First off, let me preface this post by giving a little background on where this is coming from. I started writing a post after we fell to 2-4 on the season, and it was titled "Stick a Fork in Them...". I never got around to finishing it because the office's workload dramatically picked up, and to be honest, I wasn't ready to write a eulogy just 1/3 of the way into the season. Six games into the season and we had yet to get to enjoy a single game; even the wins were just pure crap.
Two weeks later, and the Bengals are deep in the hole and the dirt has been poured over the the casket on the 2010 season. Thank you Mike Brown for not allowing the team's fans to enjoy one fucking game of the NFL season this year. Excuse my language, but you are an asshole.
First of all, I never thought we would be 2-6 heading into week 10 of the season (6-2 was realistic). If it would provide a good payout, I'd say bet that we are going to be 2-7 after this weekend. Unfortunately, you would lose more than you would get back by placing that bet.
Personally, this has to be the worse letdown of a Bengals team since 1988 after the wife beater dropped the game winning INT with 40 seconds left on the clock. At least in the 90's and early 2000's until Marvin showed up, you knew that the team really sucked going into the season.
This team was one of the deepest and best teams on paper that has been fielded by Marvin Lewis. I didn't buy into the media hype that TO would be a distraction that would cause this team to lose (he hasn't- he has been an asset if anything, and I amazingly agree with almost everything that has come out that man's mouth so far); that this team has never had back to back playoff seasons and wouldn't be able to do it again this year (they never swept the AFC North either, but pulled that one off last year); that Carson Palmer's career is over (I still don't believe his issues are physical as the media is now claiming); or that the schedule was too hard (this schedule is no harder than last year's). Somehow the wheels feel off even before the bus got moving without any major injuries like loosing 4/5 of the OL in 2006 & 2007. So what the hell happened and where do we go from here?
What the Hell Happened?
1. In contrast to the media's portrayal, Bien has written several times about the fact that this team did not spend much money in the free agency, excluding the Bryant fiasco of course. However, I don't think it is not a question about how much we spent, but rather what we failed to spend it on.
Although strip clubs and football do go together, I am firm believer that making it rain cannot buy you a championship (e.g. the Redskins or Cowboys) however, money well spent can get your foot in the door. They invested primarily in WR & DB depth in FA, both big needs, unfortunately only one of these moves has really contributed with Bryant, Jones & Wilson all falling victims of injuries. Then they went TE, DE, WR, CB, DT, & LB with their picks in the first four rounds. They seriously failed to address their two main needs in the offseason: OL & DL (DL rookies typically take a year before they produce so they just added good depth in those spots). Their omissions started the cracks in the foundation that lead to their losing record.
Ironically, the two polar opposites, Jerry Jones & Mike Brown, have fallen victim to the same logic: getting guys that can put points on the board wins you games. Unfortunately, it doesn't. At its basic level, football is a very simple game in that like Architecture you need a solid foundation in place to build out from. Everything else is just eye candy. Mikey Boy has never understood this, and it is why the offense has to throw on 3rd & 2 rather than going Pelosi on their opponents and stuffing it down their throats.
As of right now teams like the Jets, Titans, Ravens & the Giants have the foundation, talent in the skills positions, and coaching in place that should allow them to make a serious attempt to push deep in the playoffs. The Pats, Steelers, Dolphins, Packers, and West Coast teams are not as good as their record indicates. I like the Packers in the NFC, but I think their porous OL may be their Achilles heel once they get in the postseason. I would be really surprised if they make it pass the NFC Championship.
The Bengals have the talent, but the foundation is not as solid as it needs to be and the offensive coaching is incestuous at best. The Bengals chose to ignore rather then address these needs, and look where it got us. We can't run the ball at will and Palmer gets hit what seems like almost every other pass due to the constant pressure. The only bright side of the excessive pressure is that we get some key third down conversions due to a stupid penalty. Bratkowski is responsible for some of this because of his predictable play calling, but the LG & RT spots are not doing their jobs in protecting the QB. This is what I believe is Palmer's problem, not his elbow. Like I stated after the draft, I feel we would have been much better off trading up for Pouncey or Iupati rather than waiting for a TE that we aren't even using.
