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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2007 > October > 02 > Entry
A Coach Fed Up With His Players
The party’s over for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Immediately after his team’s embarrassing 34-13 loss to New England Monday night, coach Marvin Lewis could be heard yelling at his team, just blistering them in no uncertain terms, telling them things like “we ain’t shit” and “nobody in the NFL acts like this.”
And then he slammed home a point he made last week, telling his players if they don’t want to be here, they need get out now.
Later when he met with the press, Lewis — who admitted “I’m obviously as upset as you can be,” — called his players “selfish.”
“It’s not all about you every play,” he said. “We have to understand that.”
I don’t know if that’s the talk of a guy who’s losing his team or a guy who’s fed up with his players or someone just overcome by the frustration of the moment.
It may be a little of all three.
Whatever it is, it’s not pretty. Then again nothing was Monday night.
Receiver Chad Johnson and quarterback Carson Palmer argued on the sideline after a miscommunication between them near the end of the first half ended up an interception by the Pats’ Asante Samuel near the goal line rather than a touchdown pass.
Palmer ran up to Johnson before the two left the field and an animated exchange followed. It appeared Johnson had run the wrong route, but afterward Palmer claimed he made a wrong throw.
Regardless, the two jawed at each other for the final 1:14 of the quarter and kept it up non stop as they walked from the bench to the players’ tunnel at halftime.
Early in the third quarter it was an agitated T.J. Houshmandzadeh having a heated conversation with Lewis on the sideline after three straight incompletions — to other Bengals receivers — forced Cincinnati to punt.
And then there was veteran tackle Willie Anderson in the dressing room saying the Patriots are a “bunch of grown men” and insinuating the Bengals are anything but that.
“This is about as embarrassing as it gets,” Anderson said.
How embarrassing was it?
With Monday Night Football’s national audience and a Paul Brown Stadium crowd of 66,113 all watching, the Bengals became the flesh and blood reincarnation of some of those lousy Cincinnati teams of the 1990s.
That several players were injured — including most of the linebacker corps — was a factor Monday night, but that still doesn’t excuse some of the mental errors, arm tackles, wrong assignments and sideline meltdowns.
You name it, it happened:
The Bengals stop a third down run and then get penalized for having 12 men on the field. Instead of getting the ball back, they help New England get a field goal.
Another time they force the Pats into a fourth down-and-one situation and then give up a seven-yard touchdown run.
“I feel horrible,” said cornerback Deltha O’Neal. “The truth of the matter is that we are 1-3. It’s just ugly for us right now. Our backs are up against the wall.”
Just four weeks into the season and already all the optimism is lost. Going into their bye week, the Bengals — who’ve lost three straight and, going back to last season, six of their last seven games — are in the basement of the AFC North.
Since 2000, only eight 1-3 teams have made the play-offs.
Right now these Bengals don’t seem to be the team to make it nine.
They’re going to have to find linebacker help offer the waiver wire.
They’re going to have to stop yelling at one another when things break down.
They’re going to have to quit being selfish.
That’s what Marvin Lewis told them.
But that brings up one more question:
Are these players still listening to their coach?
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Comments
By michael
October 15, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a fan for forty years, nothing about this team surprises me.It use to bother me when they lose,now i don’t care,they have no pride why should i care. The bungles are back.Get use to it.Marvin sucks too
By Ron
October 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
What does houston have to do with the Bengals??
By Bengals
October 5, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Now that DDN has blocked the ip & email of problem out here, what is going on in Houston. The Bengals are really stinking up the place!
By steve
October 3, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
No cursing bub… I just wish you would keep one moniker…and go report it crybaby.. there is no foul language..haha what a chump…
By Bengals
October 3, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Nice language. Im sure your cussing isnt allowed on here and wont go unreported. Take another look at what you are writing. Playing all big and saying you’re an attnorney and all really showes your immaturity here. I mean it took some effort to seek this blog out again? Who has the problem?
