2014 NFL Regular Season, Week 5

[Abe Sargent]

Bengals and Patriots this week suddenly looks a lot different than it did a week ago.

[Sun Tzu]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of gameplan the 49ers put together with Alex Smith coming to town. I expect to see a lot of 8 man fronts.

[BillJasper]

Miami can't lose this week!!!

[JPhillips]

Long years as a Bengals fan has me very pessimistic about Sunday night. To me, everything that should favor the Bengals just looks like a setup for disappointment.

[Lathum]

Long years as a Bengals fan has me very pessimistic about Sunday night. To me, everything that should favor the Bengals just looks like a setup for disappointment.

was talking about that today wit ha coworker and we both agree, this game screams let down

[Abe Sargent]

I disagree. I think the Bengals prove the pessimists wrong with another defeat over the Pats, although a closer one than the Chiefs wrought.

[Julio Riddols]

This Sunday night will be this Bengals team's chance to shake those demons. Potential letdown game against a team some people think is on the way out of contention, coming in hot off a bye, prime time.. All the pieces are there. We will see if this team is truly as good as they have looked or not.

What I expect is a win by 10 or more, what we'll get is anybody's guess. I just hope the team doesn't come out conservative or let any potential early setbacks derail their focus.

[mrtourette]

I'm unsure whether to start Newton or Dalton, the whole 'looks good on paper/will probably be a let down' thing is troubling me.

[stevew]

Steelers are obviously going to lose to the Jags this week.

[rowech]

was talking about that today wit ha coworker and we both agree, this game screams let down

I don't think so this time. I could be wrong, but this this team seems different. Other than Burfict some, there's been no whining on bad calls, thre's been no mental lapses, the passing defense is outstanding. As long as they hold the run down a little bit, they will tee off on Brady all game long.

[Lathum]

I agree the bengals have a different feel and look great so far. Just seemingly have all the pieces but they aren't going 16-0 and this seems like a ripe spot for a let down.

[rowech]

I agree the bengals have a different feel and look great so far. Just seemingly have all the pieces but they aren't going 16-0 and this seems like a ripe spot for a let down.

I think the Panthers or Indy will be first loss.

[Butter]

Long years as a Bengals fan has me very pessimistic about Sunday night. To me, everything that should favor the Bengals just looks like a setup for disappointment.

Not only that, but you figure the Pats are going to have a fire lit under their ass after Monday night.

If I was a sports bettor and had the money, I'd bet the house on NE.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not only that, but you figure the Pats are going to have a fire lit under their ass after Monday night.

If I was a sports bettor and had the money, I'd bet the house on NE.

Didn't the Bengals beat up the Pats last year?

I dunno. I just cut Tom Brady from my Fantasy team, which makes me sad and unhappy because I like him so, so maybe they will bounce back.

[Butter]

Seemed like it, but the Bengals only won that game 13-6 if memory serves.

[Matthean]

At some point if the Pats are going to turn things around, it has to be sooner versus later. Yeah, the division sucks, but winning it at 8-8 isn't going to instill much confidence come playoff time.

[Chief Rum]

On one of my pick 7 sheets, I picked both the Pats (over Cincy) and the Skins (over the Seahawks), straight up. Yeah, trés risqué.

FWIW, I only picked the Bengals to lose cuz, well, that's how the NFL has been of late. I actually think they're the best bet to contend with the Broncos for the AFC spot in the Super Bowl.

[MIJB#19]

I'm unsure whether to start Newton or Dalton, the whole 'looks good on paper/will probably be a let down' thing is troubling me.Newton plays at home, Dalton on the road. That should be your tie-breaker in this luxury situation.

[NobodyHere]

Ponder is starting tonight.

The Vikings just took Teddy Bridgewater out of the shrinkwrap and he's already broken.

Hopefully this is good news for the Lions.

[Grover]

Ponder is starting tonight.

The Vikings just took Teddy Bridgewater out of the shrinkwrap and he's already broken.

Hopefully this is good news for the Lions.

To be fair, I wouldn't risk him on a short week either.

[MIJB#19]

At some point if the Pats are going to turn things around, it has to be sooner versus later. Yeah, the division sucks, but winning it at 8-8 isn't going to instill much confidence come playoff time.The AFC East as a collective have played 12 games outside the division and won 5 of those games, with 3 of wins against the Raiders. But it's still better than the NFC South (3 wins in 10 games) and the AFC South (4 wins in 12 games).

[MIJB#19]

Ponder is starting tonight.

The Vikings just took Teddy Bridgewater out of the shrinkwrap and he's already broken.

Hopefully this is good news for the Lions.Green Bay just like that became my survivor pick for this week.

[mckerney]

Ponder is starting tonight.

That lightening near the stadium seems pretty dangerous, maybe the game should be postponed. :(

[Abe Sargent]

Let's go VIKINGS!!!

[Butter]

Put Chandler Harnish in and just run the read option the rest of the night. It won't be any worse than this.

[Thomkal]

So so glad I changed my survival pick to GB when I saw Ponder was starting :)

[miami_fan]

Glad I am not the only one that is confused.

