Bengals Roundtable: Bye Week Optimism

In light off the Bengals three-game losing streak with the most difficult part of their schedule coming up, we thought it was a good time for a Stripe Hype roundtable asking this:

“How should Bengals fans remain positive in the midst of a three-game losing streak, and what do we have to look forward to going forward?”

Shawn Maher

The bottom line is the Bengals are a young, promising team. This is not the disappointing team of 2010. Both were fresh off division titles, but the 2010 version reeked of desperation. There is no Terrell Owens desperation signing on this team, but rather a young nucleus that features potential and current franchise cornerstones like A.J. Green, Kevin Zeitler, Leon Hall, and Vontaze Burfict. Michael Johnson and Andre Smith have broken out this season and will probably be re-signed by the team.

Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Rookie receiver Mohammed Sanu played like he could be the new Housh against the Steelers, and the explosive Marvin Jones will see extensive time when he returns in two weeks. Any veteran signings have been to hold the place for emerging young players. Terence Newman is an adequate veteran starter, but he is just keeping the seat warm for Dre Kirkpatrick. Nate Clements has his struggles at strong safety, but this season’s draft is rife with potential star safeties.

The defensive line may have lost a great deal of depth but this is the richest draft class for pass rushers in years.Running back need a boost? With two picks in the second round, the Bengals may have a shot at explosive backs Giovanni Bernard or Andre Ellington.

Overall, the ship is not sinking. There are a few holes, but she is a seaworthy vessel and is being primed to rule the seven seas. Or two conferences, as it were. So enjoy watching this team grow into something special. Sure, teams have drastic reversals of fortunes every year, but the franchises who have had the most success of late (Giants, Patriots, Packers) spent a few years growing into what they have become. It may be a team in development, but feel good knowing you were in on the ground floor.

Trevor Long‏

Well, at the beginning of the season, we all thought we had to do better in the first half, we played great in the 2nd half but we were always playing from behind and it was too close for comfort. Now, our problem is the 2nd half, we are playing soft and letting teams rip our hearts out slowly. What is a way to be positive about this? Well, I believe Marvin Lewis has to do way better, and I know he knows that.

Playing two good halves is impossible without good coaching, and we haven’t played well in a full game yet. Gruden has to plan better, Zimmer has to adjust more, and Marvin has to stay cool, calm, and collected in crucial situations, and I believe this can happen. Not to mention the team has numerous bright spots! Along with some glaring weak ones, but bright spots nonetheless! So I think we can hang our hat on the fact that we haven’t executed a full game yet; we have the staff, and the players want to win, it can and I hope will happen.