Does Marvin Lewis Survive the Season?

[Muskie]

????

[vee4xu]

I don't know about Lewis, but I have to believe that Man-genius gets fired during the season before Lewis does. That opens the door for the Seattle Walrus to step in and take over on the sidelines. Not sure how much that helps.

[JimCoker]

I was not on the sidelines, so I can't know all of the details, but on the surface, everything that people have feared about the TO-Chad disruptive presence came to fruition on the final play of the half. For the Bengals to not have key offensive weapons avaiolable because they were all in the locker room prior to the clock expiring pisses me off unlike anything the Bengals have done in 42 years. Sure, TO should be fined, but Marvin should ridiculed for having that little control of his team.

He will give his normal, soft spoken lame excuses for why they were so grossly unprepared. Too bad he can't just say "We sucked because I don't know how to prepare and motivate a team. Everyone always disses on Mike Brown, but I am the real problem here."

How many more days til the Musketeers take the court?????

[Kahns Krazy]

What exactly would TO or Chad have done with a hail mary pass to the 2? Shipley caught the ball in traffic.

Chad went to the locker room with a trainer. I didn't see TO leave the field, but it doesn't matter a squirt when you're 60 yards from the endzone.

The first half + 1 play of that game was horrible, but it's no accident that Belichick is the only coach to rack up three super bowl rings in 4 years. I'll give the coach of the defending division champs more than one bad half before I start weighing in on if he deserves to keep his job.

What a stupid poll.

[xavierj]

Yeah what do Chad and TO have to do with the defense and special teams giving up 31 points? I thought the offense looked great from the last 5 minutes of the first half through the end of the game. Chad looked his best since 05 and that has to be because he will not be double covered as much. The Bengals will be fine even if they looked awful the first 25 minutes of the game.

They get Baltimore at home and then get to play Cleveland, Tampa and Carolina over the next month. Baltimore is always tough but the Bengals play them pretty well and Carson has beat them more than he has lost to them and then they should be able to beat the other three who are all pretty bad teams. They will be fine in my opinion. That defense is much better than they were today.

[chico]

Am I wrong or did the Bengals start last season 0-1?

Maybe they won't repeat last year's success, but I think it's pretty premature to throw in the towel after one game against one of the best teams in the AFC.

[X-band '01]

I guess it could be worse - imagine being a Niners, Colts or Lions fan right about now. I know a bunch of you people are thinking "The Ravens blew out New England last year" yet conveniently forget that the Pats did not have Welker for that game. Cincy had no answer in regards to him.

It sucked watching the game today, but next week's game is more important short-term.

[GoMuskies]

Lewis should surive longer than Wade Phillips. Phillips should have been fired at halftime tonight, and he may well be fired tomorrow if the second half goes badly.

[XURunner85]

The Brown family will never fire Lewis, they don't want a championship team, they want a team they can pass off as a contender so fans will keep showing up to games. Lewis is a good puppet for them...

[X-band '01]

Heehee - was that Brad St. Louis snapping for Washington on that FG attempt?

[PM Thor]

I guess it could be worse - imagine being a Niners, Colts or Lions fan right about now. I know a bunch of you people are thinking "The Ravens blew out New England last year" yet conveniently forget that the Pats did not have Welker for that game. Cincy had no answer in regards to him.

It sucked watching the game today, but next week's game is more important short-term.

I cannot remember a worse call ever in the NFL. Ever. The guy was palming the ball one handed to the ground, an obvious touchdown. That was simply horrific, and I am embarassed that they called it the way they did. Since it's Detroit though, the outcry won't be so loud, but could you imagine the reaction if that happened to Pittsburgh, Dallas, or any New York team?

That was pathetic. Worst call in all of sport this year outside of the blown no hitter call by the ump. Pathetic, and it's even worse that they tried to justify it. Just suck it up and say you suck.

I HATE dayton.

