The Bengals have a tough chore in front of them this Sunday as they make an encore in the New Jersey Meadowlands to face the New York Jets.  The problem with the Jets is they are an enigma wrapped inside a mystery, so we don't know which team will show up.  They are 2-2, but coming off a bye week, rested, and an offensive breakthrough scoring 56 against Arizona (and scoring 85 in their last 2 games).  So the Bengals should be up to the task.

The Bengals have a couple things going for them:  1)they have the "Master of Adjustment," Marvin Lewis who said, "We've taken some lumps this year, and that doesn't change how I approach what I do."  Uuuhh, Ok, Marv.  2) Also, Dexter Jackson may see some playing time.  3) Finally, the Bengals are notorious this season for playing below their potential after playing NFC East opponents...so with that they've got a helluva shot to continue their drive to "(im)Perfection."  It is important they not look past the Jets and focus on the Steelers, remember, one week at a time fellas, one week at a time.  So with that here are your:

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On Offense:

1) Establish the Run...give the rock to Perry and Benson no matter what.  The Jets have a superb run D, allowing about 76 yards a game, so attack their strength.

2) Go deep on the Jets with a limited aerial attack.  Forget about that dink and dunk stuff underneath, take an occasional shot down field, especially on 3^rd down. 

3) Go with the compact offense...run a lot of double TE sets, go 2 WRs, 2RBs etc. 

On Defense:

1) Rush 4 (consistently), don't mix in any blitzes, play it safe, they have a lot to lose if they start gambling.  D Line has to maintain the pressure they've been getting all season.

2) Play a conservative zone with the traditional Bengal secondary "Back to the Quarterback" technique.

3) Play 8 in the box.

4) Start Dexter Jackson.
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 MMA is not so pure after all (link to story here)?

   Petruzelli (Silverback) told a confernce call after the "fight" with Ferguson (Slice) that basically the promoters prompted him to keep the fight "off the mat" where the more experienced fighter (Silverback of course) had a clear advantage.  Over the past few years it has been demonstrated that MMA is a discipline that takes a lot of hard work, and is not comprised of a bunch of bar room brawlers.  But Elite XC and CBS bet the house on just this type of dude because he could get the "eyeballs."  Sports is about entertainment to be sure, but if you don't have the skills...back away from the Octagon of your chosen sport.  Thanks...shame on the promoters because they gave a black eye to MMA.

Full Disclosure:  For the record I am a fan of the "sweet science."
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   Picks:

I've got to get back on track, the baseball playoffs will be over soon and I won't have anything to lean on if I pick poorly so here they go (Disclaimer: I know none of you are foolish enough to take these picks to the bank, but because we live in such a litigious society, I have to put this disclaimer):

Chicago @ Atlanta - I picked against Chicago last week on the road, but that was against dysfunctional Detroit (who I thought would play better without the baggage of Millen at Ford field). I am tempted to pick them this week, on the road, in the A-T-L, and I am. Chicago's D is playing pretty well and Orton is coming off a career game, so maybe he wants to lock up a job permanently (I mean beyond this season).  Atlanta is 2^nd in the league in rushing but they go as the ground game goes because there young QB is still learning.  Atlanta is making great progress, but not enough to beat ...Da Bears!

Jacksonville @ Denver - Well, I've picked Jax a couple times this season and have been disappointed as many times...so I am picking them again, against the AFC West leader, on the road, because even though they don't seem to be the Jax of old, they need this win and are still a tough, physical team...which is what you need to be to win on the road.  Plus, For at least 2 games, Denver was extremely lucky and are not as good as their 4-1 record indicate. This week Jax breaks through...Gimmie Jax (again)

Note: Dangit! 2 games and 2 road teams picked thus far...this does not bode well but I stand by my picks so far.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay - OK, Carolina looks like a top 5 NFL team, but I just can't pick another road team...This is a battle for supremacy in the NFC South. Division game, throw records out the window.  Carolina's D is ridiculous. This is a tough pick. They both are undefeated at home, but on paper Carolina wins, but that's why they play the games, I've gotta take a home team, can not pick 3 road teams...I'm takin' Carolina and their D and Steve Smith is back...Carolina

Baltimore @ Indy - This game will be close...because the Edgar Allen Poes have the best damn D in the land, so they are more times than not going to be in games and have an opportunity. That said, they (Ravens) still have a young QB and at some point I expect Indy to win at the new dome (they are 0-2 there), I mean stadium (who knew Indy's mojo was all about a dome?) So I am going with (finally) a home team and Indy.
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   LCS Thoughts:

I have the Dodgers coming out of the NL (a la St. Louis a couple years ago). The Phils were expected to win last night with Cole on the hill...but I expect the Dodgers to split and win the next one at Philly if they want to maintain a decent shot.

