Major sports championships are a funny thing. They seemingly avoid your state while another state's major sports team always seems to win title games. Since 2002, the state of Massachusetts has won more major sports championships then any other state in the union with the Boston Red Sox's winning two World Series' (2004, 2007), the New England Patriots taking three Super Bowls (2002, 2004, and 2005) and the Boston Celtics winning one NBA Title (2008).

For this article, I define major sports to include college football and basketball, pro football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Sorry soccer fans, but it is not a major sport.

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The offseason has finally ended and camps throughout the league have opened. Everyone is excited. The players, the coaches, and most importantly, us fans! Just as spring brings life to the trees, grass and flowers, training camp brings life to us. We may be baseball, basketball, hockey or even race fans during the offseason, but nothing excites us more than the prospect of another NFL season. Our excitement doesn't stop with just watching the games. We analyze every move, decision and injury like no other sport. Even sign up for multiple fantasy leagues because we just can't get enough.

The air of excitement in Bengaldom has never smelled so good. Coming off an unexpected season, the buzz doesn't just end with a playoff appearance, but a Super Bowl Championship. This excitement stems from the relatively low turnover on the roster while adding depth at a number of positions. The defense finished in the top five last season and appears ready to repeat that effort. The offense added depth and experience that should provide an injection of explosiveness not seen last year.  The offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski acknowledged the bland play calling last season and promised a more balanced offense.

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The defense for the Bengals has shown great improvement over the past couple of seasons.  Marvin Lewis finally has a defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer that shares his same philosophy.  They have worked well together in determining the week areas and then looked to both free agency and the draft to fill the voids.  One area that has received the most focus is at linebacker as they have put together one of the best groups in the league.

The Bengals linebacker corp is a prime example of finding the right blend of veteran experience and youthful energy.  It started with the signing of Dhani Jones in 2007 when nearly every member of the defense was out with injury.  At one point that season, they had safeties playing linebacker due to the overwhelming injuries.  Talk about a miss match.  Once brought in, Jones stabilized the linebacker position with his poise and leadership. The coaching staff didn't stop there with the additions.  They continued to build by drafting Keith Rivers and fellow USC teammate Rey Maualuga with both picking up where they left off in college.  This could be the best linebacker group in franchise history and they may be the best in the NFL this season.

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Running backs are considered a dime a dozen, where you can pick one up and he will provide the team with a lift. They are asked to carry the ball into a pile of humanity and absorb hits from all directions. In order to be an effective running back in the NFL, one must posses the ability to get through a hole that may exist for a split-second, roughly a millimeter wide, have speed to the outside getting around the edge, and the durability to withstand the blows administered from the defenders.

Heading into training camp, the Bengals will be looking to progress on a much improved rushing offense from last season. The level of competition will be intense for the competitors with the goal of weeding out those who are unable to withstand the demands of the position. The current roster for training camp includes Cedric Benson, Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott, all of whom are holdover's from last season and, save for Scott's sprained ankle he suffered last month, look solid heading into training camp; Cordera Eason and Cedric Peerman were brought in during the off-season and will have to show their metal and worth during training camp.

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After winning the division title for the second time in five years in 2009, the Bengals drew a schedule that is considered one of the toughest in the league. Their ability to repeat as division champions will be tested every game with each opponent looking to hang a loss on a respected team. So when you start breaking down the season into four game segments, you being to see parts that could prove either beneficial or detrimental based on the opponent. The third quarter of the season could make the season or break our hearts. 

In this four game segment, the Bengals face teams that went deep into the playoffs last season with two of them meeting each other in the Super Bowl; their combined record was 42-20 -- a.667 winning percentage. It starts with the AFC Champion Colts in Indianapolis, followed by the Bills at home, and then off to New York to face the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets on Thanksgiving Night. If you think the schedule gets easier after the Jets game, they face Super Bowl Champ New Orleans at Paul Brown Stadium to round out this quarter post. This could arguably be the toughest part of the season.

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Most of us know that the current Cincinnati Bengals was founded by Paul Brown, who teamed with then governor James A. Rhodes to petition the AFL for expansion on behalf of Cincinnati, landing the franchise in 1967. So how did Paul Brown settle on the nickname "Bengals"?  Did he have an affection for the animal (yes, they are majestic) or did he feel the name would send chills into the opposition? He decided on the name to connect the present day franchise to distant Cincinnati football history.  Although not storied, there was a Cincinnati Bengals franchise long before the present version.

The original version of the Cincinnati Bengals was formed in 1937 as part of a second American Football League. Much like Paul Brown, Hal Pennington founded the franchise, becoming the team's first head coach.  Their performance is not considered stellar, finishing 2-4-2 and fourth in a league with six teams. They also played two games outside the league splitting both, beating the Atlanta Crackers 36-7 and losing to a team of College All-stars 6-3. Tackle Bill Steinkemper, center Lee Mulleneaux and back Don Geyer were selected for the all-league team. Pennington left the team after the season for his original team, the Cincinnati Models, and was replaced by player-coach Dana King.

To say that the AFL II was not on solid ground would be an understatement; it folded after that season.  The Bengals, however, continued as an independent in 1938 despite pitches from the Midwest Football League, who would later be renamed as the American Football League. That season proved to be very successful starting the season with six straight wins and finishing 7-1-2. The season included a win over the Chicago Bears and a tie against the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals), members of the NFL.  Eight of those games were played in Cincinnati at Xavier University Stadium with attendance averaging a respectable 8,000.

The Bengals relented the AFL's overtures, joining during the 1939 season. The caliber of the league was considered the best in professional football that season. Continuing on the success from the previous season, the Bengals finished second with a 6-2 record losing only to the first place Los Angeles Bulldogs and the third place Columbus Bullies. The good showing on the field did not translate well in attendance as it fell to an average 3,500 for four home games. Thanks to the league abandoning the playoff for that season, the Bengals weren't able to contend for the AFL title. Same as the 1937 version of the AFL, the league vanished from the football landscape.

