Bengals what needs done

[ace63]

The 2010 campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals has been an unmitigated disaster. I could wax poetic about how losing permeates this franchise and nothing is ever going to change because they have a cheap owner but I'm not sure it's that simple, not anymore. At least not this year. This team is better than their 2-6 record. All due respect to the ad nausea referenced Bill Parcells' anecdote that submits "You are what your record says you are". Well, duh.



In terms of the standings, it is indeed hard to argue with such profound wisdom from that perspective. Relative to these Bengals however, I don't see a team that should be 2-6 or would be, with better coaching. The defense has taken a step back, but that's somewhat understandable based on the personnel. No one ever suggested that last year's unit wasn't overachieving. On the same token, probably not many would have imagined they were playing as much over their heads as this season is indicating they may have been.



The offense is a different story. Carson Palmer has been inconsistent but is on pace for over 4000 yards passing and 30 TD's. He's played terribly at times and is certainly having a bad year overall in spite of a fairly respectable QB rating of 83. Terrell Owens is having a great year in spite of a couple plays where his effort was questionable. Cedric Benson's average per carry is down to 3.8 but he's on pace for a solid 1200 yard season and is generally still running well when given the opportunity. Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley have been wonderful additions. The line has been the target of harsh criticism, second only to Palmer in that department, but they are an average bunch. Not great, but certainly good enough to win with considering the firepower at the skill positions.



The bottom line is Bob Bratkowski is not getting the job done, nor has he for years now. Mike Brown is cheap, but his thrift is not to blame for this team's struggles. It is his loyalty to his offensive coordinator that has sabotaged this season. With the weapons on offense, this team should be outscoring people and it is not.



If I spot you TO, Palmer, Ochocinco, Benson, Shipley and Gresham, even with average line play, you're fired by the time we hit 2-4. The veterans are proven, the rookies have shown a great deal of promise. Inconsistency, mental errors and penalties plague this unit. Random play calling and apparently clueless game plans reign supreme in Brat's offenses, always have....Fire him already for crying out loud.



Besides getting rid of Brat, what else should this franchise do to get back to the playoffs? Marvin appears to be on his way out, maybe of his own choosing. If that's not the case, show him the door. Jon Gruden should be the man the Bengals target more than any other. He's not only a proven Super Bowl winning head coach, he's also a highly regarded offensive guru. He's also got a pretty good track record with thought to be washed up veteran QB's and thirty something receivers i.e. his days with the Raiders trio of Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.



Personnel wise, a dynamic difference maker in the front seven is a must have for Mike Zimmer, who most would probably agree should be retained. The Bengals have some decent players up front in Maualuga, Peko and Rivers and even an intriguing youngster in rookie Geno Atkins but lack that explosive force to be reckoned with off of which the rest of the defense can feed and follow. Hopefully, such a player will be there to be had when the Bengals make their first round selection in April. A good tackle with the versatility to play guard could be a good way to go in the second or third round especially in light of Andre Smith's potentially chronic foot issue....Yea, we're talking draft in November, what else does one do when the team is 2-6? Besides screaming for the coaches heads and asking for paper instead of plastic at the grocery store of course.



A solid free agent or two to help out the front seven and/or offensive line wouldn't be a bad idea either. I still believe Carson Palmer could lead this team to a Super Bowl title with a good offensive coordinator but the days of backing him up with his little brother need to come to an end. In fact, the Bengals should draft the heir apparent early. Clearly, Palmer has been good enough in this league that the prudent course of action is to see what Palmer can do with more capable coordination of the offense. However, just as clear is the fact that "Palmer or bust" was never a good idea to begin with just from an injury perspective. Now his inconsistent play has rendered such a scenario even further beyond the realm of any reasonable justification.



In a nutshell, hire Jon Gruden, get a dynamic front seven defender in the first, offensive line help and viable competition for Palmer/competent backup quarterback should also be targeted early in the draft. A good safety wouldn't hurt either but that position isn't the hole in the defense some make it out to be. Of course, any good free agent pick ups with those same personnel needs in mind would make sense as well.