And it truly would be nice to see Manny go back to Boston and completely show up the pitcher when he jacks one, and send the Boston faithful into a riotous frenzy, but I still think the Rays will take them in 7.

Have a great weekend, Lot D!

   THOUGHTS:

Well folks, we had a very close call, the Cowboys gave the Bengals quite the scare and jeopordized their (im) Perfect season.  But, luckily, the Bengals stepped up and did what they needed to do.  It was a great effort by all including the coaching staff, but I am a little disappointed by the offensive line play...I mean, not giving up a sack until the last desperate dirvie...What's up with that?  As always, Marvin did a great job in his press conference, letting the fans get an inside look at what the implosion may look like from his view.  I think we are all relieved to see Marvin just wants to keep doing what they are doing!  Next up, the Jets...and I am a little worried even though they put up 54 a couple weeks ago...but more on them Friday.

Tootin My Horn and Eating Crow:

...and lots of it...OK, OK, my NFL picks were terrible last week and I am not even going to waste space re-posting my rationales.

I picked Baltimore over Tennessee, Philly over the Skins, Jax over Pitt, and an upset special of Detroit over Chicago.

My regular 3 picks were at least close, but like they say, "close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades." I was just totally wrong on thinking Detroit would do anything and as I told Chris in Cambridge, I will never pick Detroit again!

Can somebody just set me up a crow buffet, please, $4.99/lb.

Now since I had all my NFL picks go awry, I will TOOT MY HORN for correctly picking all of MLB's LCS entrants...that would be the Rays, Sox, Phils, Dodgers.  Now as I stated before, I still have the Dodgers and Rays coming out of their leagues but I've got the Rays going from "worst to first" to win the whole darn thing!

"Powerless Rankings"

You've heard of power rankings, well starting now, I will give you my "Powerless" rankings of the League's 5 worst teams, I'm not sure any explanation is needed so I'll keep it short and sweet (My methodology has a madness and it is objective):

1.  Rams
2.  Lions
3.  Bengals
4.  Texans
5.  Chiefs

All I can say is the Bengals are going to have to step it up to get past the Rams and Lions.  (Is it possible after all these years without seeing one 0-16 team we see two or more in the same season?)  The Bengals are going to have to put forth a better "effort" against the NFC East to get at the top spot. 

Movie Recommendation:

From the creator of The Royal Tannenbaums,(which I will recommend in the future), Wes Anderson,  comes:

   The Darjeeling Limited

This film is a quirky delightful story, with Owen Wilson playing an overprotective big brother. Three brothers go on a journey in India to find themselves and their relationship after their father passes away.  I like films shot in India, and the Indian actors are excellent.  The movie has a great story and is well acted...its got funny, and its got dramatic urgency as well, with one portion being surprisingly sad, but as in real life, great triumph comes from that sad event.  The film ends in a great way.  The story of self-discovery never gets old for me, so I give this one a strong "check it out."   Be advised, the movie is not for children, although it may look innocent enough.

Sidenote: I forgot to mention there is a side story/short movie, The Hotel Chevalier, that is somewhat integral to the Darjeeling that you have to watch on the DVD, don't skip it.  Plus it's got Natalie Portman's bare bottom...ooooweeee!

Check back later in the week for the Jets preview and see if the Bengals will be "up" to the task against Brett Favre...I think so!

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The Bengals have an easy task in front of them this weekend, and that is simply to lose vs. the Boys.  But they can not overestimate the Boys and they can not look at the rest of the schedule.  They have got to focus on this one game...one game at a time! In order to do this they will have to continue "to do some good things."  It's like Marvin said, keep shovelin' coal, or peddlin' the bike, or spacklin' the  wall, or using the proper lug nuts, or just plain ole spankin' the monkey!

On Offense:

1) Establish the run. Just pound Benson up the middle (preferably between the guards) all game long on 1^st and 2^nd down.

2) On 3^rd down, pass...and go long. No shotguns and let Fitz drop back at least 7 steps to let the WRs run routes that take long to develop.

3) The O line will have to continue what they've been best at all season, on run and pass plays (the "Matador" blocking scheme). Do not account for DeMarcus Ware or that Greg Ellis guy.  (Levi may have a career day in allowing sacks).

4) If the pressure starts to get to hot and heavy on Fitz, he should just chuck it, and hope for the best.

On Defense:

1) The secondary will have to continue to play the man and NOT the ball.  Continue to keep your back to the QB so you can't see when the ball is coming and so you have no chance to bat it down.  Leon Hall may be the best in the league as far as this technique is concened.

2) The D line has to keep their hands down, and keep the pressure off Romo.  Give him plenty of time by staying on your blockers.

3) Single cover T.O. with Leon Hall all game long.