2. Marvin's contract dispute is having an effect on this team that the media is unwilling to report. Since week one of the preseason, this team has been flat. Ever since I was a kid, it has always seemed that the Bengals just play flat. But this year it is as if someone has dropped Zoloft in the Gatorade. There has been no sense of urgency, emotion, or pride- except when they get down by 21 points. Three & out? No big deal we have next drive to try again... every damn week. I will give them credit, once they get down by a insurmountable margin they wake up and play their asses for a quarter or two, but it is always too late.
The coaches are obviously not having an impact on motivating them until "pride" becomes a factor from getting their asses handed to them on the field. I believe this is an indication that we have a lame duck situation in the locker room since players feed off the coaches. Since Marvin has given up so has the players. This leads me to believe that Marvin knew he was gone at the beginning of the season, regardless if we had won the Super Bowl or go 2-14 again. So while we were celebrating the re-signing of Zimmer to a three year contract, it may have been the nail in coffin for Lewis and this season.
3. Bob f'n Bratkowski. We all talked about how he would be a liability to this team leading up to the season. I never imaged how his breadth of incompetence would be able to take down a team, but it has. We have beaten this dead horse enough, but for one last time the guy has no idea about the following:
1. Scheming against a Cover 2.
2. Scheming to allow your best WR beat double coverage. Instead we just use him as bait. A word out to Chad for a moment: Chad, I feel your pain & I hope the person you punched at halftime during the 2005 playoff game was Bratkowski. Please land a good one in there sometime this season for us fans, you deserve it. I will throw in dinner for two to Montgomery Inn.
3. Using one of the top receiving college TE's in the passing game. For some reason, I believe JP Foschi and Dan Coats ran down field more last year than Gresham has done all season so far.
4. Providing a passing tree that gets people running routes other than 5 yard hitches. Both game ending INT's thrown against the Bucs & Dolphins, TO was the only route going beyond the first down marker. Everyone else is just standing 5-6 yards downfield looking back at Palmer. Really? Who the hell calls crap like that?
5. Using contraception. Easter egg! Just checking if your reading. But seriously Bob please use it. We don't need anymore dumb-asses like you running around we have more than enough already.
6. Understanding the success of the running game requires mixing it with the pass.
7. Comprehending that when a team puts 8 in the box and you can't move the football by running it; try something else to mix it up before waiting until the critical 3rd & 13.
8. When you have 5 three & outs in a row, what you are running is not working. Change it.
9. How many more can we add to this list?
Where do we go from here?
1. Marvin is done. Most likely the 24 hr media hyperbole will blame his release on his poor performance since it sticks with their narrative. But his release will be a result of loosing the interior power struggle for more control of the team. The next coach to take over is not getting it anytime soon either.
Therefore, we can just remove top quality guys like Gruden, Cowher, etc. from even being considered since they will want control of their staff and roster. I can just see the interview going like this:
MB: Well Bill I hope you enjoyed the tour, what is it that you are looking for?
BC: Mike, as head coach, I would expect the respect to be able to bring in my own staff, scouting department, run the organization like a professional organization, and have final say of the rost...
MB: Well Bill thanks for coming in, it was delightful to see you again. Good luck with your search and god bless.
If Lewis couldn't have it why would Chuckie? Unless of course Mike Brown is a racist- which I have to assume he is no Marge Schott. At this point, it appears that Zimmer has the best odds of being the head coach next season. My worst fear is that Bratkowski somehow dodges the bullets, and survives to be the OC next season since he is a life long friend of Zimmer's. If that happens, I am throwing in the towel. I cannot support a team with that moron a part of it any longer.
2. We most likely will lose a significant number of key free agents since Mike may resort to his old habits and be too cheap to reinvest in what they have groomed over the past couple of seasons: Joseph, Hall, Benson, Cook, etc. Worse case, we go back to the talent level of 1993; best case 2003. This is coming from the guy that said 2011 was going to be their year to be serious contenders, but it is going to take years to recover from this disaster if they let people walk out the door.
