Belichick responds to Chad Johnson (1 Viewer)

[TitusIII]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk

09/28/06 07:51 PM

THE NEWS

Patriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

 

[The Ref]

Say want you want about him being stiff, BB can be very funny when he wants.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

I really hope this gets back to him in time to really motivate him!

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

 

[Marc Levin]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

When did you become the FBG I agreed with most? Someone has to give you a promotion over there!Still looking forward to the wide open mouth tommorrow. You know its coming!

 

[tombonneau]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

BBs quips were 100% in good fun. What that blurb fails to mention is the rest of the piece, where he says he's kidding, he's friendly with Chad, he's a great player, fun person, etc.From Mike Reiss's Boston Globe blog:

September 28, 2006Bill's responseFOXBOROUGH -- Bengals receiver Chad Johnson had some fun yesterday, calling out the Patriots' defensive backs. Patriots coach Bill Belichick had his own fun today, volleying back some comments to Johnson.Responding to Johnson's request to cover him one-on-one, Belichick said: "Tell him that we'd cover him one-on-one all the time but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league. He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some, not that he can get open. As much as he pushes off, we have to do something to protect ourselves."Belichick was smiling as he delivered those words, then finished by saying: "He's a great player."Belichick called Johnson "a good guy" and noted that the two have spent time together."He's an entertaining kid," Belichick said. "He has a good sense of humor. It sounds like he was poking fun at us, and that's OK."Belichick then relayed a story about how he worked Johnson out prior to the 2001 draft on USC's campus, and Johnson proudly drove onto campus with his Oregon State flag on the car.

 

[Marc Levin]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

BBs quips were 100% in good fun. What that blurb fails to mention is the rest of the piece, where he says he's kidding, he's friendly with Chad, he's a great player, fun person, etc.From Mike Reiss's Boston Globe blog:

September 28, 2006Bill's responseFOXBOROUGH -- Bengals receiver Chad Johnson had some fun yesterday, calling out the Patriots' defensive backs. Patriots coach Bill Belichick had his own fun today, volleying back some comments to Johnson.Responding to Johnson's request to cover him one-on-one, Belichick said: "Tell him that we'd cover him one-on-one all the time but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league. He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some, not that he can get open. As much as he pushes off, we have to do something to protect ourselves."Belichick was smiling as he delivered those words, then finished by saying: "He's a great player."Belichick called Johnson "a good guy" and noted that the two have spent time together."He's an entertaining kid," Belichick said. "He has a good sense of humor. It sounds like he was poking fun at us, and that's OK."Belichick then relayed a story about how he worked Johnson out prior to the 2001 draft on USC's campus, and Johnson proudly drove onto campus with his Oregon State flag on the car.

Wasn't saying it was not in good fun - just saying it is highly unusual for any Pats person to say anything even remotely approaching trash talk. Their public face is to always give respect to their opponent.That said, I know Chad Johnson is able to bring out the best trash talk.I Chad. And i have nothing but respect for the Pats and they way they have handled their success - NEVER trash talking - NEVER bad mouthing an opponent - NEVER complaining about officiating. Ands I'm a 100% full time phin homer who would love nothing more than to see the Pats go 0-16 for the next decade.Just pointing out that it is unusual and i haven't seen it since the last time the Pats were struggling.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

BBs quips were 100% in good fun. What that blurb fails to mention is the rest of the piece, where he says he's kidding, he's friendly with Chad, he's a great player, fun person, etc.From Mike Reiss's Boston Globe blog:

September 28, 2006Bill's responseFOXBOROUGH -- Bengals receiver Chad Johnson had some fun yesterday, calling out the Patriots' defensive backs. Patriots coach Bill Belichick had his own fun today, volleying back some comments to Johnson.Responding to Johnson's request to cover him one-on-one, Belichick said: "Tell him that we'd cover him one-on-one all the time but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league. He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some, not that he can get open. As much as he pushes off, we have to do something to protect ourselves."Belichick was smiling as he delivered those words, then finished by saying: "He's a great player."Belichick called Johnson "a good guy" and noted that the two have spent time together."He's an entertaining kid," Belichick said. "He has a good sense of humor. It sounds like he was poking fun at us, and that's OK."Belichick then relayed a story about how he worked Johnson out prior to the 2001 draft on USC's campus, and Johnson proudly drove onto campus with his Oregon State flag on the car.

