Unlike seasons past, Bengals earn attention

Staff photo Ron Alvey A Bengals fan waves his towel at Paul Brown Stadium.

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Staff photo by Ron Alvey A young fan cheers for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 8:19 AM Thursday, October 29, 2009

I grew up a Cincinnati Bengals fan, but lost interest over the years because I always felt owner Mike Brown treated the club as if it were his personal fantasy football team.

Why spend money on a general manager or a squadron of scouts when that would only take away some of the satisfaction of compiling a roster yourself and competing for the high stakes of the NFL?

Nevermind that they haven’t won since facemasks were fastened to helmets, the streamlined operation meant more fun for Brown as he engaged in his hobby at our expense.

But the Bengals’ 5-2 start has gotten my attention. Carson Palmer is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he has surprised me with his mobility. After tanking last season, Chad Ochocinco appears committed this year (maybe the Bengals were right in not caving to his trade demands).

The team caught the biggest break in the NFL in signing Cedric Benson on a whim last season and watching him turn into the league’s top rusher.

Of course, these are the Bengals. A 20-year culture of losing is hard to overcome. But I like how coach Marvin Lewis is sounding:

“This team has a great opportunity to be good. I think they’re a more grounded team than we’ve had in the past.”

The way I see it, the Bengals could lose to anybody left on their schedule, but could beat anyone, too. It should be an entertaining ride.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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