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Not Your Father's Bengals


Last Update: 11/16/2009 8:23 am
Cincinnati Bengals' Bobbie Williams (63) leaves Heinz Field after a 18-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cincinnati Bengals' Bobbie Williams (63) leaves Heinz Field after a 18-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
By: Ian Preuth, WCPO

CINCINNATI -- In case you haven't been paying attention, it's pretty cool to live in Cincinnati right now.

The city that many people have taken shots at over the years, some of which was deserved, is now home to two first place football teams.

With seven games left in the regular season, the Cincinnati Bengals have pretty much solidified the AFC North crown after sweeping the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers -- the two teams who played in the AFC Championship last season.

The Bengals (7-2, 5-0 AFC North), known in years past as a quick strike passing team, have won games by grinding it out on the ground and playing stingy defense -- key components for success in the National Football League. Cincinnati's defense, coached by Mike Zimmer, has allowed the second lowest amount of points so far this season. Look for Zimmer to be on the list of potential head coaches next season if the Bengals defense continues to play at the level they currently are.

Cincinnati's next three games are contests they should win meaning they're realistically looking at a 10-2 record when they travel to Minnesota on December 13. With the NFL able to shuffle the times of games late in the year that game between the Bengals and Vikings could be the national game that night.

The Cincinnati Bearcats (10-0, 5-0 Big East) continue to make their case for being considered to play in the BCS National Championship game. Before you laugh or say they don't deserve it, do yourself a favor and watch some of their highlights from this season and tell me they don't play exciting football. They have two solid quarterbacks, a talented receiving corps, can win in a number of ways, and they have a running back Ohio State may be kicking themselves for not taking.

While they have the propensity to give up chunks of yards on the ground, they still lead the nation in tackles for loss and make defensive plays when they have to. Oh yeah, they also lost 10 starters on defense from last season.

I realize they are not on the level of a Florida, Texas or Alabama, but they are in a BCS conference and are currently undefeated. With Pittsburgh entering the top 10 in the BCS this week, the December 5 matchup at Pitt that will determine the Big East crown could propel the Bearcats into the National Championship game.

Yes, I also realize TCU is ahead of them in the BCS at number 4, but they will fall behind the Bearcats if they both run the table because UC has a stronger schedule down the stretch. If the Bearcats and Horned Frogs end the season undefeated it will only strengthen the argument for a playoff system in college football.
Cincinnati wide receiver DJ Woods (3) celebrates in the end zone with Armon Binns (80) after Woods scored a touchdown against West Virginia in the third quarter during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 24-21. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)
Cincinnati wide receiver DJ Woods (3) celebrates in the end zone with Armon Binns (80) after Woods scored a touchdown against West Virginia in the third quarter during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 24-21. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)


The Talent

John Lindsay - Scripps Howard News Service, Washington

John Lindsay is sports editor for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Writing sports since 1985, John Lindsay has covered NFL, MLB, college football and basketball and major golf events for several newspapers in his career and has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1996.

Tom Korun - WFTS, Tampa

As we will move forward in our blogging relationship, you and I will likely agree to disagree. You'll learn I mean what I say, and say what I mean. If you don't bring passion, don't waste my time and yours!

David Francois - WFTS, Tampa

A Virginian by birth, David Francois can be found at Elmer’s in Ybor City on Sundays, the only Redskins bar in Tampa. He attended JMU and is proud to say he went to the same school as Scott "Wide Right" Norwood.

Brian Nutt - KJRH, Tulsa

Living in Tulsa means Golden Hurricanes, Sooners, or Cowboys, but not for this guy. Woo Pig Sooie Razorbacks! Nothing like a fall evening in Razorback Stadium calling the Hogs.

Aaron Heintzelman - KSHB, Kansas City

Aaron hopes to use his limited football expertise to fuel many fantasy victories this year, but a quick look at his roster proves he has some work to do. Aaron's true allegiances lie with the Eagles, but you'll also catch him tuning into Chiefs, Steelers and Dolphins games.

Tom Leyden – WXYZ, Detroit

The first book Tom ever read was, "Super Bowl," by John Devaney, written in 1971. He was hooked from that moment. He knows every Super Bowl site, score and MVP. Go ahead - try him. Especially XXI, XXV and XLII. G-Men!

Ian Preuth - WCPO, Cincinnati

I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life so I've seen many bad teams and a few good ones. Most of the time the good teams get screwed because Cincinnati is cursed. I can watch any sport, enjoy competition no matter what it is and appreciate a good debate.

Larry Carney - WMAR, Baltimore

Larry loves crab cakes, football and everything purple and black. He hates Heinz ketchup, Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches and all things Pittsburgh. His fantasy football teams grab running backs on good teams and wide receivers on bad ones. Hidden Talent: Great heckler.

Jeff Heisner - KNXV, Phoenix

I grew up and worked in Detroit and have a keen sense for what bad football really is. After escaping to Arizona I've come to find out professional football isn't all that bad.

Craig Fouhy - KNXV, Phoenix

He's played the game, he's been a coach, and now he's spouting off about it! It's not just about highlights in Phoenix...out here it's a little bit of highlights and a lot of..."Fouhy on Sports!"

Cory Williams - KNXV, Phoenix

Representing the west coast! Cory has spent the last 15 years covering the desert dwelling teams of Arizona. When you’re tired of all the east coast bias (and there's plenty of it here!)...Laugh it off and look west!

Wyatt Wright - WPTV, West Palm Beach

Wyatt Wright is a husband, father and football fan. When he's not yelling at the neighbor kids to get off his lawn, he's reminiscing about seventh grade, when he was a scrappy but undersized linebacker for the 110-pound "B" squad.

Chip Mahaney - E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati

Even though Chip's Cincinnati office has a view of the Bengals' stadium, his heart and mouth are native Texan. His first NFL memory: Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3). Each Saturday in autumn, he prays for a resurrection of the Southwest Conference.

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