By steve
October 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Get bent clown, your probably the same guy with a new name. whatever. I don’t appreciate being called gay lover hillary fan and the rest of the nonsense that was spewed. The gentleman in question called me out, asid I didn’t know english and I proved him wrong. What he wrote could be construed as a threat I am an attorney and know that to be true so do me a favor and STFU
By Bengals
October 3, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
To Steve: I did re-read ALL the post again. My point in still the same. You sir are the problem here! Period! End! Over and out! Now Im done with you.
By Steve
October 2, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Please read all post before making comments Bengal fan. Anyway I hope the Bengals have a good season. (ghosting is were you use someone else name in an attempt to contridict or make fun of what the person is posting) I.E. I love Hillary, Go Hillary. I didn’t post that someone else did in an attempt to make me look like a liberal. So you boys can have at it. If your a bengals fan I am on your side and will stick with them to the end.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Who’s threating? You’re the one that wants to offer me a job and calling me a loser.
By Bengals
October 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Steve Ive been reading on here and you are the one I see as the biggest loser here. Trying to be all big and bad with the law talk. Ghosting? Where do you get this stuff.
By steve
October 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
oh that’s nice threating people over public airwaves smooth move buddy. Also it is illegal to falsely use someone elses E-Mail address and name to make malicious statements so quit ghosting me. I gave you a fair arguement and you cant take it.What a loser…I am done with you
By steve
October 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
one more thing the word DOLE as defined by Websters 11th edition DOLE 1.a portion or allotment of money, food, etc, etc given at regular intervals. 2. dealing out or distributing esp. in charity 3. a form of payment to the unemployed instituded by the British government in 1918 4.any similar payment by a government to an unemployed person. With that being said you’ve been called out!
By Steve
October 2, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I love Hillary. Go Hillary.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Hey liberal Hillary Steve. No spelling problem here. Way to take you time with your last post. I’ve got a better idea. Where are you going to be at tonight and maybe I’ll offer you a job. YOU my friend are the true loser here!
By Steve
October 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Final say, After reading everyone’s comments it is fair to say that you started the crap with “get a job…stop sucking off society” where in these people post did they say anything about being unemployed or living off the government and talk about spelling (wantabe) what the hell is that. I didn’t want to turn this into a political debate but you forced my hand. Why do I have to love gays’ etc, etc, again when the wannabe republicans have no real arguement they resort to name calling such as you did. What a pathetic little person you are please leave this state as soon as possible so you’ll quit embarrasing the fine people who live here. Better yet tell me what line of work your in and I’ll find you a job as far away from here as possible. LOSER
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Dan Im with you on the bet. How do I get in on the cash.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey gay Hillary lover liberal Steve… learn how to spell… “I’m suprised you didn’t tell me to get off the welfare dole. “ Man get it right before you try to call someone out!
By steve
October 2, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Just like a Republican, we’re all not liberals my friend. I’m suprised you didn’t tell me to get off the welfare dole. At anyrate I love my Bengals and I love this state. I’ve been a fan of Paul (God rest his soul) Brown my whole life. Sorry your buddy Ken (I got stock in Diebold)Blackwell didn’t get elected and we’ll see how well Ted does but please think a little more openly and quit drinking that Kool aide Rush and Sean have you on. Back to the issue though WHO DEY!!! and if you don’t like em get off the boat!!
By Dan
October 2, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Jack: How much money are you willing to bet on the Bengals making the playoffs? If you are willing to wager a significant amount, I’ll make arrangement to take you up on that one.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Oh you liberals… Matt & Steve I read just fine. Your writing though seems a little off. You must be a Twatwood graduate.
By steve
October 2, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
BTW Final say please move your whinney but out of our great state. We will turn this thing around not just our team but our state. The republicans raped this state and sold us out give Ted a chance.