It is absolutely amazing what really poor leadership at the top of an organization will do for you.
if marvin is a lame duck coach, which he probably is, then a smart organization would recognize zimmer as a potential candidate, and give him an opportunity to coach some this season (let marvin go in the next couple weeks if you're not going to offer an extension). it makes perfect sense - you actually have an opportunity to see what he can do for the team, despite the games not meaning anything. but of course, mike brown will honor marvin's contract.
also - this is going to be a weird situation after the season. usually coaches get fired, its not very often that they just walk away from a head coach position. its not like he's leaving to take another job. he's probably so sick of dealing with MB, he'd rather be unemployed. i've never seen that situation for a HC position in the NFL.
could you imagine how awkward it would be to sit in front of mike brown and listen to him tell you that you are being fired because of a poor job performance? uhhhh.....
Posted by: vince | November 12, 2010 at 06:14 PM
It does not matter who the coach is, the MFB bengals will never succeed for more than a half of a year in a given at a time. Very, very short term success.
They have no foundation to build a longstanding winning team/organization.
The New York Football Giants are now into there third GM in over thirty years that practice and maintain the same philosophy.
1.Pass rush
2.Pass block
3.Good QB
Then build out from there. It is very simple yet so hard for so many to grasp.
Posted by: kotw65 | November 12, 2010 at 06:56 PM
If in fact it is Marvin's last year there will be a handshake and comments from MFB that sound something like this.
Marvin is a good coach and a good man whom I really admire but, after discussions he and I felt parting ways would be best for him and our team at this time. I wish him all the best in his future.
Posted by: kotw65 | November 12, 2010 at 07:02 PM
Where we go from here is back to not paying much attention to the shitty product in Paul Brown Stadium.
Unless you guys want to crank up Project Mayhem again there's not much to say.
Get the FASTEST TO 200 LOSSES billboard up, etc.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 13, 2010 at 03:02 AM
Nobody commented on HippoPottaSmith breaking his fat-ass foot again.
Another Mike Brown "BrainTrust" draft bust special.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 13, 2010 at 03:37 AM
Die,
I dug Moe Egger's analysis on Hippapotasmith:
http://1530homer.com/pages/mo.html
"Most people with broken feet don't run or do anything that you could consider exercise. When Andre Smith doesn't exercise, he eats. When Andre Smith eats, he doesn't just eat, he gorges himself. Then he weighs a lot. Then he can't play football. That's not good."
Posted by: Rich | November 13, 2010 at 01:04 PM
It has been a while since I posted but I want to comment on your points about Marvin.
Two years ago when Mike Brown wanted to resign Chris Henry, Marvin was dead against it and let everyone including the meda know it. I do not remember his quote but it was amounted to something like "over my dead body". Marvin then went out of town on a short vacation and while he was gone Mike resigned Chris and Marvin learned about it from news reports. Needless to say Marvin was furiouse. Marvin then called Mike and quite. He told Mike that "pay me for one of my two years left on my contract and I will leave resign". Of coarse we all know there is no way Mike would pay a guy not to work, so Mike refused. Marvin, still pissed off then was set to resign on the spot. It took Katie & Troy pleading with Marvin to keep him. At that moment, two years ago Marvin made the decision that he did not want this job anymore. He feels that he can get a defensive cordinators job, make close to the same money and not have to deal with Mike Brown. This is a true store and confirmed to me by other very high ranking people in the Bengals orginization.
Now, know this history you can understand why there has been no contract extention for Marvin. The simple truth is he does not care if Mike offers him an extention or not. He might not sign one if offered. If you Marvins comments about a contract at the end of last year, knowing the story above it all comes into clear view.
Posted by: Theme-Creator | November 13, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I hate to be that grammar guy but........
lose = not win
loose = needs to be tightened.
Sorry to bring it up but its distracting to the reader.
Posted by: Airjawa | November 13, 2010 at 01:57 PM
@Theme-Creator: The only thing missing for your story is: "He feels he can get a defensive coordinators job, make close to the same money, not have to deal with Mike Brown, and actually have a real shot to win the Super Bowl"
Yeah if I was Marvin I'd quit the hellhole that is Bengals football, too.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 13, 2010 at 03:05 PM
I hate to tell you guys this, but Marvin is part of the problem. Yeah, there are personnel issues, but can you honestly say that they ought not be much better than 2-5 (2-6 tomorrow - they are going to get smoked tomorrow).
