Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

**The GIGGAS** · 10-26-2005, 05:04 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Looks good, MP. I'll be reading.

**MidnightPyro** · 11-21-2005, 05:41 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

-- Pre-Season Week 2: Bengals @ Redskins --
WIN: 36-29
NOTE: I haven't been playing Madden at all recently, but hopefully I can get back into it, so expect updates more regularly.

Though not as high scoring as the Bengals first Pre-Season game, the higher score was on the right side this week and it resulted in a Bengals win. "We can't get too ahead of ourselves," said Coach Marvin Lewis, "we still have plenty of things to work on." The Bengals allowed 2 turnovers, including a Houshmanzadeh fumble on a punt return and a Carson Palmer interception. The last drive led the Bengals into the endzone largely through the air with the Bengals potent passing team of Palmer to Johnson.

Chad wasn't the only Johnson doing his work this week though. Rudi Johnson picked up 129 yards through just 2 quarters of play. Marvin Lewis was quick to spread the spotlight though, pointing to a new, improved, and fast offensive line.

The Bengals still need work though. A few pass intereference, a roughing the passer, and a holding call did not help the Bengals case. "We'll work on cleaning up our game. We'll always be working on that, but I think we need to take the talent on this team and apply it on the field." said Marvin Lewis.

Game Notes
-- Rookie MLB Odell Thurman caught his 2nd interception in 2 games
-- Bengals DB's caught 3 interceptions total in the game
-- Rudi Johnson averaged 6.1 yards per carry against the Redskins
-- WR Chad Johnson led the game with 8 receptions for 129 yards
-- The Bengals consistantly put pressure on Redskins QB's, something they've been unable to do in previous seasons

Next Week
(1-1) Cincinnati Bengals @ (0-1-1) Philadelphia Eagles

The Bengals take on the Eagles who have struggled thus far in pre-season. Look for the Bengals to loosen up the defense to compensate for the Eagles talented offense. Look for the Bengals offense to highlight consistant play against the Eagles.

**MidnightPyro** · 12-08-2005, 06:09 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

-- Pre-Season Week 3: Bengals @ Eagles --
LOSS:34-7

The Bengals hoped to meet up with the Eagles, and then have a post-game Eagle roasting. It didn't end up this way, and the Eagles constantly got the best of the Bengals in what was possibly one of the ugliest games in the history of the NFL. Carson Palmer looked rushed in the pocket and went on to throw 5 interceptions. Carson shrugged to reporters after the game, "I just wasn't playing well. We got knocked off balance early on, and we never really recovered. The defense didn't play too baddly, but the offense was just off."
The offense was definatly off. The offensive allowed 9 sacks on Carson Palmer, a number that was extremely alarming. The Bengals, however, sacked the opposing QB, Donovan McNabb a good seven times. 4 of these sacks came from none other than Justin Smith. Justin Smith joined the Bengals in 2001 and hopes to have a breakout career.

The Bengals offense is the cornerstone of the team, but all is not well in the jungle. The team has gone 1-2 in Pre-Season, and faces the Colts next week in what will be a true test. The Bengals offense is one of the best in the NFL yardage wise, but it has some work to do on efficiency. A -4 turnover margin is something to be proud of. "We're working on improving Carson's protection," said coach Marvin Lewis, "...I agree that they need to start functioning cohesively.

The Bengals defense hasn't gotten much attention partly because it's mediocre to bad history. Justin Smith recorded 7 tackles and 4 sacks in what could be the best Bengals run defense this pre-season, and perhaps years. They held the Eagles to 46 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Part of it was containing McNabb, but part of it was good 'ol fashion football.

"We still have a lot to work on," said Coach Marvin Lewis, "We have the weapons and we're getting better, but we have to put it all together. We have to put on the black jerseys in week 4, and believe that we're the best. A win for us in the last week of the pre-season would be a very good thing."