Above all else, coaching is the key and Jon Gruden appears custom made for this team. Mike Brown should do whatever it takes to get "Chucky" to come to Cincinnati.

[BBallin fool]

Something needs to be done after the way they played yesterday Not a fan!!! But being from Ohio hope the Bengals & Browns to do well until they play the STEELERS.

[bucksfan76]

I think they need to clean house after this year,I mean if we cant win with carson palmer and others then why dont we just lose without them. I am hoping for a good young Qb to draft like a Andrew Luck or Ryan Mallett.And the defensive side I dont know cause they have some talented guys but get scored on alot. Man its hard being a bengals fan.

[ManitouDan]

it's not hard , IT"S IMPOSSIBLE . I gave up 2-3 years ago. everytime I want to get back on , they do something I personally can't tolerate. like TO, refuse to root for someone like that, plus all the convicts and players who have ran afoul of the law. screw'em I enjoy my sundays fine w/o being glued to the tube.

[OZZIEOHIO]

Sell the whole team to baltimore and start over.

[farmer]

First is to evaluate Palmer with an outside coach and Dr. They need to figure out is this is Palmer or as some has said at different times his WR's are not running the correct routes. Once that is done it will determine the direction this team needs to go.
Along with getting a GM not a person named Brown or related to Brown.

[OZZIEOHIO]

I really think palmer has it in for ohcosinker and wont throw to him unless he has to. hes a cancer to the team so get rid of him.

[Bleeding Red]

I really think palmer has it in for ohcosinker and wont throw to him unless he has to. hes a cancer to the team so get rid of him.

Who is the cancer? Palmer, Ochostinko or both?

[seofan_via_dublin]

Wonder how Andrew Luck looks in Orange and Black?

[91blue14]

palmer play has spoken for itself

[PTrojan59]

1. Fire Bratkowski he's the worst OC in the league.
2. Trade or release Palmer
3. Fire Marvin Lewis
4. Fire the special teams coach
5. Sign the best OC out there
6. Draft Luck or best qb that's there
7. Sigh the best head coach who will be tough enough on the players
8. Sign the best special teams coach out there
9. Draft a reciever,d-end,running back,safety,o-line,other needs
10. Sign some free agents who are going to give there all and stay healthy

[ironmen1987]

As a Panthers fan i would gladly swap you teams. At least you can score some points. We have adopted a new offensive philosophy called run it to the left, run it to the right, attempt a 5 yard pass, punt the ball. Hasn't been working out so well.....

[OZZIEOHIO]

Where is Charlie Wies??? Does he have a job now?? I wouldnt mind have him as my oc.

[ace63]

On the bright side (not much) It would be good to be first in line for draft in the up and coming year. If they put that rookie cap on , teams wont pay out the a** for rookies. Could get a qb for a good rate instead of millions.(maybe)

[Manwithplan]

Maybe you guys just need 53 new players.

[ironmen1987]

On the bright side (not much) It would be good to be first in line for draft in the up and coming year. If they put that rookie cap on , teams wont pay out the a** for rookies. Could get a qb for a good rate instead of millions.(maybe)

we (Carolina) will get 1st pick and will gladly give you all 4 of our qb's for your second pick and throw in Coach Fox and his asst coaches just to sweeten the deal

[ace63]

Dont count on them getting first pick yet. Bengals are still in the hunt . Sad to say.

[ironmen1987]

Carolina has Cleveland, Seattle, Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta twice left on their schedule so i don't see another win barring a miracle. We are dead last in pts per game (11) and yds per game (252). This is the same team that had 2 1,000 yrd rb's last season. Injuries, coaching, and ownership decisions have devastated this team although in their defense they are the youngest team in the nfl this season. I agree Cinci needs to make some changes but i hope for your sake M Brown suddenly decides to sell the team to someone with a brain...

[bdubya]

Start a reality show. ... Oh, wait.

Maybe you should beg to get back on Hard Knocks. Seemed to work wonders last season.

[dazed&confused]

Sam Wyche!