I am interested in what direction they go in the draft. If there is mercifully no season next year, what do they do with two drafts? Do they get a new quarterback and cut Palmer. Can they keep Palmer when his exorbitant salary is preventing them from signing their cornerbacks?
Man, they piss me off. Why does it always have to be like this?
Posted by: Rich | November 13, 2010 at 04:32 PM
Marvin should have walked a few years ago. During the hard knocks show you could see he was just going through the motions knowing that the team is as it is and will always be with MFB.
Because they run the team as they do off the field they get what the deserve on the field and that is just enough to get by win or lose. It's attitude and respect that is lacking throughout the organization because of MFB and it is why Chad last week wore gold shoes in the game only to get fined $20,000. It's why TO gets fined tweeting 1 hour before kickoff. It's why players go out and get in trouble.
The players do what they want to do knowing that there are no expectations of them on or off the field.
What I am getting at is without a plan, a strategy, attitude, respect, and expectations to carry it out, you cannot build and maintain a successful team.
Posted by: kotw65 | November 13, 2010 at 06:54 PM
@Rich: Why are you interested in their draft picks? Do you also like watching car wrecks on the side of the road?
After being treated to decades worth of Lamar Rogers (#2), David Klingler (#1), Steve Tovars (#3), Melvin "Rootin" Tutens (#3), Marco Battaglias (#2), Akili Smiths (#1), Sean Brewers (#3), Lamont Thompsons (#2), Keiwan Ratliffs (#2), Jerome Simpsons (#2), and Chase Coffmans (#3).... why would anyone still think the draft is gonna fetch something good and that finally the Bengals are going to turn a corner.
They've still got the same lack of scouts as 20 years ago.
In Cincinnati Draft Day = Groundhog Day
Yes Marvin is part of the problem but compared to everyone who came before him he was an improvement. That's not an endorsement of Lewis. It's charge number eighty seven in the indictment of the asshat "general manager".
The only thing interesting about the Bengals is how long can they suck before fans truly stop caring and filling the stadium and Mike Brown's pockets. Unlike other cities, Cincinnati has a high masochism quotient.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 14, 2010 at 12:40 AM
Die,
I mostly agree with you. I do understand that the Bengals have a history of shitty draft picks and good draft picks who are Bengalized (Palmer). It's just interesting to see where they go. Do they Bengals with their 2-4 pick have the stones to pick Cam Newton?
When you say that Marvin is an improvement compared to those who came before him, are you suggesting that is good enough? I am totally convinced at this point that Marvin is an uneffective coach. Watch Rex Ryan talk to players on the side and then watch how Marvin is quiet and expressionless throughout each and every game.
How long can the Bengals suck before fans no longer care? At this point, after 42 years, what makes you think that point in time exists?
Posted by: Rich | November 14, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Rich,
My scouts (ESPN) are reporting that Cam Newton is knee deep in controversy. There are red flags all over the place. Let's hope this diamond in the rough falls to us in April! Championship!
_Mike
Posted by: MFB | November 14, 2010 at 12:00 PM
The problem is with regards to the draft we dont have the common sense to draft a smart position. Most of our busts come from reaching, neglecting offensive lineman or defensive linemen who can make the base for a solid team. Gresham can't run down the field because we need people to block. HippopotaSmith and Roland are interstates for DEs to get to the quarterback.... and our other 4 guys on the OL are decent at BEST. How do we expect anyone to get time back there to do anything? Similarly, when we bring 7 and can't get to the QB, how do we expect our corners to cover?
To me, the principles of building a successful team have been lost on Mike Brown. I'd like to say Carson is done.... but I'd like to see him get some time and comfort in the pocket. I'd like to say Chad is done, but there is no time for a route to develop. Bratkowski can't call plays, but the line can't execute simple blocking. I am still in awe of taking Andre Smith over Eugene Monroe.... or taking Andre Smith at all.... I have always felt that Mike Brown's real scouting department is TiVo'd College Gameday with Mel Kiper and Todd McShay.... and even they said he would be awful!
