WhoDeyRevolution

"There's No Hope with Dope!"

For the first time since the summer of 2001, rational Bengals fans have no real hope of a special season from the Nati 53.  The defense is still a huge question mark (specifically the pass rush), the running game is hinging on Rudi Johnson getting back to 2005 form (remember it's 2008), and Chad Johnson might torpedo the season with another meltdown.  With the stench of 2007 still lingering, let's take a look back at how Bengals fans convinced themselves that this would undoubtedly be the year. 

Summer of 2002:  Following the 2001 season when the Bengals won six games (most victories since 1997) and won their final two games over Pittsburgh and Tennessee, hopes were high that 2002 was finally the year the Bengals would make it back to the playoffs.  Remember, 2001 was the year the Bengals went into the bye at 4-3, then lost seven straight to submarine any dreams of the playoffs.  Interesting that the Bengals beat the eventual Super Bowl Champion Patriots in Week 1, then knocked off the high flying Steelers in a surreal overtime game that featured a botched game-winning extra-point by Neil Rackers in regulation. 

The 5 Worst Bengal QB's of the Mike Brown Era

Some of you might have seen this already but pro-football reference recently put out a list on the worst QB’s of all time. I’m sure everybody out there in Bengaldom will be shocked to learn that some of our very own hometown heroes made the list. Unlike the folks over at pro-football reference, I didn’t use some fancy mathematical formula to create my list of the five worst Bengal QB’s of the Mike Brown era. I just used my substantial and ever expanding gut.

For my rankings I wanted guys the Bengals played because the organization thought this player provided the team with its best chance to win. I didn’t want guys who started out of necessity because injuries ahead of them on the depth chart forced them into action. Sadly this meant I had to cut Paul Justin, (you may remember Paul for having one of the best buckstaches of all time - even though he wasn’t from the Buckeye State - he deserves an honorary exemption for that magnificent thing) Erik Wilhelm, Scott Covington, Eric Kresser, and Don Hollis from the list.

So without further ado here is the five worst starting QB’s Mike Brown ever signed a pay check for:

Acquiring Fringe Character Players Does Not Equal Commitment to Win by Ownership

It is being argued elsewhere that the startling number of arrests and character issues among the Bengals personnel cannot be blamed on ownership.  In fact, elsewhere has gone so far as to argue that the malcontents that occupy the Bengals roster space actually prove ownership's commitment to win, stating that:

"If anything, picking up players that develop "character issues" should prove that the team will acquire anyone, at any cost, to win."

Let's be clear, when ownership picks up players like Chris Henry, Odell Thurman & Frostee Rucker they are doing so because they hope to win on the cheap by acquiring first class talent at a discount due to the baggage that comes with these players.  This, quite obviously, strikes us as the opposite of a total commitment to win as the organization would rather take chances on loose cannons and keep the bottom line healthy than make the necessary expenditures on quality players with clean rap sheets. 

Boston vs. Cincinnati

Well, Boston won another championship last night when the Celtics took the NBA title over the Lakers.  With the recent success of the Red Sox and Patriots (not to mention the Golden Eagles of Boston College), it is worth examining the reasons for the city's success in a totally unscientific fashion.

Having spent time in New England for college, and having many insufferable Boston fans as close friends, the city's recent success seems to boil down to two reasons: the fans demand it and the owners/management have the pride to deliver.

Boston fans, for all their constant griping and complaining, are not happy with anything less than a championship (some would say they are never happy).  They are not satisfied with a "good effort" and do not hang their hopes on next season.  They, rightly in my opinion, expect and demand the best.  If the team falls short, Fenway and Gillette Stadium will still sell out, fans will continue to buy merchandise and the teams will continue to profit, but the management and players know that the fans expect the best. 

Because of this, owners and management know that they are expected to deliver championships.  Nothing less.  It is less a money issue and more of a pride issue.  They do whatever it takes to put the best team on the field. 

Bengals fans, on the other hand, are just happy that the team is no longer the laughingstock of the NFL.  Mediocrity, it is believed, is better than inferiority.  "7-9: we'll get em next year!" is our cry. 

And how does the team respond?  By failing to secure a free agent DT in the offseason, getting outmaneuvered in the draft and then relenting and giving big bucks to our plan B (Peko).  By signing one and a half "big" free agents in the offseason (Odom and Utecht).   By not doing enough to give the team the resources and players to win a Super Bowl. 

These low expectations are a crucial factor in why the Bengals continually underperform.  As fans, we need to make our voices heard and demand nothing less than a championship.  Until then, Mike Brown will be content on going through the motions, expecting and achieving little. 

Cincinnati deserves better.

Johnny Paycheck is a Bengals Fan

Last Friday, Bengals season tickets were due for final payment.  After a mostly $4 per game increase across the board in 2008 (or $4 x 10 games, so a $40 increase per seat for the season), along with $4 gas, the cost of most staple goods rising, and under the darkness of a tight economy, Bengals fans dug into their wallets once again in hopes of witnessing that one dream season.