If the Bengals are winning at halftime they should not quit, but double down their efforts to melt down and implode...Chad kissing the "Star" if he scores could be a good catalyst to fire up the Boys if they are down.  The Bengals have completed 25% of their history making run and have a good chance to continue that streak into the second quarter of this season...so gentlemen, get the job done, and come back with an L and continue the implosion!
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Time for Some Picks (where I don't touch easy games like Carolina over KC):

This is a great NFL Sunday because the match-ups look really good on paper so let's get to it...BTW, I don't do points and next week I will own up to my picks and either toot my own horn or eat crow! (Not many of the NFL pundits are brave enough to do that).

Tennessee at Baltimore is going to be a helluva matchup.  Tennessee looks very impressive with Collins at QB and have started off 4-0, but 3 of those victories were against the winless Bengals and Texans and a disappointing Vikings squad. Baltimore is off to a surprising 2-1 start and nearly went into Pitt and pulled off an upset.  I'm going to have to go home team here, Tennessee suffers their first defeat at the Ravens.

Washington at Philly is probably THE matchup of the week, hell anytime the NFC East gets together it has potential to be the matchup of the week.  This one is simple though as Washington is due for a letdown after pulling off the mild upset against Dallas (playing in the NFC East is like playing in the SEC, it's a "meat grinder")   and Philly is at home so I gotta go with McNabb leading the Eagles to victory.

Pitt at Jax is (as usual) going to be a whale of a matchup.  Although a great matchup indeed in what should be a close game my  methodology for this pick is simple. I am going with the home team Jags (who kinda have their backs against it because Tenn. is running away with the division), add to that in recent history the Jags own Pitt and Pitt's injuries...Pitt is lucky to come out of there with enough bodies to play next week...Gimmie Jax.

Upset special: I looked at 2 possible games...Chicago at Detroit and Indy at Houston, where both home teams are the dogs. (If they both upset I'm taking credit). But I can only have one upset special so I choose...Detroit over Chicago, Indy sitting at 1-2 is just too desperate a team even though the Texans always play them tough, esp. in Houston, but they are not wearing their red jerseys...thus the Millen-less Lions.  I think the Lions will roar this week at home and put up a lot of points against Chicago and join the "land of the winning."
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The City of Chicago (as a collective) is on suicide watch...hahaha!

MLB Playoff Picks  :

I know I'm a day late and a dollar short, and even though 1 days results are in...that has not affected my picks.

In the   :

The only reason the Brew Crew made the playoffs, or rather limped into the playoffs, is because the Mets pulled an improbable repeat performance of their 2007 Meltdown.  That said look for the Brew Crew to make a quick exit to the Phils who, again surged in.

After that, the Phils are done...so I'm left to choose from the Cubs and the Trolley Dodgers.  That match up was the toughest for me. All things point to the Cubs coming out of the NL because they were the best throughout the season, but wouldn't it be great to see that city meltdown yet again. For that reason I am going with my heart instead of brain and picking the underdog, unlikely Trolley Dodgers.

In the :

The Sox will continue their dominance against the Angels of Aneheim (aren't these guys arguably the best in the AL?) and then face the young, hungry, upstart Sun Rays after the Sun Rays dispose of a White Sox team who simply won't have any gas in the tank left. After facing must wins the last day of the season and in the one game playoff against the Twins, the White Sox are due for a let down and the Sun Rays are just the team to distibute the letting down.

Now Sox v Sun Rays will be a classic LCS. First I think it will go 7 because they played each other close during the season (Rays won 10-9). The key thing to me was at the close of the season when Boston was making their last push and everybody saying "here they come," the Rays stood their ground, won 2/3 and the division.  That showed the mental toughness they displayed all season, as everyone waited for the glass slipper to fall off. Well, everyone is still waiting for the glass slipper to fall off, but it won't. Rays in 7, aftewhich they easily handle the Trolley Dodgers in the WS.
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Movie Recommendations:

It's been a while, but I've got a couple of good ones in the B Horror genre to share.  They were released together in 2007 as a double-feature under the collection title called, "Grindhouse."  The thing that disappointed me though was when it came time to release the DVDs, they went for the money grab and released them separately...so I saw the first release then forgot about the second one until last night.  Enough of the backstory,

   Death Proof

This gruesome little tale is pretty darn good! You've got a maniacal Kurt Russell along with a bevy of hot women including Rosario Dawson. It basically is all about a former stunt car driver who now gets his jollies picking off young attractive women in gruesome car accidents.  This one is directed by Quentin Tarantino, so you kind of know what to expect (i.e. a bit of his foot fetish) in this his ode to B Horror. I definitely recommend it and give it a "very strong check it out" especially if you like this genre.  Next up,

   Planet Terror

In this, the second feature of the double, is B Horror at simply It's Best.  This has to be the best B Horror flick I've ever seen.  It is a zombie flick, but the zombies are very puss-sy and boiled and all types of ailment affected and disgusting stuff, in addition to being of course dead.  This movie is so over the top it is FUNNY (which is what you want in your good B Horror).  The whole flick is very campy and the style of the movie makes it seem as if it is being shown on an old movie reel.  The dialogue is more funny than a comedy feature at many spots. 