Bottom Line is that we have no lines. No one in the trenches to let our skill players do something worthwhile. A good O Line will make mediocre skill players better. A top flight receiver is worthless unless he has time to run a route past 10 yards. Really, our only successful deep routes are all out go routes, where we just run fast and chuck it up.... we dont have time to run anything else deep. So with the top 3 pick we have.... get the best O-Lineman on the board... or trade down for more decent picks to take more O-Linemen. Keep Dennis Roland around to reach things on high shelves.... Try to make Andre Smith a Guard.... at least he is fat enough to stand there.....
Lewis is done, no other good coach will come here knowing who he has to wok with.... lets just hope the promote Zimmer, who then has the balls to fire his bud Bratkowski.... and bring someone else in here to make it happen.... and maybe show some sort of emotion during the course of the season.
Posted by: Djigel | November 14, 2010 at 12:10 PM
I fucking hate this fucking team.
I gotta go...the game's on.
Posted by: eric | November 14, 2010 at 01:19 PM
get that fuck (carson) out of the game. he's a shell of what he once so briefly was. people want to dump on chad but this mope is one of the biggest crybaby/pussies in the nfl with ZERO desire to lead or rise.
Posted by: carson now throws half-dollars with lactacting nipples | November 14, 2010 at 01:30 PM
can anyone explain to my uneducated, unsophisticated, and anger-ridden mind what the fuck the "covering up an eligible receiver" brings to the beauty of the game?!?! i mean who gives a baker's fuck if chad is 10 yards wide of reggie kelley and a half a foot in front of him...he's not offsides, so who gives a shit? what purpose and who's pussy feelings is it protecting?
chad is the tits. period.
Posted by: carson now throws half-dollars with lactacting nipples | November 14, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Nationwide Insurance sponsors the Bengals
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 02:28 PM
no other professional qb leaves their all-pro wide receiver out to dry like carson does chad every fucking throw. god damn it. just throw him the ball in stride in the general vicinity of his hands. why does chad have to be gumbi on every play and take shots from the entire d', the ground, and the national media/ignorant fantasy/fairweather fans. chad (and t.j.) made carson what little he ever was.
Posted by: carson now throws half-dollars with lactacting nipples | November 14, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Yay! I didn't watch this piece of shit team embarrass itself today!
The world is better already.
Next project Mayhem activity: Put up mock Mike Brown grave and piss on it.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 14, 2010 at 04:11 PM
I didn't watch the game for the 3rd week in a row.
I'll say it again, it is very nice spending the entire afternoon so pissed off and irritated that I'd like to drown an entire litter of kittens.
PLEASE, EVERYONE TRY THIS
The only sound from the stands at the next home game should be crickets.
Posted by: JM | November 14, 2010 at 04:32 PM
20 years old been a bengals fan my whole life.... 20 years 2 winning seasons.... thanks mike brown you truly are an incompetent asshole.
Posted by: Legs | November 14, 2010 at 05:38 PM
it is truly time for a boycott
Posted by: The assassination of mike brown | November 14, 2010 at 05:41 PM
I had the game on in the background while I studied for my licensing exam. I agree, the Sundays are a lot less stressful when you don't waste the time watching the game. There are hundreds of other things I would like to do beside watch this crap. Couple of things I noticed:
The OL is responsible for a significant amount of the turnovers. Bratkowski's moronic passing tree is probably the biggest problem, and Palmer's head is probably third. Palmer's first INT was caused by Livings letting his guy slant inside and hit Palmer as he threw. On TV, it looks as if Palmer was way off target, but the hit most likely changed the ball's trajectory. Benson's fumble was caused by the OL getting blown up at the LOS. The other two INT's are on Brat & Palmer.
If you think getting a new QB in the draft is going to solve the problem, it won't. As I wrote above, this is the same logic that Mike Brown uses time and again, and it fails miserably. Drafting a QB is only taking care of the symptoms. The problem is the Bengals cannot control the LOS on either side of the ball, and investing in good talent in the OL & DL is the cure. Right now the lines are primarily made up of other team cast offs (Johnson & Odom), college free agents (Cook), or low draft picks. Withworth, Smith, M. Johnson & Dunlap are really only the high picks on the lines.
If I were in control of this team, I would focus on solidifying the LT, RG & investing in a new RT, unless Smith shows he can keep his weight in check. Screw the RB, QB & WR spots- you can pick those guys up in later rounds or FA. If Smith balloons up again, I would kick his ass to the curb so fast rather than deal with his mental issues. I would draft the top LT, move Witworth back to LG, and try to pick up a RT or RG in FA or early in the draft. At least that would help solidify the left side of the OL for a number of years.