Game Notes
-- DE Justin Smith recorded 4 sacks and 7 tackles
-- Carson Palmer was largely inconsistant, throwing 5 interceptions and 1 TD with a 47% completion percentage
-- Madeiu Williams caught an interception, his first of the pre-season
-- Chris Perry cut in and out of the defense with his agility, picking up 3.6 yards a carry for the stagnant Bengals offense. Look for Perry to get a bit of starting time in Week 4 of Pre-Season

Signings/Releases
Bengals sign RG Steve Sciullo (81 OVR) to a 2 year $3.26 million contract

Bengals Injury Ward
CB Reggie Myles - 2 weeks (sprained elbow)

Next Week -- PreSeason Week 4
(2-1) Indianapolis Colts @ (1-2) Cincinnati Bengals

In the last game of the Pre-Season, the Bengals take on the 2-1 Colts who have gone through the first 3 weeks in a steller fashion, with Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning being the most efficient and top QB - WR combo in the NFL.

**MidnightPyro** · 12-13-2005, 04:34 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

-- Pre-Season Week 4: Colts @ Bengals --
LOSS:27-37

The Bengals hoped to be on the right end of a win this week, but they couldn't do it. The franchise pulled a 1-3 record in pre-season - giving them last place in the AFC North. The Bengals looked better in Week 4 than they did all pre-season. Marvin Lewis, at the team's post-game press conference reassured the fans that the regular season performance would be much better.
"We have weapons...on both sides of the ball." Lewis said. "The pre-season is just that, the pre-season. We tested some things out and we're better prepared for the regular season."

The Bengals stats against the Colts were jaded. Carson Palmer was 19/35 for 256 yards with 2 touchdowns but 2 interceptions. It wasn't a spectacular performance, but Chris Perry and Rudi Johnson combined for 101 rushing yards over the course of the game. The Bengals defense looked somewhat grim, allowing 56 yards rushing, but 350 yards passing. The Bengals pass defense was ranked 32nd in the league in pre-season, but the Bengals ranked 1st in the league in run defense. The end was a little rough for the Bengals, but Carson Palmer led 2 impressive touchdown drives against the Colts, who were playing overally significantly better than the Bengals.

Game Notes
-- CB Deltha O'Neal led the team with 11 tackles. Ack.
-- Carson Palmer improved his play, throwing only 2 interceptions
-- The offense line showed notable improvements with the addition of RG Scollio.
-- The Bengals allowed big plays over top. Marvin Harrison beat Madeiu Williams down the field for a 68 yard touch down

Next Week -- NFL Week 1
(0-0) Cincinanti Bengals @ (0-0) Clevland Browns

The time everyone's been waiting for...NFL Week 1. The Bengals hope to start off with a bang and begin the NFL season on a positive note...with a win.

Bengals Week 1 Notes
David Pollack has been moved to LOLB and will start the first game at that spot. DE Duane Clemons takes over end duties.

**p2xgamers** · 12-13-2005, 05:55 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Great dynasty so far, a good read.

**MidnightPyro** · 12-14-2005, 05:04 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Thanks for the positive feedback, p2xgamers I appreciate it

It's always great to know people are reading.

-- NFL Week 1: Bengals @ Browns --
WIN:30-17

After a dismal 1-3 pre-season, the Bengals were back to looking like a semi-competant football team. The game itself, however, wasn't quite as exciting as would be expected in The Battle of Ohio. The Bengals scored 10 points in the 1st, 10 points in the 2nd, and 10 points in the 3rd quarters respectively, with the Browns managing to put up 3 in the 2nd. The Browns answered the Bengals in the 4th quarter picking up 14 points, but it wasn't enough.

