Bengal Billy

Hue is a good coach. As previously stated, Cleveland needs to give him enough time to try and legitimately turn that team around. If they continue with the revolving door philosophy they'll remain bottom dwellers. I also think he got a raw deal in Oakland. He pushed for the trade that sent a few valuable picks to Cincy for acquiring Carson Palmer. That didn't have immediate results, so it probably led to impatience with Hue by the Raiders (pure speculation). Look at Palmer right now though. Maybe Hue knew what he was doing after all.

There's alot of stuff that should/shouldn't have been penalized/fined during that mess of a game (for both sides of the field). There should've been ejections, control of/from coaches on both sides, but it's all debatable depending on which side of the "field" a person is on (if they're not that open-minded, that is). ^^To the Porter discussion above: I've read on other sites that the NFL is going to fine Porter for his actions, and admitted that he should've been flagged too. I cannot confirm/deny that though, so take it for what it's worth. However, if Porter does get fined, then he obviously DID do something as well in the eyes of the league. But, what's done is done. I'm not concerned over it. Jones should've held that emotion in check. -- The hit on Bernard by Shazier actually won the game for the Steelers in my opinion (and I'm not debating if it should've been a flag or not. It could've been one, which negated a fumble: or, it could've been a Pitt TD, , I have no interest in debating it). All season long, Cincy had been using Gio Bernard late in "game-winning" situations when ball security is imperative. Because Gio was knocked out,, they had to put Hill in that situation. Jeremy Hill has had serious fumbling issues for the past 2 seasons. He was actually "benched" a couple times this year because of it, and was not too happy about it. When the Bengals had the ball with 1:30 or so left on the clock,, and I saw Hill in the game, I knew he would cough it up. I told my buddy Hill would give it back. Sure enough, it happened. So, regardless of any feeling toward Shazier's hit,, it actually was extremely critical to the outcome of the game. Kudos to him for that.

I'd love to see the Chiefs win this weekend and make a run at the Superbowl. They are playing really well, especially on defense. I hope you're right.

Although it's not real likely, Chiefs vs Packers for the 50th anniversary Superbowl would be really cool.

^Complete truth right there. I've hears rumors (not actual reports) of many Bengals players none too happy with how that crap cost them in the biggest game of the year. AJ Green was one of the most vocal about it from what I heard (can't substantiate it though). Geno Atkins. Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Gilberry, Mauluga, and all of the offensive players out there giving it all to win a playoff game with a backup QB had to sit and endure that crap. If something doesn't change or tighten up with the Bengals (hello Marvin),, the legit talented players on the team are just screwed. That's completely unfair to them. They don't need Burfict,, they were doing more than fine without him anyway. Adam Jones might end up sticking around. But, he is nearing his last years in the league. Cincy has drafted/groomed young defensive backs (Kirkpatrick, Denard, and a couple others). They would be fine if he just moved on too.

^^ That's a very good writeup Donovan. I completely agree with that sentiment.

I say suspend him or cut him too. He's a danger/detriment to the league (although he is certainly not the only player in the league like that). NFL needs to be much harsher on discipline for a great many types of infractions. He cost the Bengals their biggest game of the season. Cincy was winning games (they were 6-0) before he even started playing this year. Vinny Rey and Lemur are good enough to play alongside Mauluga and still get the job done. Burfict needs to go. We could go on and on about other players on other teams that are "trash" (to quote another team's fan),, but that would be a never ending, getting-nowhere discussion. -Suspend Burfict longer (or Cincy should cut him) -NFL get much tougher on discipline for players around the whole league

^Thx DMcR

Lol. Sry it was such a long vent. Although I realize it's natural to associate moronic actions of one person to the entire group,, it just bothers me when it happens (no matter what group it is). Also,, I've never personally witnessed any real trouble at PBS before (and I've been there lots if times). Only once have I seen a couple intoxicated people come close to getting in some trouble,, but it never materialized. I'm not surprised that it would happen though in a crowd of 60,000 or so (always a ton of opponents fans in Cincy too,, but I've never had any issue). That article mentioned about half the culprits were Bengals fans and the other culprits were Steelers fans. I'm sure there were moronic fans of both teams starting stuff somewhere.

