After an uninspiring first week of free agency, there is an overwhelming need for the Bengals to make a move in the right direction. Fans and players have waited patiently for this organization to turn the corner. Unfortunately, this offseason is leaving everyone with more questions than answers.
For the last few years, the Cincinnati Bengals have been known for loyalty as being one of their greatest qualities. It has been the one thing Mike Brown could hang his hat on, above all else. Marvin Lewis is a prime example of this and has been for fourteen years. There are players like Adam Jones, who for better or worse have also been shown this loyalty, but how about the ones who have returned that loyalty, on and off the field?
How about guys like A.J. Green and Andy Dalton? What about Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins? They’re talented athletes who have invested themselves into this organization. These players could have gone anywhere after their first contract and played for anyone. These guys could possibly have a ring on their finger by now. However, they decided to take a chance in the Queen City and build something they believed would be special.
Then there is Dre Kirkpatrick who just re-signed because he wants to “build his legacy” with this franchise. Now, I realize they are being paid handsomely to be here, however they would be making big money no matter where they played. They made the choice to be loyal to the Stripes. They decided they wanted to try to win a title for this franchise and city.
More from Bengals News
- 6 Bengals whose stock significantly rose in preseason game vs Cardinals
- 7 winners and 7 losers from Bengals preseason opener vs. Cardinals
- Jackson Carman winning LG job isn’t a given after Bengals preseason opener
- Denzel Ward wants to flex on Bengals WRs in 2022
- Scouting the enemy: Bengals preseason opener chat with Raising Zona
What made this especially hard for everyone was watching legendary Bengals tackle, Andrew Whitworth, walk out the door. I can admit that I have never run a professional football team but it is hard to understand why #77 could not finish his career as a Bengal. It seems that I’m not the only one as this, among other moves, have been questioned by fans and players alike.
Where Is This Going?
Speaking of the fans, has there ever been a more loyal fan base? Through thick and thin the passion has never stopped. We have bought tickets, jersey’s and enough bumper stickers to cover a thousand cars entirely. Not to mention, the fans who were following the team back when the uniforms looked like the Browns’–and that goes back a while. Don’t we deserve some loyalty too?
Fans have poured their heart and soul into the Bengals organization. We’ve lost sleep, called in sick, and spent every extra dollar we have for this team. We give all we can for this team, all we ask is for an organization that does the same in return. Like I’ve said before, it’s not that I think the Bengals’ front office doesn’t try. Sometimes, you just have to question the game plan.
At the end of the day, we all just want to know that there is a plan. If that plan doesn’t work, there has to be a willingness to call an audible. It’s good to have a philosophy, as long as it’s one that works. It’s just simply hard to believe in a direction when no one can see where that direction is going.
The Bengals still have a strong core of players. It’s a core that is still in its prime. However, that window is closing and something has to give before it is shut completely. These players deserve a chance to see the top of the mountain and so do the fans who have been climbing that mountain for a very long time, faithfully. These faithful have always been loyal, and always will be. We just want that same loyalty in return.