The game itself looked more like 'Gladiator' than it did a football game. Players were limping left and right, holding their heads, seperating shoulders, and getting banged up. Carson Palmer left the game at the end of the 1st half with bruised ribs. Rudi Johnson left shortly after the 3rd quarter. Despite damage to their stats, both these players making up the core of the Bengals offense, both these players have no lingering effect and will be back in Week 2. "When you're up to 20-0, or 30-3, there's no point in putting an injured player back in the game," said Marvin Lewis, "It was a rough physical game, and players are going to get banged up." All injuries will not be so quick in healing, though. Starting SS Kim Herring was injured making a tackle late in the first quarter. Herring left the game, and is listed as 'Out' for Week 2 with a torn shoulder. Kim Herrings is expected to be back sometime in Week 7 - Week 8,
"Obviously," said MLB Brian Simmons, "Losing Kim [Herring] isn't good for our defense, but we made it in the game against the Browns. I'm confident the new starter will step up and take over...we'll be fine."

Carson Palmer, while he was in the game, compiled impressive stats. He completed 7/10 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, giving him a 143 QB rating. Carson Palmer did not qualify for the leader board due to the injury and not being in the game enough, but he would've led the NFL in QB rating.
"It's kind of dissapointing, but it's not important," commented Carson Palmer, "you just go out there next week."

Perhaps the biggest suprise of the game was the Bengals consistancy on offense, but also on defense. The defense which seemed inconsistant in pre-season played extremely consistantly, with their only blemish being allowing Andre Davis to beat the secondary for a 48 yard touchdown. Justin Smith was extremely impressive at RE, collecting 3 sacks and 4 tackles. 4th CB Raushad Bauman opened up some eyes also. Bauman lead the team with 2 interceptions, which puts him in a 3-way tie in the NFL for interceptions...an impressive feat for a dimeback.

All around, it was a great start for the Bengals in the 2005 Season and showed the the Bengals do indeed have some potential.

Game Notes
-- DE Justin Smith collected 3 sacks and 4 tackles
-- CB Raushad Bauman picked off Trent Dilfer 2 times
-- HB Rudi Johnson ran for 103 yards on 30 attempts before being injured late in the 3rd quarter
-- FS Madieu Williams led the defense with tackles with 8
-- WR Chad Johnson led the team in receptions with 6 for 68 yards
-- Honorable mention P Kyle Larson had a net punt distance of 46.2...gotta include the special teams

Bengals Sick Bay
SS Kim Herring - 5 weeks

Next Week -- NFL Week 2
(0-1) Minnesota Vikings @ (1-0) Cincinnati Bengals

The all-around struggling Vikings come to Cincinnati in hopes to defeat and crush the morale of the Bengals and the NFL's 2nd best run defense. If the Bengals defense can play consistantly and aggressively as they did in Week 1, all they need to do is leave it to the offense to lead them to the promised land.

**MidnightPyro** · 12-18-2005, 09:12 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

-- NFL Week 2: Vikings @ Bengals --
WIN:30-27

This could possibly go down as one of the closest games in Bengals history. The Bengals pulled off a 3 point win overturn, but these 2 teams were very evenly matched. The two teams both strong offenses, but the Vikings defense showed it's colors by creating 3 turnovers. The Vikings offense showed up, passing right over the top of the Bengals a few times, but only collecting 171 passing yards - The Bengals collected 248. The Vikings had a decent rushing attack, picking up 103 on the ground. The Bengals collected 193. Both teams had 3 turnovers. Carson Palmer threw an interceptions, Deltha O'Neal fumbled a kick return, and Chris Perry fumbled on a running play. On the Vikings side Daunte Culpepper threw an interception before being injured late in the first quarter. He was replaced by Brad Johnson who was 12/19 for 171 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT.

These two teams were neck and neck the entire way, but the Bengals defense answered the call of duty. Tory James was everywhere out on the field, collecting 2 interceptions. Kevin Kaesviharn the startering SS in place of the injured Kim Herring collected 1 interception in addition. While the Bengals rushing defense ranks 4th in the league, the Bengals pass defense comes in at 29th. "It's something we'll be working on," said Marvin Lewis, "but we put a big W on the board - that's all that's important at the end of the day."