Johnny Paycheck has long been known as a true voice of the common, hard-working, honest American.  You could say that his music speaks for these God-fearing, blue collar workers that make up the lifeblood of Paul Brown Stadium. 

Small Market BS

A classic Bengals excuse for not spending money on free agents, facilities and staffing is because of Cincinnati's market size compared to other NFL teams. This was the same argument they used to negotiate one of the sweetest deals in the NFL. Former Hamilton County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus, who was the cheerleader-in-chief to get public financing of the Reds and Bengals stadium’s said in 2000: “Their concern is, "We will always be operating in a smaller market than many of the other football teams in the NFL.'” 

Bedinghaus is now the Bengals Director of Development for Paul Brown Stadium. You can expect more on this issue soon.

Bengals fans need to stop accepting this reasoning to excuse the Bengals management from their constant griping and penny-pinching. The NFL revenue sharing agreement means that even Isiah Thomas could make money running the Bengals. Unlike other major sports, the NFL’s policy means that funds generated from tickets, merchandise, sponsorships and national media deals (such as the NFL’s TV and Radio contracts) are divided equally between all 32 teams.  

Major League Baseball, on the other hand, lets teams negotiate their own TV contracts, leaving the Yankees with their own TV network (the YES network) and the Reds on Fox Sports Ohio. Guess which team generates more money in this situation?

A recent article in the Enquirer detailed the financial arrangement of Bob Kraft and the New England Patriots. Kraft purchased the team in 1994 for a then NFL record $172 million, then put $350 million of his own money into their new stadium. To recoup this investment, Kraft sold the naming rights to new P&G brand Gillette and is building a mixed use development adjacent to the stadium, at an additional cost to Kraft of $850 million.

The Superbowl Champion Cincinnati Bengals. Why Not?

Here's why the Bengals are going to win the Superbowl next season.  This is my story and I’m sticking to it at least until they lose week 1 to the Ravens.

-2008 is the year where everything is going to go right just once (yes i've now sunk to the "we are due" theory it's really all I have left so be nice).

-The offensive line will stay healthy (there is no doubt in my mind that the season hinges on the O-line being great which is why I’ve deluded myself into liking franchising Stacey Andrews) and provide stability for Carson so that he can throw for 4,000yds and 30tds. 

-The offense will be a top-5 offense that finishes games off behind a strong running game anchored by the reappearance of a healthy fresh Chris Perry (that we ever thought of signing the undead corpse of Shaun Alexander will be a distant afterthought). 

-Chad will be dancing in endzones across America while T.J. and Ben Utecht convert key third downs all season long. 

-The rookie receivers will replace most of Henry's production, and Rudi might even decide that he wants to break tackles again (Geoff Hobson tells me its going to happen so why not just pretend, it's easier trust me).

A Tale of Two Franchises

The Saints’ big draft-day trades to twice jump ahead of the hapless Bengals to take the best available DTs on the board highlights the difference between an aggressive front office who are determined to win and a complacent front office who are hoping to win.

Both the Bengals and Saints finished 2007 with disappointing 7-9 records – but each teams’ response in the offseason could not be more different.  

In the free agency window, the Saints were active in addressing their weaknesses. They had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2007. So they traded a 4^th rounder to the Jets for LB Jonathan Vilma and signed LB Dan Morgan. They also signed big-time free agents CB Randall Gay from New England and DE Bobby McCray from the Jags.

In the Bengals offseason, they only signed DE Antwan Odom from the Titans after botching a few trades to bulk up their interior line and refusing to trade Chad Johnson. The Bengals remain well under the salary cap. 

NFL Draft Live Blog

Coming at you live from Over-the-Rhine, Ohio and Washington, DC - welcome to the WhoDeyRevolution Live Blog.  Jason Buck and Andrew Simon will be reporting throughout today's NFL Draft.

Jason's comments will be in italics. Andrew's will be bolded.

7:58: The more I think about this pick, the more angry I get.  This guy likely would have been around in the 3rd round - where the Bengals have 2 picks!  Do the Bengals really think we have the DTs to compete?  Sims and Laws were still available - and were taken soon after the Bengals botched their pick.  John Thorton has never been dominant and Peko was a non-factor all year.  The Bengals got outmaneuvered in Round 1 with the Saints trading up to take Ellis and the Jags trading up to get Harvey - and then in Round 2 with the opportunity to get a guy who could help improve the defense - we blow it.

I can only imagine how they will botch tomrorrow.  My guess for the 3rd round pick: Tom Zbikowski.

7:55: I am still in absolute shock.  Jerome Simpson.  Coastal Carolina.  The Bengals did not improve their pass rush and did not get a run stuffing DT that can draw double teams. They passed up Limas Sweed and Early Doucet to take a guy who has racked up stats against subpar competition.  I guess you could argue that Jerry Rice did the same - but do you really have more confidence in the Bengals scouting department to see something special in this kid more than other teams?

