Kevin A. has the questions for the Bengals playoff game, with a shocking prediction!

 

 

The Bengals are on to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, but they have not won a playoff game since 1990.  It's against the hated Steelers in prime time, giving the Bengals a trifecta of demons to overcome.   On to the questions......

 

Historically, where does this rank among all time Bengals games?

 

You would think it ranks behind their two Super Bowl appearances, but it's been so long since they have won a playoff game I would say it ranks up there as the biggest game in team history.  Nobody even remembers those two games against the 49ers (unless you are old like us), but everyone remembers Marvin Lewis is 0-6 in the playoffs.  They need to win this game.  

 

 

The last time these two teams met, Bengals starting QB Andy Dalton left the game early with a broken thumb. The good news is that back up AJ McCarron got some quality reps against a Steeler defense that has been prone to some lapses. Should this a plus and what does AJ need to do to win this game?

 

It's definitely not a plus.  While Dalton is 0-4 in the post season, he is miles ahead of McCarron with his line reads.  In a playoff game that could end up being vital, especially against a blitzing team like Pittsburgh.    That being said, AJM (how I will refer to McCarron) is a smart player, and everyone in Cincinnati to a man says he has the "it" factor.  Adam Jones says he can tell a winner when he sees one, and he says AJM is one.   To win this game he must stay away from the turnovers, and in his three starts he has only committed one so far (late in the game at Denver).   He has played well, and if he can continue to to be error-free or close to it, the Bengals have a real chance.  

 

Bad blood spilled onto the field in the last matchup, as you feared it may.  Is it going to happen again?

 

I'd like to sit here and say the Bengals will keep their cool, but I don't know that is possible.  The hope is they don't do anything to draw 15-yard penalties, but I think that's going to be in store for both teams.   I would imagine the NFL has already spoken to both Mike Tomlin and Lewis, so we'll see what happens.   They put this game in prime time for a reason.

 

What is the most important area of this game the Bengals need to control in order to advance to the next round?

 

I wish there was just one, but really it's three.  Run the football effectively, don't finish on the negative side of the turnover battle, and keep AJM clean.  As of now there is a strong chance this game could be impacted by heavy rain, and that should favor the Bengals if DeAngelo Williams misses the game (and it looks like he might).    It's very important to take some pressure of AJM and keep him upright.  The Bengals are one play away from Keith Wenning playing QB, and you would have to google him to even know who he is.  That's not good.  

 

Heath Miller has torched the Bengals.  What can they do to slow him down?

 

The Bengals will try to put safety Shawn Williams on Miller, but even though Miller has 20 receptions in two games versus CIN, I think he's the least of their worries.   Pittsburgh will get their yards, but as long as the Bengals can limit the big plays to Brown and Bryant, they will be okay with the Miller receptions.   

 

So here it is.  The 3rd meeting, a playoff game, and in prime time.  How does this one play out?

 

On paper, this game looks in the Steelers favor, but in reality it isn't.   Fact of the matter is, Ben R. has not played all that great in two games against Cincinnati, and AJM now has three starts under his belt with two pretty good running backs behind him.   He also gets Tyler Eifert, who the Steelers knocked out early in the last match.  The Steelers struggle against the TE position, and A.J. Green has had a field day with that secondary.   Call me crazy, but I think the Bengals end the drought.  They run the ball well enough and AJM makes some big plays.  

 Bengals win 24-23 and cover the spread (+3)   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Browns Again Explode Like the Death Star - by The North Coast Posse

Once again, the Cleveland Browns organization has exploded like the Death Star leaving dazed Browns  backers wondering what will happen next. The North Coast Posse called an emergency meeting at Patrick J's on High Street determined to get to the bottom of this no matter how many hours or beers it took.....

 

1) First things first: Where the hell was Manziel last weekend? Can you give us the latest info (or at least your best guess) to what happened and what it means?

Well, this story has taken some serious turns since Billy Football sent out the "Aw Shucks" selfie with his pug. What I believe is happening, is a guy with serious authority and self- awareness issues is pushing the envelope just as far as he can. Browns fans were so quick to dismiss the 4 loko video, without considering he was posturing in front of the camera rapping to the same song that's in the snippet that got his starter status revoked. It's no surprise that it was leaked as, JFF was just throwing another middle finger to the Browns organization and its fans. What's sad is that a large percentage of fans ignored the middle finger and sprinted to his defense. The kid truly believes he makes his own rules, and with an endless supply of enablers at his ready, there is no reason for him to think he doesn't. He is caustic and needs to be removed from this team as soon as possible. 

 

2) If I recall, last season Johnny threw a rager the NIGHT BEFORE the last game of the season and missed the game. Doesn't he understand that if he just waits 24 hours and just shows up for his job that pays him millions, he can spend the next 5 months partying in Vegas and nobody would get pissed at him? 

