Former Comrades

Lance McAlister, posting on his blog, said this about now-unpopular postgame topics:

 Off the table
Ever stop and consider the sports talk radio topics that are off the table with the Bengals winning?
Talk of......
1. Staging a walkout during a game
2. Banners to fly over the stadium or take into the game
3. Burning tickets
4. Boycotting sponsors
5. Firing the coach/who the next coach should be?
6. Who should they draft?
7. Billboards
8. Urinal cakes
9. The next task from Who Dey Revolution
10. What team to adopt?
11. Do you root for them to lose to embarrass Mike into change and get a better draft pick?

Clearly this list is directed towards WDR and its followers, seeing as how we're mentioned by name along with many of our actions towards instituting change and it correctly points out how some Bengals' fans typically stop supporting us when the team wins . 

Once again, the cold-hard, un-Coors Light sponsored facts: this nice little run to begin the season, in the larger scheme, means nothing. Yes, nothing. Mike Brown continues running his organization in the same manner as he has since taking over, with methods that directly go against the "goal" of competing (like still employing only one full-time scout). Mike Brown, for the most part, put this team together using these same out-of-date, lazy and cheap methods that make reaching sustained success unrealistic.

Furthermore, may we wait more than seven weeks to completely forget about 1990-on? Sample size, in the NFL, is everything. Just by having sixteen game seasons, all of the league's teams are subject to significant streaks, be they positive or negative, that can place unjustified damnation -- or in this case, acquittal -- on players, coaches and especially owners. Think about it. Did Mike Brown really know how well some of this year's unlikely heroes (Andre Caldwell, the entire offensive line, Cedric Benson) would play prior to this season, considering his great lack of player evaluation skills embarrassingly showcased the past nineteen years? Given that we don't really know how strong the Bengals are yet, and that Mike put this team together like he always does, should he a great amount of credit? Should we believe that he's become less stubborn but more intelligent?

My guess is that those who criticize this site for continuing its hatred of Brown would answer no to all three of those last questions, thus ruining their case against WDR. Without Mike changing his ways, consistent, long-term winning won't come; anyone who denies this is thinking irrationally. To stop demanding change from Brown, despite this, is basically giving up; it's saying that we, as fans, cannot hold our owner and GM accountable. It's saying to Brown that, as long as we get one good season in-between multiple years of futility, we as fans will approve of his ludicrous and greedy actions.

If anyone wishes to block out all of this truth, simply enjoying a rare winning season that, unfortunately, might not come again for a few years with Mikey Boy still under control, then fine-- they have that right. But for those same people to actively attack our message and anyone who believes in and contributes to it is inexcusable, as it feeds the BS propaganda campaign the Bengals' front office makes in periods of brief winning. They can hide from the truth, and refuse that it, frankly, sucks to still be rooting for a team put together by Mike Brown, and may enjoy this run while it lasts. However, I strongly suggest not spreading that ill-placed optimism to undecided, impartial fans, who will in turn enable more losing in the future and make enjoying this team for more than a few isolated seasons impossible.

NOTE: None of the above statements are directed towards Lance, who was merely pointing out what some people choose to take away from this season so far (I think)

Comments

[Willy Mo]

I think this post perfectly describes WDR's feelings towards the Bengals this year. We should all be excited that the Bengals are winning right now, but it would be nice to see a team win for the long run. Why can't our team be like the Patriots or the Colts?

[ConnieKolita]

I stood in a co-worker's office doorway not two hours ago and said this SAME thing, and he looked at me like I am insane. I told how I am going downtown on Sunday to TAILGATE, but yet not to actually ATTEND the GAME -- on account of MFB continuing to be MFB. After a few moments of relative silence ("crickets") on the co-worker's part, I walked back to my cube, misunderstood yet continued committed to The Revolution. VIVA!!!

[CurseofBoJackson]

Lance is a goober, that's what the two angry guys used to call him and that's exactly what he is. I obviuously can't speak to his true intentions regarding this topic, but even if he is simply regurgitating what he feels the public thinks about this season and what it means for the revolution, he is fueling the fan that says "Oh well, we're winning now so I'll give my time and money to the Browns and when we suck again, I'll gripe with you guys, BTW, why all the griping? We're winning guys! What's wrong with you!?! Support this team you worthless fans!"
I'm so fucking sick of these types

[Hofbraunow]

I get the same thing when I go to the bar-and-grill wearing my WDR T-shirt each game week...all the young fresh Kool-Aid drinkers think it's idiotic. Ah, to be young and naive...wait, F**K THAT

[FeedMikeBrownToAquaBengal]

It's sort of funny how a lot of people don't get the CONCEPT that after 20 years of miserable failure having 5 wins is not to be taken as final proof that "the Mike Brown way" actually is worth more than cow dung. This is not rocket science, people!

[Flash]

Here's the issue; I believe the intentions of WDR are pure and good, but this site portrays Mike Brown as a bumbling idiot...with everything he's touches turning to poop. But the fact is, the organization is slightly better than WDR is willing to give them credit for.

Every time something goes well for the Bengals...it must be luck. Every time something goes wrong...it must be Mike Brown. WDR pushes this idea to the detriment, costing them crediability.

No one in their right mind thinks this organization is run as well as the Steelers, Colts or Pats...but for all the caterwauling for more scouts and a GM, you don't have to look too far to realize that getting any of these demands really doesn't guarantee success.

