StormCloud’s been waitin’ all day for Sunday Night, and here it is.
We are less than an hour away from the second time Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have faced off against each other. Anytime the quarterbacks of the 2020 class face each other it’s bound to be a high-drama affair, as many debates have raged on as to how these quarterbacks would be ranked if they were to be re-drafted today.
So far, Burrow has lost to the Chargers twice, the first loss coming in his first game in the NFL against the Chargers’ Tyrod Taylor. Justin Herbert was his opponent in the next showdown, and it was a Herbie masterpiece as he led the Chargers to an impressive 41-22 victory in Paul Brown Stadium.
The Chargers are a much different team this year, with a much different offensive and defensive mentality. Rather than trying to hang 40+ on the Bengals, the Chargers would be ecstatic to score more than 24, and keep their opponent once again to a total of less than 20 points. The defense has been suffocating offenses all season, but Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are sure to give them their biggest test of the year.
Let’s get to the inactives:
DJ Chark is alarmingly on the inactives list again after only taking on snap against the TItans. Vidal will be sidelined again – which is less concerning than when this news broke last week, but still a disappointment as he brings such an explosive element to the running back room. Hayden Hurst is out again, but the biggest disappoint is the absence of Khalil Mack. However, this staff prepared for such an event by bringing in veteran depth in the offseason; this is why a piece like Bud Dupree is so important to this roster.
The Bengals offensive line is struggling at the Tackle position, so this is the week for Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Dupree to feast. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are on a two-wave wavelength with each other as plays go on and find gaps in zone defenses like no other pair in the league, so the quicker the pass rush can get home the better chance the Bolts have.
Get the chatter going, StormCloud. Let’s have a helluva game, and a time in the comments below!
Can we put an end to the idea that Justin has “sneaky” athleticism? He’s a big, built white dude with floppy hair. And he can run like a track star.
91 should have been ejected
Yup. Also took his helmet off on the field.
Tito in for x-rays. Uh-oh.
Dobbins had a great pickup on the Palmer reception.
McConkey with a healthy-looking catch.
THAT’S a relief.
He may not be 100%, but it was good to see him make a play.
Radio stat:
Herbert has more rushing yards than the Bengals.
Pooooonaaaaa!!!!! Bosa helped collapse that.
Perryman open field tackle against Chase. Nice.
Our offense has been cooking man. Can’t believe what I’m seeing
I was thinking when the (barf) Broncos were pasting the Falcons today: it can take a while for an offense to find its stride. I thing Roman might have figured some things out.
Tito Ogbonnia hurt. He’s been an unsung hero this season.
Latest radio stat:
Chargers last three drives: 18 plays, 205 yards
I didn’t see what happened to Ladd – was he hit or a bad landing?
Bad landing after a reception.
So far:
Bengals: FG
Chargers: TD
Bengals: FG
Chargers: TD
Bengals: ummmmm
Chargers: TD
This is good.
Let’s go on 4th. Herbert dive.
Ok. Dobbins gets it. Matlock leading. Mustipher was extra beef.
Dissly was open on the right side. And Herbert finally gets a call.
Oh no… Ladd just went to block but didn’t lift his right arm. That shoulder might be jacked.
It looked bad.
Haskins must hate my fantasy team
Darius is going to have a growing role in this offense man… he has a tool that team can put to use…
DIY Herbert
What a game so far. Watching Herbert play like this, totally healthy, is an absolute revelation.
Tuuuuu-Liiiiii!!!!! Toooooo eeeeeeezzzzzz!!!!
Dude this Tuli guy is pretty good 😉
And this Derius Davis guy is… damn it. He’s good.
I really think he fits the type of reciever Roman likes to have in his offense. Not as a starter or anything, but a guy he can add some wrinkles with
Bosa moves over RT. Gets no push.
Radio stat:
QJ, 22 receptions, 6 TDs. That’s crazy stuff.
Trading FGs for TDs. Two each. I’ll take this all night.
QJ. Too easy. Once again, great design G-Ro.
Dissly. He won’t make us forget the name Antonio Gates any time soon, but dude is playing.
QJ. Bust, no more.
Hope to see McConkey back soon. He looked hurt.
Just switched over to Chargers.com radio. It’s about 2 seconds ahead of NBC, but I can say good night to Collinsworth.
Bending, but two red zone trips, two field goals. Not breaking.
looks like I’m the only one here. I will comment to myself in my living room.
What am I? Dog food?
Potted plant
Haha. Six of one, I guess.
Weak-ass PI call.
I thought so too. I mean, you could justify it if you close one eye, I guess…
Almost every play Taylor looks confused pre snap. Guy is terrible.
I’ve listened to the last few Chargers games on Chargers radio. Of course I expect DJ and Money to call the game for Charger fans. But damn, listening to Collinsworth is like listening to some a-hole in a bar in North College Hill. (It’s a Cincinnati neighborhood.)
Tuuuuuu-Liiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!
What throw by Herbert. Love that he’s running, but he needs to get down. Take what you can and slide.
Will Dissley! That was too easy. Hat tip, G-Ro.
Dissly. Sorry.
Do it yourself, Justin!
Hey, Erick. So are we the only two people watching this game? This can’t be right.
Great stop after a first-and-goal at the 3. Bosa is playing well, but I’d give him the rest of the quarter off.
No, I’m watching. Enjoying your comments.
Cool. Glad you guys are here. I’m super geeked up about this game. Happy to trade FGs for TDs.
(But not happy about Tee Higgins being back right now.)
I’m here too, just on a phone call 🙂
Way to force the FG
Collinsworth licking Bengal balls early. I never expected anything less.
Not exactly a great first possession
Damn. That first beer went down quickly.
Cam Hart, nice play, but wobbly ankle.
Bosa watch: taken all snaps so far. I hope he’s not gassed by the 2nd quarter.
Three snaps in, three snaps for Bosa over a reserve LT. Interesting.
Dumb challenge this early
Agreed. One minute in? On a short, albeit first-down, pickup. Harbaugh knows better.
Lost a TO and a challenge. Bad, bad move. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite them.
Rankins out, Kris Jenkins in! Chance to see a guy many of us were hoping to draft
Bengals offense vs. Chargers defense: stalemate. Each will get theirs.
Chargers offense vs. Bengals defense: it ain’t close. Chargers will own the ball. They may not put up 40+, but they won’t need more than 25.
Chiefs and Ravens thud. Dolphins and Colts keep their noses above the snake line. A win for the Bolts puts them firmly in the upper echelon of the AFC.
Mack inactive bums me out. Pipkins active has me trembling. Bolt Up!!!!
Ok Fellas. Big Game tonight. W here goes a long way for playoffs.
Chark. What a terrible signing. Just IR the fucker the rest of the year. Doesn’t deserve a spot on the 53.