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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > October > 13 > Entry
Fans see better than they hear
BENGALS FANS TIRED
OF HEARING, ‘WE DID
SOME GOOD THINGS;’
BOTTOM LINE IS 0-6
‘LUDWIG AT LARGE’ BELIEVES
OFFENSE IS TOO COMPLICATED;
IT’S HIGH TIME TO SIMPLIFY
BECAUSE LINE CAN’T HANDLE IT
The Cincinnati Bengals remind me of the 25-handicap golfer, struggling mightily to break 100, who turns to his or her caddie and says, “What am I doing wrong?”
The caddie responds: “Where do you want me to start? With your stance, your grip, your takeaway, your back swing or your follow through? Because everything is wrong.”
That’s how I feel about the Bengals.
Everything is a mess. The running game stinks. The passing game stinks. The run blocking stinks. The pass protection stinks. And the offense stinks.
And that’s not all. The punting game stinks and the kick coverage stinks.
And that’s not all. The 2008 draft class, as a whole, stinks, which means the scouts stink, and the members of management and the coaches who selected them stink.
I am not going to say the defense stinks because when the opponent — in this case, the New York Jets, wearing their New York Titans throw-back uniforms — starts 11 possessions at an average of their 46-yard line, yes their OWN 46-yard line, it’s a wonder the Bengals’ defense didn’t give up 56 points instead of 26.
We knew the defense would be a work-in-progress under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer — who, by the way, is doing a helluva job with what he has to work with, which ain’t much.
What we didn’t know is that the offense, especially the line, would stink this much, this badly, this terribly, this relentlessly and this redundantly.
The longest pass play this year is a 36-yard dump-off pass to DeDe Dorsey. The longest run is 25 yards by Chris Perry.
After watching this crud for six games now, I am convinced Bob Bratkowski’s OFFENSE IS TOO COMPLICATED.
I say, simplify, Simplify, SIMPLIFY … bench Chris Perry … bench center Eric Ghiaciuc … and give the damn ball to Cedric Benson and Kenny Watson and let ‘em run.
What’s incredible is that team president Mike Brown actually thinks he’s done a good job building this team — or should we say tearing it down — and his subjects think the positives outweigh the negatives for the future.
People in the front offices at Paul Brown Stadium walk around like they’re 10-time Super Bowl champions instead of a franchise that’s made one measly postseason appearance in 18 years.
I see better than I hear.
I see pretenders, not contenders.
I see 0-6.
I see the worst team in the NFL.
Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Matt
October 13, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Chick, Unlike our football team I think you are doing a great job this season. You are making it a point to ask the tough questions and are writing what the fans are thinking.By John
October 13, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Well, PB stadium ought to look like the Steelers home field this Sunday. Chick, you seem to be as real in this message as I have ever seen or heard from you. When you wrote “People in the front offices at Paul Brown Stadium walk around like they’re 10-time Super Bowl champions instead of a franchise that’s made one measly postseason appearance in 18 years”, that’s probably where the problem is, “clueless” and family are in charge. PB took all the family knowledge and wisdom with him when he departed.By Phil
October 13, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
Chick, awesome article. You are reading my mind and understand exactly what is wrong with this team. It is a total disaster of a franchise from the top to the bottom. I am with you in giving the defense the benefit of the doubt. They have to play most of the game, they have injuries, and are usually put in a bad spot by the offense. I believe in Mike Zimmer and hope he gets the tools to display his talents. I almost wish the Bengals would leave town, that way we would never have to hear about Mike Brown and how great he and his pathetic franchise are.By jim m.
