ArmyBengal

Yeah, it's easy to forget how long Andy was here. Easier when thinking of how many playoff games he played in here and how many wins he produced in those games.

Here's a thought that has nothing to do with football. (well... kinda) I always see stories about these football players speeding really fast and the public outcry when it happens. I get it, it's unsafe and can and has resulted in the death of people. However, I don't get why people are surprised it happens. Put millions of dollars into the hands of a 20 something kid that already feels invincible and what do you think they are going to do? I can tell you right now, one of my first purchases would be some hyper car capable of doing 200mph and then go run it like I stole it. When I was a young man in Germany at 19, I had a couple buddies of mine that would put money together and go rent some crazy ass Mercedes, BMW or anything else really fast and we would wear it out on the autobahn all weekend long taking turns driving like madmen. Hell, a couple weeks back I got a rental car when going back to Sioux Falls, SD to visit friends (yeah I have some) and the highway speed limit was 80mph. I complained about how messed up the car they gave me was and they upgraded me to a new Genesis G80. Not my cup of tea, but fun as a rental. Well needless to say, I had that joker hitting 115 in the 80 zone. It was a blast. Handled well and the fun of going that fast is a rush. No, I didn't worry about my wife and son in the car with me. They had fun as well. Granted, had I lost control, the fun would have ended, but I have been driving like that my whole life. I had a 2014 Accord Sport and drive that 200hp beast like it was a Lamborghini Revuelto. Bottomline, it's going to happen and it won't stop, because the situation allows for it. Stop being shocked. Or not... It's whatever.

I saw a write up about Burrow possibly breaking the franchise passing TD's record. He would need 48 TD's this year to take the record outright. That's crazy to think of. Only thing crazier is realizing the current record holder is Andy Dalton.

Yeah the silence is deafening and I'm rather enjoying it.

Shit TJ, we got that here in Anderson. Although we call it Spam though. Just close your eyes, it’s the same thing.

Great point about the Colts game.

I like opening the season at home. I don't like 4 of the first 6 games being on the road. I hate the bye week placement. I like seeing them in primetime games. I like 3 of the last 5 games (and the last 2) being at home.

I think most would agree that a key factor to the team's success in 2026 is improvement to the defense. Did they do enough to get back to being a competitive team? Well, they can't be much worse. Knight and Carter's development heading into their 2nd year is the key to that defensive improvement. I'd like to think the addition of Dexter and Cook for the defense will help. I'm not sold on Mafe yet. They face 6 quarterbacks ranked in the top half of the league in QBR rating. They also face many QB's ranked in the bottom 3rd. They face 6 offensive lines ranked in the top half of the league. They also face many offensive lines ranked in the bottom 3rd. "IF" they can start early (I'm doubtful) and they stay healthy, they could dominate an easier schedule. I really hate getting my hopes up, but on paper they should have a great season. Best case- (15-2) Worst case- (10-7) I'll take the upper end of that average and say 13-4 as my best guess. If they fuck this season up, many things should be on the table. FIRE EVERYONE !!!

On a positive note, Shemar gave Dexter #97 and the legacy of Geno should bear better results. Shemar is now wearing Hubbard’s #94.

The Texans and Jags would be the only other game I would have interest in, but I'm going out to LA the end of that same month to catch the Ohio State/USC game at the Memorial Coliseum. As much as I would like to do both, things start to get rather costly quick. Depending on when it hits the schedule, I'm pretty sure we are hitting up the Texans/Bengals game in Houston as well. Pretty sure Mrs. ArmyBengal is going to put the clamps on the sports travel after those two, but we will see. Her and the youngest ArmyBengal in the house both have fallen in love with seeing Buckeyes games up in Columbus, so there will be a 2-3 of those on the slate as well. I love football !!

I have been amused for quite some time that of all the American fast food burger joints there are to choose from, one of the ones you can find in Madrid is a Steak and Shake. Whenever traveling over that way, the last thing I want is American food. Glasgow... you did well in being kind. All the things to see, the culture, the food, just everything. I love Madrid and would absolutely consider going. However, right now I have other travel plans and not sure if things will open up. I'm hopeful, but realistic. Sort of like being a Bengals fan...

A “Wee bit more” ?? Understatement of the century !! LOL

Oh I think it's in Burrow's head and he himself has alluded to that. This may not be the popular take and I have no proof, but I think the only way he works through what he has said is happening with him in those early games is to be more prepared. To your point Hoosier, he's a man of many different tastes and interests. I have no issue with any of that stuff, minus another one of our QB's sponsoring an item with them stuffing a huge wiener in their mouth. I just hope he's taking enough time to do the things which need to be done in order to work through those mental hurdles. If they start cold again, I'm putting it on Burrow. Again, may not be a popular take.

Knowing this team can't start fast to save their own lives. No matter who they play, I expect that trend to continue. It's mental and it's real.

Through my life I’ve been called many things, but even I have my limits… Also, the Hookers and Blow plan is thought to be therapeutic in nature so I don’t think that’s the best course of action. Might I suggest an alternative approach and try the Horse Show and Fentanyl plan?

Whatever

Hopefully they don’t have the same stupid shit they did with Shemar last year. Just get the shit done and get the guys in camp. That was beyond frustrating last year.

I’ve seen much written about him and I went back to take a look at him play. He’s super tall and really light in the ass. A solid weight lifting regimen will do him worlds of good.

Way to step out on that limb COB !!

You want to know how I know I'll never grow up? Whenever I read a story about the Colts offense and their coordinator "Jim Bob Cooter", I can't help but laugh. What a great name.

Under Armour gives Veterans a 40% discount 2-3 times a year and I stock up. Tall? No, “under” tall. I fit well in coach seats.

For work it’s Under Armour golf pants and a polo typically. Like COB, I have about 6 different colors of the same pants and about 10 colors of the same polo. Now I will admit to having a bit of a shoe thing going on. Hoodies use to be my go to and now it’s fleece 1/4 zips. Yeah, about 10 different colors of the same on there too. Seems like just as good conversation as anything else this time of the year.

I don't know. I'm a comfort kind of guy and always have been. If it's comfortable and looks decent enough, I'm about it. If anyone else thinks it looks decent enough is not a concern I am shackled with. Being free is not caring what other people think. My son's girlfriend told me that men that wear sweatpants have given up. I said yes, given up on worrying about what people think about my sweatpants. By the way, they are Under Armour joggers and I love them.

I think most of it is that I'm just older and don't care, but I don't get fashion. Apparently in 2026 fashion equals looking like a complete clown show. Seriously, shit just looks stupid.

And then there's Deandre Hopkins Super Bowl hunting and saying how he would love to play with Joe Burrow. Look, I don't blame any player for wanting to play with Burrow, especially a wide receiver. I also happen to love Hopkins from his time with the Texans and wouldn't mind adding him to the mix. The Ravens paid him $5 million last year. There's room. I won't be upset if it doesn't happen though.