Wasn't saying it was not in good fun - just saying it is highly unusual for any Pats person to say anything even remotely approaching trash talk. Their public face is to always give respect to their opponent.That said, I know Chad Johnson is able to bring out the best trash talk.I Chad. And i have nothing but respect for the Pats and they way they have handled their success - NEVER trash talking - NEVER bad mouthing an opponent - NEVER complaining about officiating. Ands I'm a 100% full time phin homer who would love nothing more than to see the Pats go 0-16 for the next decade.Just pointing out that it is unusual and i haven't seen it since the last time the Pats were struggling.

(reach)1. it's not trash talking if it's joking and is followed up with "he's a great player" and "an entertaining kid".2. the Patriots are 2-1. they've "struggled" much worse than that before.3. you don't mention specifically what team you're talking about when the patriots were "struggling" and went to "trash-talking", but i'll presume it was the chargers last season. That was BRADY, not Belichick, and he was NOT saying it in fun, which Belichick was. So the two examples are really nothing alike...at all.4. the dolphins are terrible, i'm sorry.

 

[CrossEyed]

Chad is one of those guys that can trash talk and it's pretty much taken in stride because he's a likeable guy.

A lot of people made a big deal about him and Joey Porter going at each other before the game, but if you saw any of the local coverage leading up to the game you saw Porter laughing every time he was told what Chad was saying. Porter even commented that he and Chad were good friends. All that stuff was just two friends who like to trash talk having a good time.

I'm kind of thinking BBs reply was said in the same tone as Porter's replies.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Actually, Rodney Harrison's reaction was even better than BB's:

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison described the colorful receiver similarly. Obviously, not taking Johnson’s threat to knock his helmet off seriously.

“The circus is in town,” said Harrison with a wide grin. “I know it’s all in fun. He didn’t mean anything personal by it.”

Like Belichick, Harrison offered a response to the threat.

“That guy couldn’t knock a mosquito’s helmet off,” joked Harrison. “I guarantee you – if he knocks my helmet off, I guarantee you – I will retire!”

Harrison loves to exaggerate his age – he’s only 33 – but retirement? No way. He kept the bullets flying.

“This is kind of similar to uh, Freddie Mitchell’s gig, but Chad’s not as good as Freddie,” he said. Mitchell spouted off to the media about Harrison before Super Bowl XXXIX, but left the Super Bowl having made only one catch for 11 yards. Harrison caught two interceptions in the game.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Actually, Rodney Harrison's reaction was even better than BB's:

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison described the colorful receiver similarly. Obviously, not taking Johnson’s threat to knock his helmet off seriously.

“The circus is in town,” said Harrison with a wide grin. “I know it’s all in fun. He didn’t mean anything personal by it.”

Like Belichick, Harrison offered a response to the threat.

“That guy couldn’t knock a mosquito’s helmet off,” joked Harrison. “I guarantee you – if he knocks my helmet off, I guarantee you – I will retire!”

Harrison loves to exaggerate his age – he’s only 33 – but retirement? No way. He kept the bullets flying.

“This is kind of similar to uh, Freddie Mitchell’s gig, but Chad’s not as good as Freddie,” he said. Mitchell spouted off to the media about Harrison before Super Bowl XXXIX, but left the Super Bowl having made only one catch for 11 yards. Harrison caught two interceptions in the game.

Yeah I was gonna post this - this was hilarious. He went on after to retract his statement a little to trash on Freddie Mitchell:"Chad Johnson is a baller, though. Freddie's not a baller, Freddie's a bum."

 

[knowledge dropper]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

 

[ceo3west]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

You bet. Chad goes off this week.

 

[Urine_Idiot]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

You bet. Chad goes off this week.

 

[Jagerbomber]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

You bet. Chad goes off this week.

this could be as ugly as Pats/Chargers last year. Marvin Lewis better not say anything about the Pats, otherwise somebody's gonna have to change Tom Brady's diedee.

 

[PatsWillWin]

35 - 24 Bengals.

 

[NoFBinLA]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

You bet. Chad goes off this week.

God I hope so -- in one of my leagues I am 0-3 and need a break.And before anyone else says it -- yeah yeah I know.....