[BENWAR]

I cannot remember a worse call ever in the NFL. Ever. The guy was palming the ball one handed to the ground, an obvious touchdown. That was simply horrific, and I am embarassed that they called it the way they did. Since it's Detroit though, the outcry won't be so loud, but could you imagine the reaction if that happened to Pittsburgh, Dallas, or any New York team?

That was pathetic. Worst call in all of sport this year outside of the blown no hitter call by the ump. Pathetic, and it's even worse that they tried to justify it. Just suck it up and say you suck.

I HATE dayton.

The ref made the call based on the rule by the NFL that you must maintain control of the ball when you come down with it.

I can understand that you don't like the rule, but don't blame it on the ref.

[Smails]

The ref made the call based on the rule by the NFL that you must maintain control of the ball when you come down with it.

I can understand that you don't like the rule, but don't blame it on the ref.

Exactamundo. The officials called the play ny the letter of the rule so the problem lies in the rule not the officials. I think the rule should be revaluated as there is no doubt that Johnson had complete control of that ball. There needs to be some level of judgement by the refs allowed on a play like that.

Terrible sports weekend for me: Bengals...yuk, ND...heartbreak, Fantasy football team completely smoked in week 1...I guess I'll have to work this week beacuse I hate reading about my teams' losses

[sash19]

The ref made the call based on the rule by the NFL that you must maintain control of the ball when you come down with it.

I can understand that you don't like the rule, but don't blame it on the ref.

Then the rule needs revisited. He caught the ball with two hands, came down holding it clearly and under control, knee hits ground, butt hits ground (all in bounds) and he then jumps up to celebrate dropping the ball. That is a catch not if's and's or but's. The "football" act was over-the catch with two hands and the holding of the ball in complete control to get knees and butt on ground in bounds with clear and complete control of the ball. Same as last year in the super bowl with the saints. Detroit got screwed.

[Jumpy]

Marvin Lewis was coach of the year last year and has an offer sitting on the table from Mikey Boy.

The question is does he want to come back another year, not will he survive this one.

[Juice]

Marvin Lewis was coach of the year last year and has an offer sitting on the table from Mikey Boy.

The question is does he want to come back another year, not will he survive this one.

I agree with this. Everyone knows the Browns won't fire him in his last season, but does he get an extension?

I could see him not getting one or him not accepting the offer and Mike Zimmer taking over as head coach. I am not saying Zimmer is more qualified or as good as Marvin but that he is a cheap replacement that would make the fans okay with Marvin leaving.

[boozehound]

I agree with this. Everyone knows the Browns won't fire him in his last season, but does he get an extension?

I could see him not getting one or him not accepting the offer and Mike Zimmer taking over as head coach. I am not saying Zimmer is more qualified or as good as Marvin but that he is a cheap replacement that would make the fans okay with Marvin leaving.

I tend to think that if Marvin wanted to spend more time with the Bengals then he would have signed an extension last offseason. I don't think that he wants to stay and I don't necessarily blame him.

If he gets another head coaching job right away it will also tell us a little bit about how the other owners think about Mike Brown, IMHO.

[dc_x]

Yeah what do Chad and TO have to do with the defense and special teams giving up 31 points? I thought the offense looked great from the last 5 minutes of the first half through the end of the game. Chad looked his best since 05 and that has to be because he will not be double covered as much.

Agreed. But fans and media only want to talk about that last play of the 1st half because it's more fun to pick on #85 and TO. Those 2 WRs combined for 21 catches, 212 yards, and a TD. But everyone will complain that they were in the lockerroom for one meaningless play. Who cares?

The defense was terrible yesterday. Especially, the d-line. Brady had all day to throw the ball. If you want to complain about something from that game, complain about the non-existent pash rush.

[XU 87]

The ref made the call based on the rule by the NFL that you must maintain control of the ball when you come down with it.

I can understand that you don't like the rule, but don't blame it on the ref.

