While Cincinnati's chances aren't great, fans can find reasons to stay hopeful.
The scenarios that will land the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs have been well-documented.
They must defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and pray for one of two miracles — an Oakland victory over the New York Jets or combined losses by Denver and Jacksonville.
Reasons for optimism
1. The Bengals have the offensive firepower needed to pound the Steelers into submission — a Pro Bowl quarterback in Carson Palmer; a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh; and workhorse tailback Rudi Johnson.
2. Oakland cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha should intercept Jets' QB Chad Pennington four times. Pennington is smart and savvy, but throws soft passes with his weak arm.
3. San Francisco tailback Frank Gore has the ability to rush for 200 yards and three touchdowns at Denver, and the Kansas City crowd will be tough on the visiting Jaguars.
Reasons for pessimism
1. The Bengals have endured a turbulent season marked by injuries, arrests and on-field mistakes. They'll either be fired up or ready to pack it in. They're not just a Jekyll-Hyde team. They're Heckle and Jeckle.
2. Art Shell returned to Oakland because he missed coaching and felt like the team "needed direction." All he got in return was a pathetic performance by his club. The Raiders won't quit. They'll just lay down.
3. Mike Shanahan looked demented benching Jake Plummer in favor of rookie Jay Cutler when the Broncos were 7-4. Now he looks like a genius. The Jaguars' "D" could wreck K.C.'s "O."
4:15 p.m.
With running back DeDe Dorsey out for year, the Bengals turned to a star-crossed former first-round pick in Cedric Benson to back up Chris Perry Sunday in Dallas.
Benson joins the Bengals five days after two Travis County grand juries...
3:55 p.m.
From Bengals public relations:
The Bengals today signed free agent HB Cedric Benson and placed HB DeDe Dorsey on the Reserve/Injured list. Dorsey, a third-year player from Lindenwood College, played in this season's first four games but...
Posted: 6:10 a.m.
If Ryan Fitzpatrick gets another shot to start Sunday in Dallas, the Bengals only have to look at their last 19 games to see the road map for getting a victory with a backup quarterback.
In that stretch they've played eight...
This is THE podcast for all Cincinnati Bengals fans.Twice a week, legendary Cincinnati sportscaster, Ken Broo, is joined by the editors, writers and publisher of the popular bi-weekly publication, Bengals ReportIn this up to the minute podcast, the discussion is all Bengals featuring interviews with your favorite Bengals players.Get the inside scoop on the Bengals and their upcoming games by placing Bengals Report on your list of favorites!
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals vs Browns game coming up Sunday 92808. You'll hear comments from Carson Palmer, Chris Perry and Marvin Lewis. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals upcoming game at the New York Giants. You'll hear comments from Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis and quarterback Carson Palmer. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Tennessee Titans in week #2 of the 2008 NFL season. You'll hear comments from head coach Marvin Lewis, running back Chris Perry and wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. For the best in sports visit Ken's web site www.kenbroo.com.
