The upcoming Cincinnati game

[WMH]

I guess we aren't a real big draw for the Cincy folks....

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story...tJ3OFIlqQ.cspx

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals say Sunday's home game against the Houston Texans will not be a sellout, unless there is a "significant increase" in ticket sales.

Under NFL policy, the 1 p.m. game must be sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff. If the game does not sell out, fans will not be able to watch it on television.

The Bengals have sold out their last 46 regular-season and postseason games. Ironically, the last Bengals home game not to sell out was against the Texans on Nov. 9, 2003.

Jack Brennan, the Bengals Public Relations Director, told 9News on Wednesday that "it's not looking good" and they are "nowhere close to selling out."

Cincinnati is currently 4-1 and in first place in the AFC North after their thrilling win at Baltimore this past week.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by WMH

I guess we aren't a real big draw for the Cincy folks....

If Cedric Benson can't sell tickets, who can?

They have him animated on their web page.
"Bengals fans, let's sell out our game against the Houston Texans. Get your tickets now, let's make it loud. Together we'll make the jungle roar"

http://www.bengals.com/

[Fonz the Boss]

Damn it... I was hoping that we would get Gus Johnson and Steve tasker to call the game. We are 2-0 when they call our games... Not looking good.

[HPF Bob]

1) From what I am reading, the Texans are admitting they will need to "throw first" this week. The Bengals have done a good job shutting the other team's top receiver so watch for Walter and Jones getting some touches.

2) Benson doesn't have to-the-house speed anymore. He can be caught. The question is whether we have anyone who can tackle.

3) With the banged-up OL, expect a lot of quick screens and some draws.

[TheMatrix31]

Don't run the ball. Use Slaton in screens and little dumpoffs and let him get yards like that. Then, and only then, will we be able to have an efficient offense. Our line is too banged up to run the same crappy running plays.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

1) From what I am reading, the Texans are admitting they will need to "throw first" this week.

Man, I hope that's the truth. If Schaub can get the passing game going, the Bengals might have to run Man coverage with Hall and Joseph. Then, Slaton can make a man miss and get some long runs. Please, please, please, pass the ball. Hopefully, the new OL can pass protect and keep Schaub clean.

[machoneil]

It's Mission:Impossible time for Agent Walter

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by WMH

Ironically, the last Bengals home game not to sell out was against the Texans on Nov. 9, 2003.

I dunno, but I wish it was just irony but I suspect instead it's because the Texans just aren't much of a draw ? Dang the Texans can't even get their own fans into the stadium for the kick-off or keep them in the stands much beyond the 3rd quarter when they are winning (the situation in the Oakland game).

[WMH]

One of the yahoo's at PFT likes us.....
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32779492/ns/sports-nfl/

Texans (2-3) at Bengals (4-1)
1 p.m., CBS

They know drama.

The Texans can’t win a close game, and the Bengals suddenly can’t lose one.

This one also should be close because Cincy’s underlying numbers on defense and offense are mediocre, and the special teams have been awful. Timely two-minute drives to win games can go a long way, but the Bengals aren’t ready to blow teams out.

The Texans, meanwhile, have played better rush defense of late, but that was against Arizona and Oakland. Let’s see if they can stop Cedric Benson, who they may regret passing on during free agency last year.

In the end, the Bengals have won a few too many close games in a row, and make too many mistakes to get away with it every week. These things usually even out.

Pick: Texans 31, Bengals 28

[NBT]

Note to Kubiak: If the score is close and we are inside the redzone, please don't try to run it in!