Same old Bengals.
It wasn't that long ago Cincinnati looked like one of the up-and-coming teams in the NFL.
But much like the Cleveland Browns, they just can't beat the Steelers. In fact, Cincinnati's just not beating anybody right now.
The Steelers were a little slow starting, but they wore the Bengals down, offensively and defensively.
Ben Roethlisberger didn't have his best game. He missed some throws he usually makes with ease in the first half.
But with the defense playing as well as it was, it didn't matter.
Cincinnati hurt the Steelers a little bit when they spread things out, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick running the show instead of Carson Palmer, there was no way the Bengals could score more than 20 points even if they played another four quarters of football.
© Troy Polamalu had a pretty serious concussion and Bryant McFadden may have a broken arm.
Two more tough injuries for the Steelers as they head into a tough stretch of games.
Polamalu's concussion was serious enough that he was having some amnesia and couldn't remember the play on which it happened - a tackle at the end of a 15-yard run by Cedric Benson.
He'll have some tests Monday to judge just how serious the problem is.
Deshea Townsend's Achilles tendon problem is still bothering him, so McFadden's injury could be troublesome as well.
© Max Starks played very well at left tackle in place of Marvel Smith. And he may have to continue doing so. My sources tell me Smith's back problem is pretty serious and he could miss a number of games.
I guess that investment the Steelers made in keeping Starks has paid off.
© LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons have combined for 10.5 sacks already this season, including four Sunday.
That 2007 draft is looking better and better all the time.
10 comments:
Dale,
I have a feeling we aren't going to be with Hines Ward next week either. It is debatable about the hit being clean or not. I don't have a problem with it on its face, but the league might. Obviously Ward is in the spotlight for things like this and he does it again. I'm afraid Goodell is going to think this was spitting in the league's face. And the fact Rivers' jaw is fractured in two places doesn't help.
Next week we could be without: Ward (maybe/maybe not), Polamalu, Townsend, McFadden, Smith, and who knows about Parker and Hampton. Not good.
Is Polamalu starting to threaten his career with concussions?
Also, after what happened in Dallas today, maybe you were right about Brad Johnson. I argued it and was wrong. Sometimes you're right and sometimes you're wrong, I'll admit to being wrong.
I don't think the league will suspend Ward over that hit. It was well within the bounds of fair play. The fact the kid suffered a broken jaw was just an unfortunate happenstance. If, for example, Nate Washington made that block, would we be having this conversation? No. But you're right, the league is watching Ward.
No problem on the Brad Johnson thing. We're all wrong from time to time.
I should have been more clear, I think that his jaw being broke could be seen as evidence it was helmet to helmet , or lead with his helmet. Honest question, does a broken jaw in football happen often? What caused it, his own pads hitting him?
The hit is on youtube already. Ward lowered his head at contact, but that's a natural reaction.
It was a legal hit in my opinion.
Thank you for the info, Dale.
I was wondering if you think the Steelers will sign a Cornerback if BMac and Deshea are out for a while?
It really concerns me the way Troy tackles. Leading with his head the way he does and having the concussion history he has, is a recipe for disaster. He's got to learn to pick his spots and maybe not lower his head for the 'knockout' blow... Especially not on a 225 lb. running back. I'm not suggesting he should completely change how he plays, but I would hate to see his career cut short because of how he hits.
Townsend is still able to play, even though his Achilles is sore afterwards. I've had that same problem after playing basketball for the past 35 or so years. The Achilles flares up every once in a while and gets to the point where you can barely walk. When that happens, I shut myself down for a couple of weeks and it gets better.
They did that part with him. But it's likely not going to get better now until the season is over.
If McFadden is out long-term, they'll sign a corner. Look for the Ty Law talk to start again.
As for Troy, he's just playing football the way he plays football. He's only concerned about getting lower than the back to get him on the ground, not how big the back is.
Dale,
Been reading your blog since last season (first time posting) and I really appreciate all your insight and information.
I keep hearing about Troy's history with concussions, and I'm worried. I know the team isn't really saying anything yet but... is there a good chance he'll miss a number of games? More importantly, do you think Troy's career is in serious danger of being significantly shortened after this latest concussion? I'm not sure at what point his long-term health becomes an issue... I really hope he's okay.
He's only had one since he joined the Steelers, that being in 2006. He didn't miss the next game.
But this would be his seventh. Five in high school and college, two now in the NFL.
They have a special helmet that he wears that is supposed to cut down the chances of concussion. But they are serious every time you have one.
As for the long-term prognosis, who knows?
Dale,
Do you expect CB Roy Lewis to be added to the roster from the practice squad this week as well as S Ryan Mundy being added to the practice squad?
It will be big if both Palomula and B. McFadden are out. Have you heard any news on the moves they will probably make because of these injuries?
How do you think Max Starks did at left tackle against the Bengals? It looks like K. Colbert's decision to keep Starks despite the coaching staff's reluctance to use him was a wise decision.
Thoughts?
Post a Comment