Their Time Will Come

          The Cincinnati Bengals came into the 2011 season with very low expectations. Their franchise quarterback retired and they went in to opening weekend starting three rookies at key positions on offense. The expectations began to change as the young and competitive Bengals started the season 6-2, which included a five game winning streak. Since their hot start, the Bengals have lost four of five and are on the outside looking in when it comes to a playoff berth. Their latest loss came at home to the Houston Texans. The Texans were starting their third string quarterback T.J. Yates, who led them downfield for the go ahead score with two seconds remaining in the game. The Bengals had the lead the whole game up until that point. Since the heartbreaking loss all I am hearing from fans in the area is that it is “the same old Bengals” or that “Marvin needs to go.”

          Well, I think that Bengal fans need to calm down and realize that the Bengals probably aren’t a playoff team. That may be hard to grasp considering their hot start, but it’s the truth. In fact, this team still has a decent shot to make the playoffs if they win their final three games, which is very possible. What if they don’t win out and they do not make the postseason for the third time since 1990? Are Bengals fans going to say the same lines I mentioned above? If so, I have two questions for them: How? And why? How is this 2011 team like all of the others? When have the Bengals had two rookies bust on the scene and show that they are budding NFL superstars? Why does Marvin need to go? Wasn’t this team supposed to go winless? Rick Reilly predicted that the Bengals would go 0-16. Now, Bengal fans want to moan and grown when the Bengals fall to 7-6? I was disappointed after the loss and I will never accept losing, but I am not going to let it spoil this season. I am not going to say Marvin needs to go or that these Bengals are just like the Bengal teams of past years. I am going to have perspective. Why? Because these young Cats can play. A.J. Green is already one of the best wide receivers in the game and he is just a rookie. Andy Dalton has been compared to Tom Brady this season. The potential for this team is sky high, but they just need time to grow and address a few weak spots.

          The Bengals are probably going to finish 8-8 or 9-7 this season. Any fan that wants to complain should ask an Indianapolis fan how they feel about their season. There is no way that I am going to complain about what the Bengals have done this year. This team feels like it is close to breaking out and that break out could be in the next three games to lead to a playoff run or it could be next season. Either way, relax Bengals fans and be patient because a winning team is forming in Cincinnati.

Andy Dalton (left) and A.J. Green (right) are young players who have
 the talent to lead this team to great things for years to come.
(Photo Courtesy of Cincinnati.com)