Referees union criticizes NFL inconsistency on calls - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11629768/referees-union-criticizes-nfl-inconsistency-calls)

I suggest they follow the grading process and just tune out the BS to league puts out to pacify the general public

[kingfc22]

Can we get rid of these Thursday games outside of Thanksgiving?

[Coffee Warlord]

Game is already turning into a disaster for BEars. Sigh.

[mckerney]

Game is already turning into a disaster for BEars. Sigh.

Game is already turning back in favor of the Bears.

[Grover]

The Baltimore Ravens have two interceptions this season.

Both by Haloti Ngata.

[Thomkal]

The Baltimore Ravens have two interceptions this season.

Both by Haloti Ngata.

LOL that's pretty crazy (and pathetic by the secondary)

[Thomkal]

So Cle down 28-3 to the Titans at the half...Johnny Football sighting in the second half?

[Grover]

So Cle down 28-3 to the Titans at the half...Johnny Football sighting in the second half?

There's no stopping one of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People... Charlie Whitehurst.

[Matthean]

Charlie Whitehurst all he does is throw touchdowns.

[korme]

Feeling bad for a couple of my friends who made the trip down to Nashville today.

Feeling excited for one of my friends who made the trip to Boston this past Thursday... hope he doesn't get beat up.

[Matthean]

Stafford, 6-13, 1 TD 1 INT, 4 sacks in the first half. This from a team that could be 4-1, but hey, at least that first round draft pick got a 5 yard reception. :banghead:

[cuervo72]

Didn't somebody somewhere say this recently and get shot down as being completely absurd?

Tension between Tom Brady, New England Patriots could impact quarterback's future with team - ESPN Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/11646779/tension-tom-brady-new-england-patriots-impact-quarterback-future-team)

[BillJasper]

Stafford, 6-13, 1 TD 1 INT, 4 sacks in the first half. This from a team that could be 4-1, but hey, at least that first round draft pick got a 5 yard reception. :banghead:

Caldwell still looks completely lost out there. I wonder if he could be one and done in Detroit?

Heh, I didn't know Detroit was 3-1, what I get for not paying attention to the NFL this year.

[miami_fan]

What the hell were the Giants doing on that fumble? Everybody just stopped playing.

[Matthean]

Caldwell still looks completely lost out there. I wonder if he could be one and done in Detroit?

With them possibly being 4-1 and a winnable schedule from here on out, Hell isn't cold enough for a franchise known for keeping inept people around far too long. Johnson is banged up, and Stafford goes as he does even though they have a solid #2 WR and a receiving RB. Oh yeah, and that awesome first round TE that they didn't need.

[NobodyHere]

Stafford, 6-13, 1 TD 1 INT, 4 sacks in the first half. This from a team that could be 4-1, but hey, at least that first round draft pick got a 5 yard reception. :banghead:

Yeah, the Lions should've traded that pick for Trent Richardson.

[Matthean]

Report: Jim Harbaugh won't return to 49ers next year no matter what | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-10-05/nfl-jim-harbaugh-49ers-report-leaving-end-of-season-fox-sunday-jay-glazer)

Freaking click bait. Some dude making a guess is not a report.

[NobodyHere]

Well hopefully Jim will take that job opening in Ann Arbor.

[Thomkal]

Oh Drew Brees...why?

[Dutch]

Buccaneers shooting themselves in the foot early but hanging in there now.

[Grover]

Well hopefully Jim will take that job opening in Ann Arbor.

Yes please, oh god yes please.

[Grover]

Report: Jim Harbaugh won't return to 49ers next year no matter what | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-10-05/nfl-jim-harbaugh-49ers-report-leaving-end-of-season-fox-sunday-jay-glazer)

Freaking click bait. Some dude making a guess is not a report.

Glazer reported this first and he's usually pretty good with that type of information.

[BillJasper]

Report: Jim Harbaugh won't return to 49ers next year no matter what | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-10-05/nfl-jim-harbaugh-49ers-report-leaving-end-of-season-fox-sunday-jay-glazer)

Freaking click bait. Some dude making a guess is not a report.

A Harbaugh/Michigan marriage seems inevitable. Whether its successful or not will be another story.

[Matthean]

A Harbaugh/Michigan marriage seems inevitable. Whether its successful or not will be another story.

I figure it will be extreme success or failure with little room for the middle.

[Abe Sargent]

Overtime Baby!

[Thomkal]

Go Beloved Cards, Go! Going to be a tough game at Denver with Carson Palmer again too injured to play. Beginning to wonder if this is going to be a season, even career ending injury for him. Cards need to show they are for real here, even with Stanton as the QB.

[Abe Sargent]

No Texans victory, sad

[Abe Sargent]

BROWNS!!!

[Thomkal]

wow lots of crazy finishes to the early games-must be upset weekend for the NFL as well

[Thomkal]

No Texans victory, sad

yes if no other reason that all we will hear about next week is how good Dallas is ad nauseum.

[Abe Sargent]

yes if no other reason that all we will hear about next week is how good Dallas is ad nauseum.

Exactly.

[Thomkal]

wow Dan Carpenter with a 57 yard FG for a Buffalo dagger!