 

[baronson]

chad johnson is hilarious. he's hard not to like. you know he's joking around and that everyone gets it. the pepto bit against the browns was brilliant, and i saw on tv that when the NFL rules committee was reviewing his endzone dances (to eventually penalize them going forward), everyone was cracking up. he might be the most hate-to-love guy in the NFL....

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Chad is one of those guys that can trash talk and it's pretty much taken in stride because he's a likeable guy.A lot of people made a big deal about him and Joey Porter going at each other before the game, but if you saw any of the local coverage leading up to the game you saw Porter laughing every time he was told what Chad was saying. Porter even commented that he and Chad were good friends. All that stuff was just two friends who like to trash talk having a good time.I'm kind of thinking BBs reply was said in the same tone as Porter's replies.

It's funny how things like likability and the context of an exchange can completely change how it's perceived.

 

[cj*]

Anyone else get the feeling that Chad is becoming more of a decoy for this team. TJ and Henry must be loving every bit of this due to single coverage every play and Henry drawing the 3rd CB. I actually hope they do double CJ all game because Carson will pick them apart with the other weapons, but if they don't double CJ, he will pick them apart lol.

(Bengals Homer but this is how I am starting to see it.)

 

[BigJim®]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

Funny stuff. You know Chad will have a reply for tommorrows sportscenter.

VERY unusual for any Pats person to respond to trash talk with anything except on the lines of "Well, he's a great player."Last time I saw such a ***** in the Pats armor? Their slow start a couple years ago and Brady slipped up and said something about the opponents.Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

 

[SSOG]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?For the last two years, Cincinnati has had one of the most opportunistic pass defenses, and one of the most brutally poor run defenses. Things look very much the same this season (Football Outsiders has Cin ranked 3rd in passing defense and 23rd in rushing defense). New England, on the other hand, had a downright SCARY rushing offense to start the season, and while Denver did a lot to hold them in check, you have to realize two things- Cin doesn't have a Champ Bailey and so they can't play the entire game with 8 in the box and expect their corners to hold up, and Cin doesn't have the LBs or DLs that Denver has, so even if they DID spend the entire game with 8 in the box, New England would still get theirs.I feel like New England's offense is one of the WORST possible matchups for Cincy's defense, and that New England will roll up a TON of rushing yardage and chew a ton of clock. While Cincy's offense will be able to score, so will New England's. I see this is a pretty solid matchup.I would love to hear why you feel differently.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If NE trails by more than 7 at any point, they lose.

If NE scores first, watch out. Big time trap game. Cincy should win, but will they?

 

[Marc Levin]

(reach)1. it's not trash talking if it's joking and is followed up with "he's a great player" and "an entertaining kid".2. the Patriots are 2-1. they've "struggled" much worse than that before.3. you don't mention specifically what team you're talking about when the patriots were "struggling" and went to "trash-talking", but i'll presume it was the chargers last season. That was BRADY, not Belichick, and he was NOT saying it in fun, which Belichick was. So the two examples are really nothing alike...at all.4. the dolphins are terrible, i'm sorry.

But wasn't this at least remotely funny?

Belichick accusing a receiver of pushing off? And paying the officials? After the mugging that was allowed in the AFC Champ game a couple years ago, he should have stuck with:"Chad's a great player - too bad we can't double cover his mouth, though - that thing is ALWAYS wide open."

 

[Marc Levin]

he might be the most hate-to-love guy in the NFL....

Chad Johnson is everythig that is RIGHT about NFL players - he lets his on-the-field play truly stand on its own, while giving us a show every time we see him. And he never gets in off-field beefs, he's ALWAYS there at practice, he loves the game, he studies the game, he is a ball player, not a prima donna.Same with Clinton Portis.(plus Torry Holt, Boldin, Fitz, and a ton of other players that it is SHAMEFUL don't get as much press as Terrel friggin' Owens amd Randy friggin' Moss - both players who are extreme detriments to the game of football)Oh, BTW, Bengals 24, Patriots 20. A classic - bad matchup for the Pats, but the Pats aren't gonna be embarrased - and have no offense - two week in a row.

 

[GregR_2]

So which do you REALLY think is more likely.

A) Belichick made a joke.

B) Belichick wanting to put in official's minds that Chad Johnson pushes off, and uses humor as a way to say that without getting fined.

