Cincinnati Bengals fans not ranked in 2017 Fandom 250
By Emile Pierce
The Bengals are reeling and it shows with the fans. The 2017 FanSided Fandom 250 list was released. Cincinnati didn’t make the cut.
The Bengals will probably miss out on the 2017 postseason party. As they struggle to end the year at a respectable 8-8, only a Christmas miracle can land them in the playoffs. But, that isn’t the only thing Bengals fans are being left out of. FanSided tabulates a yearly list of the most rabid, hungry and over-the-top fanbases. In the latest edition of the Fandom 250, Cincinnati fans are missing in action.
To be fair, the Bengals have been anything but fan worthy this season. After an offseason filled with hope and promise, the same results rang true for another season. The disillusionment of last year’s 6-9-1 campaign has slowly chipped away at the resolve of most Bengals fans and there’s nothing more than anger and resentment for owner Mike Brown.
Additionally, the feelings for head coach Marvin Lewis lends to the lack of interest in the 2017 season. The emotional high for this team was at its peak, during 2015. When the Bengals went 12-4 to tie the franchise record for victories, fans believed that was the year Cincinnati would get over the hump and do something special in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, them boys from the Northeast (AKA the Pittsburgh Steelers) ended that dream on January 9. Seems like they always have the upper hand. To make matters worse, the Steelers ranked No. 9 on the Fandom list. Actually, that spot made them the No. 1 NFL fanbase. Yup, chew on that for a while.
Just a little slack
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The Bengals have been at a disadvantage most of the year. Lewis has been a lame duck coach and the players just aren’t responding to his brand of leadership anymore. Players look tired, fed up and truly ready to pack it up and get to their families and vacation time. There’s a general lack of focus that has been present in most big games this season. Fans sense that disconnection and are giving the same energy back.
Making the situation even worse is another AFC North rival. The Cleveland Browns managed to snag the No. 12 spot on the NFL portion of the list. Yes, those same loveable losers who are 0-for-the-year. It may be hard to understand why the Bengals don’t have the same drawing and respect, but it’s pretty simple. Cleveland isn’t trying to pretend. Hue Jackson is watching over a team that is stating the obvious. They are rebuilding for the future. It may take them a few years, but it’s out front for the fans to know.
Fans are also feeling the burden of injuries that have left the Bengals decimated. Not only has the team’s performance been atrocious, there seems to be a cloud of health issues hanging over Cincinnati. First-rounder John Ross has been a disappointment. He was drafted to be the answer for the loss of both Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. But, he has yet to contribute due to nagging injuries. The frustration is real.
Ohio football had another winner
The FanSided Fandom 250 may have snubbed the Bengals, but there was another finalist on the list. The Ohio State Buckeyes got a nod on the college side of things. The lads from the state capital have been dubbed the No. 1 fanbase in the world.
Next: An Old Friend Comes Back
If the Bengals can get things together with a decent draft and address the problems with their O-line, fans will begin to filter back. But, there also has to be a serious commitment from the front office on what needs to be done. Brown isn’t one to listen to what his customers have to say. Yet, he’ll have to lend an open ear…if the fans continue to dwindle.