ESPN First Take slamming the Bengals

[kramer1]

No respect at all. It's pretty amazing to hear....even to me.

 

[cincygrad]

What exactly is there to slam? The team finished in the top 5 in defense, the top 5 in offense, and won their home games by an average of 17 points per game. Moreover, they won more games in a season than they have since 1988.

The media perception is based on old stereotypes.

 

[kramer1]

What exactly is there to slam? The team finished in the top 5 in defense, the top 5 in offense, and won their home games by an average of 17 points per game. Moreover, they won more games in a season than they have since 1988.

The media perception is based on old stereotypes.

No idea. I think it's just ESPN. I've read positive things on other media sites.

 

[cincygrad]

We have our flaws, but who doesn't?

We need to win this weekend and probably in NE for the talking heads to shut up.

 

[DanBengalfan]

we play in the same division as 2 recent champions, if the Steelers or Ravens had some how accidentally fell into the playoffs they would be talking about how dangerous they are.

 

[flamingrey]

We have our flaws, but who doesn't?

We need to win this weekend and probably in NE for the talking heads to shut up.

And I have no issue with that. You have to earn your stripes. There was nothing impressive about Houston the last 2 seasons either and look how that went. You have to earn respect in the playoffs.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Congrats

on winning the DIV...I think until the Bengals actually win a game in the playoffs the TV talking heads will do as they have done to ATL...prove it.

I think CIN will handle SD by 6+...the travel game to NE Dalton will have to shed the road game perception.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

we play in the same division as 2 recent champions, if the Steelers or Ravens had some how accidentally fell into the playoffs they would be talking about how dangerous they are.

lol...but it would be true...I think PIT was playing better in DEC than any point in the year, and would've been a tough out in this playoffs,,,but 8-8 was not worthy.

 

[CardiacKemba]

To me, ESPN is no longer a credible sports news outlet...theyre far more pop culture and whats trendy...I only watch the NFL network, MLB Network, and NBA TV...so dont worry Bengals fans, what ESPN doesnt mean shit! They just report what sixteen year olds says on twitter

 

[alf8478]

To me, ESPN is no longer a credible sports news outlet...theyre far more pop culture and whats trendy...I only watch the NFL network, MLB Network, and NBA TV...so dont worry Bengals fans, what ESPN doesnt mean shit! They just report what sixteen year olds says on twitter

Agreed. They are more concerned about being buddies with all the star athletes

 

[bengaldoug]

What exactly is there to slam? The team finished in the top 5 in defense, the top 5 in offense, and won their home games by an average of 17 points per game. Moreover, they won more games in a season than they have since 1988.

The media perception is based on old stereotypes.

Why should we expect any different from the national media? Plenty of our own fans on this board are still using those same old stereotypes.

 

[DanBengalfan]

lol...but it would be true...I think PIT was playing better in DEC than any point in the year, and would've been a tough out in this playoffs,,,but 8-8 was not worthy.

you have to feel good about Ben's continued leadership and the upswing to finish the season, next season's division race is going to be a battle.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

 

[Cincyfan78]

you have to feel good about Ben's continued leadership and the upswing to finish the season, next season's division race is going to be a battle.

Salary cap, age on defense, and finding a #2 WR is going to be worth watching for the Steelers.

Steelers are, at early projections, expected to be at 10Mil over the cap. Their top 4 defensive players are all 33-34is years old, and the replacements on defense haven't set the world on fire (yet).

OL should come together, really just need health. Miller and Bell will be there all year, again, health a big factor.

Going to need to replace Sanders, as I think he'll be gone.

It'll be an interesting off-season for them, that is for sure.

 

[flamingrey]

Why should we expect any different from the national media? Plenty of our own fans on this board are still using those same old stereotypes.

The same "stereotypes" that were still valid 6 months ago. The Bengals haven't done anything to shed them. 2+ decades aren't easy to shed for a fan base - nor should they be over a few regular season victories - let alone for outsiders. The joke is on those who give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt.

 

[bengaldoug]

The same "stereotypes" that were still valid 6 months ago. The Bengals haven't done anything to shed them. 2+ decades aren't easy to shed for a fan base - nor should they be over a few regular season victories - let alone for outsiders. The joke is on those who give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt.

Life is too short to continue in a constant negative spin. I'd rather get out in front of the run than wait until it is over. Where's the fun in that? A few things to support my position.

2011 -- All seven regular losses vs playoff teams with zero wins

2012 -- 2-2 vs playoff teams with one of those wins vs a Baltimore team who rested starters

2013 -- 3-0 vs division winners and 4-0 vs playoff teams

If you don't see improvement there, then you need to open your eyes......

 

[Cincyfan78]

Life is too short to continue in a constant negative spin. I'd rather get out in front of the run than wait until it is over. Where's the fun in that? A few things to support my position.

2011 -- All seven regular losses vs playoff teams with zero wins

2012 -- 2-2 vs playoff teams with one of those wins vs a Baltimore team who rested starters

2013 -- 3-0 vs division winners and 4-0 vs playoff teams

If you don't see improvement there, then you need to open your eyes......

Wasting your time.

He has his eyes open, but like anyone else, he sees only what he wants to see.

 

[bengaldoug]

Wasting your time.

He has his eyes open, but like anyone else, he sees only what he wants to see.

It's completely understandable, and even logical, for a Bengals fan to be skeptical, considering the 25 years since the last run to the Super Bowl. I'm just getting too old to continue that way. I'm all in with these guys. I think they are winners. If they blow it in the first round, though I don't expect them to, it won't be the end of the world. I'll just get up, dust myself off, and dive back in next season. I'm having much more fun this year than I did the last two, when I almost dreaded the playoffs in fear of them failing. I suggest others should follow my lead. As I said, it's much more enjoyable. But, to each his own.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

It's completely understandable, and even logical, for a Bengals fan to be skeptical, considering the 25 years since the last run to the Super Bowl. I'm just getting too old to continue that way. I'm all in with these guys. I think they are winners. If they blow it in the first round, though I don't expect them to, it won't be the end of the world. I'll just get up, dust myself off, and dive back in next season. I'm having much more fun this year than I did the last two, when I almost dreaded the playoffs in fear of them failing. I suggest others should follow my lead. As I said, it's much more enjoyable. But, to each his own.

That is all I ever did and I got made fun of for it. Life is too short. So I agree with you. Enjoy life, Happy New Year's, Go Bengals!

38-20 Bengals over the Chargers

 

[cincygrad]

Here's a photo of Doug and Crash watching last week's game.