Another "major" league was formed for the 1940 season that included three teams from the AFL, the Bengals, the Bullies and Milwaukee (former L.A. Bulldogs) and the league was named, you guessed it, the American Football League.  Unlike the previous two successful campaigns, hard times befallen the Bengals finishing the year with a disappointing 1-7 record. The designated home field of Crosley Field never saw a game due to lack of interest from the city (literally). The closest "home" game was played in Charleston, W.Va. To add insult to injury, the Bengals had to forfeit a game due a large number of injuries prohibiting them from fielding a team. Despite all the turbulence, fullback Paul Shu was selected to All-league second team.

Heading into the 1941 season, the Bengals continued to hang onto their high hopes with the coaching of Dana King. But disappointment once again was felt, finishing with a 1-5-2 record.  For the first time since 1939, home games were played at Xavier University Stadium hosting back-to-back home games in October. The lack of attendance at these games caused the remaining home games to be moved with one played in Akron. While the overall record may have not have been pleasant, the team placed three players on the all-league team; end Joe Kruse and backs Bill McGanon and Gene Tornquist.

Before the 1942 season started, the league felt it was best to suspend operations due to signs of WWII on the horizon, making 1941 the last season a professional football team named Bengals to play in Cincinnati.  In 1960, the American Football League (yes, again) surfaced, later inviting Cincinnati to join. This helped bring back the team's old nickname, thanks to the man who felt Ohio deserved to have two professional football teams.

The NFL has been one of the more successful professional leagues since its inception in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association. It has endured many tumultuous times including the Great Depression, World War II and has seen incredible growth over the years. There have been many unforgettable moments that include the 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants, Franco Harris's immaculate reception and the Ice Bowl in Cincinnati. Lasting memories forever etched in NFL history.

However, not regularly mentioned but a big part of the leagues' history is the player strikes in 1982 and 1987.  The cause for each strike included players growing disgruntled with the lack of a favorable contract that restricted their share of the league's revenue. Despite ongoing negotions during these seasons, agreements were not met by the deadline and the players walked off the field. The strike in 1982 wiped out half the season, the strike in 1987 introduced the Replacement Players.

The Bengals had just come off of their first franchise appearance in the Super Bowl and were favored to return in 1982. Beating Houston 26-7 during opening weekend gave little doubt that this should materialize.  With the sound of "strike" echoing louder around the league, the following game on September 19^th against Pittsburgh ended with a 26-20 overtime loss for what was presumed to be the final game of the season.

The strike lasted an agonizing 57 days; fans grew impatient with the process and the greed of both sides.  Many felt that if play resumed at any point of the season, the fan reaction would not be favorable, staying away or simply coming to jeer. The strike officially ended on 17 November with play resuming on November 21st.  To complete the season, each team was scheduled to play seven additional games.  The Bengals first game back was against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Fans did stay away at many games around the league, but a crowd of 65,172 showed to watch the Bengals beat the Eagles 18-14.  Knowing Philly fans, I am pretty sure booing ensued.

The Bengals continued winning and drawing large crowds. Four of the remaining six games, attendance was over 51,000 with the team going 5-1 to finish the strike-shortened season with a 7-2 record and the division title.  Since the season was compacted, the NFL decided to scrape the usual playoff schedule in favor of a Super Bowl tournament style playoff, seeding the top eight teams in each conference. The Bengals ended up as the AFC's three seed and drew the sixth seeded New York Jets in the first round.  Unlike the playoff run from the previous season, they failed to get out of the first round losing to the Jets 44-17.  Despite the nearly two-month layoff, the offense finished second overall landing Ken Anderson, Chris Collingsworth, Anthony Munoz and Tight End Dan Ross in the Pro Bowl.

Labor turmoil struck again just a few short years later in 1987. Unlike the first strike, it was decided that "replacement" players would be used. Just as in 1982, the players walked off the field after week two was complete.  But the season picked up just two weeks later with replacement players.

Expectations for the Bengals were high coming off a 10-6 season in 1986 and possessing the third highest scoring offense in the NFL.  The first two games were split before the strike. The next three games were with replacement players was a meager 1-2 record.  Despite the lackluster overall record for the replacement players, the lone victory against Seattle featured 61 rushing attempts for 270 yards rushing by the Bengals. Marc Logan and David McCluskey lead the way with 103 yards and 70 yards respectively, each scoring a touchdown. This may have been the sole bright spot in what became a disappointing season, with the Bengals finishing 4-11. Logan was the only replacement player from the Bengals who went on to a sustained NFL career, playing ten years recording 1,391 yards rushing and scoring 15 touchdowns.

The fan reaction during this strike was mixed as well, with several Bengals home games seeing near capacity crowds but road games falling way short. The Bengals home game attendance after the strike was over 52,000 until week 12. With their record at 3-8 heading into the game against Kansas City, attendance dropped below the 47,000 mark. Despite winning in overtime 30-27, the final regular season finale at Riverfront against New Orleans saw a smaller crowd of 43, 489 witness the 41-24 loss.  Nose tackle Tim Krumrie and Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz were selected to the Pro Bowl.

Now, once again there is talk is in the air that football will not be played after this season.  Labor harmony between the league and players union for the past 24 years is in jeopardy with both sides looking to gain an edge. There is talk by some player representatives that the owners may lock them out in 2011.  If this is the case, will players form their own league and play scrimmages to raise money for charities? Or will the players decide to strike leaving the owners to consider signing replacement players in hopes of satisfying their football starved fan base?  No matter the outcome, those who will be affected the most will be us, the fans.