Geez. I'm glad that trash got arrested. Moronic behavior is moronic behavior, no matter who does it. "People punching women in the face" and "Throwing beer cans into people's faces causing lacerations" is absolutely inexcusable.And, whoever that piece of crap was that threw a can/bottle at Ben as he was being carted off, deserved to be arrested and humiliated for the piece of trash they are. I REALLY hope the security at PBS found that dope that threw the bottle and kicked his "you know what" all the way out. They also deserve a permanent ban from attending any future games. Having attended PBS on many occasions,, I've found/encountered many level-headed, nice, and cordial people. Every fan base has complete "jerks" in them. Every one. But, that certainly does not mean that every person in that fan base is exactly like that trash. That couldn't be further from the truth. I've encountered many cool Philly and Steelers fans. Of course those 2 fan bases have reputations and some trashy morons that go with it. But, those classless acting people do not account/represent the entire base. Not even close. Plz,, plz don't think that the actions of a few classless, moronic, ignorant, trashy people represent what the entire fan base is like. It's not the truth. I'm 100% positive that most level-headed Cincy fans are completely embarrased and disgusted by the classless actions of a few. I know I am.

As a Bengals fan, I wish they would just suspend Burfict indefinitely or do away with him. He's just completely out of control. That guy belongs in the NFL of the 60s/70s,, and even then would be a little too much for that. Bengals don't need that "you know what". They went 6-0 without him to start the year anyway. NFL needs to stiffen up with punishments. Far too many seriously low character guys are allowed to play in the league after just "slap on the wrists". It's getting ridiculous.

As a long time fan (really long time due to my old age, lol), of course I'm not satisfied with that. Every fan wants to see their team succeed and win a championship, absolutely. That being said: As a football fan, if that is the only thing that mattered, there would be no point in even watching games until January. I mean, who would care about the whole rest of the season? Football is exciting to watch. There are big games and fun times to be had during the whole season. Why would fans attend/watch a game in October if the only thing that mattered was what happens in January? Does an October game vs a division rival or another top NFL team not mean anything to anyone? Of course it does. The gameday experience, action on the field, potential game drama, rooting for your team, etc are all a huge part of it and will continue to be exciting. Ask fans of teams like the Jags, Titans, Browns, Dolphins, etc if they wished their favorite team was very competitive and played exciting games just about every season. They would definitely take that over the hopelessness crap they have to endure each and every year. It all matters. K,, back on playoff topic (I apologize Mods): I still think Pitt will win the Superbowl. It's just like 2005 (10 years ago) when they won it all vs the Seahawks. 2005 WC Round - won @ #3 Cincy Div Round - won @ Peyton Manning (Indy) AFC Title - won @ Denver Superbowl - won vs Seahawks 2015 is shaping up EERILY similar. WC Round - won @ #3 Cincy Div Round - facing Peyton Manning / playing at Denver Pitt vs Seahawks in this year's Superbowl is likely as any other matchup.

No worries man. - That's interesting about the "Joey Porter Rule". I didn't know that, but it makes sense. - And yeah, I could see Burfict making a completely ignorant mistake and getting tossed out of this one. He's an aggressive, intense, athletic football player for sure (a tackling machine). But, he's definitely not on any Wonderlic Honor Roll, lol.

Joey Porter did that same thing against Cincy on a couple occasions. I'm telling ya,, Burfict reminds me almost exactly of this generation's Porter (whether that's a good or bad thing is debatable I'm sure).

Again,, nowhere did I state or imply that the Bengals were "Golden Boy Mr Cleans" or "Mother Teresa in orange and white stripes". I know far better than that. That's just putting words in my mouth man.