Posted by: blesterov | November 14, 2010 at 05:49 PM
@blesterov: You're right of course but you don't get great offensive linemen without some talent scouts. Which the Bengals have none of. At least none with any talent themselves.
Posted by: DieDieDieMikeBrown | November 14, 2010 at 06:33 PM
Blesterov,
I watch them without expectation.
What will the Bengals do? Probably nothing.
Posted by: Rich | November 14, 2010 at 06:41 PM
In days of old,
when knights were bold,
And GMs weren't invented
Mike Brown said "Call *me* GM!!!"
And playoffs were prevented
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 08:27 PM
(headline that never was)
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Unable To Break Anymore Hearts
AP- Mike Brown stepped down today, resulting in a massive unstoppable surge for the playoffs, during a season largely written off as "futile", by most all of Bengaldom. The news came as a shock to Mike Brown, who was looking forward to seeing them lose some more.
"What was I thinking?" an incredulous Mike Brown was heard commenting.
"Me not being GM is no way to run a team!"
Brown says he hopes to transfer his administrative philosophies to the young, burgeoning sport of WIPEOUT
"I know a cheaper way to do it", he said.
WIPEOUT tends to believe him.
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 08:43 PM
headlines:
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker, Wonder What Else Is New
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
[Yawn]
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
I Have To Mow My Lawn
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Brown Fires Wade Phillips Pre-Emptively As A Result, 'WTF' says Jerry
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
I Need To Change My Socks
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Gain More Boredom
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Vegas Has Crap Table For Sale
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Fans Vow To Just Throw Their Money In A Bonfire Next Week
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Somehow Gain A Familiar Combo of Dissapointment, Apathy, and Revenue
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 09:12 PM
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
To Be Continued Somehow, Unfortunately
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Bengals Lose Heartbreaker,
Can't Wait To Check Out Sarah Palin's Baked Alaska
Posted by: Hofbraunow | November 14, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Well two weeks in a row the Bengals give us hope, only to tear it away on the last drive. I'm glad they won't be on tv next week, so I cannot be tempted to watching them.
Posted by: whodeybaby | November 14, 2010 at 09:41 PM
@Die, you are right about the scouts. Of course, my role play would have scouting department if I were in charge. But I also would have a Kilbride or a Martz running the offense not a cheap hack. As I stated in the offseason leading up to the draft my basic filters to follow in the draft would be: 1) does the player have a significant injury history?; 2) does the player have mental issues (alcoholism, weight problems, etc.)? Yes to these questions would be cause for automatic removal from the list.
The point is MB and his cheap conservative ways are the problem. He hires the coaching staff; he has final say in personnel decisions; and no matter what the outcome of the team he earns money, which is completely un-American in my book. Yes, Marvin is not a perfect coach, but he has done a hell of a job with one hand tied behind his back.
@ Rich: As a former hs coach, I cannot watch this team anymore. Bratkowski's moronic schemes and simple passing tree are a big part of Palmer's performance. Take for example the final play against Pittsburgh last week. Shipley is running across the middle of the field and stops in the seam of the zone in the middle of the field. Palmer tries to force the ball in to get the first, but three defenders are there to break up the play.
If it were the Colts system, Shipley would have continued to run across the field. At the top of the TV screen, the flat on the right side of the field is wide open b/c another WR had cleared it by running an short dig route. Had Shipley just kept running into that zone, Palmer could have dumped it to him and Shipley would have easily had the first if not a TD to win the game. The blame goes on Palmer in the media and fans, but not Bratkowski for having a stupid route tree that relies on 5 yard hitches.
His passing tree is so bad, by the time the ball gets to the WR, there is typically a defender to take them down. It seems like our routes never have the guy catching the ball while running in full speed; this is by design, and it is completely moronic. Hitches are good every once and a while, but our offensive passing game is designed around it. Meanwhile the Colts carved up our defense today with guys just running across the middle of the field 5-10 yards deep while having Manning hit them in stride all day long.
Posted by: blesterov | November 14, 2010 at 10:28 PM