Like I said, Johnny believes he makes his own rules (on and off the field). There is no reason for him to adhere to team policy as no one has ever held him accountable in his entire spoiled existence.

 

3) Ok- make the case that Petitine and Farmer deserved to be fired

Nothing more needs to be said other than 3 wins in 21 games. On top of that, the fact that they remained at odds and could not work together to ensure professional harmony is an indictment of both of them.

 

4) Is there a reason one or both should have been retained?

If Johnny was forced upon either one of them, I think a case could be made. That guy is a disaster and a catalyst for the current S-show (version 2015).

 

5) So it seems the Browns are again hell-bent on hiring a coach before a GM and meanwhile, Haslam's attorney friend has been promoted to some mysterious new football related position. Should we be concerned?

Surprisingly, I'm optimistic about the new direction. A concrete plan is better than the circus of 2013. Corporate restructuring is the new buzz word in the business world, so what Haslam is doing is actually following a trend rather than taking some sort of renegade stance. I'm excited to watch it play out.

 

6) Best case for new coach and direction?

I have zero interest in the yearly Gruden/Cowher hoopla. Nor would I like to see Urban head up 71. The Browns need to find a coach who embraces the cerebral approach and will work in tandem with the infrastructure starting day 1. Personally, I'd like Matt Patricia (D.C. for the Patriots). He has an engineering background along with a PHD in systems from the University of Bill B. I know the last Patriots D. C. didnt fair to well, but I think we'd all consider 10-6 to be a dream at this point

 

7) Believable case for new coach and direction.

I believe Patricia is an actual legit option, but I also know he is a hot commodity and we're a 4 at best (maybe a 5.5 if last call was just made.) If he goes elsewhere, I think Marrone (O.C. from Jax, former Bills head coach) is an option as the Jaguars have also been taking an analytical approach over the last few years.

 

8. The Browns will draft ___________ at #2

Jared Goff, QB Cal

Do Buckeye Fans and/or Players Even Care About this Game? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: It is my sense that most Buckeye fans are viewing this game as a glorified scrimmage. Sure, a win over Notre Dame would be nice, but considering nothing is really at stake, it's basically just a fun game to watch on New Year's Day. I suspect the Domer fan base views it differently. What are your thoughts on the overall vibe of this match up?

Baver: Most Buckeye fans I talk to think the Bucks roll in this one, but I’m not seeing it. It’s definitely a bigger game for Notre Dame than Ohio State….and I think this game is VERY big for the Irish.

Colin: Basically the same question, but focusing on the players. Many of these Buckeyes are turning pro and already have a National Championship under their belt. Should they really care if they win the Fiesta Bowl or is it just an excuse to party in the desert sunshine?

Baver: Not getting maximum output out of the OSU guys is a major concern. The following underclassmen are playing (or likely playing) their last games as Buckeyes: Zeke, Bosa, Cardale, M Thomas, J Marshall, D Lee, V Bell, and Apple….with Tyvis also considering the jump. Will some of these guys want to protect their NFL stock and scale it back a notch? It wouldn’t shock me.

Colin: Can the Buckeyes win this game even if they aren't as fired up as they were for the Michigan game?

Baver: Yes. They won’t be as fired up as they were for Michigan, but they will still field considerably more talent Friday than Notre Dame will….and that isn’t taking anything away from the Irish. I think the bettors expect Notre Dame to be up for this game more than Ohio State, yet Vegas still has OSU as a 6½ pt. favorite.

Colin: Can the Buckeye O carry the momentum from that destruction of the Maize & Blue a month ago?

Baver: They may need to get more done through the air. Michigan’s defense folded late in the year and I expect the Irish defense to challenge the Ohio State offense a bit more. But if JTB and the Buckeye passing game have made strides in December practices, Notre Dame could be in trouble.

Colin: Will depth on the D Line be a problem for the Buckeyes?

Baver: This is another huge concern for Ohio State. There is a monumental downgrade from Aldolphus Washington to the #2 DT….and that #2 DT Tommy Schutt is also out. They’ll play Bosa inside a lot, but the loss of Washington is a big one.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks to date and what other Bowl games will you be keeping an eye on?

Baver: 22-13-1 against the spread, including 10-2 ATS picking the OSU games, which includes 7 correct OSU picks in a row.  I think the ND game could go either way. The “situational” angle screams: Notre Dame…to cover at a minimum. I will take the Bucks to win the game and call it 31-30 OSU. I think Clemson is being disrespected a bit and see them beating Oklahoma. And I hope I am wrong with this one, but I think Alabama takes care of Sparty by 2 TD’s-plus…despite Dino’s record as a dog. Unlike the Bama-OSU matchup last year, this is a talent mismatch, and Bama now has a big chip on their shoulder.

