One would find it difficult to argue with Houshmandzadeh...well, aside from the fact that the Steelers out-rushed the Bengals 221 yards to 91 yards. Also, the Bengals only managed to score two field goals until the final two minutes game...when the Steelers employed their second-string defense (e.g. Tyrone Carter, Andre Frazier). And, on four of their first five drives in the second half, the Steelers scored (two field goals, two touchdowns)...while Bengals amassed a total of 44 yards during that same five-possession stretch. But, besides those facts, Yes, the Bengals were the better team...uh...hmm.
All sarcasm aside, the Bengals are a pretty good team. Before Sunday's game, I was genuinely worried. In fact, the next match-up between these two teams (on December 4th) is already giving me nightmares. The reason is simple: Cincinnati has an explosive offense.
First and foremost, there is Chad Johnson, who is one of the top five wide-outs in the NFL. Statistics aside, Johnson simply makes plays. An example of this came towards the end of the fourth quarter when Chad caught a sideline pass for 47 yards, while keeping his feet inbounds. In my opinion, there is maybe two other wide-outs in the league that could have made that catch.
But, to clarify, Johnson was forced to made a spectacular catch...because Ike Taylor had perfect coverage. In fact, Ike Taylor did not allow Chad Johnson to do much of anything all day. Statistically, Johnson amassed 94 yards. At the same time, 47 of those yards came when the Steelers were in their prevent defense. And, Johnson was held to a measly four receptions. In other words, Ike pretty much smothered Chad Johnson for most of the game.
The only question remains: Will Chad Johnson mark down on his "list" that Ike Taylor covered him?
For those of you who do not know to what I am referring, Chad Johnson has a list posted in his locker, with the names of all the cornerbacks in the league that Chad will face this year, followed by the question: "Did they cover me?" Then, after every game, Chad (always) marks a "No" beside the next cornerback's name... because "No one can cover Chad Johnson."
In my opinion, Ike Taylor should receive the first "Yes" from Chad Johnosn...but, we all know that Johnson's ego will never allow that to happen. If not his ego, Johnson will point to the officiating as a reason for his short-comings on Sunday. Indeed, the the officials helped the Steelers, to some degree: on Cincinnati's opening drive, Johnson made an incredible touchdown catch in the back of the end-zone...(again, it had to be great, because Ike was in perfect position)...but the touchdown was overturned. Technically, the officials made the correct call, because Chad's arm was clearly out of bounds. Still, in the "spirit" of the game, I felt that it was a touchdown.
Regardless, the touchdown was overturned, and some Bengals fans have pointed to that call as the reason for Cincinnati's loss. To which I say: it is not penalties that makes or breaks teams, but how a team reacts to those penalties that determines their future.
In other words, after Chad Johnson's touchdown was reversed, the Bengals unraveled. On the next play, Chris Henry dropped a sure touchdown. And, then Shayne Graham missed an easy field goal. Instead of seven points, the Bengals walked away with nothing to show for their efforts. Furthermore, not only did they not score, it appeared as if they had given up.