October 13, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this
Chick.. I hope you ask Clueless Marvin this. the fans are tired of hearing the same “we did some good things, etc, when your team is 0-6 and hasnt done ANYTHING right since the team was 8-5 and lost the last 3 games to eliminate them from the post season 2 years ago!! And the fans are tired of the laughs and the slap in the face attitude that Bengal fans are clueless when its the Brown family, the coaches and the not so good players picked to be on this team that are clueless!! Hammer them all you want in the clueless news conferences and call Mike Brown out to be interviewed and explain his scamming of the fans for his free stadium..!!!!By thtygr
October 13, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Chick, You NEED to hammer this home in the press conference today. Except, I don’t think we can tell if the offense overall stinks…..I just think Brat has to go……the offensive line has sucked, that much we know……but honestly why would you take an outside the tackles runner and continue to bust him in between the tackles ??? I have more of a chance to get three yards between the tackles than Perry does. We waited and waited and waited for him to get healthy so we’ve have that change of pace back in the backfield. He gets healthy and we release Rudi so that the change of pace can now be the every down back, and convert him to the up the gut RB ??? That’s kinda like drafting a run and shoot QB and forcing him to follow the pocket passer QB model……why would you ever do something like that ??? Oh wait, we did that too. Bottom line is, (well, we suck is the bottom line) that the person calling the plays isn’t in tune with the offense on the field. The line can’t block….the running back can’t run……the QB can’t pass laying on his back……This is just getting OLD.By Jerry
October 13, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Chick, Please ask Marvin… 1) For a team that wants to win “NOW” why did they draft projects that couldn’t help them immediately (Simpson, simms, caldwell, shirley, etc.) 2) With the offensive line struggling, will the rookie OT get an opportunity to play or will we see Whitworth at Tackle? Thanks Chick.By Jim
October 13, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I have 2 questions for “Giggles” Lewis to ascertain who is responsible for the players selected for this team: What players did you (Lewis) want but mikey boy said “No” and is not on the team? What players did you (Lewis) NOT want but mikey boy said “Yes” and is/was on the team?By sec 312
October 13, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
was there for first ex game at Nippert. never thought I would do this..but I’m selling for sunday. I have had it. How can the Brown family clowns look at them selves? They are jokes. Why o why can’t they just let someone who knows something run the team? two for sunday great seats 30 yard line bengal side…email me.By psychostats
October 13, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I agree with the other posters that Chick is right on here. That accurate rant reads like it came straight out of the MikeBrownSucks.com forums, and I absolutely mean that as a compliment. The passage about how the front office people strut around is a true gem. And finally(!), a theory about why the offensive line is so horrendous. It may not be right, but it sure beats the usual pablum about “technique”, “continuity”, and “assignments”.By M
October 13, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
My question would be, is that a “professional Level” QB ya got there ? Run-Run-Pass, so old. No play-action. Offensive coaches and play calling are so predictable, no wonder they cannot move the ball. Perry cannot bust the ball through the line when they know a run is coming (again). Jeesh, it’s like they want to be 0-16 again.By sec 312
October 13, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
was there for first ex game at Nippert. never thought I would do this..but I’m selling for sunday. I have had it. How can the Brown family clowns look at them selves? They are jokes. Why o why can’t they just let someone who knows something run the team? two for sunday great seats 30 yard line bengal side…email me.By jungledawg32
October 13, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
I’m just glad I’m a Browns fan. While they may be bad I think the benGALS have the “worst team in the NFL” label all to themselves. Hoo-ray for Who-Dey! Happy days are here again…By pat
October 13, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Up until this week you have been trying to sell the Bengals as a contender. Chick your not doing a very good job! I didn’t see your prediction this week but go back and look at your picks the first 5 weeks and man are you WRONG. In my house we refer to you as a Bengal cheerleader not a reporter.By Dan
October 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
The only way this train wreck will ever change is if you hit MB where it hurts and quit going to the games. An empty stadium would send a message but the idiot diehards will never do it, they just like to complain…By randy
October 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
i think the bengals need help they have no coach(s) no leader no o-line and as for the owners they are stupid god himself could not help this bengal teamBy Steven Ross
October 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
