Bengals and Texans Wildcard Reaction

The final score of 31-10 does not do this game justice as it should have been closer than this.  The Texans manhandled the Bengals thanks to numerous mistakes made by the Andy Dalton and Chris (Betty) Crocker yesterday.  Dalton looked like a deer in headlights for most of the day as there were many better options that seemed to be open, but he decided to hone in on AJ Green who couldn't shake Jonathan Joseph for the better part of the day.  Offensively, they were not able to handle Wade Phillips' defensive looks as it didn't matter who you were on the defensive line, you were somehow going to get a sack against this porous Bengal offensive line.  Dalton and Green had decent rookie years and they made the playoffs so it is a good building block, but this could be a team that takes a step back in my opinion next year.

Dalton looked every
bit a rookie in his
first playoff game!

Defensively for the Bengals, Mr. Crocker had as bad a day as possible, which reminded me of Roman Harper in the playoffs last year versus Seattle.  I am not sure what Taylor Mays can bring to the table, but it couldn't be worse than what Mr. Crocker gave us.  This guy made sure to make a mistake on every big play of the game it seemed.  In what were the two biggest plays in my eyes, Dalton and Crocker were at the center of them.  Dalton's pick six at the end of the first half was the game changer, which I partly blame on the coaching staff.  You are tied with a minute left at the end of the first half and you have a rookie quarterback against a very good defense.  That is a win in my opinion, take it to the half and be happy, no need to put undue pressure on the guy, but this is what makes the Bengals, the Bengals.  The second biggest play is Mr. Crocker making a great read on the ball and then proceeding to make the worst play as he drops it right in his hands.  Houston goes on to score and that is the ball game, thanks and a have a nice ride home.  Taylor Mays should be happy at the least as his job security just went through the roof.

Bengals Will Probably Go With Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallett will look to prove doubters wrong

I am assuming that the Bengals must have somebody with a clue in their war room and they will have to pick up a quarterback fairly early as they pick 35th, which will be 3rd tonight.  I am going to say that they will go with Ryan Mallett as he is fairly their type of guy.  A lot of off the field issues with a lot of talent, not sure if he is mature enough to be an NFL quarterback but I would not be surprised to see him in Cincy next year.  They should be smart and go with somebody like Andy Dalton, who is a hard working kid that could help change the image but I wouldn't hold my breath.  The funny thing is that I like Ryan Mallett and think he will succeed but if that was the case as I would just say that the Bengals got lucky by being stupid.  Good luck Cincy fans.