 

[PatsWillWin]

he might be the most hate-to-love guy in the NFL....

Chad Johnson is everythig that is RIGHT about NFL players - he lets his on-the-field play truly stand on its own, while giving us a show every time we see him. And he nbever gets in off-field beefs, he's ALWAYS there at practivce, he loves the game, he studies the game, he is a ball player, not a prima donna.Same with Clinton Portis.

(plus Torry Holt, Boldin, Foitz, and a ton of other players that it is SHAMEFUL don't get as much press as Terrel friggin' Owens amd Randy friggin' Moss - both players are extreme detriments to the game of football)

Oh, BTW, Bengals 24, Patriots 20. A classic - bad matchup for the Pats, but the Pats aren't gonna be embarrased - and have no offense - two week in a row.

Patriots haven't lost two games in a row since 2002 (it's true).

 

[Slinger]

I agree with ML that the Patriots are very good at not talking trash to opponents during the week, but the most annoying thing I've ever seen in any Superbowl is when all the Patriots players were doing the Terrell Owens "Eagles flap" everytime they scored or did something well.

 

[Marc Levin]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?

I think he was talking about on the other side of the ball (at least that's how I read it as a bad matchup for the Pats)I think the Pats will be able to move the ball and score, but I am unsure they will be able to stop the Bengals' offense.

 

[Marc Levin]

So which do you REALLY think is more likely.A) Belichick made a joke.B) Belichick wanting to put in official's minds that Chad Johnson pushes off, and uses humor as a way to say that without getting fined.

A because B is not true.

 

[PatsWillWin]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?

I think he was talking about on the other side of the ball (at least that's how I read it as a bad matchup for the Pats)I think the Pats will be able to move the ball and score, but I am unsure they will be able to stop the Bengals' offense.

Yeah the only way the Pats get out of there with a win is if they can score 2-3 TD's on 8 minute + drives and come up with a few key defensive stops. If Cincy scores first, this game could get out of hand quickly, and if NE gets into a shootout, they're not equipped to race with Cincy on BOTH sides of the ball.

 

[GregR_2]

So which do you REALLY think is more likely.A) Belichick made a joke.B) Belichick wanting to put in official's minds that Chad Johnson pushes off, and uses humor as a way to say that without getting fined.

A because B is not true.

Belichick wanting it in official's minds is not true? Why wouldn't every coach want to put that in the official's minds for any opponent they play?

 

[nflguru]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?For the last two years, Cincinnati has had one of the most opportunistic pass defenses, and one of the most brutally poor run defenses. Things look very much the same this season (Football Outsiders has Cin ranked 3rd in passing defense and 23rd in rushing defense). New England, on the other hand, had a downright SCARY rushing offense to start the season, and while Denver did a lot to hold them in check, you have to realize two things- Cin doesn't have a Champ Bailey and so they can't play the entire game with 8 in the box and expect their corners to hold up, and Cin doesn't have the LBs or DLs that Denver has, so even if they DID spend the entire game with 8 in the box, New England would still get theirs.I feel like New England's offense is one of the WORST possible matchups for Cincy's defense, and that New England will roll up a TON of rushing yardage and chew a ton of clock. While Cincy's offense will be able to score, so will New England's. I see this is a pretty solid matchup.I would love to hear why you feel differently.

I didnt say the above but agree with him, the pats looked awful last week and are really lacking quality wr play... To have Troy Brown go from cut to their #1 wr is sad... Cincy is playing great and will destroy NE this weekend.. Give the points the pats are done...

 

[SSOG]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?

I think he was talking about on the other side of the ball (at least that's how I read it as a bad matchup for the Pats)I think the Pats will be able to move the ball and score, but I am unsure they will be able to stop the Bengals' offense.

