Franklin graduation 2012
Badin graduation 2012
Carroll graduation 2012
Friday, October 17, 2008
CINCINNATI — From the Bengals players' perspective, the Pittsburgh Steelers have superseded Cleveland as Cincinnati's No. 1 rival.
It stems from the Jan. 8, 2006, wild-card playoff game in which Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer's left knee got blown up on a hit from Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen.
"Yeah, despite the (0-6) record, Steelers week is always the big week," Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco said. "The rivalry has become more famous than the one against Cleveland due to the injury and things that happened to Carson in '05. One of the most unfortunate things is that (Pittsburgh has won six straight games in Cincinnati).
"We're looking not only to get out of this slump we're in offensively, but as a team, defeat the Steelers. It would be a good time to get our first win."
Some rave reviews
Rookie defensive tackle Pat Sims, a third-round draft pick from Auburn University, delivered five tackles (four solos) against the New York Jets in his first game action of the season.
"There were some positive things," Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said. "He showed some strength, tried pretty good and had some quickness. But let's not put him in Canton yet."
Said Sims: "Of course, I want some more (playing time). I want all they're going to give me. I got a little bit of the appetizer. I'm ready for the entree, the dessert and a little snack. All I'm trying to do is stay consistent, keep giving the team a lift if I can and keep pushing, keep competing."
Wary of an upset
Surely, the Steelers look at the Bengals' record and think the Sunday, Oct. 19, game should be an easy exercise in victory, right?
"Not at all," Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "We know that that means absolutely nothing. Not just because it's the NFL and anything can happen, but because it's the AFC North and it's the Bengals, the Steelers, the Ravens, the Browns. It doesn't matter who it is. We always know everybody's going to fight everybody to the end."
Quick hitters
• Glenn Holt — who ranks No. 1 in the league with 744 kickoff-return yards (26.6 yards per attempt) — has taken a beating in recent weeks. He's been the target of some heavy hits and vicious tackles. Don't be surprised if rookie Andre Caldwell gets called upon to relieve Holt.
• Since backup center Kyle Cook (toe) is out, right guard Bobbie Williams is the likely candidate to move to center if starter Eric Ghiaciuc gets hurt.
• The Steelers defense ranks No. 2 in the NFL, allowing only 231.6 yards a game, and Pittsburgh is 11-3 (.786) when safety Troy Polamalu records an interception.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By jackb
October 18, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Steelers have won their last 6 encounters against Bengals…HARDLY a rivalry!!!
By Derek Lutz
October 18, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
It can’t be a rivalry when the game in Cincinnati is like a ninth home game for the Steelers.
By Mike
October 17, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
No one considers the Bengals their rival, not even Cleveland. Cincy’s main rival is Chad Johnson’s mouth
By dave
October 17, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
the steelers did the bengals a favor by taking out Palmer in that game, saved them the embarassment and gave them a reason to whine for years to come…the bengals are horrible, when is the last time they won a playoff game? i really don’t know, was it when they went to the super bowl and lost to the niners? that was like 20 years ago. the bengals should be moved to the CFL.
By jon
October 17, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Only Bungals fans consider it a rivalry and thats only because they are bitter about the incident in ‘05. Face it! even if they would have one that game, they would never have made it past the next game. If you think about it all 4 AFC north teams are rivals. they all have some sort of bad history with eachother. Bengals with steelers because of 2005, Browns with Ravens because of Art Model (that Bastard), bengals and browns for the battle of the best/worst in not only ohio but NFl! and so on…
By Bobby
October 17, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
No rivalries exist with this pathetic franchise. Blame it on stupid MIKE BROWN!
By BC
October 17, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t a team be somewhat competitive in order to be a rival of antother team? Steelers rivals with the Bengals? As Mike Greenberg would say “No. Not unless you consider a hammer and a nail a rivalry”
By tom
October 17, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
The Bengals main hurdle is Mike Brown.
By Derrick
October 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Never fear, remember Ocho Stinko “catches everything thrown to him” according to his blather in P**s’ burgh. I predict the game will be a lot closer than I first expected. I now predict the Steelers win by 42-9.
By Lake
October 17, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
The Bengals main rival is jail.
By Michael Geary
October 17, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
In a legitimate rivalry doesn’t there have to be at least a semblance of competitiveness? The Steelers are out of our league. At least we have a chance ocassionally against the Browns.
By bwez
October 17, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
The Who-deys couldn’t be the bearcats right now. How bout Ocho-Cinco shuts his piehole and tries running a real route and catching the ball.
By Joe
October 17, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
The Bengals’ main rival is still a Brown. Not Cleveland Browns but Mike Brown.
By bill
October 17, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Did I read that the Bengals defense is sixtenth in the league and Chick says that is a bright sport? Please!
By bill
October 17, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Did I read that the Bengals defense is sixtenth in the league and Chick says that is a bright spot? Please!
By North
October 17, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
The Bengals’ main rival is the Bengals!