Party on, Garth.
More: Paul Daugherty: Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals will be better because of current struggles
What kind of shape are the Browns in?
“Thank God we have Case Keenum,” special teams coach Mike Priefer said this week. That kind of shape.
Baker Mayfield tested positive Wednesday. The Browns have 18 players in the protocol. They host the Raid-uhs Saturday night.
And, you know, the Steelers stink.
Yet another chance for The Men to take advantage. Judging which Men might show up on any given Sunday is a task best left for seers, soothsayers, Tarot card readers and Jimmy The Greek, who is dead. Maybe this is the week the Bengals favor us with a full team of guys who have “energy’’ and are “prepared.’’ Maybe the play-calling features the best player.
The Bengals won’t have to deal with weird Rockies weather. Sunday in Denver is supposed to be high-50s, partly cloudy. They won’t exactly be facing Aaron Rodgers. Teddy Bridgewater is a low risk-reward caretaker QB. Denver’s D ranks 2nd in the league in points allowed, though, and 10th against both run and pass. They’ll play things close to the vest and wait for you to make mistakes.
More: Paul Daugherty: The Bengals have been given every chance, have yet to follow through
Along with the Bengals and 12 – count ‘em! – other teams with either 6 or 7 wins, the Broncos are thoroughly average. The Broncos have not put back-to-back wins together since the start of November. They’re good at beating bad teams – Giants, Jags, Jets, Lions. Sound familiar?
Denver needs the W as much as Cincinnati does, but inspires no more confidence. A tie would be the perfect outcome.
Call me naively optimistic, but I think the Bengals have better, healthier players than Denver does. Even without Reiff, Wilson and a fair number of Questionables. If they feel like playing with energy, if they agree that preparation is important, they’ll win.
If they don’t, well, they could still win the division at 9-8.
Men 18, Mountain Men 17.
AND NOW. . . Dr. Z makes your weekend merry and bright.
In the mood for more holiday cheer to forget those two Bengals running plays in OT last Sunday? Well, who isn’t? If you’re looking to go traditional, Dr. Z suggests a couple of holiday classics. The Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker is always a beautiful event. And please pardon Dr. Z for stealing a tune suggestion from Doc (yikes, a lot of doctors around TML these says) Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite is an absolute Christmas Day go to. https://cballet.org/ Or, take your favorite Scrooge to the Playhouse in the Park to see “A Christmas Carol.” https://www.cincyplay.com/
The Winter Market at Washington Park is on this weekend for last-minute cool local gifts. Dr Z also needs em’ so see you there. https://cincinnatiusa.com/events/winter-market-1
Hungry? Thirsty? Grab some food and local treats at Findlay Market, and check out the former-Shillito’s Elves on Elder Music Pop Up and Cocktail Lounge Friday the 17th and 18th from 5-9 PM. Findlay will also feature Music at the Market with Mitch Klein on the 18th from 12-2 PM, and Pups and Pints on the 18th from 3-7PM. https://www.findlaymarket.org/events
TUNE O’ THE DAY . . . Live albums are (pick one)
(A) Filled with self indulgent drum and guitar solos and thus boring.
(B) The true test of a band’s greatness, without the aid of studio magic, and thus interesting.
(C) The best way to appreciate your favorite group.
Generally, I go with (A) but there are exceptions. I like J. Geils live records. I’m good with Allmans Fillmore East, The Last Waltz and Live Rust. And Waiting for Columbus, from which today’s tune originates.