The Cleveland Browns have the same structure this site wants the Bengals to adopt...it's gotten Cleveland nowhere. This site gave the nod to Dan Snyder over Mike Brown because at least Snyder spends money...

Fact is, there are not many good owners in the NFL. Even fewer consistent winners. That's life. No amount of boycotts, urnial cakes or complaining is going to change that.

[nick in va]

This season only illustrates that a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

[Adam]

In response to FeedMikeBrownToAquaBengal's comment earlier today.

I cannot beleive you are honestly trying to defend MB. Ever since he took the franchise over he has had 1 winning season. How can you honestly defend that and sleep soundly at night. The proof is there...

VIVA

[Nate]

Adam, I think you need to read FeedMikeBrownToAquaBengal's comment a bit closer. It is the complete opposite of defending MB.

[Nate]

Not trying to be snarky, but Adam, I think you need to read the comment you posted about a little closer. It is the complete opposite of defending MB and I still can't figure out how you interpreted it as such.

[Wyatt]

Nate,

Adam got confused, like so many new visitors to the site, by the comment structure here - the comment is posted first, then the name and timestamp, as opposed to the more popular message board format that has the name and whatnot to the upper left of the comment. I actually prefer this way better, and it's sometimes amusing the misconceptions that it creates (this was not one of those instances, unfortunately). While we're on this topic, is anybody going to comment on the Letter to the Editor guy from todays Morning Line?

[FeedMikeBrownToAquaBengal]

I am not defending Mike Brown. I am going nuts that people say things like "the organization isn't as bad as this site makes it appear." Read the stuff over at the side where it says "By the Numbers". Things like six seasons that started 0-6 when no other franchise had more than 2.

Worst record in football over Mike Brown's tenure.
Haven't had a Top HALF ranked-defense since Mike Brown took over.
Zero playoff wins.
NO Pro Bowlers drafted since 2003.
Raising ticket prices at a stadium that was gifted to you by the people in exchange for BROKEN promises to win.
Not to mention: releasing players at 5am and hiring guys with long criminal records. Not exactly keeping it classy. You know?

How much worse can you get?
They pretty much have to win the Super Bowl this year just to make Mike Brown's tenure reach the level of ... mediocre.

Yeah, some other owners suck but they haven't sucked even half as long (Al Davis) or sucked with respect to spending money on talent (Dan Snyder). Mike Brown is the suckiest of the suck, because he has the long tenure. He's like the Pete Rose of suckiness. Not the best in any one season, perhaps, but sucked over a longer time interval more consistently than any other suck.

[WCH]

To a point, Lance is right. It still doesn't account for this whole exercise in futility not being continued for the primary reasons etc. Instead, we have people going off topic everywhere. It diminishes the strength potential that this board could have brought to bear. Bengals 17 Ravens 19.

[WhoDeyRevolutionary]

"Flash", you're a tool if you think the MB era is anything but suck ass, or "better" than is what is claimed on this site. Dude, seriously?

[Paul O]

I've become a huge fan of WDR. I'm an ex-Cincinnatian now leaving in Seattle for 10 years. I follow the Bungloids religiously. I'm now in my 30's and remember crying when they lost to the 49er's in the '89 Super Bowl. I almost wept again reading "I'm a douche bag" http://whodeyrevolution.typepad.com/whodeyrevolution/2008/09/i-am-a-douche-1.html
because it described me so well.

None of my friends understand my love/hate relationship with this team. The hate for the how the organization is run, but my love for the team and the pride for the city. It so sad, because the bengs have the potential to be as great as Green Bay with the fans support and the team talent, but we fall short because the team is so poorly run.

Now on the eve of what I consider to be the biggest game since the team played Seattle in the playoffs to reach the '89 super bowl I'm filled with an inner calm. Only becuase, I truly believe if the Bugnloids win tomorrow, they will go to the playoffs, regardless of who wins the division. I see wild card with a win of B-more. But I unfortunately can't imagine that happening, so I don't believe they will win. But I'm not sad. The reason is because the Bungs were not meant for this season. Their season is 2010. 2009 sets the stage for 2010. 2009 is just a dress rehearsal. And we should enjoy it, but not live and die it. Here is why 2010 is the real deal:

1. Baltimore (who by the way, I can't help but respect and would actually root for if they weren't in the AFC North) will be EVEN older on D.
2. Bengs D should be even better returning most starters and all LBs
3. Palmer playing with a sense of urgency knowing time is running out, same with Ocho
4. Caldwell being a solid #2 and maybe even Coles will be back to form. Unfortunately I don't see Henry here next year, which is a damn shame.
5. O-line should be very good after a year together with some good depth.
6. Benson and Scott. Could be big.

[JoseOle]

All the people who think next year will be the same as this year stop thinking. Next year we will not get the easy schedule of NFC North and AFC West. This was the same schedule the bengals had when they made the playoffs in 2005, after going 4-2 in the division and beating the crap out of 7 other bad teams. The schedule will be harder next year b/c IF the bengals win the division they have the West and North #1 teams instead of 2 #3 teams this year, and then 2 harder divisions to play. That is why this website exists. While this year is fun, the future is important, and this team is not built for the future, and can't draft for the future because there are zero football people in the front office behind Marvin. At this rate Cincy will make the playoffs again in 4 more years when Detroit and Oakland rotate back onto the schedule.

[bobbygoat]

so lance mcalister came up with a list about post-game show topics to avoid? i have a suggestion; stop doing lists. everything is a freaking list with that guy. i can't stand to listen to him. he's so uncreative it hurts.