Are Bengals Fans Really The Worst?
By Emile Pierce
Bengals fans can be fickle. But, can a scientific study rank the passion of Cincinnati faithful?
It’s time to face it. There are times when scientific studies go too far. A recent investigation determined that Cincinnati Bengals fans are among the worst in the league. Looking at the way other fans get hyped for their teams can be sobering. To presume that the Orange and Black sport some of the most pitiful fans in the league is going too far. Bengals fans may be fickle, but they’re far from the worst.
The study in question is determined by several factors. Social media buzz, willingness to spend cash, the team’s influence on the younger demographic and overall support are a few indicators of fan loyalty. The has undergone a few changes that “help streamline” the results. But, how do you determine the struggles of a team’s fanbase?
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When Bengals faithful are used as an example, there has to be an exception for years of tolerance. As a lifelong fan, I speak for many of the diehard believers. The Lost Decade was one of the hardest eras to stomach. Watching a once proud Bengals franchise slowly crumble was excruciating pain. There were days when I wanted to pack it in and give my allegiance to the Dark Side. Yes, I was considering rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After that momentary slip in judgement, I came to my senses. When looking at the parameters for the Fan Equity study, one has to wonder if the scientific route is the way to go. As fans, Bengals faithful are attacked on all fronts. The playoff drought (winning a game) is always tossed up. There’s also the unnecessary abuse of Vontaze Burfict’s character. Andy Dalton is also a convenient source of ridicule. Throw in an emotion-filled Adam Jones and the clock management of Marvin Lewis, and suddenly you have instant exceptions.
It’s true. The Bengals have a merry bunch of characters that would cause many fans to jump ship. Instead, per Sports Illustrated, support for the Dalton-Green regime is having far-reaching results. People are noticing. Maybe the Bengals need to snag a Lombardi. That should get the fan base (bandwagon) to capacity.
Have no fear Bengals fans. Though the study ranked Cincinnati at No. 26, the mighty Steelers landed at No. 18. For a team that draws well on the road and flaunts some of the most obnoxious fans in the league, that’s a slap in the face.
Hypothetical rankings can get fans fired up. But, rooting for a team with emotion and unrestrained passion trumps lab coats and analysis. Bengals fans rock…and always will.