Who Dey in the Blawg Pound

The Battle of Ohio kicks off in a few days and what better way to get things started than to talk a little trash with a Bengals fan?

OK, I'm not really gonna talk some trash ... instead, I'm giving a Bengals fan a chance to give us some insight on his beloved team. Back this season is the ever-popular Blogging with the Enemy.

Today, I've traded questions with Cincinnati Bengals blogger Mickey Mentzer, who created the site WhoDeyFans. Much like myself, Mickey started his blog because he was fed up with what he heard from the so-called experts and wanted a voice. A fan's voice -- WhoDeyFans.com was born.

Welcome to the Blawg Pound, Mickey ... let's get down to business.


This is the first time Cincinnati has had to “start over” in a while … new QB, new offense, new receivers … do you anticipate a smooth transition, or is it going to be a tough year to be a Bengals fan?

The fact that there are rookies filling in several key positions for the Bengals scares me. No matter what, a rookie is going to have growing pains learning and adjusting to the NFL game. That being said, the Bengals had only 4 wins last season and I think that with the schedule and the change in philosophy on the offense, they should be able to at least match that total.

Palmer and OchoCinco are both gone … Sad to see them go, or good riddance?

On the one hand I am sad to see them go. Chad made the Bengals relevant when they had no reason to be and Palmer was a big time QB and had some success here. However, I don't think it is a good situation when you have players that don't want to be on the team. I think it affects morale and performance on the field. So while I am sad to see them go, I look forward to the changing of the guard.

Who do the Browns really need to watch out for on the Bengals offense?

Benson. I know the Browns have some injuries on D and Benson paired with Bernard Scott form a tough running game. If the Bengals are able to move the ball and not rely on their young QB, the Browns could be in trouble.

Are you happy Marvin Lewis was kept on for a ninth season? Is he on the hot seat this season?

Somehow Marvin has been able to slowly change the culture of the organization bit by bit. The Bengals seem to make smarter personnel decisions now and it seems like he controls the coaching staff a little more. I did not want to start over with a new coach who would be locked into the power struggle with Mike Brown all over again.

Peyton Hillis seemingly “came out of nowhere” last season for the Browns … is there someone on the Bengals roster who you think could be that breakout player this year?

Michael Johnson. He has been decent for the Bengals but inconsistent.  I think people around the league are going to see what kind of freak talent this kid has in pressuring the QB from the outside. He is big fast and just an incredible athlete. I expect big things from him and second year player Carlos Dunlap.

What are your “Keys to Victory” for the Bengals on Sunday?

Pretty simple in the AFC North. Run the ball and stop the run. The Bengals seem to be built to do both those things. You just hope that Dalton can keep the defense honest enough to allow the running game to roll. I am confident in the ability of the Bengals to stop the run so I think the Bengals have a decent shot in this game.

Who wins and what is the score?

Cleveland is usually terrible in their openers. I am thinking the Bengals have a fairly good shot at picking up the W in this game with a score of 24 to 16.

Mickey has also asked me some questions, so don't forget to visit WhoDeyFans.com and see what I had to say about the Browns-Bengals game. Thanks again for joining us in the Blawg Pound, Mickey!

Go Browns!

Rocco the Blawg Pound Mascot says:

"I got a joke for you, Mickey - Knock, knock. Who dey? Owen. Owen who? Owen Sixteen."