It’s time for Marvin Lewis to get tough with Bengals
By Emile Pierce
Many of the Bengals players have a deep respect for Marvin Lewis. But, there are times when that doesn’t seem to be the case.
It’s that time. With the regular season around the corner, Marvin Lewis needs to get his game face in gear. After watching a lackluster performance from the Bengals, there has to be a changing of the emotional guards. Lewis needs to become the coach that makes players cringe when they make a mistake. It’s time to get tough and lose the buddy persona.
Players have always looked at Lewis as a coach who makes them feel good. In other words, he’s been the perfect father figure. Marvelous Marv has been looked upon as the wise old sage who hands out gems of wisdom. Cincinnati Magazine gives a lighthearted description of the situation.
"Perhaps the most significant impact Lewis has had on the Bengals, aside from that on Mike Brown, is the respect he garners from his players, an esteem unmatched since Sam Wyche’s tenure. Up and down the roster, guys will tell you how approachable Lewis is as a head coach, his unique way of establishing a distinct, personal bond with each player. Some even look to him as a father figure."
Honestly, it could be time for that persona to take a complete 180-degree flip. No. I’m not saying he has to go complete psycho. But there has to be a feeling of uneasiness with players. Let’s get personal. I loved my dad when he was alive. And to this day, I still honor him. He didn’t chew me out just for the heck of it. Surprisingly, he was able to get his point across with timely jabs at my ego. He wasn’t a physical man. Pops used his intellect to wear you down. But, when that failed…ut oh.
Make ‘Em Mad Sometimes
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Contrary to popular belief, getting someone mad can make them eager to succeed. Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Okay, class. With a show of hands, who remembers Forrest Gregg? Yeah. That mean old coot who took the Bengals to their first Super Bowl. He won’t win any Gentleman of the Year awards. But, he knew how to motivate by being stern and callous. If Lewis turns hard and it brings a Lombardi to the Nati, who’s gonna complain?
When the Chiefs ran over the Bengals in Week 2 action, Lewis was a picture of perfect composure on the sidelines. Here’s one that should get a few head nodding in agreement. Once–just once–I’d love to see Lewis just go berserk, rip off his headset and light into a player. But, we all know that’s not gonna happen. Why? Because he’s…a father figure.
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Honestly, if Lewis gets crazy on the field, things would take a serious turnaround. Until then, it’ll be the roller coaster of mediocrity.
Seriously, I like Lewis. Marvin has done some fantastic things for the city of Cincinnati. But, in the NFL, it’s winning that gets you everywhere. A little dash of sour grapes could go a long way with getting this team amped.