Knowing When to Switch Gears

Watching the Cincinnati Bengals this season has been a frustrating experience--unless you are a Browns or Steelers fan.  The defensive woes are legendary.  In fact, I've been a die hard fan for thirty years, and the last decent Bengals defense I remember had Tim Krumrie on it, along with David Fulcher.  That's been almost twenty years ago.

This year, something else has been a source of anguish for Bengals nation--the offense.  You remember the Bengals offense?  In 2005, it was probably the second most potent offense in the NFL right behind the Colts (genuflect when you say that).  Carson Palmer was at the top of his game. Rudi Johnson punished defensive lines.  The receiver corps was stocked with Johnson, Houshmandzadeh, Henry and Washington.  The offensive line was the best in the NFL--bar none, sorry Pittsburgh and New England.

Fast forward to 2007.  The running game is pathetic.  It has forced the Bengals out of balance, with 508 more pass plays than rush plays.  The result?  More interceptions.  More predictability.  Less effectiveness.

Here's the problem.  Rudi Johnson is no longer a premier back.  Maybe he lost too much weight.  Maybe his body has taken too much pounding.  No...I take that back.  That isn't the problem.  The problem is that, despite the previously stated fact, the Bengals continue to play him.

They have other options.  In fact, they have two better options at this point.  Johnson has run the ball 163 times for 481 yards, for an average of three yards per carry and three touchdowns.  Backup Kenny Watson has run the ball 119 times for 531 yards, an average of 4.5 yards per carry and five touchdowns.  He can power through where Rudi no longer can.

Don't forget about the Bengals' new third back, either.  DeDe Dorsey has carried the ball a mere eighteen times and has 164 yards, an average of 9.1 yards per carry.  Granted, that includes a 45 yarder, but that's the point.  He's explosive, like Rudi used to be.  I remember when Rudi used to rip off 45 yarders.

Marvin Lewis' problem is that he always knows better.  He's going to do it his way despite the results.  Rudi is a good team leader.  He's a good community influence.  Unfortunately, he's no longer the go-to guy out of the backfield.