 

Big $ and Brian Phillips Talk Browns v Seahawks - by Jeff Hassler

Hey guys! Hassler here. It's sort of a touchy week around the Pencilstorm offices, because not only is the spiked eggnog flowing, but we got an NFL Civil War happening this Sunday. Big $ and K-Dubs the Soldier from the North Coast Posse will be cheering on their beloved Brownies while Brian Phillips will be rooting on his Seattle Seahawks. Personally I have no dog in this fight, as my favorite teams are the Patriots and Packers. I'm also a big Tony Romo fan so when he plays I pull for the Cowboys. Anyway, I thought it would be fun if I asked Big $ and Brian about this week's games and maybe see if we could all meet up to watch somewhere. I'm totally free. Let's get this party started!


Hassler: Both these teams are led by young, star quarterbacks in Johnny Manziel and Russell Wilson.  Which team has the advantage under center or is it pretty much a wash?

Brian -  Are you high, Hassler? Let's start with the fact that Wilson's only known vices are his obsessive abstinence, relentless Bible-quoting, and visiting sick kids on Tuesdays. Somehow through all that he's mastered his offense despite having a group of skill players made up mostly of guys who weren't even drafted. Two of his offensive lineman didn't even play on the line in college. His top two running backs are out now, you think he cares? Over the past three games he's hardly had to run at all. He's getting the ball out of his hands at a Tom Brady speed of somewhere around 2.2 seconds on average. Manziel, meanwhile, leads the league in apologies and regret. This clown will have to rub his fingers together a lot harder if he ever hopes to make the kind of coin Wilson is making. 

Big $ - Well, since you flashed the money sign at me the last time we passed each other at Colin's Coffee, Hassler, I have a pretty good idea where you fall in this debate. However, football I.Q. , work ethic and character are three components of a successful signal caller, and Russell runs laps round Jff in those areas.

Hassler -  Brian, I'm not high and just in case anybody from the agency is reading this, Brian was JUST KIDDING. So I'm not high, but the Browns remind me of the Seahawks just a couple of years ago. Sure they are struggling now, but with all these high draft picks it shouldn't be long before they end up in a Super Bowl. How long before Manziel gets a ring?

Brian -  What? The Browns remind me of the Seattle Mariners, actually. A litany of poor draft picks, head scratching signings.....one manager after another. Dopey owner. Idiot GM. The Browns should be seized by the league and owner Jimmy Haslam should be thrown in prison. Did you know they're paying Dwayne Bowe $4.5 million a year? This has to be some sort of money-laundering scheme. That's the only way it makes sense. Sure the Browns have a high pick coming again but what makes you think they'll use it wisely? Not me. If Hackenburg leaves Penn State they'll probably take him. Manziel wins 3rd place in a College Station golf scramble maybe, but never a ring. Not gonna happen, pal.

Big $ -  Surprisingly, I do believe Johnny will bring Cleveland a ring. Once his NFL tenure ends (sooner rather then later), the marketing guru that is Dan Gilbert will bring him to his rightful home in the Arena League. I fully expect Manziel will sling the Gladiators a ring no later then 2018.

Hassler -  It would be sweet if the L.A. KISS signed Manziel. Maybe KISS could rewrite the words to.... "God of Football." Or they could just use "King of the Night Time World" as is. Just sayin'.  Brian, I hate to be a pain, but you still owe me a six pack of Bud Light from the Super Bowl last year when my Patriots stuffed beast mode just like I predicted at the Pencilstorm Christmas Party. Can the Seahawks get back to the big game again this season? And can I get that beer soon? I'm sorta broke. Just sayin'.

Brian - Cripes. As I told you at the time, no one over the age of 13 should have more than one favorite team in any sport. It's embarrassing. I'll tell you what, Hassler. I'll give you 21 points Sunday and if I lose I'll buy you a whole keg of Bud Light and have it delivered draft night so you can drown your sorrows. Anyway... Sure the Hawks can get back, but it's going to be tough. Carolina and the Cards are really good this year. I'm realistic. Just enjoying the ride. Kind of like you and the Patriots.

Hassler - How do you guys see this game playing out and where are you watching it? Maybe we could all get together somewhere? My ex-Kim has the cats this weekend so I'm totally free if you want to meet up. 

Brian - Watching at home. My wife hates you. I'd watch it with you but you'd just wear your Brady jersey. That's lame. 

Big $ -  I fully expect the Seahawks to win by 17 and I predict Ahtya Rubin will inflict some serious pain on #2. As for where I'm watching the game Jeff, I know I'm gonna regret this but the NCP will be at Patrick J's in Clintonville.

Hang On Sloopy: The Movie - An Interview with Producer Dave Whinham.