Including the preseason, the Bengals are scheduled for five prime time games this season. Since the start of Monday Night Football (MNF), primetime games have become highly coveted, growing to a point over the past 40 years that when the new schedule is released every year, everyone looks directly for the primetime games and how many your team is playing. When the concept of MNF was hatched, the Bengals were part of the maturation for that season.

NFL games broadcasted in primetime didn't start on ABC, but were actually televised on Saturday nights by the DuMont Network in 1953-1954. Bad ratings and dissolution of the network led to the series ending. After taking over in 1960 and carrying a vision, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle felt primetime games would help with the league's growth. Initially bid as a Friday night game in 1964, it was heavily criticized as possibly interfering with attendance at high school games. Keeping this in mind, Rozelle decided to experiment scheduling a Monday Night game between Green Bay and Detroit on 28 September, 1964. Although not televised, it was a sellout as 59,203 attended the game at Tigers Stadium.

During contract negotions in 1970, Rozelle's primary focus was having a weekly game in primetime.  NBC and CBS were cold to the idea, so Rozelle took it to ABC. ABC was also reluctant to enter into the risky venture as they were the lowest rated network at that time. Rumors surfaced that Rozelle was signing with independent Hughes Sports Network (owned by Howard Hughes). With the speculation of ABC affiliates pre-empting network line-ups in favor of the games and losing viewership, ABC decided to sign.

The Bengals were founded in 1968, initially joining the American Football League (AFL) prior to the merger in 1970; the same season Monday Night Football premiered on ABC.  Despite a record of 7-20-1 in their first two seasons of existence, they became part of Monday Night Football's first season schedule.  The significance with this game is that it was their first prime time appearance, and the first time they played the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.  Plus, despite losing, it may have been the launching point for a team that was not expected to contend for a playoff spot that season.

Greg Cook was the incumbent quarterback coming into the season, but a shoulder injury thrusted Virgil Carter into the starting role. His performance against the Steelers was not stellar, completing 15 of 29 passes for 142 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Jess Phillips was the team's top rusher, gaining 76 yards rushing with 28 yards receiving. For the game, Cincy was able to hang with the Steelers , recording 282 total yards against the Steelers' 281, but committing three turnovers led to the Bengals losing 21-10.  Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bengals had a slim 10-7 lead until Steelers Tight End Dennis Hughes scored on a 72 yard touchdown pass from Terry Hanratty.

This loss put the Bengals in a 1-6 hole, which by most accounts, should have ended any playoff hopes.  The division leading Cleveland Browns possessed a 4-3 record after week seven, holding a three game lead in the division. The primetime loss for the Bengals was the last that season, winning the remaining seven games to finish 8-6 becoming the first ever AFC Central Division champion! The winning streak included a rematch at Riverfront Stadium in week 10 with the Bengals dominating the Steelers 34-7.  Don't let the score fool you, it was close statically except one; the Bengals committed one turnover verses six for the Steelers.  Turnovers kill, baby!

After the Monday night loss, the Bengals went on a string of big victories starting with a 43-14 thrashing of the Bills. After throttling the Steelers, the team continued to rack up high scoring victories against the Saints (26-6), the Oilers (30-20) and finishing the season with a 45-7 beating of the Boston Patriots completing the seven game winning-streak to clinch the title. During this run, a close 17-14 victory against the Chargers in week 12 allowed the Bengals to catch the Browns at 6-6 overall, but were 4-2 to the Bengals 3-3 in the division, with two games remaining.  In week 13, the Browns lost to the Cowboys 6-2 (I am not making it up) giving the Bengals a one-game lead heading into the last week of the season with their victory over the Oilers. All that was needed was a win, which they did, to clinch the division championship.  A lose would have given the Browns the title.

The first Monday Night appearance may not have been the best prime time performance, but may have been what the team needed to gather themselves for a push leading to the franchise's first division title and playoff berth. No one truly knew what the Monday Night football experiment would become. Now that it has become a national institution, those that played in that game can hang their hats on being in the primetime spotlight for Monday Night Football's inaugural season, and clinching NFL's first AFC Central Division title.

This link is to an article published by the Columbus Dispatch in Sundays paper about how fans despise Big Ben in Pittsburgh, plus some examples of how he has alienated business and restaurants.  Although he may appear to be a gentleman, his actions tell a different story.  It just maybe his ego is getting the best of him.

Enjoy.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2010/05/16/pittsburghs-pariah.html?sid=101

Every team has its rival; a nemesis so hated just the mere mention makes one's skin crawl.  Normally those teams are from the same region, ala the Ohio State Buckeyes and that team up north.  Or they are intradivisional like the Evil Empire from New York and the Boston Red Sox.  Or they may come from the same state such as our beloved Bengals and the stinky Browns.  No matter the reason, you call them your rival.

At times, a rivalry blossoms from unlikely ranks in a sports organization.  Sometimes it may come down to individual players such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird or Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.  And on occasion, a rivalry will surface between coaches.  At one time there was such a rivalry that included one of the most innovative coaches in the NFL who was a member of the Bengals against an antagonist from a team within the division.  During the late 80's and early 90's this rivalry brewed between Sam Wyche and Houston Oilers head coach Jerry Glanville to the point of unknown hatred for each other.

Sam Wyche was known as an innovator ushering in the No-huddle offense as a base offense or having 12-13 players in the huddle between plays.  These actions caused the NFL to adopt rules to thwart the advantages it created.  Plus, he was known to be very controversial, proclaiming to the home crowd during a game against the Seattle Seahawks that "you don't live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati" as bottles were being tossed onto the field in protest of a bad call.

The rivalry seemed to start during the 1988 season when they split the season series by large margin of victories.  The Bengals won the first meeting of that year 44-21 and the Oilers won 41-6 in the last meeting of that year.  Things got testy when Wyche took exception to the 41-6 loss feeling that Glanville had intentionally run up the score.

The first meeting between Cincinnati and Houston the following season was an Oilers triumph of 26-24 at the Astrodome, which may not have helped stoke the rivalry fire.  However, the Bengals had their revenge, whooping the Oilers 61-7 at Riverfront. It was ugly from the beginning and got worse as the game went on.  Leading 45-0 in the third quarter, Wyche felt an onside kick was in order.  It was executed perfectly with Ira Hillary snatching the kick before being run out of bounds at the Oilers 34 yard line.

Leading 52-0 after three quarters, the Bengals continued the onslaught by passing on first down and converting fourth down plays.  They even kicked a field goal with 34 seconds remaining in the game.  To say that Sam Wyche was not sending a message and running up the score would not be an accurate statement.  He basically admitted it during the post game news conference.

Wyche immediately declared Glanville a "phony" stating "I don't like phonies." Continuing his rant about Glanville, he said that when Jerry sees "the camera rolling, he puts his arm around you and starts smiling behind those dark glasses."  He felt the Oilers were a talented team, but called them "undisciplined" and that "you have to be ready to get kicked and the score run up on you.  And that is exactly what happened today."  Wyche even states he felt "sorry for the Houston players having to put up with him." You can't say the Wyche never minced words concerning an opponent.

This rivalry continued for a couple of years later and into Wyches' last season with the Bengals.  I had started dating my wife, who is from Houston and an Oilers fan (at that time, now she is a Bengals fan, what influence) and was able to get us tickets to the 1991 game in Houston.  I think I may have been the only person at the Astrodome wearing stripes.  What I remember most about the game was during the TV timeouts, the scoreboard would show each coach with the fans responding proportionately with a jeer or cheer.  When Wyche was shown, jeers abound.  Glanville, cheers a plenty.  And it grew louder and louder as the game progressed.  The game itself was not much of a memory as the Bengals lost 35-3.

Rivalries come in various forms in every sport.  They may start with just a simple comment of dislike for the opposition or the teams consistently play for a championship.  Now matter the reason, they have a way of grabbing those involved.

It's often referred to as the Freezer Bowl.  Temperatures and winds so cold, man nor beast should ever have to experience.  Game time temperature between the Bengals and the San Diego Chargers was -9 degrees with 35 mph winds creating a wind chill of -57 degrees!  That is not a misprint.  I am from Columbus and was working at a beer-wine drive thru during the coming of this Ice Age, and never forgot how the frozen pop bottles on display exploded sending everyone heading for cover from the glass shrapnel.  And yes, some did send glass everywhere.

Despite the ridiculous cold, the Bengals offensive line came out for warm-ups and played the game in short sleeves.  Yes, short sleeves!  Despite experiencing the same kind of weather in the 1968 NFL Championship game as a member of the Green Bay Packers, Head Coach Forrest Greg felt it was not worth intervening in this lunacy.  If you are not familiar with this game, does the phrase "frozen tundra of Lambeau Field" ring a bell?  It was played in temperatures that would cause the Iditarod dogs to demand better working conditions.  Temperature for that game was -13 degrees.

This was the Bengals first appearance in the AFC Championship game having gotten there by way of a 12-4 season then beating the Buffalo Bills 28-21 in the divisional playoff game.  Ken Anderson had come off a season in which he finished as the top rated passer earning league MVP Honors and Comeback Player of the Year.  His weapons included wide receivers Issac Curtis and rookie Cris Collinsworth, TE Dan Ross and bruising fullback Pete Johnson.  The loony short sleeved offensive line included Dave Lapham, Max Montoya and Anthony Munoz.

This game featured the league's top two offenses with the Bengals averaging 373 yard per game and Chargers averaging a whooping 421.5 yard per game.  It also featured two of the top three passing offenses with the Bengals averaging 249 yards per game, but the Chargers possessed Dan Fouts running the Air Coryell offense that averaged 296.2 yards per game.  It was expected to be a high scoring affair, but the severe cold may have sapped some of that.

The Bengals started quickly, jumping to a 10-0 first quarter lead on the heels of a Jim Breech field goal and an Anderson touchdown pass to tight end M.L. Harris after Chargers kick returner James Brooks fumbled the kickoff.  The Chargers responded with a touchdown pass from Fouts to TE Kellen Winslow in the second quarter to make it 10-7.  On the next Charger possession, Fouts was intercepted by defensive back Louis Breeden, setting up a 1-yard Pete Johnson touchdown run making the halftime score 17-7.  The Bengals came out in the second half taking control of the game with another Breech field goal to make it 20-7 in the third quarter and then sealed it in the fourth with a touchdown pass from Anderson to Don Bass for a final score of 27-7.  This win propelled them to the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance, which was played in Detroit.  And it was still cold for that game even thought it was played indoors.

For those who recognize the name of the Chargers' kick returner in the above paragraph but are not sure where, it is the same James Brooks who later became an integral part of the Bengals last Super Bowl appearance.  He was traded to the Bengals after the 1983 season for Pete Johnson, playing in Cincy until 1994 making the Pro Bowl four times and becoming the franchise leading rusher at 6,447 rushing yards (since surpassed by Corey Dillion).

Both Anderson and Fouts did not have the same success they enjoyed during the regular season in this game.  Anderson finished 14 of 22 for 161 yards and two touchdowns, Fouts had similar numbers at 15 of 28 for 185 yards, one touchdown but two interceptions.  Neither teams' running game was a factor as Charger running back Chuck Muncie was the top rusher for the game with 94 yards; Pete Johnson may have been more effective finishing with 80 yards rushing, one touchdown and 14 yards receiving.

The teams did what they could to minimize the impact of the cold.  Both teams had seat warmers working at such a volume that it would've caused gas shortages in most third world countries.  Fouts had his sleeves stretched over his hands to keep them warm.  Ken Anderson ended up with a frost bitten ear and Breech's kicking foot was bruised for days.  Fouts' beard was frozen from, well, you know. And despite the inhuman and inhumane temperatures, the devout faithful ventured into the extreme cold air risking frostbite themselves, to witness a game that they will never forget.

Every draft seems to focus on only players considered the cream of the crop and little time is given to those who stand in the shadows. When a team selects a player in the late rounds, little is known about him. So I have reached out to the bloggers for Kansas, Texas, Georgia and Iowa State to get a feel for what kind of player the Bengals drafted. Unfortunately, Eastern Illinois does not have a blogger on SB Nation. I have received a couple of responses and below are their assessments.

The Bengals last pick of the draft, Reggie Stephens from Iowa State, is considered by Cyclones SBNation blogger Mark Kieffer as "as one of the best O-Linemen ISU has had in a while". Kieffer felt that Stephens should have been selected to the All-Big 12 team as he anchored an offensive line that was 24^th in the nation in protecting their quarterback. His leadership and intelligence helped Stephens become one of the captains last season. Kieffer however feels that his size may hinder Stephens's ability to pass block, but did say he was effective against Ndamukong Suh. Some felt Stephens struggled during his appearance in the East-West Shrine All-Star game which, according to Mark, may be the reason why he fell to the seventh round. Tough and durable, Stephens played 36 consecutive games before suffering from an appendicitis, which only kept him out for one game. Despite being in pain, he came back helping the team become bowl eligible. Kieffer felt he was a big reason the Cyclones was able to improve from a 2-10 record to 7-6 and a victory over Minnesota in the Insight.com Bowl.

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I know you're probably tired of "the Best of" articles that have recently appeared, but I couldn't help myself. We have discussed the best first round pick during the Marvin Lewis era and in franchise history. We all know what the impact a first round pick can bring. In stark contrast, late round picks are often overlooked with low expectations. Yet, many overcome adversity, even outshining top picks while making an impact.

As it relates to athletics, the phrase "diamond in the rough" is used to describe a player that begins their professional career either as an undrafted free agent or as a late round pick. These are the feel good stories of someone who has traveled a difficult path making it big in their chosen profession despite many obstacles. Since the founding of the Bengals, there have been a number of players drafted late making it to the pinnacle.

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The Bengals were founded by Paul Brown in the old American Football League in 1968; later joining the NFL with the merger in 1970. A number of first round draft choices by the Bengals have reverberated throughout the league. From offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz to defense end and sack master Eddie Edwards, these names are etched in the lore of Bengals history. The first pick by the fledgling franchise in 1968 was not a quarterback, but center Bob Johnson who made the AFL All-star team that season. He finally retired after 12 years with the Bengals and is the only player to have his number retired by the Bengals.

The last Super Bowl appearance by the Bengals was after the 1988 season, and the construction of that team may have started in 1984 when they had three first round selections. After taking Ricky Hunley, Pete Koch and Brian Blados that season (yes, they had three), it was followed up with two first round picks in 1985 by taking Eddie Brown and Emanuel King, and again in 1986 drafting Joe Kelly and Tim McGee. Each of these players was on the roster except Koch and Hunley. Edwards and Munoz, veterans from the Bengals first Super Bowl appearance in 1982, were members of this team as well.

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Prior to Marvin Lewis arriving in 2003, the Bengals struggled to get the impact player that first round draft picks should bring. A number of these players never truly reached their full potential, helping to support the notion of the franchise being unable to select a franchise player. Players such as David Klingler and Ki-jana Carter were expected to become the player who would carry the team, but fell to circumstance. Whether it was injury or ineffective play, they soon found themselves no longer with the Bengals and later out of football.

Enter Marvin Lewis who garnered much influence over Mike Brown during the interview process, accepting the position that many felt was undesirable. Toxic, even. This influence has helped bring the franchise back to respectability not seen in over a decade by drafting top picks that are making an impact. When the draft opens on April 22nd, this will mark the eighth number one selection of his coaching career. Of those first seven picks many made an impact, but who should be considered the best of that group?

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 As I was watching ESPN a week or so ago, I happened to catch Mel Kiper's and Todd McShay's new mock draft crawl across the bottom line.  What I found interesting is that the contrast each of them has, especially when it comes to the Bengals.  Kiper, the soothsayer of draftnix's, has the Bengals picking Arrelious Benn, Wide Receiver from Illinois in the first round.  However, McShay, antagonist supreme, has the Bengals picking Taylor Mays, Safety from USC.  

What I call into question is Kiper's thinking that the Bengals would pick a wide receiver in the first round after signing Antonio Bryant to help with the position.  Not only that, Benn's production last season does  not favor him as being a first round draft pick after finishing with 38 catches for 490 yards and two touchdowns.  The argument that he is worthy of such a spot is that he has a lot of upside.  Does he?  The only upside Benn may have is that he is a speed demon running 4.36 and 4.39 40 yard dash times at Illinois' Pro Day on 17 March.  During the NFL Combine, Benn had trouble running routes and staying on his feet.  Yes, he may have had the jitters due to the enormity of the situation, but if he can't handle the pressure of a simple workout, then how could one expect him to handle the pressure of a top NFL receiver?

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Last season was a pleasant surprise in which the Bengals were able to not only make the playoffs, but win a second division title in five years.  Despite the surprising season, a growing concern surfaced at the Tight End position.  It started during training camp when Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht went out with injuries and Chase Coffman had troubles learning the offense leading to poor performance during the preseason, leaving Dan "lead hands" Coats and J.P. Foschi to man the position.