By Steve
October 2, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
I am a true Bengals and you have to take the good with the bad. I have suffered many seasons and and Marvin Lewis is good for the team it’s the players that need to step up. Most importantly we need a defense and we’ve had some misfortune in that department but the season is not over, nor is it too late. In a couple of weeks we will see if the butt the team recieved last night worked, but until then p**s on Pittsburgh and Cleveland. This team has talent they just need to focus. Most important we need a defense. But I will never jump ship and there are many more of us real fans out there so you’ll continue to see our “ugly jerseys” and we will over come.
By Steve
October 2, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
I am a true Bengals and you have to take the good with the bad. I have suffered many seasons and and Marvin Lewis is good for the team it’s the players that need to step up. Most importantly we need a defense and we’ve had some misfortune in that department but the season is not over, nor is it too late. In a couple of weeks we will see if the butt the team recieved last night worked, but until then p**s on Pittsburgh and Cleveland. This team has talent they just need to focus. Most important we need a defense. But I will never jump ship and there are many more of us real fans out there so you’ll continue to see our “ugly jerseys” and we will over come.
By Ben-
October 2, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
WELL GOOD RIDDANCE TO ALL OF YOU CRYBABIES. YES CHAD AND CARSON SHOULD BE FINED FOR SHOWING OUT IN FRONT OF THE NATION, BUT THEY ARE A GOOD TEAM WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. IF YOU ARE LEAVING THEN YOU WERE NEVER REALLY A FAN. MARVIN GET SOME HEART!!! START TAKING SOME OF THOSE 4TH AND 1’S THOSE COULD RESULT IN POINTS YOU KNOW. CARSON BE A LEADER AND GET THE BALL WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. NOW LETS GO!!! THIS IS ONLY GAME 4. WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF FOOTBALL TO PLAY!! WHO DEY!!!
By Lissa
October 2, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
WELL GOOD RIDDANCE TO ALL OF YOU CRYBABIES. YES CHAD AND CARSON SHOULD BE FINED FOR SHOWING OUT IN FRONT OF THE NATION, BUT THEY ARE A GOOD TEAM WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. IF YOU ARE LEAVING THEN YOU WERE NEVER REALLY A FAN. MARVIN GET SOME HEART!!! START TAKING SOME OF THOSE 4TH AND 1’S THOSE COULD RESULT IN POINTS YOU KNOW. CARSON BE A LEADER AND GET THE BALL WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. NOW LETS GO!!! THIS IS ONLY GAME 4. WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF FOOTBALL TO PLAY!! WHO DEY!!!
By matt
October 2, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, Finalsay, Upon further review, I am disappointed. If you have been a fan through thick and thin then stick with your team. As I read further I see that you are done with them after 20 years.. Don’t be. If you are a fan, you are a fan. Stay the course man. Chin up. Just take this season to concentrate on rooting against the Browns and Steelers or something.
By Matt
October 2, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Oh FinalSay, you must read more closely. It matters not who I support but I have been a fan of my team since 1962. I never took umbrage with the legit Bengals fans. Only with the fair weathers. If you gave up on them I would be disappointed. Read and you should understand that you are IMHO among the minority of Dayton area Bengals fans. I find no fault with that but only with those who come and go depending upon the team’s success.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Ok Jack, lets go back to the last three games from last years regular season… now you tell me their record?
By Jack
October 2, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Yes, the Benals have a lot of injuries and yes our defense has been less than stellar because of them but to write them (or any team) off after 4 games of a 16 game schedule is a little premature. I’ve been a Bengal fan since ‘68 and I am too old to change now. My money is still on them to make the playoffs.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
So Matt, who do you exactly support. Ive been a Bengals fan (20+++) longer then you have been alive.
By Matt
October 2, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
What a beautiful day it is. The Bengals fans are dropping like flies and crying as they go. Nothing unusual there. While I admit there are a few actual fans who stay with their team through thick and thin, the majority of Bengals fans in Dayton have been and always will be fairweather. I could not be happier about that fact. I am sure the true fans of the team are glad to see the others go. I know that I would feel that way if they had jumped on the bandwagon of my favorite team when it had success. I despise the Bengals and could not be happier about their current struggles and this abandonment by this large group. I will be glad to be seeing fewer people wearing their ugly jerseys around town and having to listen to the uniformed fair weather fans spout off at the mouth. To the real Cincinnati fans out there, I am truly sorry for you to have to suffer through these times, but you know things will come around in time. Please hope with me that when it does, the fairweather group does not coming crawling again out of the woodwork. For me, it is simply a beautiful fall day and I read on with a smile.
