ArmyBengal

I can’t tell you how happy I am to see this happen. This is yet another departure from how this front office has always operated in the past. I love that the Bengals are known for their loyalty to players, but when that is to the detriment of the team, I’m not sure that is something to love anymore. Nothing personal against Mixon and I will be rooting for him just as much this year as any other, but this needed to happen. Yes, looking forward to the specifics.

When I was in Buffalo, I did next to nothing outside of football, pizza and wings. None of those had anything to do specifically with Buffalo. After that trip, I've added Buffalo to the list of cities I would nuke if that were feasible. Yes, I have a list like that...

Just read where the Bills starting LT, Dion Dawkins, said during the Bengals playoff game the Bills were just flat. It's odd, because I can remember turning to my son at the game and saying, "It's weird, the Bills don't seem like the Bills today". I think he's right that they were just flat. Not placing blame, but rather curious how much the Damar Hamlin situation from the Monday Night game and all the emotions between the two clubs really impacted things for them? While I think the Bengals obviously felt bad for Hamlin and gave mass support to him and the Bills team, I think coach Taylor did a great job keeping them focused. A big, exciting win over the Ravens, followed by getting hyped over the whole coin flip bullshit, had the team in a different headspace. The Bills seemingly just had a, it's the Bengals and Damar almost died last game kind of vibe. Still loved being at that game and hearing the Bengals fans in Buffalo chanting WHODEY all way into the upper deck !!

I don’t think anyone did. Amazing how all this young talent has really paid off for them. Not just De La Cruz either, although he’s really good and fun to watch. They just need some help with their pitching staff. Hope things trend this way in the 2nd half.

Dillon is the Bengals all time leading rusher for yards and #3 in rushing touchdowns. Absolute Ring of Honor in my opinion. However, that in and of itself does not make him a top 5 Bengal of all time. I liked him better when no one heard from him. He’s the guy deserving of all the accolades that you hate. Put him in so he can go away…

From McNicholas high school (Cincinnati), to the University of Cincinnati, to the Cincinnati Bengals. How cool of a career he has had punting and playing football. Too bad he didn't get a Super Bowl ring on his way out. Good luck to Huber in his future dealings !!!

I saw that Corey Dillon came out of hiding and spouted off about the Bengals. From the clips I read, he's upset he's not in the Bengals Ring of Honor yet. While I believe he should absolutely be in the Ring of Honor, I would not have put him in before any of the 6 currently in there. His time will come, so him finding something to be pissed off about is humorous to me. Settle down there Corey, no need to be a douchebag about an honor that will come. Next, he took issue with having the fans voting on who gets into the ROH. While I could see this being a potential issue, the fans don't select who gets on the ballot, they just get to pick from the players and coaches given to them to choose from. If he doesn't like that aspect of it, he's bitching at the wrong people. Bottomline for me is that Corey will have his day and most certainly should. He's more than worthy. However, him just shutting the fuck up and not being a complete douchebag would be helpful.

It is true what you can get use to. It’s easier when you have others “Embracing the suck” with you. I think that’s been my saving grace. I’ve always had good people around me and have since made it a point to continue doing that.

Ok, I can't help myself with this one. I think most people who dabble into various music genres have probably heard this and if you are rock fan there is no way you haven't heard "Last Resort" by Papa Roach. This song is a rock classic whether you care for the band or not. Despite the song being a rock banger, the lyrics are dark and suicide based. Most people say they never really paid much attention to the lyrics because of the riffs and tempo of the song. They were never lost on me and a huge part of why I love the song as much as I do. Here's the original if you needed to be reminded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm7vnOC4hoY Fast forward to 2023 and Falling In Reverse has remade the song. However, it's a complete departure from the original version. It's dark, sad, and matches the music to the lyrics. To me, it's an absolutely beautiful and painfully brutal version. I listened to it at least 3 times in a row, shaking my head trying to get how it made me feel. It may not be for everyone, but I had to share it. The video is crazy as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESOjt2_yJrU

I'm sure at some point I will put those memories into words, but like I said, I don't share much about that time. It was difficult just to write that, but like I said, for some reason it seemed to hit me so I did. Over 50 active combat patrols during that time. Fighting from the Hindu Kush mountains east of Kabul to the Registan Desert in Helmand and Kandahar provinces and beyond. Temps above 140 with full combat load. That's quite the challenge in an armored vehicle with no AC and you can't open windows. Not that you would want to. Back when I was prepared to put my thoughts of being 10 ft tall and bulletproof to the test. Now I'm older, pudgy and work at a desk in my basement !!! The thoughts I put to the test now are, "Does the grass need cut", "Do I really need another bottle of Bourbon", "Should I get out and walk today", "I might call in sick just because", "Should I road trip to see the Bengals this year", "Why can't the water and weather in Cincinnati resemble the Bahamas" and things of that nature... Somehow I still miss the Army. Odd...

That's really sad to hear. 35 is so young. I hope his family is ok.

Agreed, the less drama the better. It would be nice at this point to have something additional, like extensions, to discuss. I suppose those will come in time however.

Man, I took a week out for a family vacation and come back to about 4 posts. That's how you know what time of the football year it is !!

Cool to see Votto wearing the Viking cape and helmet. Good for the Reds. I would love to know what the stupid owner thinks of all this…

Every last one of the call ups have made an immediate impact. Not sure anyone saw that coming. Fun though !!

Yeah there are so many different ways and ideas for getting engaged with the fans, while simultaneously doing charity work. I’d like to see them do more of that type of stuff.

Love the reports !! There are some really interesting additions to the roster this year !!

Thanks Stripes !! I wasn't aware he was doing that tour. Good stuff.

Thanks again Mem !!

I love seeing all of this. Jonah, Chido, Collins and all the rest of the them getting after it. Cannot wait for this season to get here.

Trade request rebuffed and now Jonah is 100% all on board ?? Never saw that coming.

I have a group of friends from grade school that have kept up with each other through the years and we met up last night. Turns out an old high school friend in our class is the father of Notre Dame TE, Michael Mayer. Really cool and was happy for him. Super proud dad !!

I want nothing to do with him. That shoulder has been more than chronic at this point and those things don’t get better. Procedures for arthritis debridement, which is god awful painful, and multiple labral tears, along with a shoulder that has separated multiple times in a season is a huge red flag. I’m guessing that’s why no team wanted a piece of him in having to both give up picks and take on his contract.

Miami has been the talk even before his release, but I don’t really care. That dude’s shoulder is a ticking time bomb. It’s a shame really because I think he’s still very capable.

I know there will be a learning curve and some bumps, but I'm excited about the new guys at the same time.