With a clueless owner in denial, nothing will ever change. Get used to it if you haven’t already. The Brown Family is responsible for this entire mess. One would think if something wasn’t working after 17-years, you might want to install some change to let someone else run the show. Wins equal more money Mr. Brown. Stupid!!!By null
October 13, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I hope Mike and Katie see this !!! I couldn’t agree with you more !!!!By troop
October 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
A seventh grade football coach would know that if a play doesn’t work, then don’t run it. Bratkowski and Marvin want to prove they can run the football between the tackles more than they want to win. This and a lack of any offensive creativity (reverses) to keep the defense honest are killing the Bengals. Chris Perry is our 2nd killer.By Michael
October 13, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Chick, the Bengals are not the worst winless team in the league. The Lions hold that honor for at least another week. However, Chris Perry is awful. He cannot get a tough yard when it is needed and cannot hold onto the ball. The offensive line is terrible, which is a bit of a mystery because they should be better than this. Maybe they need a general manager. Oh, sorry Mr. Brown for the blaspheme.By SoCal Bengals Fan
October 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Mike Browns’ relationship to his father gives him the right ot own the team, his relationship to the fans and taxpayers gives him the responsibility to hire a GM. Preferably one smart enough to focus on the line on both sides of the ball.By Paul
October 13, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
cincinnati sports…. I knew there is reason I like nascarBy Brett
October 13, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Chick, Keep asking the tough questions no one else will. Please ask what he found so humorous with .30 seconds to go yesterday? I watch other coaches press conferences and continue to be amazed the way Lewis handles himself and the media.Keep it up Chick.By William
October 13, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
The Bengals need to fire the head coach, offensive line coach, offensive coordinator, and trade Chad Johnson & Eric G. Thats day one. On day two they need to sit the entire starting offensive line and start practicing the second string to see who can replace who. Then for the draft, draft an entirely new offensive line.By Richieboy
October 13, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Chick, Great initial criticism of the Bengals. However, I don’t understand why every media outlet that covers the Bengals doesn’t annihalate Mike Brown and Bengals ownership. They have been dreadfully inadequate since Paul Brown passed away. They have robbed the fans, the community, and embarassed themselves time after time the past 18 years. Yet no one blasts this team’s ownership to the extent they should. I can barely watch this debacle any longer and I have been a fan for 35 years of this franchise. They aren’t even entertaining to watch anymore. Please demand Mike Brown to defend his actions and record.By Michael
October 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Hi Chick. After 20 years of football futility, I’ve decided (in protest) to mail all my Bengal belongings back to Mike Brown. No mas! I was born in Cincinnati, and even though I haven’t lived there for nearly 30 years, I’ve remained loyal to the Bengals … until this year. At least when I was growing up, the Bengals were good. I feel sorry for kids who’ve had to endure all this sports misery. Take care. MichaelBy Jon
October 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
It’s the System, Stupid. You can blame/replace Marvin, Bratkowski, or the towel boy all you want. The Bengals are rotten through and through because of the System. Think of the great NFL teams and franchises of the past and present…the Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Cowboys. You hear about their System for sustaining excellence year in and year out, all the way from the players to the scouts to the front office. These organizations develop a System for Excellence and infuse throughout the entire operation. Great companies are the same way. Their leaders demand excellence and build a system that delivers it. The championships…the playoffs…the sustained excellence and professionalism are products of the system. The Bengals too are a product of their system. Unfortunately for the Bengal fan, the Bengal System is one built upon mediocracy, stubbornness, and incompetence. The cheap owner won’t pay for a scouting staff, so the team consistently drafts and signs inferior talent. They probably execute very well in practice, but there it’s mediocre vs. mediocre. On Sunday, they simply don’t have the talent to hang with the big boys in the rest of the NFL. All a result of the Bengal System. Marvin came in and tried to change the System, but I’m afraid that after these years have passed, the System has defeated Marvin. Mikey Boy and his daughter simply don’t know how to build and manage a franchise, yet are too stubborn to hire someone that does, and allow that person to do the job of building a new System. One of three things can happen here. 1) The Brown family may realize their flaws and sell the team to someone committed to building a winner, 2)The Brown family may realize their flaws and hire someone who knows how to run a football team, and provide that person the funds and leeway to do it right, or 3) The Browns will never realize their faults, the Bengals will never improve and things will continue stay the same. What to you think will happen?By Mike Brown