The Bengals hope they can keep it together and keep putting those W's on the board and take the AFC North.

AFC North Standings
Bengals (2-0)
Steelers (1-1)
Browns (1-1)
Ravens (0-2)

Game Notes
- QB Carson Palmer had a decent game, but only completed 49.2% of his passes
- HB Rudi Johnson places 3rd in the league in yards rushing with 279 yards rushing (139.5/game)
- P Kyle Larson leads the league with a 50.3 yards per punt net average
- MLB Odell Thurman led the game in tackles with 7

Bengals Sick Bay
SS Kim Herring (shoulder) - Expected return Week 6

Next Week -- NFL Week 3
(2-0) Cincinnati Bengals @ (1-1) Chicago Bears

The Bengals are currently the NFL's 4th best offense. The Bears, despite a 1-1 record and unimpressive stats on the offense and defensive side of the ball, are 4th in the NFL in points per game and are one of the NFL's most clean and efficient game. Look for the Bengals to be changing things around and try to knock the Bear's off balance early.

**p2xgamers** · 12-18-2005, 10:21 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Good, close, game. I really like your game recaps. Good luck against the Bears.

**WTF** · 12-18-2005, 10:57 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Wow, excellent Dynasty thread. Definately enjoying the read. Good luck against, Da Bears...

**MidnightPyro** · 12-26-2005, 05:16 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Thanks WTF and p2xgamers for your comments

The positive feedback is greatly appreciated, and I think it helped in the nailbiter against Da Bears.

-- NFL Week 3: Bengals @ Bears --
WIN:22-20

Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way, but for the Bengals, it sailed their way - wide left. In what could've been the Bears second win in the 2005season, Bears rookie kicker Robbie Gould kicked the winning field goal wide left with :06 left on the clock, making Robbie Gould an instant hero...in Cincinnati.

Gould wasn't the only person making errors though. Both the Bears and the Bengals offenses seemed to be out of sorts, starting from the QB position. Carson Palmer threw for 2 ints while QB Jeff Blake on the Bear's side of the ball threw for 3 ints and 2 TD's. Rudi Johnson wasn't his usual self, picking up just 83 yards on 23 rushing attempts. Rudi did lead the way in passing receptions though, catching 5 for 74 yards. "We used Rudi out of the backfield a lot," said Carson Palmer, "The Bears really had their defense playing well this game. There just weren't any options available downfield, so we unloaded it to Rudi and let him do his stuff."

The Bengals much-hyped offense hiccuped against the Bears defense. As a team, the Bengals only averaged 2.4 yards per rush, and only converted 1/3 of all their third downs. The Bengals defensive backs have been criticised for allowing big plays to occur, including a 44 yard pass for a TD by the Bears.
CB Deltha O'Neal stated in the post-game press conference, "You can't get it everytime. We try to play aggresively, but sometimes you just play too aggresively and burned." The Bengals defensive backs still manged to come up big; Deltha O'Neal, Tory James, and Madeiu Williams all picked off QB Jeff Blake.

The Bengals have showed that they can put up wins in close situations. Both teams struggled in this game, but for opponents like the Jaguars or the Colts, the Bengals desperatly need to get things together and play their A-Game.
"At the end of the day, we're happy to get that W. We want to keep getting those W's, and in order to do that, we need to improve on a lot of things." The Bengals indeed hope that they can continually win games, but only time will tell in the NFL.

