by Jonathan Storti
“WHO DEY”
Expert analysts and football prognosticators spend hours looking at stats, game footage, and scouting reports. With all this time devoted towards accurately gauging a team’s future, it’s amazing how a team can buck the trends and succeed. The Cincinnati Bengals were roundly picked to finish near the bottom of their division, and fail to make the playoffs. Forced to compete in the same division as the reigning Super Bowl Champion Steelers and the up and coming Baltimore Ravens, not much was expected. Yet the Bengals have rallied around an injury ridden quarterback, a slightly crazed wide receiver, and a former first round bust running back, to leap into first place in the AFC North. While Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco (yes that’s his real name) always had the talent, it was questioned if they could work together. This season has proven their commitment to football and each other. With the addition of Cedric Benson, a former first round Chicago draft choice, the Bengals have established a solid offense. The years of disappointment are behind Benson, who as of week 8 led the NFL in rushing yards. While the offense has been quite noteworthy, the Bengals true success lies in their re-invigorated defense.
Last season the Bengals had a solid defense, but failed to handle the constant pressures of their opponenents. Time and time again the 2008 Bengals put their defense at a disadvantage, by making them defend a short field and failing to put enough points on the board. This year the offense is jelling, which allows the defense a higher comfort level. Players such as Keith Rivers and Johnathan Joseph are making big plays for Cincinnati. The Bengals victory over the Baltimore Ravens this week has pushed their record to 6-2. If you consider they lost in week 1 to a last-second play by Denver, the Bengals should be 7-1. With a first place record in their division, the Bengals will try to strengthen their playoff bid through the second half of the season. Cincinnati can’t expect to win the division by default; Pittsburgh and Baltimore will give them a tough run. The Bengals are regaining their 2005 mojo, when they won the AFC North going away. With each victory the Bengals look stronger and their fans might have to keep shouting, “Who dey. Who dey. Who dey they think gonna beat dem Bengals?
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