So... New England's offense matches up well with Cincy's defense. Cincy's offense matches up well with NE's defense. Seems like a pretty even to me, but I admit that I don't follow either team particularly closely and there could very well be something glaringly obvious that I'm missing here.I don't think New England is going to win, but I do think that Cincy is one of the better matchups for New England. New England's biggest strength (rushing offense) goes up against Cincy's biggest weakness. Cincy's biggest strength on defense (lots of takeaways) goes up against another area of strength for New England (not many giveaways).Defensively, New England has been struggling, but their strength (rushing defense) is matched against Cincy's strength (rushing offense), and while New England's passing defense has been pretty bad, Cincy's passing offense has had a lot of early-season struggles, so I'd call that weakness against weakness. The only strength-vs-weakness matchup I see in this game, really, is New England's rushing offense vs. Cincy's rushing defense (which should help keep Cincy's offense off the field).Now, again, I think that Cincy is a better team whose strengths and weaknesses are both stronger than New England's, but that doesn't change the fact that I think New England matches up pretty well. Indy is always a much better team than Jacksonville, but Jax matches up well and at least manages to keep it close. I expect a New England/Cincy game to be similar to a Jacksonville/Indy game, with NE playing the part of Jacksonville and Cincy playing the part of Indy.

 

[bostonfred]

Defensively, New England has been struggling, but their strength (rushing defense) is matched against Cincy's strength (rushing offense), and while New England's passing defense has been pretty bad, Cincy's passing offense has had a lot of early-season struggles, so I'd call that weakness against weakness. The only strength-vs-weakness matchup I see in this game, really, is New England's rushing offense vs. Cincy's rushing defense (which should help keep Cincy's offense off the field).

I'm guessing you've really only seen the Denver/NE game and stats. The Patriots' strength is not rushing defense, nor is their weakness pass defense. Their strength is the defensive line, which is one of very few which matches up well with the Bengals' O line. They're weak on run defense, so they tend to sell out on running downs to stop it. Which is why they've given up some big plays (like the two to Javon Walker). I wouldn't expect the Patriots to play the same kind of game against the Bengals that they did against the Broncos. I expect Rudi to have a better day than Palmer, but it's a decent matchup for both of them right now.

 

[redman]

Any trash talking between these two must absolutely be backed by the theme to the Odd Couple.

 

[Marc Levin]

So... New England's offense matches up well with Cincy's defense. Cincy's offense matches up well with NE's defense. Seems like a pretty even to me, but I admit that I don't follow either team particularly closely and there could very well be something glaringly obvious that I'm missing here.

You are:Cinci = 28-20 over Pitt, 34-17 over Cle., 23-10 over KCNE = 7 pts v. Den, 24-17 over Jets, 19-17 over Bills- over KC.Cincie's outscoring their opponents even when their opponents score, and Cincie's causing TOs (6 INTs).New England is not doing either (low points per game, and only 1 INT).Since the NE D does not match up well against the Cincie O, and since NE is not causing TOs, NE is in for a long day on defense. Therefore, even if New England can grind it out against Cincie's D, the Cincie O can manhandle the Pats both on the ground an din the air. NE is in for a REALLY tough day to eke out a win.

 

[Keys Myaths]

This is all a ploy to motivate Ben Watson.

 

[CrossEyed]

The Bengals are a bad matchup for the Pats. This one won't be close.

Hey, care to drop some knowledge here on why you feel this way?For the last two years, Cincinnati has had one of the most opportunistic pass defenses, and one of the most brutally poor run defenses. Things look very much the same this season (Football Outsiders has Cin ranked 3rd in passing defense and 23rd in rushing defense). New England, on the other hand, had a downright SCARY rushing offense to start the season, and while Denver did a lot to hold them in check, you have to realize two things- Cin doesn't have a Champ Bailey and so they can't play the entire game with 8 in the box and expect their corners to hold up, and Cin doesn't have the LBs or DLs that Denver has, so even if they DID spend the entire game with 8 in the box, New England would still get theirs.

I feel like New England's offense is one of the WORST possible matchups for Cincy's defense, and that New England will roll up a TON of rushing yardage and chew a ton of clock. While Cincy's offense will be able to score, so will New England's. I see this is a pretty solid matchup.

I would love to hear why you feel differently.

I didnt say the above but agree with him, the pats looked awful last week and are really lacking quality wr play... To have Troy Brown go from cut to their #1 wr is sad... Cincy is playing great and will destroy NE this weekend.. Give the points the pats are done...

Slow down there cowboy. The Bengals had a game giftwrapped and hand delivered to them last week. I wasn't impressed and I think that NE will be right in the thick of things this weekend.