The only thing I was thinking is that he did have "control" of the ball. I don't think the rule defines "control" as tucking the ball into your arm or chest.

[X-band '01]

Agreed. But fans and media only want to talk about that last play of the 1st half because it's more fun to pick on #85 and TO. Those 2 WRs combined for 21 catches, 212 yards, and a TD. But everyone will complain that they were in the lockerroom for one meaningless play. Who cares?


They're probably pissed that Chad wouldn't celebrate his 3rd quarter TD that at least gave the Bengals a brief glimmer of hope. I'm sure that anything that would have been said between Chad and TO and the coaches were said behind closed doors.

But ultimately you're right - pass defense has to be the bigger concern going into next week, even though the Ravens have a much better RB (Ray Rice) than the Patriots did. Baltimore's offense could also be problematic.

[Kahns Krazy]

The only thing I was thinking is that he did have "control" of the ball. I don't think the rule defines "control" as tucking the ball into your arm or chest.


The way the rule is written now, you basically have to come to a complete stop on the ground, or stand back up with the ball. The lions receiver did not, therefore the ruling is incomplete.

While I don't like how this rule works on this one particular play, I like the rule in general. It allows the referees to be very consistent in how a completion is called. For those that are in favor of changing it, how would you do so to make it better?

[gladdenguy]

Agreed. But fans and media only want to talk about that last play of the 1st half because it's more fun to pick on #85 and TO. Those 2 WRs combined for 21 catches, 212 yards, and a TD. But everyone will complain that they were in the lockerroom for one meaningless play. Who cares?

Exactly. T.O. and Chad want to win more than any two players on the Bengals or any team in the NFL. One meaningless play at the end of half. Who cares.

[nuts4xu]

Marvin Lewis will be the coach of the Bengals as long as he wants. He has given Mike Brown no reason to fire him, and he would have to finish with a few 4 win seasons before he will feel heat.

Mike Brown kept Dave (not Don) Shula for 4 years, he ain't gonna fire Marvin any time soon.

[Jumpy]

As bad as the game looked on the surface, the only unit that concerns me right now is the D-line: specifically the pass rush. To fix it, I would give Washington their asking price and Have Haynesworth on a plance to Cincy today and suited up for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

[wkrq59]

The Chad-TO thing has two very simple explanations, the second more obvious than the first:
1)While Jim Breech and Mike Martin aren't unbiased observers on WCPO's Sports of All Sorts, both said Chad leaves the field before the half to get in and get hooked up to IVs that help him avoid cramping before every halftime. Ditto for TO.
Since the Bengals did not have the ball when they left and when they got the ball there were only two or three seconds left in the half, the odds on them being needed were about 100-1 or worse. People who base their pleasure on what might have happened or not, play long odds in betting horse races and in 99-1 cases they lose.
2)The CBS team had a real sleep inducer on their hands almost from the outset. The easiest way to maintain some semblance of interest is to start controversy which they did.
Unfortunately, the Cincinnati Bengals have been such a horse crap team for so many years that the two of them found easy scapegoats. During last year's surprising season, all commentators found it necessary to follow every good thing the Bengals did with a "Yes, but..." comment. And every single late season and the one playoff contest included ad-nauseam details about he death of Zimmer's wife and how he was coping and the death of Chris Henry and his checkered past and the Bengals off-field problems over the past few years. I'm surprised they didn't mention Jess Phillips signing outside the doors of a Michigan prison after he served his time for forgery.
But for those who would continue to hate Mike and the Brown family even if they somehow managed a miracle and won a Super Bowl, Sunday's three minutes were a symbol of armageddon, the sky s falling, Obama is to blame for everything and the Bengals' loss, and for Mike Brown, take your pick.
Thus endeth the rant.
:p;):D

[XU 87]

I'm surprised they didn't mention Jess Phillips signing outside the doors of a Michigan prison after he served his time for forgery.
:p;):D

That's one I've never heard.

[wkrq59]

That's one I've never heard.