AFC North Standings
Bengals (3-0)
Steelers (1-2)
Browns (1-2)
Ravens (0-3)

Game Notes
- HB Rudi Johnson remains third in the league in rushing yards, first in broken tackles
- MLB Odell Thurman once again led the game in tackles with 5
- CB Tory James tied the lead in the NFL for receptions with 3
- QB Carson Palmer has a QB rating of 60.9 on the year

Bengals Sick Bay
SS Kim Herring (shoulder) - Expected return Week 6

Next Week -- NFL Week 3
(3-0) Cincinnati Bengals @ (1-1) Houston Texans

The Bengals command the NFL's 10th ranked offense, but the NFL's 29th ranked passing defense. The Texans last-ranked offense is struggling, but they're coming off a big 20-9 win against none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans hope to rebound and take control of their division with a win in Cincinnati. The Bengals look to put up another W and a 4-0 record, and convincingly command the AFC North.

**The GIGGAS** · 12-26-2005, 05:25 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Wow, lucky, MP.

Go Bengals (until you play the Jaguars)!

**MidnightPyro** · 12-27-2005, 09:14 PM

Re: Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

Thanks Giggas. I think your Jaguars might give me more trouble than I'm looking forward too.

-- NFL Week 4: Texans @ Bengals --
WIN:34-14

In a topsy-turvey game, the Bengals came out on top again, with much thanks to Johnson & Johnson. The Bengals opened up the game with a field goal and a touchdown, while the Texans were shut down for almost the entire game by the Bengals defense. The Texans last-ranked offense couldn't even get started, converting just 1 of 14 third downs. The Texans two touchdowns came on defense with an interception returned for a touchdown, and a fumble returned for a touchdown.

The Texans relied on their defense, the Bengals defense did all it could containing the Texans, but the fate of the game was put in the hands of the offense. Palmer had a mixed outing, throwing 4 interceptions, but 4 TDs. Palmer was under pressure most of the game. The Texans 3-4 defense confused the Bengals offensive line resulting in 8 sacks on Palmer, giving the team 20 allowed on the season, an NFL worst.
"Blitzers were coming from everywhere, and I didn't have much time to find an open reciever. I had to throw the ball Chad's direction a lot and hope he could come up with it." said a banged up Carson Palmer. And that he did. Chad Johnson caught 8 receptions for 3 touchdowns and added 200 yards onto his total, winning the NFL Player of the Week award. The second half of Johnson and Johnson performed excellently also. Rudi picked up 153 yards on the ground for the Bengals.
Marvin Lewis was quite happy with his team's rushing performance. "Anytime we can get it going on the ground game this well, we're pretty happy. It takes the pressure off of our passing game and Carson, and allows us to use Play Action and switch things around."

The Bengals managed to use their passing game and Chad Johnson to come back from a score of 14-13 at the end of the third quarter to 34-14 at the end of the game. Another lucky game for the Bengals. Cinncinnati better hope the lucky rabits foot holds onto it's magic for Week 5 with the Jags.

Cincinnati Rumor Mill
Sources close to the team report with performance of the pass protection in Week 4 against the texans, Rookie C Erik Ghuichec may recieve the starting nod in hopes of turning things around. Ghuichec showed a high level of talent in pre-season.

AFC North Standings
Bengals (4-0)
Steelers (1-2)
Browns (1-2)
Ravens (1-2)

Game Notes
- HB Rudi Johnson moves to second in the NFL in rushing yards.
- CB Deltha O'Neal picked up 9 tackles, leading Cincinnati's defense
- CB Tory James tied the lead in the NFL for receptions with 3
- Cincinnati Bengals have allowed the most sacks in NFL

Bengals Sick Bay
SS Kim Herring (shoulder) - 1 week (Returns Next Week)

Next Week -- NFL Week 5
(4-0) Cincinnati Bengals @ (2-2) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have struggled with turnovers this season and mistakes, but it's a team with a lot of potential and talent. The Jaguars hope to knock the Bengals off their undefeated pedestal with a win, while the Bengals hope to continue their impressive early season run. The Jaguars as a team have remained relatively healthy, but Fred Taylor will not make a return in the 2005 season, requiring the Jaguars to rely heavily on their passing attack.

Welcome to the Jungle: Cincinnati Bengals

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