Remember how disappointed you were when Coupon: The Movie finally hit theaters? I knew I was. The actual coupon was so great but the movie never had the same spirit. In fact, it was one of the biggest failures in cinema history. (Click here to learn more)

I'm happy to report that Hang On Sloopy: The Movie has no such problem. Against all odds, it's a highly entertaining ride well worth the attention of both Bucknutz and just fans of a good documentary. I highly encourage you to give it a look. Sloopy Producer Dave Whinham was kind enough to answer a few of my questions about how he pulled it off. (trailer below)

- It's such a crazy idea for a movie yet somehow you totally make it work. And not just for Buckeye fans, it works on many levels. Was there a single moment of inspiration when you remember thinking, "I am going to make this movie."

YES. LIKE YOU, (AND EVERYONE) I QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WAS ENOUGH OF A STORY THERE TO DO A DOCUMENTARY. A BRIEF PIECE SURE, BUT A MOVIE? WELL, THERE CAME A POINT IN OUR RESEARCH WHERE IT WAS CLEAR TO ME THAT EVERYWHERE SLOOPY WENT, SHE MADE FRIENDS AND FANS. THE SONG HAS BEEN A HIT AROUND THE WORLD IN A WIDE VARIETY OF GENRES. IT JUST OCCURRED TO ME THAT THERE WAS SOMETHNG MAGICAL ABOUT WHAT THIS SONG HAS DONE AND CAN DO. THEN I HAD TO DO IT.

- When you first told people about Sloopy: The Movie, did everybody think you were nuts?

YES. BUT I LEARNED A LONG TIME AGO NOT TO SHARE MY DREAMS WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE, SO MOST OF THOSE PEOPLE WERE CLOSE TO ME, AND ALREADY KNEW I WAS NUTS.

- Was there a moment during shooting when you knew you had "the moment" and that this was going to be a worthwhile film? 

I THINK WHEN OUR CO-PRODUCER/DIRECTOR BRIAN GRADY WAS SETTING UP THE STADIUM SHOTS WITH THE CREW FOR OUR SLOOPY PRODUCTION FOR GAMEDAY AT OHIO STADIUM WITH THE MIGHTY OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND. AT FIRST, IT WAS KIND OF A FIRE DRILL, DURING THOSE REHEARSALS LEADING UP TO GAMEDAY, BUT AT A CERTAIN POINT, WE KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO BE PRETTY COOL.

- Is there a scene or two that you enjoy re-watching the most ?

I REALLY LIKE THE STUFF ABOUT THE RECORD INDUSTRY/MUSIC SCENE IN NEW YORK IN THE 60's...THE BRITISH INVASION WAS COMING AND THE OLD GUARD WAS TRYING ALL SORTS OF CRAZY THINGS TO COMBAT IT. I ALSO LIKE TO WATCH THE THE EPILOGUE.

- Was there anything that surprised you most digging deep into the history of this song?  

YOU KNOW THE WAY IT HAS ENGRAINED ITSELF INTO OUR CULTURE HERE IN OHIO IS PRETTY INCREDIBLE. WHEN YOU THINK OF IT, "HANG ON SLOOPY" WAS JUST ANOTHER POP SONG FROM AN ERA THAT PRODUCED THOUSANDS OF THEM. YET SOMEHOW THIS SONG ABOUT A GIRL FROM A VERY BAD PART OF SOME TOWN, HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY PARTICULAR PLACE, HAS BECOME TO OHIO WHAT "SWEET HOME ALABAMA" IS TO THE STATE OF ALABAMA. AS WE LOOKIED INTO IT, WE REALIZEDTHAT IN SOME WAYS THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN GERMANY, HONG KONG AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. LIKE I SAID, THERE IS SOMETHING MAGICAL ABOUT SLOOPY.

- Tell us Buckeye fans the best way to pick up a copy before Christmas?

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF GREAT PLACES ALL AROUND CENTRAL OHIO: WORLD OF BEER, MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, COLLEGE TRADITIONS, SPOONFUL RECORDS, LOST WEEKEND RECORDS. YOU CAN CHECK OUT WWW.HANGONSLOOPYTHEMOVIE.COM TO SEE ALL OF THE RETAILERS OR TO ORDER ONLINE.

And I've course I will have some copies available at Colin's Coffee too. - Colin G.

Click here to learn more and how to purchase Hang On Sloopy: The Movie

Hang On Sloopy: The Movie is a "ROCKumentary" about a university and an entire state's incredible 50-year love affair with a rock song. Produced in Columbus, Ohio by Dave Whinham and Brian Grady, the piece explores many untold and magical stories about how a random rock song, about a "girl from a very bad part of town" became to the State of Ohio what "Sweet Home Alabama" is to the State of Alabama.