Futon Quarterback

If the Bengals continue on their current pace, they’ll likely lose more than a few fans come playoff time. Not to anger or apathy, mind you—but to cardiology. Because those not suffering life-ending heart attacks will likely have their seasons cut short on doctor’s orders, with tri-state cardiologists urging them to tone down any excessive excitement. Which is, of course, the current M.O. of the Bengals, er, the Cardiac Cats.

That was an inspired game played by the Bengals on Sunday. It had everything: offense, defense, end zone interceptions, blocked field goals, and of course, the “win one for the Gipper” story of a Bengals defense rallying around their embattled coach. As I’m sure you’ve heard, D-Coordinator Mike Zimmer’s wife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, and the tough Texan was left deciding whether or not to coach all the way up until game time.

Well, Zimmer’s defense rewarded him for his strength by showing some strength of their own, a dominant—even Ravenesque—performance to hand him a much-deserved W. When Zim was handed the gameball afterwards, you could see the love the Bengals had for their coordinator—and the love he had right back.

But more than anything, I love how the Bengals won. And I’m not talking about another last minute finish—which of course, showed how different a beast this Bengals team really is. Rather, what impressed me the most is how they’re finally playing the right kind of football—built on the backbone of run game and defense.

These Bengals beat the Ravens by playing Ravens football. And the Ravens lost, well, by playing like the old Bengals. Our defense was dominant and Ced-Ben—pulled off the scrap heap early last season—gouged the Ravens for 120 yards. How significant is that? Well, he’s the only running back to do so in the Ravens’ last 39 games. And, of course, the Bengals also held a Ravens offense averaging 31 points a game to a paltry 257 yards and a TD. The capper? It was the Ravens self-destructing at the end with three drive-extending penalties that lead to a brilliant 20-yard Palmer to Caldwell touchdown.

Of course, we can’t talk about the good unless we talk about the bad.

Actually, we can.

Who Dey.