October 13, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I’ve constructed a very solid football team we’ve almost won 6 times this year, i don’t know what the problem is, but since you guys seem a little upset, here, i’ll give you a 10% discount on these Keith Rivers #58 jerseys to make it up to you guys…see, i’m not cheap.By Ecartman
October 13, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Chris Perry has single-handedly cost the Bengals at least 2 games. His late fumble last week and the game this week simply by “looking for a place to lay down”, as the guy on TV put it yesterday. Kenny Watson was outstanding last year. PUT HIM BACK IN!By JC
October 13, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
If your linebackers and DB’s repeatedly drop back into coverage beyond the first down marker then it is only obvious that the other team will pick up first downs and move the ball down the field. When you defense doesn’t even know where the first down marker is that is your first problem. Offensively, you could run the ball for a couple yards at a time when you only need a couple of yards. They were successful when they threw the ball on first and second down and picked up the short yardage on third running the ball. They abandoned the approach in the second half that worked at the end of the first half. This is obvious football 101 stuff that Marvin and his staff are oblivious to.By SCOTT
October 13, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
SIMPLYFY THE OFFENSE? IT CANT BE MORE SO…..EVERYTIME THE OFFENSE GOT THE BALL INSIDE THIER OWN 5. THEY TRY RUNNING THE BALL…THEY CANT RUN…THEY LET THE RUNNING BACK GO..AND I DONT CARE WHAT THE BENGALS SAY THE REASON WAS…IT WAS BECAUSE MIKE BROWN DIDNT WANT TO PAY RUDI WHAT HE WAS GOING TO MAKE THIS YEAR…SAME WITH WILLIE ANDERSON. THEY SHOULD TRY MIXING IN SOME PASSES….IF THEY DONT BELIEVE IN FITZGERALD…WHY IS HE PLAYING? MIKE BROWN WANTS THE SEATS TO OPEN BACK UP AT THE STADIUM SO HE CAN RECHARGE THE NEXT GENERATION FOR THE SAME SEATS ONCE AGAIN….JUST LIKE HE DID LAST TIME….THE MAJORS GOT MARGE OUT OF THE REDS….CANT THE NFL GET MIKE BROWN OUT? THE BENGALS MANAGEMENT IS HURTING THE NFL…By Blankman
October 13, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Chick, If I hear “We’re doing some good things” one more time I’m going to end it all. If we they were doing some good things we wouldn’t be 0-6 and I wouldn’t have to stop wearing my jersey to the sports bars for fear of being harassed and laughed at.By Steve
October 13, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Well, I think its time that the NFL realizes that this just isn’t working out. They should revoke Mike Browns franchise and dissolve the team. All the good players could be re-distributed to other teams, the other 90% would be given buy-out packages. Cincinnati would be better for it. The stadium could be used for a park or something.By Andy
October 13, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Please keep going with this style of article. MB needs to realize what a terrible job he is doing. You are completely right on the 2005 season, he’ll want to hang his hat on that one for a long time to come. People need to boycott going to PBS, might as well this weekend when it’s a sea of black and gold. It’s the only way we can attempt to have Mike Brown make changes to the way he is running his organization. I was born a Bengals fan 25 years ago, I barley remember our last super bowl, seen us go to the playoffs once. Compare that with other teams around our area; Steelers, Colts, Bears, Titans, and even the Rams have had better fortune. It’s getting absurd and starts with Mike Brown, time to step aside and let someone else run it while you still get to collect.By KILLA
October 13, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
well, in my opinion,everytime bengals get a turnover we never seem to have what it take to get the ball down the feild. We have too many personal fouls and technical errors. WE DEFINATLY need to stop running the ball and getting some short passes in. Brown needs to quit thinking about making money and actually make a good football team work. Almost doesn’t count people. 0-6 is not acceptable miami isnt even doing that bad… Get your head in te game and beat the steelers because you have the potential to.By glenn
October 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I bet Mr Brown is rolling over in his grave every Sunday. His only mistake was leaving the team to his son who has turned the franchise into not only the laughing stock of the NFL but the biggest joke in sports period!! I just don’t understand how his brain actually works,or if it works. I’m wondering if he really cares about the team. I really think it is now about the money and that is all. The league should force this fool out of the NFL and try to save a sorry franchise from never showing any improvement.By bignuts
October 13, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
FIRE LEWIS,TRADE PALMER,JOHNSON,PERRY,AND THE O LINE,START FROM SCRATCH,,CANT GET ANY WORSE,AND MIKE BROWN IS BAD JOKE,LOOKS LIKE WE ARE NEVER GOING TO HAVE A WINNER IN THIS TOWN UNTILL HE DIES AND SOMEONE THAT KNOWS ABOUT FOOTBALL TAKES OVER,AND LEWIS IS ALSO A JOKE OF A COACH,,YOU CANT RUN THE BALL SO WHY DO YOU KEEP TRYING,IT MAKES ME SICK,THE WHOLE DAMN TEAM SUCKS,AND I FEEL SORRY FOR ALL THE FOOLS THAT KEEP GOING TO PB STADIUM AND WATCH THESE GOOFBALLS WEEK AFTER WEEK,I HOPE THE STEELERS COME IN HERE AND PUT A HURTING ON EVERY STARTER,,AT LEAST THEN THE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO PLAY CAN GET A CHANCE,AND I CANT BLAME PALMER FOR DUCKING OUT WITH HIS ELBOW,I WOULD GET TIRED OF GETTING MY A*S KICKED EVERY SUNDAY ALSO,By MARVINLEWIS
