Bengals should have new attitude for 50th season
By Emile Pierce
Going into season 50 is a special time for Bengals fans. This should be the year things come together and dreams are finally realized.
There should be a sense of pride like no other year. This is arguably the most important season the Bengals are starting. When put into perspective, Cincinnati has endured the storm and still produced a line of memories that can make the toughest fans tear up. But, the 2017 campaign needs to be special. This should be a year that makes fans proud to be a part of Bengals Nation.
Each year, there are tons of articles written about how good this team will be. And when those expectations are met, there’s still much to be desired.
Yes, it’s true. Bengals fans have become spoiled. After a string of winning seasons and playoff appearances, it all stopped. The abrupt withdrawal of postseason hopes and dreams was a lesson of sorts. It helped bring back the nightmarish memories of the Bungles and the Lost Decade. But, this franchise has come a long way since the dark ages. Now, it’s time to make good on the promises.
Owner Mike Brown has pledged his allegiance to bringing a Lombardi to the banks of the Ohio River. Maybe he honestly means it.
Setting The Tone
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Brown showed compassion and fortitude. He backed his players when they were being sliced and diced by experts and backroom analysts. In short, he was there for Adam Jones when Jones wasn’t there for himself. Not to mention, the bold draft of Joe Mixon and his defiant stance towards defending the rookie. After all, Mixon was the best fit for the Bengals (yes, I’m biased). Draft the kid and let him play. It happened.
The Bengals played in two Super Bowls, during the eighties. Under Paul Brown’s watchful eyes, the Bengals were a competitive and hard-nosed bunch of overachievers. It’s time to bring that mindset back to PBS. This season should be a resurgence of the mindset that all Bengals fans adhere to. It’s an us against the world mentality.
After Bob Costas so casually informed the nation of Cincinnati’s intent to run a “halfway house,” the lone wolf mentality should be intensified. Costas has since clarified his intentions, but the damage was done.
It’s time to make a change. The 2017 campaign should be dedicated to making those negative images fade. It’s not about more words. Actions will make fans and doubters notice. Turning a 6-9-1 season into an AFC Championship would be sweet. But, bringing home that Lombardi would be awesome. Let’s call it an anniversary present for the fans. Instead of gold, hoist that silver trophy.