[Abe Sargent]

Nice sack by Cleveland, btw

[Abe Sargent]

BROWNS WIN Baby!

[cartman]

yes if no other reason that all we will hear about next week is how good Dallas is ad nauseum.

Pretty sure that MBBF is a Chiefs fan.

[NobodyHere]

I wonder what Jason Hanson is doing these days. He couldn't do any worse than what the Lions kicker did today.

[Matthean]

Via a friend.

The Lions kicker might as well walk right across the street and sit in the Tigers bullpen. That way we can boo them all together.

:lol:

[NobodyHere]

But it was nice to see the Colts and Browns get the win.

[Thomkal]

Peyton gets his 500th career TD pass

[Thomkal]

New Orleans very lucky to get that win.

[Matthean]

No Texans victory, sad

The #1 team to ask the Pats how big of a truck due they need to bring in order to acquire Brady.

[Thomkal]

oh man John Brown just keeps getting open in the end zone for the Cards, too bad Stanton threw it too far.

[TroyF]

The #1 team to ask the Pats how big of a truck due they need to bring in order to acquire Brady.

I don't think it would need to be that big of a truck to be honest. Keep in mind, first round picks are ridiculously valuable at this point. Do you think they get any more than a 1st and a 3rd? Maybe a 1st and a 2nd?

I dunno. I'd certainly look into it if I were Houston, but I'd be careful.

The funny part is we'd then have Houston fans stating how much better Brady was than an Indy QB based on big game success while overlooking the defensive side of the ball. :)

[TroyF]

oh man John Brown just keeps getting open in the end zone for the Cards, too bad Stanton threw it too far.

That should have been a catch, period.

Then the Cardinals get a horrible break on a clear cut PI call. Broncos got away with one there. Not an officiating break, but the Cardinals got a massive break on that drive when Talib tripped. He had the play read and would have went for a pic 6. Ended up as a third down conversion.

[TroyF]

Who knows if Von Miller will get suspended once the HGH tests start, but it looks like he is rounding back into form. Having a huge day so far.

[Julio Riddols]

Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't trade a 1st for Brady. He's on the down side of his career and in his late 30's, the Texans would be better off drafting a guy with that 1st rounder. A second rounder though, now we're talking.

[stevew]

These threads are dying.

[stevew]

Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't trade a 1st for Brady. He's on the down side of his career and in his late 30's, the Texans would be better off drafting a guy with that 1st rounder. A second rounder though, now we're talking.

Yeah or they could have traded like a 4th to get Bridgewater. Kinda puzzling.

[Julio Riddols]

Yeah or they could have traded like a 4th to get Bridgewater. Kinda puzzling.

Agreed. I don't see how they decided to let that happen after he fell that far. They could have had both guys people thought they should have picked at 1.1 pretty much.

[stevew]

I guess where I'm at is Goodfellas on cable for the 50th time I've seen it is more compelling than most NFL action.

[TroyF]

I swear, every single time Denver decides to rush 3, they end up leaving some WR open 20 yards down the field. What a strange game this is. Denver, for the most part, has dominated the yardage total. . . but a couple of catches instead of drops by Brown and the Cardinals are winning the football game.

This just in, Thomas is pretty fast.

Manning with 277 yards passing this half. Thomas with 165 yards of that. Denver up 8.

[Thomkal]

Cards secondary looking horrible right now

[TroyF]

I guess where I'm at is Goodfellas on cable for the 50th time I've seen it is more compelling than most NFL action.

Serious question: Do you think this is more of a product of your team not being as good as it was 10 years ago? I mean, if they were still contending for Super Bowls, would the NFL be more exciting for you?

The reason I ask is that the games have been fantastic for much of the year. This morning there were 9 games. 8 of them were one score contests with the outlier being a 10 point game where the Giants scored 13 in the final quarter to win the game.

As for the style of games, you pretty much had it all. Defensive slugfests, high scoring games, great QB play, etc.

The games themselves have never been better IMHO.

[stevew]

I'm not even sure. I don't really feel anything for the Steelers these days. I didn't get Sunday ticket this year. Kinda into the Panthers and Bills a bit. Both of those teams were down big and obviously came back.

Plus Goodfellas is really really good.

[Matthean]

Geno Smith has 27 yards passing at half time. I know the Jets don't offer much help but that's inexcusable.

[Arles]

Both 2nd and 3rd RBs were hurt for the Lions and Reggie Bush was slated to get all the carries. Guess who got hurt and left the game after 6 carries :party:

There's also some irony in the Lions losing to a 58-yard FG after their issues with making reasonable FGs all season (including 3 missed that game alone). How are they not calling Matt Prater?

[chadritt]

Geno Smith has 27 yards passing at half time. I know the Jets don't offer much help but that's inexcusable.

and im reading hes being replaced by vick. Pulled like EJ Manuel or is he hurt?

[Butter]

Pulled. Over/under on Jets offensive plays until Vick is hurt: 20.

[Butter]

On a separate note, why are we in Dayton, OH getting this SD/Jets game instead of the national KC/SF game? Makes no sense to me.

[Thomkal]

Pulled. Over/under on Jets offensive plays until Vick is hurt: 20.