October 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
hi everyone,i know we suck,i suck as a coach,the players suck as players,mike brown sucks for being mike brown,our uniforms suck,but hey,look on the bright side,the season is almost half over,By IgnatiusJReilly
October 13, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout we aggravate Mike so much that he takes his team and leaves? Los Angeles needs the NFL. Then, we bellyache to the league about life without a franchise, convince Eddie DeBartolo or Mark Cuban to put together an ownership group to buy the new team, and call it the Cincinnati Bulls- as in “North Dallas Forty”.By ohio ex patriate
October 13, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Chick-a-moonga: I agree. Simplify and things will happen. But, no worries. I know 0 - 6 sounds bad, but, things will turn around.We’ll get a “W” or two this year, that’s about all we can hope for. But, better days/seasons are coming. Football, like life, gas prices and alimony payments are cyclical. Our time will come.By jimi
October 13, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
chris perry. lmao. he’s still the starter on this team. he’s still ON THIS TEAM. what else, chickerama, needs to be said?By null
October 13, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Chick, you are right-on. The Bengals were more competitive in ‘68 taking a few practice-squad-caliber players from every other NFL team to start the franchise. I guess the only way Mike Brown defines his worth is through the millions he makes rather than by doing a good job. He must have the thickest skin in the history of mankind. How much money does he need? At some point, you’d think he’d realize he has more than he can spend and just challenge himself (and his family) to win.By null
October 13, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Chick, you are right-on. The Bengals were more competitive in ‘68 taking a few practice-squad-caliber players from every other NFL team to start the franchise. I guess the only way Mike Brown defines his worth is through the millions he makes rather than by doing a good job. He must have the thickest skin in the history of mankind. How much money does he need? At some point, you’d think he’d realize he has more than he can spend and just challenge himself (and his family) to win. I keep imagining what it must be like for him at the owner’s meetings. Anything he says or does is probably just summarily dismissed by every other owner there as just mindless drivelBy EmbarrasedAdNauseam
October 13, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Chick, you are right-on. The Bengals were more competitive in ‘68 taking a few practice-squad-caliber players from every other NFL team to start the franchise. I guess the only way Mike Brown defines his worth is through the millions he makes rather than by doing a good job. He must have the thickest skin in the history of mankind. How much money does he need? At some point, you’d think he’d realize he has more than he can spend and just challenge himself (and his family) to win. I keep imagining what it must be like for him at the owner’s meetings. Anything he says or does is probably just summarily dismissed by every other owner there as just mindless drivel.By Duh
October 13, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
You ask, how can the Bengals get better? Get rid of Marvin Lewis!By bill
October 13, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Chick Ludwig predict this Bengals team to win ten games and make the playoffs? Perhaps he meant in the year 2020?By joe
October 13, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Are the Bengals the worst team in the NFL? Answer. Is the Pope Catholic?By mike
October 13, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Joe. If the Bengals are the worst team in the NFL, does that make Mariv Lewis the worst coach in the NFL?By gibby
October 14, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
I wish Paul Brown had worn a rubber the night Mikey boy was conceived.By sam
October 14, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
CBS should be asking for their money back rather than televise these Bengal games!By david
October 14, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
guys.. this is all just part of Mike and Marvin’s master plan. We’re sure to get the first draft pick next year.. we need that to replace TJ, who I’m sure couldn’t be happier to leave. They’re also teaching Ocho Cinco a lesson for crying about playing on a losing team.. he thought they were bad last year?By david
October 14, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
guys.. this is all just part of Mike and Marvin’s master plan. We’re sure to get the first draft pick next year.. we need that to replace TJ, who I’m sure couldn’t be happier to leave. They’re also teaching Ocho Cinco a lesson for crying about playing on a losing team.. he thought they were bad last year?By Diamond Dave
October 14, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
After watching the Short Cut of Sunday’s game, I can honestly say that the Cincinnati Bengals are an embarassment to the sport of professional football.