MVN: Most Valuable Network

The scoreboard pretty much summed up the Bengals drubbing at the hands of the Ravens.  Both offensively and defensively Baltimore dominated this game.  It would be easy to blame the loss on the mounting Bengal injuries but this game and this season have gone awry for more reason than just injuries.  Injuries are a cop out for a much bigger problem.   The team is not likely to change much in the short term but how much will they be willing to examine the problems and make changes in the long term?

Plus: (there are not many)

- TJ Houshmandzadeh's 46 yard reception late in the first half was the only sign of life from the offense in the entire half (or game).  While they did not score a touchdown it had to provide a small lift heading into the half.

- Andre Caldwell's 43 yard kickoff return

- The run defense may have allowed 147 yards but it took 43 carries to get there.  The run defense has gotten much better this season we just don't realize it because the team is behind and on the field all the time.

- Rashad Jeanty and Brandon Johnson each turned in strong games with 13+ tackles each.

Minuses:

- The offense - all of it.  A mere 155 total yards, barely 2 yards per carry by the running backs, 2-15 on 3rd down conversions and just 6 1st downs.

- Horrible pass protection.  The Ravens did a great job keeping Fitzpatrick in the pocket and bringing the heat.  It is hard to believe he was sacked just 4 times.  Even more surprising was the pressure was coming even stronger from the right side (Andrews and B.Williams) rather than the right (Collins and Livings).

- Equally bad run blocking. Benson had absolutely no where to run.  It did not help that Bratkowski called a run on every 2nd and 3 or shorter.

- Fitzpatrick's inability to read the Raven defense.  I know the Ravens were bringing a lot of pressure but he should have been able to find someone open occassionally.  Fitzpatrick's inability to progress during the course of the season despite 2 years in the system goes to show the Bengals need to find a better backup next season (esp. considering Palmer's uncertain injury.)

- Can someone explain why Glenn Holt and Chris Henry are playing ahead of Simpson and Caldwell at this point in the season.  I understand they can't play ahead of TJ and Ocho (although you can argue they would be as productive as Ocho) but there is no reason they can't be the #3 and #4 receivers.

- Leon Hall was exposed for his inability to cover deep today (his knock prior to the draft).  The Ravens appeared to be picking on him despite Jamar Fletcher playing on the other side (not a good sign).  Hall is still young and will improve but one has to wonder whether he will ever be anything better than slightly above average corner.  In Hall and Johnathan Joseph the Bengals invested two first round picks but neither has the look of an elite corner.

- Kyle Larson tied a Bengals record with 11 punts today.  It would have been 12 but the team went for it late in the game.

- The Bengals had 9 drives with 3 or fewer plays and 11 drives with 4 or fewer plays.  This is out of 14 drives.  

- Mark Clayton is considered a 1st round bust but the Bengal defense made him look like a Pro Bowler today.

- The defense's struggles on 3rd down. 

- Time of Possession: Baltimore: 38:58, Cincinnati: 21:02