I think the Bengals are going to win this one

[Catseye3]

A mixed bag for the Bucs. Gronk was kept out of practice yesterday because of his ribs; I'm hoping it's just a matter of extra precaution. Bucs signed Richard Sherman this week; apparently this is good news as Sherman is a respected cornerback and the Bucs' secondary is causing worry and it's thought Sherman will help with this. Don't know if it's a legitimate worry that they're putting him in on Sunday already; are they that worried about the lineup as it stands?

Scotty Miller is out for three weeks with turf toe.

The good news is that Antonio Brown is off the COVID list and will play Sunday.

Brady was hoarse during his press conference yesterday; second time. Making me a little nervous, but maybe it's just that he's been straining his vocal chords during practice.

Not sure, but I think the Bucs are the favorites at this point.

God, I wish this game was over with. I'm not cut out for this level of suspense.

[Jolly]

I think Sherman is past his sell-by date.

[Catseye3]

Stupid CBS headlined that Brady appeared to be "extremely sick" at his presser.

He did NOT look extremely sick. It's not like he was streaming sweat and using the podium to hold himself up. Other than his voice, he seemed fine -- although he did look tired. Big surprise, on the Thursday before Foxboro. CBS ginning for ratings.

Assholes.

Bucs had loud recorded crowd noise during practice this week. Brady had to shout over it to be heard.

[Catseye3]

Season-ending hip injury to Pats' James White. HUUGE implications apparently.

https://www.sportscasting.com/patriots-suffer-devastating-injury-blow-season-altering-implications-mac-jones/

[Catseye3]

Is it me, or is this game shaping up as a match between the lame and the halt?

[Mik]

Nah. Both teams want badly to win. But nobody knows better than Belechik how to frustrate Brady

[Catseye3]

@mik And vice versa.

But seriously, both teams are starting without some key people. I think the rah-rah press anticipation is leaning over the skis -- or however that expression goes.

[LuFins Dad]

They both know the other’s favorite cheating maneuvers. Should be interesting.

[MainerMikeBrown]

So the Bengals are 3-1 right now.

Good for them!

I'd like to see the Bengals do well enough this season to make the playoffs and maybe even win the AFC North title.

And I would like to see them actually win a playoff game, something that has eluded them for so long.

[Mik]

Not only that but U of Cincy is beating Notre Dame, whose coach Brian Kelly used to coach UC.

It's a good week.

[MainerMikeBrown]

The last time the Bengals won a playoff game was during the 1990/91 season.

They just haven't had the same success as the Steelers, a division rival of the Bengals, have had over the years.

[Mik]

You know how to hurt a guy...

[Catseye3]

Belichick.

What they say he said: “There's no quarterback I'd rather have than Tom Brady.”

What he really said: “There’s no quarterback I’d rather have dropped off a cliff than Tom Brady.”

“There’s no quarterback I’d rather have sent to the moon than Tom Brady.”

“There’s no quarterback I’d rather have sold into slavery than Tom Brady.”

[Catseye3]

Mik, in case you missed: Game Observations: Notre Dame Offense From The Loss To Cincinnati
https://www.si.com/college/notredame/football/notre-dame-football-game-observations-offense-cincinnati

[Mik]

That was swell, Cats. I really enjoyed seeing Fickell's Bearcats beat Brian Kelly's team.

[Jolly]

Hot Rumor...Fickel is being targeted by LSU.

[Mik]

Could be. he won't be at UC long. Also heard USC is thinking about Urban Meyer. Personally I think Meyer has already improved the Jaguars, regardless of their record, and will continue to do so.

[Jolly]

Jacksonville has a crappy owner.

[Mik]

We know that song here in Cincinnati.

[Catseye3]

Turns out the Bucs' Gronkowski has one broken rib, 4 cracked ribs and a lung puncture from that hit in the Rams game by Terrell Lewis. IM noob O, that means that SOB hit him way too hard.