Over/under on how many days till Rex Ryan gets fired? might be the better question. This makes two young QB's he couldn't develop

[Thomkal]

Logan Thomas in at QB for the Cards now-looks like Stanton has a concussion. Horrible place to get your first NFL playing time. There's apparently no emergency QB if Thomas is hurt which is just plain stupid on Arians part.

[TroyF]

Over/under on how many days till Rex Ryan gets fired? might be the better question. This makes two young QB's he couldn't develop

He's been on borrowed time for awhile now.

I hate what the Broncos have done this year in the second half when leading. They clearly turn it off on offense. They start doing nothing but screens, bombs and runs and forget about the mid range game until 3rd and long.

It resulted in the Indy and KC comebacks. I'm not sure the Cardinals can come back with their QB now, but why the hell should they get the chance? Put the damned team away and stop with the stupid stuff.
\
As I type that, they hit a miracle long TD and it's a game again. If Denver hadn't decided to take the third quarter off on offense, they wouldn't be in this position. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

[Abe Sargent]

If I were Houston, I'd give up a 1st for Brady, no question.

Meanwhile, I don't know if I will ever root as hard for a Bengals squad as much as I will today.

[Matthean]

I would like to see the Cards win just for the fallout of it.

[Jas_lov]

Difference in the 49er-Chief game might come down to idiot Andy Reid punting from the SF 34 yard line on 4th and 4, ball predictably goes in the end zone and Reid gains a whole 14 yards. Harbaugh calls a fake punt on his own 30 and gets it, SF now driving inside the KC 20.

[Desnudo]

Nice push off by Thomas there

[TroyF]

Gee, Denver starts throwing crossing routes and medium routes again and starts moving the ball. What a shock. The fact this is still a game does not look good on the Broncos. This thing should have been over by the end of the third.

Denver scores again. Total yards are now 494 to 220. Manning with 424 yards passing and 4 TD. Denver now up by 14.

[TroyF]

Nice push off by Thomas there

I guess I'm trying to figure this comment out. Pederson grabbed his arm right at the start of the route. Thomas did a swim move with the arm to get it free. If it's a push off and a penalty on Thomas, it would have been a defensive holding first.

I do not think Broncos players are angels and always stay within the rules (pick plays anyone), but that was not a push off that deserves much of a comment.

[Desnudo]

I guess I'm trying to figure this comment out. Pederson grabbed his arm right at the start of the route. Thomas did a swim move with the arm to get it free. If it's a push off and a penalty on Thomas, it would have been a defensive holding first.

I do not think Broncos players are angels and always stay within the rules (pick plays anyone), but that was not a push off that deserves much of a comment.

Well you're unbiased as always so I can't possibly argue

[Matthean]

Jets QBs so far are 7-25 for 26 yards after sacks are factored in and 1 INT. Sweet mother of god.

[Dutch]

New Orleans very lucky to get that win.

The Bucs have got to figure out how to get their penalties under control. They start both their last two drives with holding calls and the Saints were stuffed but we give up a defensive holding across the field....to keep them alive.

However, outside of the penalties, we were better, and that's promising for the future, I guess.

[BillJasper]

I guess where I'm at is Goodfellas on cable for the 50th time I've seen it is more compelling than most NFL action.

I spent the day watching Ken Burns' Prohibition then American Dad. I'm just finding the NFL off-putting anymore. Watched several college games yesterday which I use to never do.

[Lathum]

Giants get a big win today over a good team.

They now enter what may be the toughest stretch any team in the NFL has to face.

@Philly
@ Dallas
Indy
@ Seattle
San Fran

If they can somehow come out of that stretch at.500 things get much easier and I think they have a shot at the playoffs.

[Grover]

WHO DEY!

I hope Tom Brady is ready to be devoured whole by this Bengals front seven.

[JPhillips]

I know the bye and the late game make it gimmicky, but it's been a long time since the Bengals were the last undefeated team.

[TroyF]

Well you're unbiased as always so I can't possibly argue

:confused: Hell, I even wrote above about a clear missed PI call that the Broncos benefited from. If you think I'm blind in supporting my team when it comes to refs, you simply don't know who I am.

I didn't see what you were talking about so I rewound the DVR adn watched it in slow mo three times. I'm sorry, I didn't see anything there and still don't. Now Stevie Johnson today against the Chiefs? That was offensive PI.

FWIW, Denver was called for offensive PI twice in the football game this afternoon, both were good calls.

[JPhillips]

Looks like the big game Bengals. :(

[TroyF]

I know the bye and the late game make it gimmicky, but it's been a long time since the Bengals were the last undefeated team.

Starting this game, they are 3rd in point differential. There is nothing gimmicky about it. They have been the best team in the league the first month. They will have a very pissed off and prideful Patriots team to beat tonight. (I think they can and will do it)

[Grover]

Disappointing first drive by the Bengals D. Constantly unready when Brady was snapping the ball. No Burfict could hurt this team a lot tonight.

Still early doors though.

[Thomkal]

Very disappointed in my not so much beloved Cardinals today-looked like they were still on their bye, especially their defense. And now Stanton and Peterson are hurt. :(

[cuervo72]

I hate these effing guys. Just degrade into mediocrity (or worse) already.

