Novelty

If anyone a. reads this and b. pays any attention, you know that I like to name my posts after semi-obscure songs I listen to. I've been waiting to find a parallel for this song for a long time...so long that it's possible I've already done one and forgot about it. Like always, the Bengals helped me out.

(Here is the song.)

I love this song not because it's depressing but because it tries to confront your deepest insecurities without being defeatist. Joy Division is not known for being easily heard lyrically so I'll help you out on that front.

Can't rest on your laurels now...when you got none.

There hasn't been a Bengals team in recent history that has responded well to success or praise. A lot of analysts (including myself) has pointed out the obvious talents that this team possesses and predicted great things for them. I still think the Bengals will make the playoffs.

This team has flaws. Obviously. I'm not sure there was a better team than the Patriots to put these flaws on display and I think that's positive for the first game.

You're on your own now, don't you think that it's a shame. 'Cause you're the only one responsible to take the blame.

I ask you this: Does anyone remember the 2006 season? The Bengals had a terrible defense but the offensive talent to be an easy playoff team. The first three games were two bad teams (Chiefs and Browns) and a squeaker win against the Steelers. They then started losing games in such odd ways...all the losses being explained away by bad luck until the team just fell apart and it took them three years to pick up the pieces.

After this game, all of the Bengals' mistakes are on one game film. I think that Mike Zimmer is a good coach. If this defense is capable of learning, it will be better next week. No part of this game can be chalked up to bad luck or a bad long snapper or bad referees. They lost because of how they played (and how the Patriots played).

What I'm not sure about is whether or not they are figuring out where T.O. fits in their circle. The idea that T.O. and Chad are "Batman and Robin" is insane and the idea that T.O. would be Batman in that scenario is even more insane. Ochocinco is still the main man as far as receivers go on this team and running and defense are more important the wide receivers AAAAND...Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham are SIGNIFICANT options when T-Ocho isn't open.

I know those two space cadets are happy to be together, but the question for them and the entire Bengals team is...take it away, Ian Curtis!!

Whatch'ya gonna do when the novelty is gone?