By Michael Keaton
October 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
WHO DEY? POO THEY!
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Marvin, you got it right. How about the 20+++ yr fans? What’s hap. to the Bengals goes much deeper. Go look where “OHIO” ranks on jobs, housing, taxes….
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
To Jonah and all the people who comment on other people’s comment on… no longer being a Bengals fan. Get a clue! Do you always go thru life like this? Make up excusess, shift the blame somewhere else. How about that ownership for how bad you are. Now thats some free advice for you, Jonah Art…. Take it, get a job, stop sucking off of society!
By Get Marvin OUT
October 2, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Jonah, I understand your comments, but this francise has dragged me along for over 20 years now and I can take it no longer. I cannot be proud to be a fan of a francise like this. I’m tired of wasting my time and energy.
By Jonah
October 2, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
To all the people who are saying they will no longer be fans because of losing, meltdowns, etc. - good ridance. There certainly are problems that need solved, and someone in the org. needs to step up and solve them. But the loses in my mind start with injuries. You can’t compete in the NFL when you are without two starting O-linemen, and play 90% of a game with only 2 linebackers, neither of which were in training camp. Perhaps the first thing Marvin needs to do is to find a training staff that can help keep players from getting themselves injured. I’d prefer 13-3 to 1-15, but I’ll be shouting WHODEY all the way!
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Me too. Im no longer a Bengals fan. Like the state of Ohio, the are going down the tubes. Today I will begin my search to move out of the state of OHIO! Suck!
By Get Marvin OUT
October 2, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so caught up in this Marvin Lewis hype? From the day he got here, he’s done NOTHING. All the great offense pieces were already in place (Carson, Rudi, Chad, TJ, Willie, Levi) and his job was to build a defense. Yes, there are plenty of unfortunate events that we can point at (Pollack, Odel, etc), but Marvin Lewis is HIGHLY, HIGHLY over-rated. He has done exactly nothing for this franchise. He has not brought them back to life. 8-8 is not living - its on life support. I’m sick of hoping to be decent. And I’m sick of the Cincinnati Bengals. Beginning today, I am officially no longer a Bengals fan.
By Get Marvin OUT
October 2, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone so caught up in this Marvin Lewis hype? From the day he got here, he’s done NOTHING. All the great offense pieces were already in place (Carson, Rudi, Chad, TJ, Willie, Levi) and his job was to build a defense. Yes, there are plenty of unfortunate events that we can point at (Pollack, Odel, etc), but Marvin Lewis is HIGHLY, HIGHLY over-rated. He has done exactly nothing for this franchise. He has not brought them back to life. 8-8 is not living - its on life support. I’m sick of hoping to be decent. And I’m sick of the Cincinnati Bengals. Beginning today, I am officially no longer a Bengals fan. F it…
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
The Bengals suck. All is lost for them. Bunch of wantabes.
By The Final Say
October 2, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
The Bengals suck. All is lost for them. Bunch of wantabes.
By HugeEug
October 2, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
It’s time for the Bengals annual meltdown. Marvin has managed to stave this off for a couple of years but this is the same thing that happened throughout the 90’s and up till Lewis showed up. The players start finger pointing at each other and the team chemistry disintegrates. Marvin is talking tough to them but he’ll have to follow that with action or the meltdown will continue. I think a good action would be to fine Palmer and Johnson for their bickering just before the half. It would set a precedent for the rest of the team. If he fines the stars the others had better straighten up their acts as well. If he takes no action the same old meltdown will occur which is fine for Steelers fans like myself.