[rowech]

Take it back. Same damn team as always under Marvin. Not ever ready for a big game. Ever.

[B & B]

1st, this will be the earliest I can ever remember for the 72 Dolphins to celebrate another year.

2nd, Arizona is a total dumpster fire with Logan at QB, and yeah, I 'saw' that TD pass.

[tucker rocky]

Bengals, bungling.

[Sun Tzu]

Solid win for the Niners today. The Defense settled down in the second half, and Gore/Hyde really dominated on the ground. The Chiefs defense just got out hit.

The most telling stat of this game...

Total Yards in the 4th Quarter
Chiefs - 9
49ers - 112

[TroyF]

1st, this will be the earliest I can ever remember for the 72 Dolphins to celebrate another year.

2nd, Arizona is a total dumpster fire with Logan at QB, and yeah, I 'saw' that TD pass.

Quick, name me a team in the NFL who would be doing OK if it went to a QB they had planned to be #3 at the start of the year.

They never had a prayer. Palmer plans to play next Sunday. If there are long term issues with both Stanten and Palmer, I would fully expect the Cardinals to bring someone else in. Thomas is not ready yet. I don't think this is a surprise to the Cards.

[Abe Sargent]

Bengals, taht was really ugly right there

[B & B]

Austin Davis looks serviceable for St.L , hes a #3

Bridgewater was a 2/3 to start the year, hes fine.


Those are two off the cuff. Im not knocking AZ, but Thomas. Was shocked he was drafted. 55% accuracy in the ACC. Seriously?

[jeff061]

Someone told Brady to quit whining and play fucking ball already.

[Thomkal]

Quick, name me a team in the NFL who would be doing OK if it went to a QB they had planned to be #3 at the start of the year.

They never had a prayer. Palmer plans to play next Sunday. If there are long term issues with both Stanten and Palmer, I would fully expect the Cardinals to bring someone else in. Thomas is not ready yet. I don't think this is a surprise to the Cards.

Palmer has expected to play the last three games, but in the end was unable to. He was sent to a nerve specialist this past week, so to me it doesn't sound like he will back anytime soon. Have to wait and see how severe Stanton's concussion is before we will know if he can play. If neither can, I too would expect them to bring a veteran in to play instead of Thomas

[jeff061]

Flags are making this painful to watch.

[Desnudo]

Ref must be marvin lewis' brother

[BishopMVP]

Someone told Brady to quit whining and play fucking ball already.The Pats aren't dead yet? Seriously how many times has Shaugnessy re-written his article declaring that Belichick has lost it and the "dynasty" is over? 15? 30?

At least nobody can say we have the refs in our pocket... That's 3 borderline 15-yard penalties against the Pats.

[Desnudo]

Bengals throwing out the ref's gifts

[Desnudo]

WTF seriously baffled

[rowech]

18 chances and a field goal. Just doesn't cut it.

[Grover]

This flag fest is disgusting. On both sides of the ball.

[jeff061]

I am willing to overlook who is or is not getting hosed. It's just painful to see so many great plays made irrelevant. Not enjoyable.

[Desnudo]

McDaniels I will be your butler for a year if you just keep running it please

[cuervo72]

Never noticed it before, but the negative space in the upside-down weird bridge logo thing kinda looks like Batman.

[Desnudo]

I like pound town mcdaniels but he can't be trusted

[korme]

Brutal first half, defense was lackluster and Dalton can't locate anything.

[korme]

You gotta be shittin me.

[Desnudo]

This game is a rule book education

[jeff061]

Hate 2014 NFL. It was a fumble, not a lateral, play ball already. These stoppages are out of control.

[rowech]

Hate 2014 NFL. It was a fumble, not a lateral, play ball already. These stoppages are out of control.

Been the rule since the 70s.

[JPhillips]

I don't mind losing in NE, but the way they didn't show up yet again is infuriating. I just can't expect this team to ever win a big game.

10-6 and wildcard loss for the win!

[chadritt]

All I needed was for AJ Green not to lose any points...

[jeff061]

Been the rule since the 70s.

Missing my point. They got the call obviously right, no question. Yet I still have to suffer through a pointless review.

[Desnudo]

It didn't work McDaniels, but keep going to pound town

[rowech]

I don't mind losing in NE, but the way they didn't show up yet again is infuriating. I just can't expect this team to ever win a big game.

10-6 and wildcard loss for the win!

Only one thing is consistent through all of it. He simply has to go. Can't waste Super Bowl caliber talent again and again and keep being the coach.

[Desnudo]

I don't mind losing in NE, but the way they didn't show up yet again is infuriating. I just can't expect this team to ever win a big game.

10-6 and wildcard loss for the win!

I don't think this game is over and will end up a lot closer one way or the other. Patriots obviously came out pissed off, but it's tough to keep that up one way the whole game.

[korme]

This has nothing to do with Marvin. Andy has sailed every ball this game, which we haven't seen all year. And the defense just looks lost.

[rowech]

This has nothing to do with Marvin. Andy has sailed every ball this game, which we haven't seen all year. And the defense just looks lost.