 

[SSOG]

Defensively, New England has been struggling, but their strength (rushing defense) is matched against Cincy's strength (rushing offense), and while New England's passing defense has been pretty bad, Cincy's passing offense has had a lot of early-season struggles, so I'd call that weakness against weakness. The only strength-vs-weakness matchup I see in this game, really, is New England's rushing offense vs. Cincy's rushing defense (which should help keep Cincy's offense off the field).

I'm guessing you've really only seen the Denver/NE game and stats. The Patriots' strength is not rushing defense, nor is their weakness pass defense. Their strength is the defensive line, which is one of very few which matches up well with the Bengals' O line. They're weak on run defense, so they tend to sell out on running downs to stop it. Which is why they've given up some big plays (like the two to Javon Walker). I wouldn't expect the Patriots to play the same kind of game against the Bengals that they did against the Broncos. I expect Rudi to have a better day than Palmer, but it's a decent matchup for both of them right now.

The only NE action I've seen is the Den/NE game and about half of the action in the Buf/NE game. Mostly I was basing my assertions on the numbers over at www.footballoutsiders.com. New England ranks 28th against the pass and 12th against the rush. I suppose calling rushing defense a strength was misleading, and I should have called it the not-a-liability of the defense.

 

[Barry]

Cincy is playing great and will destroy NE this weekend.. Give the points the pats are done...

playing great? There front 7 got pushed around pretty bad by Pitt all game. Their O-line was even worse. After watching that game I'm pretty confident that no team from the AFC central will be in the Super Bowl.

 

[Marc Levin]

After watching that game I'm pretty confident that no team from the AFC central will be in the Super Bowl.

Way to go out on a limb.

 

[losgalacticos]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

I really hope this gets back to him in time to really motivate him!

I am hoping it motivates the officials to watch for it.

 

[CrossEyed]

After watching that game I'm pretty confident that no team from the AFC central will be in the Super Bowl.

Way to go out on a limb.

Yeah, the Houston Oilers have no shot this year.

 

[Marc Levin]

After watching that game I'm pretty confident that no team from the AFC central will be in the Super Bowl.

Way to go out on a limb.

Yeah, the Houston Oilers have no shot this year.

was hoping SOMEone would get it.

 

[AussieOyOyOy]

Chad Johnson is everythig that is RIGHT about NFL players - he lets his on-the-field play truly stand on its own, while giving us a show every time we see him. And he never gets in off-field beefs, he's ALWAYS there at practice, he loves the game, he studies the game, he is a ball player, not a prima donna.

I think Johnson is a helluva receiver, but neither of the bolded statements is even remotely close to being true.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Chad Johnson is everythig that is RIGHT about NFL players - he lets his on-the-field play truly stand on its own, while giving us a show every time we see him. And he never gets in off-field beefs, he's ALWAYS there at practice, he loves the game, he studies the game, he is a ball player, not a prima donna.

I think Johnson is a helluva receiver, but neither of the bolded statements is even remotely close to being true.

And tfhen there's reality. I don't know if the guy is a prima donna but he's known to be a student of the game(a film nut).Also, he and Billicheck are friends and what you heard was a bit of fun being exchanged between a coach and player who have the utmost respect for one another.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Patriots: Belichick responds to trash talk09/28/06 07:51 PMTHE NEWSPatriots coach Bill Belichick flashed some rare humor on Thursday when responding to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson pleas earlier this week that he be covered one-on-one. "Tell him we'd cover him one-on-one all the time, but he pushes off more than any receiver in the league," Belichick told the Associated Press. "He must be paying off the officials not to call it, so we're going to have to double-cover him some. ... Not that he can get open."

I really hope this gets back to him in time to really motivate him!

It got back to him and he laughed about it. He was on Sirius earlier and talked about how he and Bill are friends and that he loves these types of exchanges.

 

[CrossEyed]

Chad Johnson is everythig that is RIGHT about NFL players - he lets his on-the-field play truly stand on its own, while giving us a show every time we see him. And he never gets in off-field beefs, he's ALWAYS there at practice, he loves the game, he studies the game, he is a ball player, not a prima donna.

I think Johnson is a helluva receiver, but neither of the bolded statements is even remotely close to being true.

And tfhen there's reality. I don't know if the guy is a prima donna but he's known to be a student of the game(a film nut).Also, he and Billicheck are friends and what you heard was a bit of fun being exchanged between a coach and player who have the utmost respect for one another.

Same thing happened with Porter last week.