Check The Post archives for a story written by Barry Cobb, my cellmate for most of those 34 Post years. BTW, Barry also called Jess' car phone (yeah it was a while back) to ask for his reaction to being cut. He caught Jess in his car on I-75 on the way to practice. They hadn't even called him to tell him he'd been cut. Just another in the wonderful stories of our men.
:logo::shield::sword:

[Xman95]

I don't know about Lewis, but I have to believe that Man-genius gets fired during the season before Lewis does.

At this point Mangini has done nothing to warrant losing his job. I'm not necessarily a Mangini fan, but he turned Club Med into a training camp last year and had his players looking like a football team by the end of the year.

In the first game of this season, Jake Delhomme is the reason the Browns lost. He was/is awful. He is also Holmgren's choice for the QB position. So that shouldn't fall on Mangini's shoulders. With average QB play on Sunday, the Browns blow out Tampa Bay.

[boozehound]

Cleveland looks like such a mess right now it is ridiculous. I wouldn't expect much out of them for a while, even if Holmgren is the man for the job. They need a QB, first and foremost, and Delhomme isn't going to cut it for long. They also don't appear to have a lot of players at the other offensive skill positions either (WR and RB). Talk about a rebuilding job.

[X-band '01]

Rather quiet on this thread after a win over the Ravens - Cincy needed this win before going on the road to Carolina and Cleveland. I'm a little surprised Pittsburgh is 2-0 out of the gate; apparently their defense is going to keep them in it until Benjamin comes back from his suspension.

[Jumpy]

Its hard to get a guage on the team from yesterday's game. The defense played much better, but Baltimore's offense is nothing like New England's- and Joe Flacco is no Tom Brady. The offense could move the ball in the middle of the field, but kept stalling in the red zone. I'm not sure how much of that is attributable to the Ravens D, Carson's wildness and Bratkowski's "kid glove" red zone play calling.

[gladdenguy]

I'm glad this city is FINALLY starting to realize that Carson Palmer is an average to below average quarterback.
IF the Bengals win games, like yesterday, this season they will win because of their running game, defense, and special teams.
Carson Palmer's job is to not lose the game by throwing stupid interceptions. The Ravens dropped at least 2 sure interceptions yesterday.
I can't fathom this big stiff makes 16 million a season. Its disgusting. Nice contract Mike.
The Bengals are a 6-10 win football team with Carson Palmer as quarterback. Never more. Their passing game is terrible....and its a shame with the talent they have at receiver.
Props to Zimmer and the special teams for the win yesterday.

[boozehound]

I'm glad this city is FINALLY starting to realize that Carson Palmer is an average to below average quarterback.
IF the Bengals win games, like yesterday, this season they will win because of their running game, defense, and special teams.
Carson Palmer's job is to not lose the game by throwing stupid interceptions. The Ravens dropped at least 2 sure interceptions yesterday.
I can't fathom this big stiff makes 16 million a season. Its disgusting. Nice contract Mike.
The Bengals are a 6-10 win football team with Carson Palmer as quarterback. Never more. Their passing game is terrible....and its a shame with the talent they have at receiver.
Props to Zimmer and the special teams for the win yesterday.

I agree 100%. Palmer has played like a bottom 1/3 of the league QB for a few years now. You can only blame the line so much. We don't have the best pass-blocking line out there but it isn't the worst either. The guy is a statue, execept for his happy feet.

I was frustrated that we didn't get a realistic option for a replacement for Carson in the offseason should the need arise this year. I know that there wasn't a whole lot out there, but someone better than Jordan Palmer had to be available.

This team will go as far as the defense and running game will take them and no further unless they get a lot of things figured out.

[stophorseabuse]

Hard to question the Bengals signing him. He hasn't been the same since the knee. If the Bengals don't sign him long term, then start 5-11 seasons Brown would have been criticized for breaking up that team.

Brown is still just awful though, not arguing that.