At some point, the coach is responsbile for not having the team ready to play time and time again. We've seen it in the mid 2000s, and we see it now. Any playoff game or any big game and they aren't even close to ready, out coached every time.

[Desnudo]

Breathing, receiving team 15 yard penalty

[Desnudo]

Being alive, 5 yards

[Desnudo]

having arms, 10 yards

[Abe Sargent]

Bengals finally score a TD.

[Desnudo]

Run McDaniels Run

[Desnudo]

Please don't turn out to be a murderer Wright

[Desnudo]

At this point, fuck you refs

[jeff061]

Everyone on the planet knew that was going to be a draw, how does that happen.

[Desnudo]

Arrington mentioned in a positive play. I'm going to stop complaining about the refs now.

[JPhillips]

Only one thing is consistent through all of it. He simply has to go. Can't waste Super Bowl caliber talent again and again and keep being the coach.

He won't be fired and if he is the next coach will be worse and Mike Brown will go back to being hands on. It took Marvin ten years to wrestle control from Brown.

The team is what it is until the Brown family decides to change.

[BishopMVP]

And these refs don't flag Arrington for unsportsmanlike for front flipping into the end zone? Ok, whatever, no idea what's a penalty, but don't matter when we play like this!

[Desnudo]

can we just call that a TD and move on?

[BishopMVP]

can we just call that a TD and move on?Hopefully won't matter, but Bengals should have gone for 2.

[korme]

My friend who flew to Boston for this game is the most diehard fan I know. I'm kinda concerned about him right now.

[TroyF]

Austin Davis looks serviceable for St.L , hes a #3

Bridgewater was a 2/3 to start the year, hes fine.


Those are two off the cuff. Im not knocking AZ, but Thomas. Was shocked he was drafted. 55% accuracy in the ACC. Seriously?

Bridgewater was a 2, not a 3. Davis, I'll give you. While his numbers have been good, his team keeps losing. He had two critical fumbles in the game today. I don't think anyone is going to the playoffs with a third string QB. Not saying they should or shouldn't have drafted Thomas, but there wasn't a third string QB in existence who wins that football game today.Nor would any #3 beat the Seahawks. The Cards never planned to have Thomas take snaps. I don't expect he'll get a lot more this year.

[larrymcg421]

Hopefully won't matter, but Bengals should have gone for 2.

This has been my biggest pet peeve for a while, but at some point teams got so scared of going for two that they refuse to do so until it's very late in the 4th quarter.

[EagleFan]

Hopefully won't matter, but Bengals should have gone for 2.

I was thinking the same thing. To me it would make the most sense going for two if you really want to get back in that game.

[Desnudo]

Revis back, heart rate restored

[Danny]

Pretty amazing that no team was able to go 4-0 this year

[Julio Riddols]

It is insane how much Vontaze Burfict means to the Bengals D.

[Desnudo]

Dobson sighting!

[korme]

I forgot to mention to all the Bengals fans on here that we should have seen this coming, because of me. I think I'm like 1-15 on the year gambling wise, and I parlayed Cincy with Denver and Philly today. Denver and Philly covered, so I should have been ready for this ass kicking.

[BishopMVP]

I like to consider myself fairly knowledgeable about football, but I would LOVE to sit down, watch All-22 cameras from the last 2 weeks, and have someone explain to me the difference in the Pats O-Line.

(I also want to know why LaFell is our focal WR and Dobson can't even get a snap until the 4th quarter.)

[NobodyHere]

Reports of Tom Brady's death are greatly exaggerated

[Desnudo]

I like to consider myself fairly knowledgeable about football, but I would LOVE to sit down, watch All-22 cameras from the last 2 weeks, and have someone explain to me the difference in the Pats O-Line.

(I also want to know why LaFell is our focal WR and Dobson can't even get a snap until the 4th quarter.)

They actually ran the ball repeatedly

[jeff061]

I never bought Brady was in decline. I just thought he was being kind of a shit head. Hopefully he's over it.

[Desnudo]

Revis has a little Korean in him

[Buccaneer]

So let me get this straight. Pats have a bad game against the Chiefs and a great game against the Bengals and order and faith is restored. The Bengals open the season with 3 good wins and #1 in the power rankings and have a bad game on the road against the Pats and now Bengal fans want the coach fired and the team rebuilt?!? Overreaction much?

[Julio Riddols]

I think a lot of Bengal fans are tired of seeing the team totally shit itself in prime time games.

[Julio Riddols]

Personally, I expected a loss, but was hoping to see the team get that monkey off their backs. Tall order without Burfict in the game. On the plus side, Dalton played well, just about everyone else sucked except for Sanu.

[rowech]

So let me get this straight. Pats have a bad game against the Chiefs and a great game against the Bengals and order and faith is restored. The Bengals open the season with 3 good wins and #1 in the power rankings and have a bad game on the road against the Pats and now Bengal fans want the coach fired and the team rebuilt?!? Overreaction much?

