The upcoming Cincinnati game

[Arky]

The Texans face the Bengals this Sunday at noon.

The surprising 4-1 Bengals look way different than last years Bengals and are only a fluke play away from being 5-0.

For the Texans, this is pretty much "must win". And they can do it if the offense "plays fast" and the defense further gels together. They need 4 quarters of good play from both units - not 2.

Bengals are favored by 4 to 4.5

CBS @ noon. Announcers = Don Criqui, Randy Cross

[Mike]

This is the type of game where we can win, and if we do, it will temporarily stop all the doom and gloom. I am hoping the Bengals are flat after beating the Ravens, and the Texans play 4 quarters of football.

No reason that we cannot win. The offense should make Roy Williams try to cover someone on first down pass plays. First down play action pass should be our friend, and we will need to make some big plays on first down.

This week well tell alot about how our Texans are going to respond what is in store for the rest of the season, in the past, I think they have responded reasonably well under Kubiak when they feel their backs are against the wall.

I also think this is a spot where we see if Kubiak is headstong with the run or willing to use the short pass to Slaton and the TE's as a pseudo run game.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Mike

This is the type of game where we can win, and if we do, it will temporarily stop all the doom and gloom. I am hoping the Bengals are flat after beating the Ravens, and the Texans play 4 quarters of football.

No reason that we cannot win. The offense should make Roy Williams try to cover someone on first down pass plays. First down play action pass should be our friend, and we will need to make some big plays on first down.

This week well tell alot about how our Texans are going to respond what is in store for the rest of the season, in the past, I think they have responded reasonably well under Kubiak when they feel their backs are against the wall.

I also think this is a spot where we see if Kubiak is headstong with the run or willing to use the short pass to Slaton and the TE's as a pseudo run game.

I think youre loosing the battle with the cool aid.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by mussop

I think youre loosing the battle with the cool aid.

My name is Mike, and I have a problem...... :-)

[coloradodude]

Bengals defense is giving up 98 yards per game against the run.

We will either exploit that with a pass first mentality OR...

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Mike

My name is Mike, and I have a problem...... :-)

Thanks for the laugh!

[Nconroe]

I still got a little coolaid left as well.

We might win if our OL, with two new young starters, can reasonably block and give Schaub time to throw well and our receivers, especially AJ, can make some nice deep plays.

On defense we need to contain( no long TD runs) Cedric Benson, league leading rusher, and get enough pressure on Palmer to stop his accurate passing.

Hopefully our special teams will do well again, and no kicks are blocked.

I guess it will be a close game, hopefully we get that great play/lucky break/ on our side this week.

[Big Texas]

I really hope that Kubiak is not dumb enough to have a "told you so" episode.

By this I mean deciding to just bomb the ball down field every other play. Which would undoubtedly fail, with the intent of saying "I told you it wouldn't work".

I would lose all respect for him if he was willing to have a "hissy fit" because of the criticism about his running mentality.

Let me be clear. Running the ball IS necessary. HOWEVER, with this team it cannot be utilized to the capacity that Kubiak wants (due to obvious personnel inadequacies) We must DECREASE the dive plays and INCREASE the screens (to Slaton, not OD). Not saying that OD has not done a decent job with them. I just think that Slaton would do a better job.

[Roy P]

Anybody worried about Duane Brown vs. Antwan Odom?

[WMH]

I guess we aren't a real big draw for the Cincy folks....

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story...tJ3OFIlqQ.cspx

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals say Sunday's home game against the Houston Texans will not be a sellout, unless there is a "significant increase" in ticket sales.

Under NFL policy, the 1 p.m. game must be sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff. If the game does not sell out, fans will not be able to watch it on television.

The Bengals have sold out their last 46 regular-season and postseason games. Ironically, the last Bengals home game not to sell out was against the Texans on Nov. 9, 2003.

Jack Brennan, the Bengals Public Relations Director, told 9News on Wednesday that "it's not looking good" and they are "nowhere close to selling out."

Cincinnati is currently 4-1 and in first place in the AFC North after their thrilling win at Baltimore this past week.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by WMH

I guess we aren't a real big draw for the Cincy folks....

If Cedric Benson can't sell tickets, who can?

They have him animated on their web page.
"Bengals fans, let's sell out our game against the Houston Texans. Get your tickets now, let's make it loud. Together we'll make the jungle roar"

http://www.bengals.com/

[Fonz the Boss]

Damn it... I was hoping that we would get Gus Johnson and Steve tasker to call the game. We are 2-0 when they call our games... Not looking good.

[HPF Bob]

1) From what I am reading, the Texans are admitting they will need to "throw first" this week. The Bengals have done a good job shutting the other team's top receiver so watch for Walter and Jones getting some touches.

2) Benson doesn't have to-the-house speed anymore. He can be caught. The question is whether we have anyone who can tackle.

3) With the banged-up OL, expect a lot of quick screens and some draws.

[TheMatrix31]

Don't run the ball. Use Slaton in screens and little dumpoffs and let him get yards like that. Then, and only then, will we be able to have an efficient offense. Our line is too banged up to run the same crappy running plays.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by WMH

Ironically, the last Bengals home game not to sell out was against the Texans on Nov. 9, 2003.

I dunno, but I wish it was just irony but I suspect instead it's because the Texans just aren't much of a draw ? Dang the Texans can't even get their own fans into the stadium for the kick-off or keep them in the stands much beyond the 3rd quarter when they are winning (the situation in the Oakland game).

[WMH]

One of the yahoo's at PFT likes us.....
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32779492/ns/sports-nfl/

Texans (2-3) at Bengals (4-1)
1 p.m., CBS

They know drama.

The Texans can’t win a close game, and the Bengals suddenly can’t lose one.

This one also should be close because Cincy’s underlying numbers on defense and offense are mediocre, and the special teams have been awful. Timely two-minute drives to win games can go a long way, but the Bengals aren’t ready to blow teams out.

The Texans, meanwhile, have played better rush defense of late, but that was against Arizona and Oakland. Let’s see if they can stop Cedric Benson, who they may regret passing on during free agency last year.

In the end, the Bengals have won a few too many close games in a row, and make too many mistakes to get away with it every week. These things usually even out.

Pick: Texans 31, Bengals 28

[NBT]

Note to Kubiak: If the score is close and we are inside the redzone, please don't try to run it in!

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

1) From what I am reading, the Texans are admitting they will need to "throw first" this week.

Man, I hope that's the truth. If Schaub can get the passing game going, the Bengals might have to run Man coverage with Hall and Joseph. Then, Slaton can make a man miss and get some long runs. Please, please, please, pass the ball. Hopefully, the new OL can pass protect and keep Schaub clean.

[machoneil]

It's Mission:Impossible time for Agent Walter