A win is always better than a loss. I made some comments last week about how I didn't care what the score of the game would be as long as the Bengals pulled out the win. I even mentioned I didn't care if it went into overtime as long as they pulled it out. Well, that is exactly what happened. The Browns out uglied the Bengals in overtime to allow the Bengals to win the game.
What I liked
When this offense has its back against the wall they fight. This is the 4th game in a row where the Bengals have been down at the end of the game and Palmer and company need to drive the length of the field to win the game. They actually had the opportunity to do it in this weekends game twice. It is a good feeling to know that the offense can perform when it matters.
The defense is still tough. After being on the field for most of the last 3 quarters the Bengals defense did a good job of keeping a Browns offense that was finding life in their passing game in check. The Browns had plenty of opportunities to put this game away and the Bengals came up with some key turnovers and stops to allow the offense the chance to win this game.
What I didn't like
What is going on with this offense. It starts off hot, then extremely conservative and the play makers are unable to make plays. Then with the game on the line they come to life and usually on 4th down make the necessary plays to win the game. I blame Bob Bratkowski for a lot, he does not understand how to adapt to game changes in his play calling. However, in this most recent games you also see Chad Ochocinco dropping passes and Carson Palmer floating balls to open receivers when he should put some zip on it.
All in all the Bengals are 3 and 1 tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the division lead. For all of the people on the ledge thinking the Bengals are exposed or whatever nonsense is going on in your mind think about the following things. The Bengals are 3 and 1. They have defeated two quality opponents, one on the road. They are winning their division games. They are a fluke tip away from being 4 and 0 and in the process beating a very good Denver team (who is 4 and 0). Like many of you my initial gut reaction was that the Bengals are getting destroyed by the Ravens this weekend. The more I think about it though, I think the Bengals have just as good a shot to win this game as the Ravens. Who have they beat?
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