We used to do a cute intro for this piece...but at this point, why even bother with such formalities? It's
3 AM, I've had more than a few, and Hank Paulson just decided to buy about $800 billion worth of toxic assets in order to "protect" our economy. So, here I go, "Helping Hobson" field questions as if the answers really mattered anymore.
Q: Why is it that with 10 minutes to go in the fourth
quarter, and we are down by more than 10, we punt the ball, instead of
taking some chances? We have been way too conservative with running the
ball on third and long(s), and not taking chances on fourth and
short(s).
--Chase F., Orlando, FL
A: First things first. Horrible use of punctuation.
Second things, uh, second. Terrible question. Hobson could never answer this honestly. Our coaching staff is one hundred percent responsible for all strategic decisions like these and Hobson cannot indict them since he writes for the team website. Did you really expect an honest answer? Idiot.
But whatever, Chase F, you asked, so we'll answer, no matter how misguided the inquiry...
It turns out a smart but annoying guy named TMQ on ESPN addressed this specific question awhile ago (and keeps addressing it every week, even though we get it by now). For those too lazy to follow the link I'll summarize:
1) The general answer: coaches do it to avoid blame.
2) The Bengals specific answer: Marvin is terrible at strategery and Bratkowski is an ass clown.
Of course, the Bengals will occasionally make the proper call on 3rd or 4th down, but, my friend, do not expect it to become a habit. In any event, assuming the Bengals continue to fall behind by 10+ in the fourth quarter, no amount of risk taking will save our season.
Q: Time for some new leadership? Let Carson take a break
and let Ryan try. Maybe Carson needs some time off. He hasn't looked
good in preseason or the first two games. I am not saying he is a bad
QB, but sometimes you need to take some time off to clear your mind. We
need a QB who can run against the Giants and pass. Face. it Carson is
not getting it done. We can blame the wind if you want, but the Titans
were in the same wind. I would hate to see more terrible years. We've
still got a chance. But we have to win this weekend to make a statement.
--Josh R., Hillsboro, OH
A: You are aware you can breathe through your nose, right? Anyway. Bad idea. Jackass.
Sleeping with Bieniemy, why do you think that, Bengals fans, think that Geoff Hobson, who is a paid employee of the Bengals, would, ever, really criticize the team?
Posted by: Brosef Stalin | September 19, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I am just waking up now - did I write that last night? Oh well. I don't even go to Bengals.com anymore. Weird.
Brosef - I assume anyone taking the time to write into Hobson expects an honest answer, no matter how unrealistic that expectation is. That or they just want to see their name on Bengals.com.
Caveat to the earlier post on 4th down strategy for this year is that now that our offense is bad taking risks with them is not as clear cut a choice as it would have been the past 3 (well, maybe just 2005 and 2006) years.
Posted by: Sleeping With Bieniemy | September 19, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Were those the best questions of the week? We need to get some better informed fans on here. A real question would be how much money did The Brown family earn last Sunday as Brat continued to destroy our offense during what is probably our last chance with this type of talent.
Posted by: Delaware Who Dey | September 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM