I have been in the military for 19 years and have spent a few football seasons deployed. I thought that readers who are not familiar with the deployed military football fan might enjoy learning about how deployed troops go about rooting for our teams, and the conditions in which we do so. Being deployed during football season creates a very competitive and fun atmosphere for fans. It also provides a way to mark time away from home.

The first step in being a military sports fan is to let your loyalties be known. As true fans in a sea of many others from all areas of the United States you must stake your ground for your team, in my case the Bengals. You will be identified throughout the deployment by that allegiance.  As a deployed Bengal fan I have always brought a small item of "fan gear" that I can hang in my tent or barracks room. Usually i bring an Ochocinco jersey that i can hang up, but am forbidden to wear outside due to uniform regulations.

One thing about being deployed during football season is that you begin to mark time in NFL weeks. Similar to players it is not just a regular week but Steeler week or Raven week. You seek out a few opposing fans, if they are not already in your face, for some friendly smack talking. This banter back and forth is fun and it creates a competitive atmosphere for the week, but more importantly it takes your mind off work and thoughts of your family at home.

Now it is game time! Football games are normally televised in a "morale tent". Three TVs tuned to the three different games that the Armed Forces Network is able to pipe in. Fans stream in around 2330 hours (11:30 pm) looking for a coveted seat on a dusty old couch or chair for a midnight kickoff. Those showing late are regulated to the floor or find a perch along the wall. As you come in you grab a cold bottle of water out of one of the many refrigerators, replacing it with one of the non-refrigerated variety so your mates don't have to drink warm water. Normally there is a microwave to pop a little popcorn sent from home. If you are lucky there will be a popcorn machine spewing out movie quality kernels.

The games kickoff and the room is buzzing. For those with teams that don't command a national network audience one must rely on in-game updates and the ticker at screens bottom for updates. This does not deter anyone from watching the games afforded us. Watching football is our minds' break from everything outside that door, even if for just a few hours. As the hardcore fans continue to cheer, the occupants of the sofas, chairs and floors turn from interested fans to slumbering troops grabbing a few winks before returning to work. An occasional arousal for cheers from a big play, fumble, or interception soon gives way to more slumber.  

As the season plays out many fans come to the realization that this is not the year for their team. Before you know it the playoffs arrive; if you are lucky enough to still have your team playing you become even more fanatical. The playoffs progress and eventually everyone gathers for the Super Bowl. The audience consists of a base sanctioned party of fans and bandwagoners who had recently come out to cheer. Funnily enough, everyone watches the game wondering what the commercials are like for those watching in the states as military audiences are not privy to them on AFN. The season sadly ends, a milestone marker for an individuals' time spent deployed. 

The tally in deployed time: 150 days of time spent cheering our teams. One day a week that offered a small distraction from the tiresome rigors of a long deployment. A part of America's sports landscape that is taken with us to all corners of the world and set up in morale tents.  As members of the military part of our identity is that of our hometowns and our teams. What often makes us unique is that piece of home we pack up in our hearts and wear on our sleeves or simply hang in our small personal living quarters. Hopefully during this year's Super Bowl everyone took a little time to remember those men and woman serving and who look forward to being back home, with you, cheering for our team together. 

Regardless of the outcome of Saturday's game it is time to take a step back and applaud our team. We must pause to cheer the effort. The perseverance in the face of injury and the resilience in the face of tragedy. Loyalty and allegiance to a team is not something you just decide to take up one day, it is part of your make up. Your DNA has strands of black and orange, given to you upon your conception into a family of Bengal fans. This team is ours and next fall we will all align once again to start yet again.

Our team and its fans have much to be proud of. The turnaround from a year ago was profound. A team that was given no hope of success from day one came out and took control. In arguably the most physical division in football this team held their own and ran the table. They stared down injury and setbacks, responding with gritty hard-nosed play. They were not pretty wins, but wins that gave Bengal fans a view of smash-mouth football, something we had rarely seen.

This year our team suffered through unparalleled tragedy. They rallied around a coach and a family. They gave us inspiration with their compassion in times when it is often difficult to find. Later they wore their hearts on their sleeves as one of their own was lost. This year there was a human element to the Bengals. An element that was not identified in X's and O's but in tearful faces of grief stricken men.

There is a far reaching perspective to be gained in the 2009 Bengal team. One that speaks volumes for our team and the community it represents. So lets take a second and applaud our team and their effort. Carson, Chad, Cedric, Rey, Keith, Domata, Leon, Daniel, Laveranues, Anthony, Kyle, Quan, Tank, Dhani, Johnathan, J.P., Andrew, and the rest of the team, thank you for a great season. Remember you wear the colors we bleed and we look forward to next year!

This season has been an emotional rollercoaster of apparently unending drama.  Even before the season officially started the Bengals were under the microscope of the "Hard Knocks" program. Picked to finish 3rd in their division, at best. Hearing that they were simply a cast of misfits and wanabees from teams that could contend. The season started with what many equate to "a swift kick in the priviates" on the tipped pass touchdown. Then the misfits caught fire and caught the eye of the fans, soon they were rolling. Shortly followed by the well known tragadies of the season. Tradgedies that cranked the emotional pressure cooker to broil. 

So how can this pressure be alleviated? The answer to this question is not on the field but in the stands this week. It is time for the fans to rise to the occasion and rally this team to victory. Fill the stands with equal parts crazy and love. The city should be ringing with the sounds of "Who Dey". The fans have the power to fill the hearts of players with pride and enthusiasm this Christmas weekend. The fans can give a team mired in pain and anguish a much needed injection of adrenaline and help set the Bengals course for the playoffs.

Games are always ultimately won on the field. But the fires of victory are stoked by the emotion of the fans. If you live in Cincinnati and follow high school football you know what I am talking about. Bengal fans needs to bring the emotion to the stadium this week above any other this season. Embrace the team with the warmth of a caring community then slap them on the ass and tell them to "kick some butt." This weeks game should not be just about the team but about the town, it should be a 65,000 person group effort! This week will be the beginning of a run through the playoffs.  Can I get a "WHO DEY"!

The Bengals have long been the victims of some mid-season beat downs at the hands of divisional foes. Wounds that had salt poured into them Sunday after Sunday in the past. Embarrassments that have left fans scurrying for the exits before their pregame tailgating induced buzz had worn off. Lopsided losses that often freed couch potatoes to hit some of the those dreaded items on a normally long "honey do list".

Now, finally the Bengals have the opportunity to exact some revenge on a three legged dawg limping into town. There must be a relentless assault on a down and out team in the hopes of turning every TV set screen in the northeast corner of Ohio black by half-time.The formula seems simple, don't let up!  If anyone has any empathy this week they need to chuck it out the window.

If for some reason you have a soft spot for the Browns, then the Bengals can do Cleveland fans a favor. They can create a situation where the only perceivable option for their ownership is to fire the loud mouthed crybaby Eric Mangini. He is desperate to find anything to hang his hat on, and I for one would love to see him eat it. Bengals have been mercilessly throttled by division foes in the past and they need to pay it back in full. 

So with last weeks debacle behind them. It's time for the Bengals to come out and polish off the divisional schedule with a resounding win. It's time to bring the fans back to a sold-out Paul Brown Stadium for a long afternoon of cheering. It's time to keep those football loving fans on the couch where they belong. Get them out of holding purses or sitting on benches at the mall on this Thanksgiving weekend. The best bargain on any Bengal fan's list this weekend should be a Bengals win at the Browns expense.

The Bengals are now entering a period in their schedule that will provide the greatest mental test of the year. They are about to embark on three weeks of games that they should win.  The Raiders, Browns, & Lions are a combined 4-23 fighting for the first pick in next years draft. A position most Bengal players should remember from last year's debacle. Hopefully they will draw on that experience to keep them from falling into an over confident trap.

The other side of this coin is that these three teams will see what a difference a year can make. Watching players, that in their own recollection, are the misfit players of the NFL. The players that have been given a chance to prove themselves. Playing together, "One Team One Fight ", for what many have consider to be, a second rate NFL franchise. The difference maker now will be how well the Bengals dispatch the teams that they should beat in the next three weeks.

The first nine weeks of the season has been full of nail biting must win games and the Bengals have shown up in spades. The downside of these battles is that the Bengals are now a little beat up physically and perhaps ripe for an upset. The challenge ahead is to keep the focus, come out and soundly beat lesser opponents. Create opportunities to rest players they will need for two difficult road games against the Vikings and the Chargers back to back.

When a team is losing the coach is often to blame. When a team is playing well the credit usually goes to the players. Congratulations goes to Marvin Lewis and his staff. The team is playing inspired football, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Watching the Bengals play the last two weeks makes it evident that this is the most motivated team in recent franchise history. This team must only stay the course, a course that is heading toward a division crown.

It's time to take a look at Carson Palmer through the first 6 weeks of the season and talk about one of the most frustrating aspects of this season. Palmer has 1375 yards (229 yards per game). Of those yards 816 are first half yards (136 yard avg) and 496 second half yards (48. 6 yard avg). An eye popping 267 of the second half yards are in the last 2 minutes. Palmer also only has 40 total yards passing when the Bengals are leading. What's the frustration? It is the play calling!

Cedric Benson gets his props, he is having a great year but right now the Bengals need to throw more. At halftime I look at Palmers numbers and think; "great Carson is going to have 300+ yards and the Bengals are going to roll this team". Then the second half starts and the passing game goes dormant until the last two minutes of the game. The running game cannot shoulder the load for 60 minutes. The Bengals are wasting the weapons that could blow the doors off some of these close games.

What needs to be done? The Bengals need a fresh mind running the offense. Bratkowski is stifling this team with conservative and often predictable play calling. How about a first down play action fake? How about using the threat of Benson for a few big yard plays to Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco down the field. Maybe some screens to slow down the pass rush and give Palmer a little more time in the pocket? Palmer only has 20 completions over 20 yards this season, Benson could run for 1800 yards this season if Palmer could double that output.

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For this week lets put the Bengal offense on the back burner and bring the defense forward. The Bengals must make a statement this week with their defense. The defense is now sitting at a respectable 11th in the league and is the highest ranked defense in the division base on points allowed per game. So what are the keys to victory for the defense?

The first key is containing the Ravens run attack. The Ravens have been able to field a pretty balanced attack. The Bengals must shut down Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. The Ravens have almost 500 total yards rushing with 6 TDs in 4 games, McGahee is averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga must neutralize the speed game of the Ravens run attack with some sideline to sideline speed. But it will take penetration by the defensive line to stop Rice and McGahee in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage.

If the Bengals can force the Ravens into more passing situations you have to like their chances. Joe Flacco has 3 pics, 1 fumble, and 5 sacks. Putting pressure on Flacco and shutting down Derrick Mason could lead to a big afternoon for Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers. If Carson Palmer and the receiving crew can get points on the board and force the Ravens to play from behind fans might see a few more turnovers going the Bengals way.

Finally turnovers, any comparisons between this years Bengals team and the team from 2005 should have an asterisk. The Bengals in 2005 were +24 with 44 takeaways to 20 giveaways. In the first 4 games of this year the Bengals only have 2 interceptions & 2 fumble recoveries. The Bengals are -2 in the takeaway/giveaway department so far this year. The bottom line is the Bengal defense needs to create and produce more turnovers. Turnovers rattle young quarterbacks, create scoring opportunities, and demoralize opponents, all of which the Bengals will need this Sunday.

It was a good Bengals win last week, but now it's time to get ready for a trip to the Dog Pound in Cleveland. While it is evident there is not much bark or bite in the pound this year a few items should not be overlooked. The Bengals must put their foot on the neck of the Browns from the opening kickoff and leave it there the whole game. A talented kick & punt return man, a hungry QB with something to prove, and a desperate coach can always be dangerous.

The first order Sunday should be keeping Joshua Cribbs in check. The Bengals special teams can reduce the Browns scoring threat by 25-50% by not kicking or punting the ball to him. Fans have seen the Bengals get burned on special teams in the past and we don't want that achilles heal to return. Cribbs had a 67 yard punt return for a TD in the season opener against the Vikings but has been quiet the last few games. The Bengals will need to keep him silent this week as well. The Bengals rookie punter Kevin Huber will be tested this week with his ability to use his foot to neutralize Cribbs on punt returns.

The second potential threat for the Bengals is Derek Anderson at QB. If Eric Mangini names Anderson the starter for this week's game the Bengals defense could get an unexpected test. A week of getting 1st string reps coupled with having something to prove. What better motivation than to show the world, especially Browns fans, why he should be the starter in Cleveland. With Jamal Lewis coming back from an injury that kept him out last week the only hope the Browns have hinges on what they can do in the air. If Mangini is looking for a spark this week, it is evident that Anderson is his best hope at providing one. Quinn will only benefit by being benched and the Browns don't have anything to lose.

The Browns have their finger on the panic button already. Mangini's term in Cleveland could prove to be the shortest in Browns history if he can't get a grip on this team. Poor performances, embarrassing defeats, and an unruly locker room could leave Mangini begging Bill Belichick for a job by Christmas. After a big victory last week Bengal fans will get the opportunity to see if this team can stay focused. My bets are on Marvin Lewis finding a way to keep this team motivated en-route to a convincing victory on Sunday.

The next three weeks will be the telltale time for the Bengals. "Gut check time" is often overused but somewhat fitting. The first chapter in this three part saga is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overcoming the Steelers is not just a physical battle but a mental battle. I am not sure that the Bengal players believe they can win the big game. The talk of Ward hitting Rivers is ridiculous, if we have a linebacker who is afraid of a wide receiver then the Steelers are already cooking in the Bengals kitchen, even before the first snap. Where are the Ochocinco guarantees for victory? Where is the smack talking?

The Bengals need to develop a little swagger. The outcome of the Steelers game will carry over into the Browns game. Taking a big divisional victory on the road will undoubtedly spur the confidence to handle a weak Brownie team on their home turf. Quinn & company could easily be getting a knockout blow after licking their wounds from a Baltimore Ravens butt whooping this weekend. A loss this weekend by the Bengals could be that flicker of light that motivates the Brownies & plummet the Bengals into yet another year of  despair.

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The new season is here and the fun is about to begin. It's Twitter time! Being a traditionalist in terms of how football is played, I am curious to see the impact of Twitter. What happens when injury updates are posted within minutes of a player reaching the sideline? What impact would a disgruntled receiver's comments have on a quarterback if messages are posted and read throughout the game? Could a game plan be tipped via the internet as the game plays out? Finally should the Bengals employ a "Twitter coach" in the coaches booth to monitor Twitter for possible advantages as they are reported and posted in real time Twits?

We have seen technology creep into the NFL. We have witnessed the development of instant replay with some positive outcomes. Play calling through the use of helmet radios that have greatly reduced the impact of home crowds and the noise created by rabid fans. Improved sideline and booth communication with radios, phones, and sideline faxes. Teams must be technologically savvy in todays NFL. 

Perhaps I am giving technology to much credit in today's NFL. I can't help but feel that we are going to see yet another chapter written with the increasingly popular instant messaging. Good or bad it is here and believe it or not it will impact the game on levels we do not expect. Networks bring the game into your living room via television and webcast. Twitter is going to take people to the game. A fans thirst for instant instant team information will drive this new revolution to a fever pitch of popularity and change the game. 

What is the true value of preseason games to established players? There is much discussion on whether or not Carson Palmer will play against Indianapolis in the final preseason game. Does he need the playing time against a third string defense? The only people on the field at this juncture that really care to be there are the players that need one last big play to show their worth. The last ditch efforts of a defensive player for the Colts sitting on the bubble could be a hit on Carson Palmer that endangers the Bengals season.

It is my opinion to leave Carson on the bench. He has worked with his receivers in practice and knows the speed of the game. The timing between him and Ochocinco, Henry, & Coles will be there. If anyone needs any more arguments against key starters playing in preseason I suggest looking around the league. Matt Cassel is the arm that the Kansas City Chiefs are banking on but his knee is going to keep him sidelined. Brett Farve and his rumored crack rib, not to mention the stupidity of him throwing blocks in preseason.

Preseason games are the time and place for young rookies, old has beens, and undrafted longshots to make their attempts to make a roster and show their worth. The Carson Palmers of the league do need the practice and conditioning that comes in preseason camps, but do they need the preseason game time? I argue no, but lets put it to the poll test.

As an daily watcher of Sport Center and Headline Sports I have tired of what has become of sports coverage. A fan can tune in ten minutes late every telecast because that is when the real sports coverage starts. The first ten minutes is what could be call the "Tabloid Sports Segment". The most common headlines these days have very little to do with sports. There is to much emphasis being cast on the off field, off court, off course behavior of athletes.

Who really cares that Michael Vick is free to attempt a comeback. Is it really news worthy to spend ten minutes of an hour show discussing where and what system this social misfit will best fit in. How many DUI arrests and convictions have there been in the last year involving professional athletes. What about the sexual assaults and alleged rapes? There is a  marijuana and steroid use headline almost daily. Why is Manny Ramirez more highlighted that Albert Pujols? And now we will undoubtedly see more Ben Roethlisberger's headlines than we could ever imagine.

In a society that almost thrives on following professional athlete's personal strife, one must wonder if negative publicity somehow enhances the marketability of the athletes.  Michael Phelps is the only athlete I have seen in recent years lose an endorsement publicly. We see antics of athletes fueling a bad boy persona that makes the average American salivate for more. Where are the stories and headlines about what is good in sports? Who will restore our faith in the real stories of professional sports happening on the field, on the court, and on the course?

With the passing of Walter Cronkite "the most trusted man in America", I offer the question; who is the most trust man or woman in sports?" Who is the premier sports journalist in America today?  Are there even any left? 

In watching the Bengal's season of Hard Knocks on HBO I will be curious to see how our beloved cast of characters act in front of the rolling cameras. What version of reality will we see? Will it be a season of "Jackass"? a season of "Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? Or a season of "Survivor"? What might we see that none of us thought we would ever witness in regards to the Bengals. Are there benefits to filming our team through training camp? Which of these three comparisons do you think will emerge?

"Jackass"? This comparison has played out in the last few years. Childish antics, illegal activities, and needless pain have been the playbill for the productions we have become accustoming to seeing. This is the comparison everyone outside of Cincinnati most likely envisions seeing. Will this be a Bengals season where the team is left on the floor clutching their genitalia in pain why the world sits back laughing? Or will the team stand strong?

"Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? The Bengal version this preseason might very well be "Marv & Mike Plus Eighty". The reality being that this relationship ends in a divorce as well. Putting a family in front of cameras has turned disastrous for many reality families. Putting a team together in front of a camera that lacks a true identity could prove the same. Here's hoping those crazy kids can make it and the marriage lasts.

Might we see "Survivor"? Send a bunch of athletes to Georgetown Kentucky with only football gear and just maybe something magical will happen. perhaps the team will form tight alliances and forge relationships in order to find the elusive Vince Lombardi Idol? Bengal's Hard Knocks will either show that there are players willing to lead or a group of malcontents who will push this team farther into despair for their own personal game. Whoever could I be talking about, Twitter me after the final show has aired if you are still unsure.

Whatever reality is revealed on HBO we can only hope it matches a reality we all long for. If this shows only purpose is to expand the fan base and to sellout Paul Brown Stadium then we as Bengal fans have been sold-out. Here's hoping that the players themselves use this as an opportunity to not only showcase their athletic skills, but prove that they are indeed leaders. To exhibit team pride, fight for something greater than themselves, and to pull this franchise back to respectability. The term "school of hard knocks" is a term used in reference to overcoming adversity and pain to become something great. Here's hoping our Bengal players aren't playing hookie this year.

So are we loving Ocho or hating Ocho now? I see two motives for him showing up to practice. The first is to stir the media to seek him out for more headlines. His ego is fed by microphones stuffed in his face. The second is that of his omission of sand bagging last year. Admitting what we all suspected has hurt his stock.He is eager to regain his lost reputation. Either way or the combination of both, this is going to prove benificial to the Bengals.

Chad's motives are always suspect. Very seldom does it appear that he has any concern for the team or it's overall success. But taking advantage of Chad at this low point in his individual character to further the team is the ultimate in manipulation reversal for Bengal ownership. Chad has to perform...He has no choice! A lackluster year this year would mean financial disaster for any future contract negotiations. The Bengal strategy of not giving in has appeared to taken a toll on Chad and his marketability. Unfortunate that a once promising career path had to take this bumpy road.

Chad is no longer a part of the Bengals long range goals. He will serve his usefulness this year and maybe next in giving younger talent time to develop. He is on the cusp of being a "has-been". His actions appear to be showing football fans that he might be realizing this fact for himself. His future now rides on the arm of Carson Palmer and the team success of the Bengals. He must be less of an individual to prove his worth, what irony is that!

Showing up to practice and saying what you think people want to hear only rings hollow in my ears. So you burned Leon Hall in practice, so what! You decided to get yourself in better shape this year, good on you for doing what you are suppose to do to play in the NFL. The only advantage I see to this is that Chad is in need of a character overhaul and the only place to do this is on the field,in big games, when it counts. As a fan I do hope Chad puts it all together this year. Then maybe the Bengals will get some decent talent in trade while winning.

Chad everyone in Cincinnati once loved you. The wedge that is there now between you and the fans has been driven in place by you. The benefit to the team this year might be your own selfish need to perform to get paid down the road and as a fan I can except that. Why? Because for us fans it is still about the team and winning! 

It was very reassuring watching the Bengals draft according to needs rather than wants. By no means is this ship water tight, but some holes have been filled. So with the raw talent available how will it be developed? There is a good ratio of young talent and veteran experience to provide quality leadership and mentorship to this squad. While there are still questions surrounding the offensive line my guarded optimism has given me enough hope to make a few predictions.

On offense Coles and Ocho Cinco will be the go-to guys with Henry re-emerging as the deep threat. If he can keep his mind on track Henry could have a career season. Simpson will begin to show his real potential as the Bengals prepare for Ocho Cinco's departure. Tight end corps should be more productive this year with more catches and the development of Chase Coffman. Of course this will all hinge on the elbow of Carson Palmer and less predictable play calling. The backfield of Benson and company will have to produce 1500 yards to provide the balance to reduce the stress on a less experienced offensive line in pass protection. This will make Palmer's play action fakes more effective and we will see a few more deep ball receptions.

The offensive line is the only glaring question mark. Who will anchor the offensive line? The value of holding on to Levi Jones is not necessarily the production as much as providing unity and leadership. With all the questions surrounding the O-line the key to initial success will be in having someone to teach blocking techniques in the trenches. Jones could also be the guy who unites the line in executing schemes and reducing confusion. The biggest fear for this year will be the lack of experience and a line that has not gelled. If the Bengal's line can pull together and mature as a cohesive unit they will mask and overcome some of the pitfalls of inexperience. Having all offensive weapons healthy will allow the line to produce enough to win.

Bengal fans should be very optimistic about the defense this year. They could very easily be the "Rodney Dangerfield" of the AFC North that finally gets a little respect. The speed of the younger athletes mixed with the power of the veterans will be an intense combination that will be fun to watch. The Bengals have their best defensive coordinator since Dick Lebeau in Mike Zimmer. This was a coach and unit that were the only bright spot last season. The draft and addition of free agent acquisition Tank Johnson will reap rewards.

The pessimist and naysayers out there will undoubtedly ring in. Being a Bengals fan for so long I can only manage cautious optimism as a defense for so many past disappointments. But I am optimistic! If the Bengals stay health and drama free then they can make a run this year. The biggest question is no longer; "do we have the talent?", but "what can we do with the talent we have?" Marvin Lewis has to be excited about all the potential and chomping at the bit to get started. When the Ravens and Steelers look in their rearview mirror this fall they need to read the bottom where it reads "things may be closer than they appear". That would be the Bengals coming up fast. 

John Madden's retirement ends one of the most enjoyable eras in football broadcasting.  The telestrator was never abused so well than by big John. So who is now going to be the leading candidate to fill his shoes? Who is going to be the NFL's leading color commentator? Will it be our own Chris Collinsworth?  This is a debate I present to all bloggers. If you all feel so inclined to weigh in on who has taken Keith Jackson's spot atop the NCAA, feel free to weigh in as well.

Who are my picks? In the NFL I really like listening to Troy Aikman and his old buddy Daryl "Moose" Johnson. Some of the sideline reporting could go away. Just update us on injuries and game related information. All the human interest stuff can wait for halftime. I don't see anyone on the college level beating out Kurk Herbstreet or the NCAA ESPN Game Day cast.

This is an APB (All Points Bulletin) for an ambassador to Bengal fans! Why must Bengal fans look elsewhere when looking for role models amongst ownership and team leaders? Dan Rooney's recent appointment as ambassador of Ireland is not just a reflection on himself but the character of the Steeler organization. So who is the ambassador to the fans of the Cincinnati Bengals? 

Is it Mike Brown? I would say very resoundingly, NO! While we have seen some positive off-season free agent movements I am only convinced that he is trying to apply window dressing to a penthouse suite overlooking the Rumpke dump. Switching TJ Houshmandzadeh for Laveranues Coles was not a crowd pleaser in this fan's eyes. Placating fans and giving everyone false hope goes a long way in helping ticket sales. If he wants to help fans deal with his band-aid personnel tactics, start putting motrine dispensers under the stadium seats. This would offer a respite from the reoccurring headaches of mismanagement.

How about Marvin Lewis? A few years ago I would have said yes. Today the answer is also no. Marv might be using this season to audition for a job somewhere else. Team failure and he will undoubtedly find himself on the defensive coordinator circuit again. If the Bengals do not do well this year he will be the first scapegoat to go. His inability to rally the team through turmoil, and off-field distraction has been well documented. He has a hard enough time keeping peace within the team, how could we expect him to keep it with the fans?

That leaves the hopes of a good ambassador with the team players themselves. Recorded phone calls seem a bit of a stretch, but that would appear to be all Bengal fans have. Understandably Carson Palmer cannot call everyone personally to pedal support, but it's the thought that counts. Just like any case of goodwill in professional sports it only last as long as the team does well.  So Carson's new appointment as ambassador to Bengal fans will rest of the strength of his arm and the durability of his elbow. Let's hope it is a long and memorable tenure.

I understand that the Bengals are active in the community and know they understand their social responsibility to the community off the field.  This is about what fans demand from this team on the field, and giving all fans something to rally around. It is hard to mask disappointment year in and year out. Watching as player faces change and no real identity emerges. The ambassador we seek is a leader who will bring greatness to this team and the organization in terms of victories, and maybe even someday, a Super Bowl victory.

Let us all take a light hearted break from all the free agency moves for some fun discussion on penalties. I think it is safe to say that we all have some heartburn with a variety of rules and the penalties levied.  I for one would like to see some minor changes.  Here are a few of my least favorite called penalties in no particular order.

The penalty for offensive holding is the first penalty that is to severe.  Ten yards for the most called penalty many times is a drive momentum breaker.  Face it, the offensive lineman often has little hope of stopping the pass rush of the faster defensive lineman around the league.  It is time to make this a five yard penalty and give the offensive lineman a break, or make defensive lineman wear ankle weights.

Illegial blocks in the back on punts and kickoff returns have become tiresome.  There is no NFL game played that does not have this pesky call made at least once.  Don't get me wrong, the obvious and play altering calls must be made. However many times we have seen, what appears to be a petty call made far away from the point of attack.  A penalty that brings back a great return. Kickoff and punt returns are aguable the most exciting plays of a game.

Celebration calls, not to be confussed with taunting, is my final penalty beef.  The NFL is losing part of it's personality with these calls.  I am not talking about spiking in another players face, I am talking about the "Icky Schuffles", "Fun Bunches", "Dirty Birds", "Mile High salutes", "Lambeau Leeps", even Ocho Cinco giving first aid to dying footballs.  As silly and juvenile as they are they bring some excitement to the fans and makes the game a little more fun to watch. Do away with the celebration rules but keep the taunting rule.

This is just the begining of what I hope is a fun lighthearted dialogue amongst all bloggers.  I know all of you out there have a rule change you would like to see or some penalty yards reduced.  Take a break from the free agency and draft talk and let the flags fly.

It is really hard to gauge how the Bengals should draft until free agency runs it course. Free agency is more than a team taking an offensive course to team needs, it is also a defense against rival team moves.  What will be the answer by NFC East teams to Washington's recent moves? Or AFC East teams to recent New York Jet activity? What are teams to do?

One of the keys to free agency is not always about what your own team needs but what other teams, namely division rivals, stand to lose.  Case in point is the Baltimore Raven defense and the free agents that they must sign to remain dominant.  If Ray Lewis doesn't come back and with Bart Scott gone what will the complexion of that defense be and how will the Bengals be able to attack it? What potential weakness is being further exposed by Bengal free agency loses? 

New England traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel, aside from clearing salary cap room what are they looking to accomplish long term? Perhaps they see something in the draft that is more appealing in the second round that will ensure yet another winning season. As opposed to holding onto an over priced backup quarterback and an aging linebacker.  The use of free agency and the draft is a more complicated chess match than anyone gives it credit for being.

This piece has more questions than answers, but like most fans I confess my confusion trying to watch and keep up with free agency. So is it best for a team like the Bengals to wait and see what other teams do? Or jump in the fray and make the the bold moves? In the case of TJ Houshmandzadeh I think we all would have liked to see the Bengals jump in.

If the Bengals are choosing a path that makes strong use of the draft, then I hope they choose wisely, because free agency moves are slipping away.  Some teams do not have the luxury of signing high priced talent to "save" a team now for instant results.  We have watched the Steelers rebuild through the draft year after year, thus throwing more light on the proof of our inept Bengal ownership. So with Easter coming what basket should the Bengals throw their eggs in? Draft or Free Agency?

What does the "Wonderlic Test" really mean when accessing NFL talent at the combine? There has been much debate on player results and impacts on teams, most notable Vince Young. Does a players IQ translate to results on the field? If you look at results and averages the offensive linemen are the smartest guys on the field according to Paul Zimmerman's "The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football" scores for each position. A person can draw many conclusions. Here are the average scores by position:

Offensive tackle-26 Center-25 Quarterback-24 Guard-23 Tight End- 22 Safety-19 Linebacker-19 Cornerback-18 Wide Receiver-17 Fullback-17 Halfback-16

I encourage everyone to go take the "Wonderlic Test", the internet is filled with practice test. Take the test and see how you stack up. In the meantime I want to address the creation of an IQ test for owners. Particularly our own Bengals owner Mike Brown. If players are subjected to basic IQ tests it seems only right that an IQ test be give to the owners as well. So here is a start to what I like to call the; "Whatiflic Test":

1. When a player goes on TV or radio to complain about their contract what response is best?
a. Give player what they want
b. Trade player immediately
c. Listen to demands
d. Fine player for detrimental team behavior

2. When negotiating a contract with a potential player what two items below should possibly keep the team from signing said individual?
a. Active in college community
b. Solid college numbers at position
c. Member of sorority all-drinking team
d. Felony conviction

3. Which draft scenario listed here benefits both the owner and the team: 1) Seven mid-range talented players and negotiate contracts averaging $2.5M. 2) Draft two top-range players with average contracts of $5M and five late mid-range draft picks with $1M average contract?
a. 1
b. 2
c. Undecided

4. When a player comes to the sideline and begins to argue with the coaching staff, this is a sign of what? (Choose all that apply).
a. The coach has lost his hold on team discipline
b. The player puts his personal value & stats ahead of the team
c. The player cares & is arguing to get the ball to the "open guy" rather than himself
d. Arguing on the sideline is critical to team improvement & is acceptable behavior

5. If the team as an organization has struggled for many years what changes below would be applicable to team improvement?
a. Rely on team coaching a college all-star game & attending the NFL yearly college combine to access talent
b. Hire a general manager with solid NFL experience
c. Add more college scouts to better access draft talent
d. Develop a winning mentality that will inspire fans

Creating this test opens the door to other possible IQ test in the future; like the "Holdoutlic Test" , the "Franchisetaglic Test", and, of course a personal favorite, the "Pissedofffanlic Test". Bloggers please add more potential questions and test your ability to test the Bengals ownership.    

The Bengal offense floundered last season with the absences of their on field leader Carson Palmer. When the need for leadership fell back to the coaching staff, the staff failed. An offensive coordinator in Bratkowski, once busted for DUI, is no doubt a poor role model with suspect character to all Bengal players off the field. He appeared equally inept in a position to get results from players on the field. Watching games last season left this fan wondering if anyone on offense ever took control or even talked to each other. Watching games and envisioning the play calls in the huddle going something like "OK everyone go out and get open". The missing ingredient this past year was leadership and soon after the pride left and discipline quickly dissolved.

In defense of the Bengal defense there was an infusion of leadership this year with the addition of Mike Zimmer. Watching the defense keep the Bengals in games that past teams would have let slip away. Making stops for the team only to see the offense turn and fail. Suffering through key injuries and having other players step up was a tribute to the leadership of this coordinator. The defense is on the rise and will continue to improve under coach Zimmer.

Gandhi said "We must become the change we want to see." Coach Lewis must become the leader the team needs, becoming more disciplined himself to inspire players to follow suit and demanding it from his coaches as well as players. Fans want to see improvement so leaders must emerge from all ranks of the Bengals, even if coaching changes must be made, Hue Jackson (hint,hint).

In the beginning of his tenor with the Bengals Marvin Lewis seemed to be the right fit. Then the optimistic feeling and fan confidence began to fade. Coach Lewis should only be given one more year to right the course of this team. Winning is more than talent, it is an attitude built on leadership enforcing standards and discipline. The question for debate now is;" has coach Lewis lost his ability to lead and inspire his players to win?"

Let me start by thanking Josh for this opportunity.  I am a life long Bengals fan who rides the roller coaster of excitement and disappointment with everyone else.  I live in a predominent American community here in Germany but often feel alienated by my allegence to our team.  It is difficult to find another true Bengals fan in Europe.  I grew up in Cincy and even remember the thrill of being in the crowd for an AFC Championship game, so I always envision our teams return to glory.  

I like to think I might bring a perspective that is not influenced by local talk shows and popular opinion.  My sources are mostly from on-line media sources and the on-line Cincinnati newspaper pages and articles on this site.  But rest assured, even from 4500 miles away I harbor the same distain for the Steelers, Ravens and Browns that all of you hold and am counting the days to next season with the hopes of revenge as well as redemption.