I don't want them rebuilt, but yes, I want a new coach. I've wanted one for about three years now. Marvin Lewis is a great guy, has done wonders with the team, but it's not enough at this point. He cannot get them to turn the corner from being a motley group of castoffs with a chip on their soulder to super bowl cotenders. They can't win big games at home or on the road and it's not that they get beat in such games -- it's that they get demolished.

I could have stood loosing last night but not like that. It's going to the be the same reason why there will be games that won't sell out this year. Fans are sick of buying into the team only to be let down.

[Thomkal]

well looks like I may have reason for optimism with Carson Palmer-Jay Glazer reported that Palmer saw the nerve specialist and get the nerve that's been bothering him, to "open". If it stays that way, Palmer could start this week against Washington. If not then against Oakland, which I'm sure is a game he does not want to miss.

However more bad news on the injury front:

DE Calais Campbell out 3-4 weeks with a sprained MCL thanks to a dirty block by the Broncos Julias Thomas

[Butter]

So let me get this straight. Pats have a bad game against the Chiefs and a great game against the Bengals and order and faith is restored. The Bengals open the season with 3 good wins and #1 in the power rankings and have a bad game on the road against the Pats and now Bengal fans want the coach fired and the team rebuilt?!? Overreaction much?

I don't. I expected the Bengals to lose. Maybe not get blown out, but you have one turnover in 3 games, and that ship is going to end at some point.

You also have a decent team being told all week how horrible they are and how their careers are over, and how did you expect them to react? I figured the Patriots would come out fired up, and the Bengals would come out kinda bleh. That's what happened, and you get what you got. If the run defense was any good at all last night, it would've been a game. But for some reason, they got killed on the line in a way they hadn't yet this season.... again, probably because the line also heard how awful they were for a solid week.

If the Bengals end up beating Carolina and winning that road game against Indy, they'll be 5-1. I think every Bengals fan would take that all day long. The key is putting this one behind them. I thought Dalton played ok mostly, he missed some long passes, but didn't get any help (Gresham dropped a TD pass, Green fumbled away his only meaningful 1st half catch). Bernard was not in the gameplan much after it got to be 20-3.

I also used to be super anti-Marvin but recently have been rethinking that stance as I don't trust the Brown family to not hire someone in who could take this team straight back to 6-10 with a couple of stupid moves and some really bad coaching.

[Desnudo]

The game was closer than it looked in reality. Take away the special teams TD which was really back breaking and it might have been a game in the 4th quarter.

[JPhillips]

The game was closer than it looked in reality. Take away the special teams TD which was really back breaking and it might have been a game in the 4th quarter.

Really? I felt like from 14-0 it was never in doubt.

[Kodos]

Never noticed it before, but the negative space in the upside-down weird bridge logo thing kinda looks like Batman.

What is that supposed to be?

[jeff061]

Really? I felt like from 14-0 it was never in doubt.

The Pats have been looking all season like the Bengals looked last night, even when they won. So, no, I was not comfortable and was waiting for the bubble to burst. But they kept it up, put together some nice drives and closed it out.

Hopefully this continues. We'll see, last night doesn't erase 4 weeks of stink.

[Butter]

Really? I felt like from 14-0 it was never in doubt.

I told my wife DURING the Pats first drive that the Bengals were going to get blown out. It was that obvious.

[cuervo72]

I don't. I expected the Bengals to lose.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Mx9z99YJ_7s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[BishopMVP]

They actually ran the ball repeatedlyEasy to do when your RB's are averaging 6ypc instead of below 4 like the other games. And the run/pass balance was there vs. Miami and Oakland, which were the two non-blowouts.

[BillJasper]

Holmgren confirms Oakland visit, doesn’t rule out coaching Raiders | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/06/holmgren-confirms-oakland-visit-doesnt-rule-out-coaching-raiders/)

Might as well bring John Madden back.

[NobodyHere]

Holmgren confirms Oakland visit, doesn’t rule out coaching Raiders | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/06/holmgren-confirms-oakland-visit-doesnt-rule-out-coaching-raiders/)

Might as well bring John Madden back.

And then Madden can recruit Brett Favre!

[Arles]

Detroit Lions cut kicker Alex Henery after 3-miss Sunday - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11653310/detroit-lions-cut-kicker-alex-henery-3-miss-sunday)

And the kicker carousel continues in Detroit. They cut Henery and are bringing in both Feeley and Prater for a tryout on Tuesday.

[kingfc22]

Two 49ers fans arrested, two injured in fight at Levi’s Stadium | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/06/two-49ers-fans-arrested-two-injured-in-fight-at-levis-stadium/)

This is ridiculous and appalling. Figured the Candlestick thugs wouldn't be able to afford tickets at Levi's, but it looks like they have found a way in.

[cartman]

The annual threats to move a team to LA begin.

NFL Plans Return to LA in a Year or Two: Report | NBC 7 San Diego (http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/NFL-Could-Return-to-LA-in-a-Year-or-Two-Report-278182861.html)

[BillJasper]

The annual threats to move a team to LA begin.

NFL Plans Return to LA in a Year or Two: Report | NBC 7 San Diego (http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/NFL-Could-Return-to-LA-in-a-Year-or-Two-Report-278182861.html)

Oakland and San Diego are trying to rob their cities blind and need a threat.

