Bengals v. Panthers: A quick gripe

First two Bengals drives go three-and-out. Both ended on third and short with the Bengals in obvious pass formations (the first was a singleback with Kenny Watson in the backfield, the second was a shotgun w/ two RBs split behind Palmer). Are we ever going to run on third and short? If not, can we at least set up in a running formation and let the opposition think we might run? Just a thought.

Update: Finally ran on third and short...but they did it from the same shotgun-2RB formation...with Kenny Watson, their third string RB...and came up short. Shocking. We have three straight third and shorts and the Bengals have yet to line up in a running formation.

Update: Bengals finally score to make it 7-7. And finally show some commitment (and success) with the run. I'd still like to see some running on third and short. And more running formations in short yardage, we do to much telegraphing that we are going to pass. I think you need to keep the defense guessing when possible.

Bengals News: Encouraging actives

Evidently Brian Simmons (LB) and Dexter Jackson are healthy enough to play, but not healthy enough to start. Its encouraging that they will at least see some action, along with fresh-of-the-PUP Chris Perry. Ahmad Brooks gets another start at MLB and I'm anxious to see how he follows up his impressive 14-tackle debut as a starter last week. He's an athletic specimen, but Cincy really needs him to avoid any huge mental errors.

Blackwell trailing in polls, opts to ditch last vestiges of integrity

This might not be the smartest move on Ken Blackwell's part. I'll grant that Strickland's having a former aid with a conviction for exposing himself to a minor is relevant (though Strickland claims he didn't know of the conviction until 1998 and then he only heard from an anonymous source, and upon confronting the aid, the aid denied it). However, the GOP's efforts to bootstrap this fact into an allegation that Strickland is gay is, well, embarrassing. It smacks of sheer desperation. The allegation doesn't have any teeth. What they have is the fact that Strickland and this same young aid went on a trip to Naples, Italy back in that time frame. Its one thing for hacks like Sean Hannity and Bill Cunningham to run with this innuendo, but its another when Blackwell's campaign then distributes it (the campaign has circulated transcript of Cunningham on Hannity's radio show making the allegation that the aid was Strickland's "boy toy"). Blackwell looks pretty two-faced, claiming he doesn't care about Strickland's sexuality on the one hand, and circulating the transcript on the other. It seems rather gutless of him to make the accusations in such an underhanded way (nevermind the fact that Strickland's sexuality is, in fact, irrelevant to his ability to govern). What's particularly amusing is just a few months ago, an Ohio GOP staffer was canned for circulating e-mails questioning the sexuality of Strickland and his wife. Ohio GOP Chair Bob Bennett even apologized for the incident. Now its the canidate slinging the allegations, whither will come the apology?

The Raiders of the Early Bird Special

Does anyone want to see a 64 year old Indiana Jones? Didn't think so.

Chris Perry Factor

The Bengals have some rare good news on the injury front this week: the return of RB Chris Perry from injury. If Perry is healthy and knocks off the rust quickly, he will be a huge addition to the offense. Cincinnati is 26th in the league in 3rd down conversion (32.3% converted), and that is where Perry generally makes his hay, both as a receiver out of the backfield and in pass protection. The Bengals will also need to split him out as a receiver to make up for the absence of Kelly Washington (knee), Tab Perry (hip) and Chris Henry (felon).

Photoblogging

A driveway in my neighborhood that my wife is fond of...

FFB: Leon Washtington--Grab'em!

Let me open by confessing that this is a little late, Jets RB Leon Washington has already posted a 100 yard game. His touches have climbed each game (0, 1, 7, 9, 23). So, it might be too late to grab this guy as a free agent (as I did about three weeks back). Nevertheless, the rookie would be a could pickup in a trade and should cost relatively little. Many owners are probably still high on veteran Kevin Barlow, but he has yet to impress and he's only been on the squad for a month. He was supposed to be the next big thing in San Fran, but has frustrated coaches and fantasy owners for a few years in a row. Don't buy into him now. The coaches like Washington, they drafted him, and he has shown some explosion(4.0 ypc). Another piece of good news is the fact that the other veteran RB with the Jets, Derrick Blaylock, has been floated by the Jets as trade bait. The one worry is that Barlow seems to be the short-yardage guy so he will steal TDs. However, as the coaches gain confidence in Washington, he may win more of the goalline touches.