Heading into this off-season, it was felt that the Bengals would address the situation by either signing a free agent or grabbing a tight end in the draft.  The Bengals felt that despite Coats' inability to catch and hold onto the ball, he was worth of another year in burnt orange and black stripes.  Realizing that this did not solve the problem, they are reportedly mulling re-signing J.P. Foschi who would actually be an improvement over Coats.  There is now much speculation that they will use a high draft pick on a tight end to help the situation and several potential players have been mentioned.  If they do decide to draft a tight end, who should it be and which round of the draft?

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Since following into his father's footsteps, Mike Brown has developed a reputation as being a spend thrift.  We fans have accused him of being Ebenezer Scrooge.  Not willing to part with the pretty penny to bring high profile free agents, favoring profit over winning.  Even to this day, our attitude toward this has barely waned despite some changes over the past decade that may show the opening of his checkbook.  This reputation is so steeped in history that the Bengals are often used by high profile free agents to posture for a higher paycheck from another team

All through the 90's Brown appeared not concerned about winning but turning a profit.  His tight fisted mentality helped turn a proud franchise into a laughing stock of the NFL, if not professional sports as a whole.  The only team able to supplant the Bengals as being the "'worst" was the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA during the same time period.  Being labeled "worst" didn't seem to faze Brown as he refused to acknowledge the lack of spending was the cause of the team's problem.  Each year he would stand in front of the media preaching how the team was just one or two players from being a winner.

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When a team looks to continue building on the success (or eliminate the failures) from the previous season, they look toward signing a veteran that could fill a need. As fans, we all have our own perspective as to who the team should sign based on what we perceive as the team's various weaknesses. So with that in mind, I have put together a free agent wish list of those who I would like the Bengals to sign during this free agency period, which opens this Friday.

Vincent Jackson. After T.J. Houshmandzadeh's departure, teams easily focused their attention on Chad Ochocinco, taking away the big play potential from the offense. With the signing of Laveranues Coles, there was a hope that he could fill T.J.'s shoes shifting the focus away from Ochocinco. Coles struggled early and never became the threat coaches had hoped for, fueling speculation that he may be released. I believe that signing Vincent Jackson from the San Diego Chargers would not only bring the offense an additional deep threat, but his presence would also mean a tall receiver with great body control, becoming a red zone threat in jump-ball situations. He would surely command a nice paycheck, but he would make an instant impact on a team in need of another deep threat receiver to take some heat away from Chad. Currently Jackson is a restricted free agent and the Chargers have reportedly offered him the highest one year tender, allowing them to garner a first and third round draft pick, if the Charges elect not to match an offer sheet from another team.

Owen Daniels. Another area on offense that lacked in the passing game, was tight ends. Season ending injuries to Reggie Kelly, Ben Utecht and Chase Coffman, coupled with Dan Coats' inability to catch the football, forced the Bengals to rely on an unemployed tight end. Even though J.P. Foschi brought some stability to the position, the Bengals elected not to tender him a contract in the belief that they could sign him to a cheaper deal after March 5. As of now, this leaves the position in Coffman's hands; unfortunately he never appeared to have gained the confidence of the coaching staff due to his inability to grasp the offense. Signing Owen Daniels of the Houston Texans would strengthen the position with his reliable hands and ability to get down field. Over the past few seasons his catch total steadily rose from 63 in 2007 to 70 in 2008, and he was on pace for 80 catches in 2009 before his season ending ACL injury. His talents would provide the Bengals a pass catching tight end; something unknown to this team. Daniels is also a restricted free agent but no offer has been reportedly tendered as of this posting. With the ACL injury, I would not be surprised if the Texans offered him the lowest tender, which would provide Houston with no compensation if Owens were to accept another offer.

Elvis Dumervil. Antwan Odom set the NFL world on fire early in 2009 with six sacks in the first two games, including tying the team record of five sacks in one game against the Green Bay Packers. His season ended with a ruptured achilles tendon after six games at which time he was leading the league with eight sacks. Prior to Odom's injury, the defense had accumulated 16 sacks, nearly half of their season total of 34. Signing Elvis Dumervil from the Denver Broncos would provide the defense with a player who would be another threat to opposing quarterbacks. His long arms and large hands give him an ability to keep blockers off of his body, giving him better vision of the quarterback's location in the pocket. Dumervil’s addition would give a boost to an area on the defense that slowed after Odom's injury. Dumervil is a restricted free agent and no tender has been reportedly offered. Expect the Broncos to make a top tier tender in the near future unless a long term deal is made.

Barrett Ruud. The run defense greatly improved with the addition of Rey Maualuga, making an instant impact. However, when Maualuga was lost to injury late in the season, the rush defense suffered. Signing linebacker Barrett Ruud of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would give the defense one of the league's best tackling machines, finishing third last season with 142 tackles. His addition to a linebacking corps and defense that is gaining respect around the league would provide the depth needed to make a championship run, bearing in mind the Bengals may also lose the services of Rashad Jeanty. Ruud currently is a restricted free agent that has been offered the top tender that would give the Bucs a first and third round draft picks as compensation.

Jahri Evans. The Bengals' offensive line could be considered an area of concern. Allowing 29 sacks last season while still proving to be effective run blockers, giving the team's running game an average of 4.1 yards-per-rush, the team could always improve. To keep the offensive line together, they would have to re-sign Bobbie Williams who is an unrestricted free agent. If the Bengals do not achieve this, signing Jahri Evans of the New Orleans Saints would fill this void nicely. His pass blocking would be an upgrade over what Bobbie gave us last year, and his run blocking is solid. He is considered by the Saints as their top lineman allowing them to have a very effective running game, helping carry them to their first Super Bowl appearance and win. He carries a positive attitude and team first mentality, attributes that would fit in well with the current tone of the team. Evans is a restricted free agent who has been offered the highest tender with a first and third round offer, which is a steep price to pay for a right guard. This will give many teams pause.

