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Don’t Believe The Hype (because this should be the only time I quote Flavor Flav): The Bengals have yet to post back-to-back winning seasons in the 21st century. Obviously, the Bengals are not exactly a team known for creating dynasties. Over the years, you learn to temper your pre-season enthusiasm for them. Call me an ornery fan, but I will consider a record of 8-8 or better as easily attainable. That being said, we are undefeated right now so it is still okay to dream of watching the Bengals in the playoffs at the end of the season. 
Bengals Trivia: When was the last time the Bengals had back-to-back winning seasons??? (*see end of blog for answer*)
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Fantasy Football Prediction (because it’s never too early to strategize): You obviously cannot rely on a team of Bengals players to take you to a fantasy football team championship. However, I promise to do my best and help you find those extra 0.1 points that leave you with an almost too close to call “W” in the win-loss column each week. It’s still very early, but the stock keeps rising for third round draft pick Mohamed Sanu. If he wins out over Armon Binns and former New England Patriot Brandon Tate in training camp, expect him to be targeted for significant yardage each week with defenses focused on shutting down A.J. Green.
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Shameless Rumor Mongering (because other folks are whispering it anyway…): By now, most folks have heard that Dez Bryant was arrested for assaulting his mother. Dude… HOW do you get to a place where your mother thinks you are going to kill her!?! That being said, you know things are bad when even Michael Irvin will not defend you and thinks you need help. Seriously, I hope Dez gets the help he desperately needs and doesn’t end up in this section of my blog anytime soon…
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The Earth Is Not Flat (and other reasons to discuss sports other than football): Call me a crazy chick, but I just wanted to remind you that the Cincinnati Reds are still sitting in first place of the NL Central Division, second place in the National League and have a fourth place ranking out of ALL the teams in the ENTIRE Major League. I’m just sayin’… Even football fans care a little bit about baseball right before NFL training camps start! 
There May Be Life in Other Solar Systems (and other non-sports related news worth mentioning): Technically, I am cheating a little bit this week because there is an obvious football connection here (as if I did not have ENOUGH reasons not to like our AFC North competition, the Steelers…) Retired Steeler Hines Ward and former Steelers coach Bill Cowher join current Steelers Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, and Mike Wallace for screen time in this week’s highly-anticipated premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. *sucks teeth in jealous disgust*
*Trivia Answer: The Bengals’ last back-to-back winning seasons were in the 20th century and included the strike-shortened 1982 season. You have to go back to 1977 if you consider “full” seasons.*
