The Bengals offense was non existent today in Baltimore. The line was not able to protect Carson Palmer, and Palmer looked off. Baltimore never gave Palmer the chance to really get set before he threw. The rust had to be shaken off of the Bengals Receivers as TJ and Chad were double teamed for most of the game. It was evident that the lack of time on the filed and the lack of reps between TJ, Chad, and Carson hurt the team.
The defense held the Ravens to 17 points, but the game actually ended with the Ravens having the ball inside the Bengals ten yard line when time ran out. The Bengals defense looked alright, but once again failed miserably at the end of the game when they needed to hold the Ravens to get the ball back. The Bengals have their home opener next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Cincinnati.
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Former Bengals safety Solomon Wilcots relayed a message of hope when he showed up in the locker room after the club's season-ending 23-17 overtime loss to Pittsburgh.
Wilcots, who called the game with Ian Eagle for CBS Sports, held his thumb and index finger an inch apart.
"They're that close to being a champion," he said. "The difference between being a champion and where they're at right now — from 8-8 to 12-4 — is that much. It's an inch. They shouldn't beat themselves up. They'll be all right."
1. Draft defense: With defensive end Justin Smith likely to bolt via free agency and defensive tackles Sam Adams and John Thornton turning in mediocre seasons, the line needs an impact player. Florida defensive end Ray McDonald or North Carolina State defensive tackle Demarcus "Tank" Tyler would make a difference up front.
2. Addition by subtraction: Cornerbacks Tory James and Deltha O'Neal were major disappointments, combining for only five interceptions — four by James, who turns 34 in May. He's a free agent and likely won't return. O'Neal also needs to be shown the door. His head's not in the game.
Extras out $40 million to left tackle Levi Jones, who missed 11 games. His left knee problems have to be a major concern. While Jones rehabs, left guard Eric Steinbach heads to free agency. The team has to wonder, "Did we pay the wrong guy?" 4. Diamond in the rough: Find a breakaway threat at tailback to complement Rudi Johnson, whose longest run of the season was 22 yards. Chris Perry was supposed to be that guy, but he's not. Perry's three-year career has been plagued by injuries.
5. A little help: As director of player relations, Eric Ball wears many hats. His chief responsibility is helping — and monitoring — players off the field. One man can't service the needs of 53 players. Team president Mike Brown needs to hire additional help with player services. Ball can't do it all.
1. Goal oriented: The Bengals had a 4,000-yard passer in Carson Palmer (4,035), a 1,000-yard rusher in Rudi Johnson (1,309) and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Chad Johnson (1,369) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (1,081). Robert Geathers (10.5) became the team's first double-digit sack man since Alfred Williams in 1992.
2. Young studs: The emergence of four rookies — cornerback Johnathan Joseph, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, defensive tackle Domata Peko and free safety Ethan Kilmer — was a positive.
Shayne Graham knows what that means for him after he missed the 39-yard field goal attempt that would have put the Bengals in the playoffs.
"It’s just a feeling no one wants to remember," Graham said after Cincinnati lost 23-17 in overtime to Pittsburgh on Sunday. "I’m sure I’ll have people ask questions all year until I get the first game out of the way next year."
The meltdown in the snow at Denver was bad. Wilting in the rain at home to Pittsburgh was worse.
A botched extra point against the Broncos was followed by a missed field goal in regulation and an overtime loss to the Steelers.
A victory in either game would've sent the Bengals into the playoffs. Instead, they're staying home, losers of three straight and eight of 13 after a 3-0 start.
The Team 