I know the stakes are high for any of these players. The likelihood that the Bengals are going to make many high-profile moves in the market is low. Throwing money at top-level free agents is out of character for our team and isn't expected.

The level of free agency for these players is solely based on the outcome of any negotiations between the players' union and the NFL. If by some miracle there appears an 11th hour agreement between the two sides, this could all change. If not, Friday begins the uncapped season and these players will stay restricted free agents. So, please understand that this is solely a wish list. I know that there are a number of variables that will influence the outcome of this year’s free agency season for the Bengals.

With the possibility of 2010 becoming a non-cap year, some of this will not materialize. Heck, maybe none of it will. But I can wish, can’t I?

An article was recently posted on this fair web log talking about the Bengals' identity in which the author brought to light the viewpoint from a number of writers and the perceived on-field identity.  I agree with everything stated in the article, but I want to bring to light another identity that may not be getting much attention.  There could be a number of reasons why.  Perhaps no one sees what is going on, or maybe they do and don't feel it warrants mention.  The Bengals have been trying out and signing players that have a storied past that may bring an unwanted identity to the team.  The identity of a criminal rehabilitation center comes to mind.

Nearly every team in the NFL is concerned about their identity both on and off the field.  The league itself is concerned with its identity of supporting criminal activity as well, evidenced by the enactment of the Personal Conduct guidelines.  These guidelines were created after a rash of arrests a few years ago in hopes of deterring players from making decisions that could bring a foul light to the league.  To date, the number of arrests has decreased in comparison to the years prior to enactment. 

During the rash of arrests, the Bengals led the pack in that category.  They had developed an identity of supporting this behavior as punishment was light and varied.  No matter how many times a player got arrested, the team seemed to look the other way.  The burnt orange and black stripes were considered more like the black and white stripes of prison uniforms.  Only after the NFL stepped in and started to suspend players did the team and players start to stay away from hearing the slam of a jail cell. 

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Another NFL season has ended with a fitting Super Bowl to help put the exclamation point on the type of year it was, with surprising teams doing unexpected things.  Now we are faced with an off-season that is always too long and full of speculation and hope.  Each team now focuses on the future by looking at different avenues to help continue the improvements of the previous season or improve upon its failures.  One of those areas is the draft, still months away, and there is no time like the present to take a look at what the draftnicks  think  the Bengals should pick and why.  I did this last season and found that most experts were in agreement with one another; but there were some that may have left you scratching your head as to what they may have been thinking.  So without further ado, I present you with this draft seasons' look at who the Bengals should pick.

The NFL Draft Dog is under the impression that the possession receiver has become a lost art and WR Arrelious Benn of Illinois would fit that role for the Bengals.  NFL Draft Dog states that Benn has the "size and strength to go over the middle as well as beat press coverage."   They also believe his "running ability and sure hands will be very attractive to teams that need a first down producer."  However, his biggest problem is finding the end zone as he has a total of only seven touchdowns throughout his collegiate career.  This past season was statistically his worst with 38 catches for 490 yards and only 2 TD's.  Considering how the Bengals offense struggled to score this past season, Benn does not look worthy of this spot in the draft.

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In the game of football, there comes a time in the game when a team will rely on a player whose sole purpose is to kick a ball through the uprights to win games.  These players are generally plucked from the soccer field and told to kick the ball between the uprights instead of through a goal.  Some teams continually change kickers as often as someone may change their underwear looking for that rare kicker who shows consistency and reliability.  Rarely does a kicker stick with one team for longer than just a few years but the Bengals have one in Shayne Graham, who has been with the Bengals since 2003 during which time he established himself as a premier kicker.  His career field goal average is fourth best in the NFL at 85.2%, plus he holds the team record at 86.7%.  His best season as a Bengal is 2007 with a FG average at 91.2%.  This all came after struggling in his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers where his average was 73%.

Shortly after the 2008 season (when he finished with an 87.5% field goal average) Mike Brown thought it fitting that Graham was worthy of the Franchise Tag, giving the Bengals sole negotiating rights for his services.  After some going back and forth, they agreed to a one year deal for the 2009 season where he was to be paid top five kicker money.  Well, he got paid and one could make the argument that he took the money and ran as this season was his worst as a Bengal.  Couple this with numerous missed opportunities during important games; is it prudent for the team to re-sign him to a long term contract?

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This past season was something that many of us, along with many prognosticators, did not expect.  The team accomplished more than expected by sweeping the division for the first time in franchise history which propelled them to a second division title in 5 years.  They did it with a conservative offense that had only one true scoring outburst against the Chicago Bears and a defense only few of us saw coming (myself included).  Although this team frustrated the hell out of us, it did nothing short of produce win after win.

After losing to the Denver Broncos on a fluke play, the team started to put together wins (albeit close on a number of occasions) building a 9-3 record and looking like it could make a true run at the Super Bowl.  The defense had carried them each week making important play after important play, allowing an offense that barely could score until the outcome was in doubt to deliver the knockout punch.  After getting shredded for 472 yards by the Houston Texans, the defense improved not only on the field but on the stat sheet, climbing into the upper echelon of total and run defense.

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Now before everyone jumps on me about being negative in a season full of positives, let me tell you that I am the most optimistic person here.  My wife will vouch for that.  The glass is always half full with me, rarely will I look at anything pessimistically.  Also before anyone questions my loyalty, which has happened recently, I am as loyal a Bengals fan as anyone around.  I live and die with every play in every game and bleed burnt orange and black.  Ask the nurse who took some blood from me recently, she'll tell ya.