[cuervo72]

Eh, Oakland, San Diego...it's all California. ;)

I think I'd welcome the Rams moving back, as it would set things right in my old mind. It would suck for those in St Louis though, and I'd feel bad for them (though eh, they're mostly just Baseball Cardinals fans anyway).

It gets me to thinking though - what would I do if the Eagles moved? At this point, I haven't lived in Philly full-time for over 20 years. I think I'd be a little sad, but I think I'd also keep on rooting for them.

[Dutch]

My vote is Washington, we can fix the name on the way there in the moving truck. :)

[Abe Sargent]

Lets go Seahawks

[EagleFan]

Does the Cousins bubble completely burst tonight?

[Desnudo]

Easy to do when your RB's are averaging 6ypc instead of below 4 like the other games. And the run/pass balance was there vs. Miami and Oakland, which were the two non-blowouts.

Welcome to FOFC josh. Love your wheel routes and WR screens.

[cuervo72]

Man, if SEA could ever stop holding.

[Abe Sargent]

LYNCH!

[cuervo72]

The way games are being called, I'm surprised that hit by the SEA lineman at the end of the play wasn't flagged.

[RainMaker]

St. Louis wouldn't be bad for LA. We need more West Coast teams so we have some late games to watch on Redzone.

[chadritt]

Ive been told its impossible but Id love an expansion team for LA. If I'm going to have a 2nd "home" team Id love to start from scratch, i dont think I could adopt the Rams or the Raiders.

[kingfc22]

Golden Tate rips Jim Schwartz for 'terrible gesture' after Buffalo Bills' win over Detroit Lions - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11658931/golden-tate-rips-jim-schwartz-terrible-gesture-buffalo-bills-win-detroit-lions)

Stay classy Schwartz. Who the hell plans this for a week 5 game and actually goes through with it.

[MIJB#19]

Golden Tate rips Jim Schwartz for 'terrible gesture' after Buffalo Bills' win over Detroit Lions - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11658931/golden-tate-rips-jim-schwartz-terrible-gesture-buffalo-bills-win-detroit-lions)

Stay classy Schwartz. Who the hell plans this for a week 5 game and actually goes through with it.In line with the current NFL rules on celebration of touchdowns, shouldn't this (the Bills action) qualify as unsportsmanlike conduct / taunting?

[Vince, Pt. II]

How do you penalize them? In the next game?

[Dutch]

In line with the current NFL rules on celebration of touchdowns, shouldn't this (the Bills action) qualify as unsportsmanlike conduct / taunting?

No. A million times no. We are getting way to sensitive about everything. Who cares...advice to Golden Tate, never let 'em see you sweat...be the bigger man and walk away, don't watch.

[Arles]

Golden Tate rips Jim Schwartz for 'terrible gesture' after Buffalo Bills' win over Detroit Lions - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11658931/golden-tate-rips-jim-schwartz-terrible-gesture-buffalo-bills-win-detroit-lions)

Stay classy Schwartz. Who the hell plans this for a week 5 game and actually goes through with it.
I just love that Golden Tate is complaining about someone else taunting...
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3471319/tateing.gif

[Sun Tzu]

*insert comment about former and current Seattle players being complete douchebags*

[Vince, Pt. II]

*insert comment about former and current Seattle players being complete douchebags*

Maybe it's because I didn't pay as much attention, but what former Seattle players are complete douchebags? Outside of Matt Hasselbeck saying something stupid after winning a coin toss (which I liked at the time), I can't think offhand of any incidents regarding former players being idiots.

[BillJasper]

No. A million times no. We are getting way to sensitive about everything. Who cares...advice to Golden Tate, never let 'em see you sweat...be the bigger man and walk away, don't watch.

Or simply don't lose next time!

[Sun Tzu]

Maybe it's because I didn't pay as much attention, but what former Seattle players are complete douchebags? Outside of Matt Hasselbeck saying something stupid after winning a coin toss (which I liked at the time), I can't think offhand of any incidents regarding former players being idiots.

Less than 3 seconds of thought...Sidney Rice comes to mind.

[Kodos]

Terrell Owens was briefly a Seahawk. That's something.

[Sun Tzu]

Yeah.

[Lathum]

Terrell Owens was briefly a Seahawk. That's something.

Yeah.

So you just ignore the 49er years?

[Kodos]

Not at all. He brought his brand of douchiness to many teams.

[Thomkal]

Well my beloved Cards made a move to shore up their QB position just in case Palmer and Stanton are not cleared to play. They signed Dennis Dixon to the practice squad. Head coach Arians and Dixon have a history-Arians was the OC for the Steelers when Dixon was a 5th round pick there, and Arians says he still remembers a good part of the playbook for whatever that's worth.

Today seems to be the key day for Palmer to be active for this week's game-If his shoulder is still not cooperating, he will not start. If Stanton doesn't pass concussion protocols, he will not play and Logan Thomas will start and Dixon will be the backup. I think only Redskins fans hope that is what will happen :)

Also Julius Thomas was fined $8,268 for his chop block that injured Calais Campbell and knocked him out of playing for 2-3 weeks. :(