In Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals employed a ridiculously conservative game plan, running 45 times and limiting quarterback Carson Palmer to an almost exclusively short and safe passing attack.
That was the second consecutive week that the Bengals employed a run-first game plan, and Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco says it’s time for the coaches to let he and his fellow receivers start to stretch the field.
“I’m not going to let them treat us like that for three straight games,” Ochocinco said. “We won the game. We had a wonderful day on the ground. Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson played extremely well. I asked for us to run the ball. This basically solidifies us being able to run the ball right now. It helps us once we do get to the playoffs.”
According to Ochocinco, the Bengals are due for a big passing game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
“Now next week things are going to have to change,” Ochocinco said. “The roles need to be reversed. I’m speaking on behalf of myself and the receiving corps. We would like to throw the ball 50 times. I just want to relay that message.”
The good news for the Bengals is that they’re two-touchdown favorites against the Lions. But that might be bad news for Ochocinco if he wants Palmer to throw 50 times. Against the Lions, the Bengals might have another 45-carry game.