• join now
  • login
  • Login
10/13/08
Cincinnati Bengals And Detroit Lions Could Go 0-16
The Hunt For 0-16 Continues
Perhaps I'm cruel, but I'm really interested in seeing an NFL team go 0-16 at some point in my life. The reason why is because we saw the Patriots go 16-0 in the regular season last year, so why not see the flip side of it?

Now, just for historical perspective, the Tampa Bay Bucs did indeed go 0-14 in their first season, and actually lost the first 26 games in their existence. And while that record will likely never be broken, it's missing the coveted 0-16 mark.

Now, the Dolphins did their best last year to actually give us a historic 0-16 season, but unfortunately they cared too much in their last few games and actually won one. That's definitely a problem. You can't care. Once you care, you're bound to eventually win a game. Like take the Rams for instance. With Scott Linehan as their coach, this team was actually trying to suck. But as soon as they make a coaching change, they go out and beat the Redskins, who had just won back-to-back games in Dallas and in Philly.

I'm also disappointed in the Chiefs, who I was convinced early on had the best chance of going 0-16 because their quarterbacks are awful, they have a horrible coach, and they're just an all around bad team. But somehow they played an inspired game against the Broncos and won. Even more infuriating is that it now it looks like they could trade Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson, which, if they'd done while still winless, would have assured them of going 0-16. In fact, I honestly believe the only reason the Chiefs are willing to trade these two guys is because they have that one win and they know they won't finish the season winless.

So as of right now, we only have two teams left who are winless, but they are true models of uninspired, crappy football. Let's look at their odds.

Cincinnati Benagls -
To me, this is the team that has the best shot of going 0-16 provided one important thing happens - Carson Palmer is shut down for the season. Palmer has too much pride to be on an 0-16 team, so we'll have to make sure he gets no more snaps. Meanwhile, TJ Houshmanzada also scares me, because he's a true professional who goes out and plays hard every Sunday. The nerve. But as I said, if we can get Palmer off the field, that will hurt TJ's ability to impact a game. There's also word that he might get traded, which he not only deserves, but would help my 0-16 cause.

But here's the best sign that this team can complete the deal. Here's a shot of Marvin Lewis at the end of yesterday's game.



He sure seems happy for a guy about to lose to a pretty mediocre Jets team. Something tells me that Lewis is more than happy to let this thing sink into the mud in order to get owner Mike Brown to fire him. The good news about Brown though is that he never fires anyone. Which is the perfect recipe for an 0-16 season.

As for their remaining schedule, the Bengals regrettably get to the play the Texans and the Browns, so admittedly, they could win a game or two.

Detroit Lions - You would have thought that getting rid of Millen would have fired up this team, but no. This team's defense seemingly never shows up until they're is down by 30, which I truly appreciate. It's also clear that receiver Roy Williams is on the verge of pulling a TO. Combine that with the fact that coach Rod Marinelli seems about to have an aneurysm every week and we're in great shape for an 0-16 season.

My one real fear is Kitna. If Kitna gets to start again, he has too much pride to let this team go 0-16. We need to keep Dan Orlovsky at quarterback so he can keep doing things like this.



As for the Lions schedule, it's brutal. But there's one unfortunate speed bump to 0-16. The Lions play the Texans next week, which on paper looks like their last chance to win a game this season. I will be watching with baited breath. But if the Lions lose that game, and Kitna remains on the sideline, they may very well become the new 0-16 frontrunner.

It definitely takes talent to lose the way the Bengals and Lions have, let's just hope one has enough to go 0-16.
Advertisement
3 comments
Vote!
Comment!
Your votes determine top comment

10/13/08
1
they both blow. . . .and I even live IN cincy

10/13/08
1
I say the Bengals have a pretty decent shot at 0-16... Lions, Jon Kitna's gotta win one sooner or later. But if Palmer's out for a while, Bengals have a good shot indeed.

10/13/08
1
(Edited by jaf892)
I hope Lions can get a few wins.... but hope the Bengals go 0 - 160, maybe then they will get rid of all the problem players

 
Notify me by email about comments that follow mine.
Preview


12,798,192+
PLAY NEVER-ENDING TRIVIA
Vince Coleman
Billy Hamilton
Ty Cobb
Tim Raines
 more

TAKE A QUIZ
 more

ANSWER TODAY'S POLL
 more
PREDICT THE SCORE
Soccer
Cricket
NBA
MLB
NHL
 more

MEET OUR FANS
Tonique
Jodhvir
 more