We have seen this kind of situation before.  We have experienced the euphoria of winning games and making the playoffs.  But mixed in, we have felt the misery of a team collapse during the last quarter of the season ending up out of the playoffs.  Since Marvin Lewis has come into a situation that looked hopeless in 2003, he has shown an ability to get the most out of the team and get them into playoff contention on a number of occasions.  But as the season starts to wind down, the team seems to run out of gas causing unexpected losses and missing the playoffs after a promising start. 

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The Washington Post published an article today on the relationship between Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown.  It shows how the decision makers can disagree on how a team wins, but are able to come together to make decisions that has created an calming atmosphere and a winning attitude.  If you have problems opening the link, let me know and I will post the entire article here.  Enjoy.

The Cincinnati Bengals offense is considered by many to have the ability to explode for mass amounts of points at any given time.  The teams' offensive weapons may have gone through some changes since lighting up NFL defenses during the 2005 playoff run with the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rudi Johnson and the addition of Cedric Benson and Laveranues Coles.  So why has the offense struggled to put up points at a rate that causes us fans to have angina?

The Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski came to Cincinnati in 2001 on the heels of leading the Seattle Seahawks offense to the third spot overall in 1997.  The expectation of a high powered offense followed him and he provided that in 2005 when the Bengals finished 6^th overall.  He did it by keeping the defenses off balance with imaginative play calling and not hesitating throwing the deep ball.  His play calling has now come under fire from those who feel he has become predictable with a game plan that is stale and unimaginative.  Against the Oakland Raiders, it would appear that he supported this theory with a pattern of conservativeness in the second half with a run on first and second down and then throwing a short pass on third down philosophy.  This may be due to the confidence in the defense's ability to stop the opposition on a regular basis over the past several weeks, expecting a 14-7 lead to hold up.  But this game became of tale of two halves with the Bengals dominating the first half and the Raiders dominating the second half.

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Now hang on before you completely beat me to a bloody pulp questioning what kind of moron I am.  I know and understand that it is week 10 of the season with 7 more games to go against some formidable opponents.  Anything can happen, from a sudden rash of injuries to complacency.  But there is aura in the air for us Bengals fans that can be as contagious as the Swine Flu.  My wife, who knows football so well half of the men in her office won't hesitate to talk the game with her, proclaimed that if the Bengals beat the Steelers, "they are going to the Super Bowl!" Yes, that is a direct quote.

Now I don't want to start any unnecessary Super Bowl hype for the Bengals, but having swept the teams considered contenders for the division title, a certain level of expectation may be placed on this accomplishment.  My wife and I both know that there are still seven games yet to be played and anything can happen to include a meltdown that might leave them out of the playoffs.  Given past history of ineptitude, why should anyone even consider the Bengals a contender when they play in the same conference as the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, who are considered the class of the league?  But let's take last season for instance.  Perennial NFL laughing stock Arizona Cardinals, a franchise considered by many the worst in Pro Sports history, not only won their division for the first time since forever, showed that even perennial losers can have a streak of good luck and get to the Super Bowl.  As a team, there may have been areas of concern; they still made the title game and nearly won it.

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When the prime time football schedule was released months ago, it was easy to expect not to see the Bengals a part of it.  With the season they had last year, why should NBC, ESPN and the NFL Network reward a team with only 4 wins  by putting them on the schedule?  Oh, wait; the Browns got 2 games on prime time this year with just 4 wins from last season.  Oh, well.  I wonder if ESPN and the NFL Network wish they could flex their schedule.

This season has been far different from last season.  The Bengals have already won more games this season, which is not yet half over, then they did all of last year.  Plus, those wins put them in the middle of the AFC North Division title race with the defending Super Bowl Chumps, I mean Champs Pittsburgh Steelers.  The majority of those wins have had the kind of ending the networks love; close, hotly contested with a last minute scoring drive to win the game.  This was all unexpected from a team that was unable to score points or keep the opposition from doing so.

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The Bengals had a rough drive to win 4 of the first 5 games this season, each time falling behind the opposition because of an interception being returned for a touchdown or numerous penalties that helped kill a drive or keep the oppositions alive, or see players that are expected to catch the ball suddenly forget how to catch it as it sails through their hands (Coles earlier this season, Coats to the present).  After these problems, the Bengals somehow overcame these mistakes and found a way to win the game.  Each win, not pretty or even remotely perfect, they were wins.

But something happened after the loss to the Texans.  After the self acknowledged letdown, the Bengals found something that had been non-existent since 2005.  They found a defense that was able to create turnovers and an offense that not only took advantage of them, but showed they have that big play ability while driving down field.  The Bengals first offensive play of the game after receiving the opening kickoff went 19 yards and they never let up after that.   Carson Palmer could not miss as he finished 20-24 for 233 yards and 5 touchdowns; Cedric Benson could not be stopped finishing with 189 yards and one touchdown; and the defense making self-proclaimed "I can throw farther than John Elway" Jay Cutler look like he should go back to camp and relearn the position.

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Coming into the game last week against the Houston Texans, the thought of a letdown was at the forefront of my mind because of the grind they had just endured - winning four straight games against some of the top teams in the league.  One aspect of the game is emotion, and the level of emotion the Bengals held during that win streak even left us fans emotionally drained.

The Cardiac Cats nickname seems to be taking hold as some of the media is using it to describe the late game comebacks.  During the loss last week to the Texans as Carson Palmer was in late game attack mode working his magic driving the offense, play-by-play announcer Don Criquie couldn't help himself repeating it on a number of occasions.  But right after Carson tried to force the ball between two defenders only to have it intercepted...the Cardiac Cats nickname may have taken a hit. 

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