Although it is funny, it does provide some tense moments, but the ongoing jokes help to lighten the mood a bit. I can not rave enough about this movie. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and starring Bruce Willis and Rose McGowan (playing a stripper with many useless talents), and many other competent actors.  At one point, the main protaganist "El Ray" leads a convoy of automobiles on a mini mini bike...I mean it is AWESOME!  This film is a MUST SEE for those who like the B-Horror movie genre (and really for all adults who like any form of action/comedy/horror).  I give this an very urgent "you have to check this out or else the American economy will collapse!" Instant classic outdoing  even the great Tarantino.
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First time this season the Bengals made John Clayton's 1st and 10 on espn.com (all due to the Cowboy's strength and need to "bounce back"), and this is what he had to say:

"9. Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys: Bengals WR Chad Johnson promises to kiss the Texas Stadium star if he scores a touchdown. The biggest question is whether he will score. The Bengals' offense has been a disaster, and the 0-4 Bengals appear headed for a disastrous season.

The Cowboys should bounce back from a tough 26-24 loss to the Redskins that they felt they should have won. The Bengals have struggled pressuring quarterbacks, so Tony Romo should have time to get T.O. more involved in the offense, if that is humanly possible. Owens wasn't satisfied with 17 balls thrown in his direction last week. To satisfy him, maybe the Cowboys need to bring back that old Randy Moss ratio and target 40 percent of their offensive plays in his direction."
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Tomorrow check back in with me for the "Bengals Keys to Defeat"

I decided to take a break from the Bengal bashing for a day, although it has become a favorite pasttime of mine (unlike cornhole-somebody needs to blog and explain some cornholing to me. Thanks). Although I may take a jab or two at them later in the blog I wanted this one to take our minds to something other than football (kinda like the Bengals, I couldn't help it). So I am going to tell  you about the best deal in all of NYC:

Monday Night Steak Night at Babouche:

  Babouche (Ba-boosh) dining room front to back.

  Dining room from back to front.

Babouche is French Moroccan restaurant in my neighborhood (I love my neighborhood in Brooklyn, it is close to downtown Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, has a ton of restaurants and bars, plenty young people and families as well, plus just enough of that "Brooklyn element" so to speak).

Anyway, on Monday nights they have steak for $12, with a great variety of sides for $4 each. I'm not sure if that is currently a deal in the Nati, but in NYC it is a steal. "What a bargain!"  The steaks they serve range from T-bone, sirloin, and others, to grilled lamb chops and veal and my favorite:

 
Filet Mignon aux Truffle (side view)

  Top view of remaining Filet Mignon (which is about 1/3 remaining) and roasted carrots (about 1/8 remaining).  I got the idea to blog about it after I darn near finished the thing off.  The steak is terrific, I mean real quality and excellent taste, and the truffle sauce...well, if no one was looking I may have licked the plate!  The carrots were roasted to perfection and seasoned with some kind of Morrocan seasoning with some bits of crusted garlic...my goodness!  Anyway if you find yourself on 5th Ave and Lincoln Ave in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn (esp. on Monday night) I would check it out!
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Most frequented website by Cincinnati Bengals players
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Tootin My Horn and Eating Some Crow:

(Last Week) In the division, I was tempted to take Baltimore over Pitt on  Monday night, but I just can't pull the trigger even though the Ravens are the #1 rated D (again) in the League. They may sack Ben 10 times, but something tells me Tomlin will have his guys ready. Monday night, home game, once again I take Pitt.

Well picked, sir. beep beep (roadrunner style)

Sidenote: I am a big believer in the old cliche "Defense wins championships." I am close to believing in B-More, I mean they go into to Pitt on a Monday night (know that Pitt on Monday night is pretty darn good), and almost pull off the upset. They are a definite surprise, maybe bigger than the Bills.

(LW) Now it's the Jets whose backs are against the wall. They get Arizona at home who by all accounts should win this game. The Jets looked terrible on Monday night, but created many of their own woes early against a desperate and good Charger team. So I'll take the Jets at home.

My horn is stuck, and the battery may run out...
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In one game playoffs, I am picking the Twins...even though they are 2-7 in Chicago (they lead the overall series 10-8, which is BS because forget a coin flip, if you win the season series head to head, you should have homefield). The Twins are really not supposed to be here, and I think (hope) they have a huge chip on their shoulder. Plus I love the underdog, and

   "Twiiiins."

And with that, goodnight everybody!