a big game against the weaker Chiefs’ o-line, but for now I can’t give them any credit until they actually do something. – ADVANTAGE CHIEFS
The Bengals defense is worse than ever, but I just have a feeling that they will play well enough to win this game.
Cincinnati’s local media have echoed the idea that the bye week couldn’t come at a better time due to the many injuries on the Bengals’ roster. However, those injuries didn’t heal. Now, you can add offensive tackle Willie Anderson (left) to that group.
The NFL ruling stems from Joseph’s arrest in Kentucky back in January for marijuana possession. The case had been dismissed back in the spring after Joseph went into a diversionary program and complied with what the Bengals say is all league and law-enforcement obligations, according to 
The most logical choice to fill in that spot would be safety Madieu Williams. Throwing Williams at corner could weaken the team, as he currently leads the team in tackles with 30, including 25 solo tackles. That means Chinedum Ndukwe and Herana-Daze Jones (left) should get some extra playing time this Sunday.
Cincinnati answered right away when Kitna tossed it deep, despite his baby hands, to Warrick (right) on a 77-yard touchdown bomb.
The Bengals need something to turn this season around and I’m calling out the mascot, “Who Dey” (right).
In response, the Bengals signed linebacker Corey Mays (left - #46).
- And the stench was broadcasted nationwide on Monday night -
Down 10-0, Cincinnati got an interception from cornerback Leon Hall in New England territory. Then quarterback Carson Palmer connected with Chad Johnson for a 21-yard gain and then to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a touchdown.