7:47: As bad as I thought it could be, I did not expect it would be this bad.  Wow.  Viva la Revolution.

7:45: Who is this guy???????????????

7:44: FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

7:40: Prediction -  Quentin Groves.

7:39: Bengals on the clock....

7:32: Chicago should take a QB (Rex Grossman is our QB) and the Detroit could take a DT in front of the Bengals to make up for losing Shaun Rogers.

7:29: Tyrell Johnson taken.  Calais Campbell and Quentin Groves still available.  If anyone is sitting near Mike Brown, please pass along this information.

7:28: 2 picks to go - please Mike Brown, take defense.  Please.

7:27: Eddie Royal taken in the 2nd round!  I talked about him on Mo's show on Monday.  I am a budding Mel Kiper.

7:16: Jerry Jones interviewed on NFL Network - makes it as clear as possible (since he isn't allowed to talk about trading for players under contract with another team) that he is interested in trading for Chad.  What do they offer though? 

7:14:  I think Avril is off the board for the Bengals until the 3rd round at least.

7:12: Picks I would be happy with: Sims, Tyrell Johnson, Campbell, Groves.

7:06:  If I'm Malcom Kelly...I'm calling Mike Brown to say "You know I loved your work when you beat the IRS in tax court...think you can give me some pointers?"

7:03: Still on the board for the Bengals with 7 picks to go: DeSean Jackson (WR), Limas Sweed (WR), Marion Manningham (WR), Early Doucet (WR), James Hardy (WR), Malcom Kelly (WR), Calais Campbell (DE), Quentin Groves (DE), Cliff Avril (DE), Pat Sims (DT), Trevor Laws (DT), Tyrell Johnson (S).

6:57: I guess we now have to hope for bad WRs to get taken before the Bengals - Thanks Green Bay (Jordy Nelson).

6:51: Chiefs are having a fantastic draft. Has anyone EVER said that about the Bengals?

6:46: Buck, why would the Bengals ever trade up?  They will just take the best available (WR) in Round 2.

6:35:  TRADE UP AND GET MERLING!!  Or sit back and take Trevor Laws.  But with all the WR's falling...you know what that means.

6:24:  Kentwan Balmer taken - is the 3-4 dead for the Bengals?

6:22: Mayne pipes into say "The Bengals are fucking lame.  Simon, write that down."

6:05:  Best defensive lineman still available:  Philip Merling, Kentwan Balmer, Pat Sims, Calais Campbell, Trevor Laws, Lawrence Jackson, Chris Ellis (Va Tech)

5:54: How many RBs do the Titans have now?  Also, more worryingly, no WRs have been taken.  Gonna be hard to pass up a WR in the 2nd round for the Bengals now.

5:50: Every good team in the NFL employs a 2-back system (except the Chargers who have LT).

5:43:  Steelers take Mendenhall?

5:42: Why has Mendenhall dropped so far?  You could argue he's a better all around back than McFadden.

5:36: The Bengals have so many linebackers...we really could have used a DT or DE.  Too bad Mike Brown couldn't have been bothered to make a trade.

5:24:  Bengals trade up to get Kentwan Balmer?  Maybe it makes too much sense.

5:21: One more pick for the Bengals to offload Chad...will it happen?

5:09: Nick Simon: New Chad interview on NFL.com 

Key quote:  I don't blame Marvin Lewis. I love him. You have never heard me say one bad thing about my coaches or teammates. I know it's not up to Coach Lewis. Whether I'm traded, or if we get better players, is not up to him. If it was up to Coach Lewis, then he would do it."

 

Sounds like WDR.  More on this later.

5:01: That's an insult to (FEMA) Mike Brown.

5:00: I still say the Bengals have to go defensive line in the second round...Trevor Laws, Pat Sims.   Or maybe Calaias Campbell out of the U...6'7" plus.

4:52: 5 more picks for the Bengals to trade Chad to the Skins.  The football knowledge between Mike Brown and Dan Snyder would rival the other Mike Brown's understanding of federal response to hurricanes.

4:50: The Chiefs have significantly improved today.

4:49:  Dorsey and Albert?  The Chiefs are having a hell of a draft.

Reason #413,569 to hate Drew Rosenhaus

I have been on board to trade Chad Johnson for a long time now, but when you watch the garbage you will see below, you can at least understand why the Bengals would love to prove a point to Ocho Psycho and his disgusting agent, Drew Rosenhaus.  Do the Bengals still need to think about their other players like Carson Palmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Willie Anderson who would die to win a Super Bowl and get rid of Chad?  Of course they do.  But...you can at least see why no one wants to see this guy win.

I literally became physically ill while enduring this 1:42 of verbal diarrhea.