"Just Win Baby"

The phrase "just win baby" became relevant when former Oakland Raiders Owner AL Davis was still coaching. He knew what mattered in the NFL. For Davis, it didn't matter how his team won, as long as they did. On a day like today, I find myself saying the same thing, but it's directed at a different team. I am saying it to an organization that hasn't won a playoff game in my lifetime. I'm 21-years-old and have yet to see a Cincinnati Bengals playoff victory. 

I've read, watched and listened to hours of analysis this week on what the Bengals should do to win their eighth game in nine outings. I've tweeted my opinion on what the Bengals need to do in today's game to be victorious against the Houston Texans. However, I started thinking about the years of heartbreak that Bengals fans and players have faced over the years. Whether it was Carson Palmer's knee injury versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005, the Rex Ryan led Jets completely outplaying the Bengals in 2009 or last season’s meltdown versus the Texans it seems like the Bengals just can’t get over the hump. 

 The Bengals have been in this position before and they have failed. I know the players don't want that feeling of failure, neither does the media or the fans. Originally, I was going to write about what the Bengals need to do to win this game, but I don't care how they win it. It doesn't matter to me and it shouldn't matter to you.

 People remember Al Davis for irrational personnel decisions when he was an owner, but before that he was one heck of a coach. He had a motto that he asked of his players and that motto is something all Bengal fans, players, coaches and personnel should have on their mind today: “Just win baby.” 

Can Andy Dalton lead the Bengals to a playoff victory?