Also, now that the schedule has been released, it is time to discuss game trips.  First one that stares out at me in November 8th vs. the Steelers.  Monday Night Football should be a hell of a time.  Other candidates might be Sept. 19 vs. Ravens, Dec. 19th vs. the Brown-Browns (my birthday wink-wink), and day after Christmas vs. Chargers.  Thoughts?

Let’s also discuss possible game watching locations.  Brother’s has been pretty good to us, but someone needs to get Sunday Ticket.  If not, where else?

You’re a Bengals fan, right?

Come on, I can’t be so sure after how well this year has been going. What I mean is, would you have been reading this site last season? If your answer is, “no,” I can’t really blame you. Primarily because it didn’t exist. But the fact of the matter is, the Bengals are great this year and worth following even for the most fair weather of fans.

So what’s all of this fan worthiness screening have to do with Tom Nelson? Well, everything of course.

During the summer Who Dey hype series as known as “Hard Knocks” on HBO, Tom Nelson represented a beacon of hope for the much weathered Bengals fans. Let’s be honest, this team had never really been a picture of hard work or guts in the last 20 or so years. Then, all of a sudden it seems, HBO gave the nation a glimpse into what goes on behind the curtain of the off-season.

Enter Tom Nelson into the hearts and hopes of the Bengal Nation.

Here’s the truth. Most Bengals fans that have stuck around through the dismal 20 year dark ages, haven’t had the opportunity to see a player with a set of guts like Nelson’s. Hard Knocks introduced us to an undersized speed ball of energy, humility, and hard work. I can’t put a number to the amount of people that said in passing, “Who’s that Tom guy? I really hope he makes the team.” Rightly so. We all thought we needed a player like this to help set a better example to the higher paid veterans that haven’t been doing much more than just showing up to practice and games.

Who would have thought that, with or without Nelson, that this years Bengals squad would be the perfect representation of what we had been waiting for as fans, but first saw in Tom Nelson during Hard Knocks?

Alright, enough gushing about dreamy Tom. Whether or not he is responsible for the change in attitude (likely not solely responsible, but part of the puzzle at least), he is someone that everyone can root for alongside this seemingly reborn team. Other newcomers, like Nelson, have stepped in and challenged the veterans for their jobs. Through this competitive process, everyone has gotten better and adopted the new blue collar attitude the Bengals proudly rock today. Show up, Do work, Go home with a win.

–

Notes:

- Benson appears to be out, expect Larry Johnson to show up at least through a cameo appearance. This means many more hurdles from Leonard on Sunday.

- Chris Crocker may or may not be hurt. Not practicing, but still won’t give up his job [you have like his toughness]. Kyries Hebert and Nelson are expected to see time. But you won’t be able to see Nelson because he runs a 3.6s 40yd back peddling into coverage.

- We all know Al Davis drafts for speed and that “the vertical game” is of the utmost importance. It should be interesting to see what happens when speed meets punishment this Sunday.

- Lastly, Chad is once again hosting movie night at AMC Newport on the Levee [Kentucky]. Tonight’s movie: Precious. First 100 get in free + free food.

–

As always, see you at Brothers Bar & Grille in Broad Ripple for the 4:15 game against the Oakland Raiders.

Who Dey.

A Blackout? Seriously? A freakin’ Blackout for undoubtedly the last good home game of this season of destiny? Let’s make note that, yes, I am not going to be there along with half of the IWDC. At least I can blame the state of Indiana [fail, again] for an outrageous License Plate Registration bill. Greater Cincinnatians can blame the economy… ticket prices for almost any professional sporting event are borderline criminal these days. But…Let’s be honest, I took a HUGE leap of faith for the Bears game 2 weeks ago. It should have been a close game and many Bengals “fans” were already proclaiming a loss to the Bears was looming by the time the grills were fired up at the tailgates. So, what did I do? Chris [@rifff]and I dropped obscene money on 50 yard line tickets 24 rows up [see below fools].

50 yard line, 24 rows up holmes.

I say obscene money because:

- This is a Mike Brown owned team

- It’s not like the Bengals are undefeated

- You never truly know which Bengals will show up for any given game

- And, again, this is a Mike Brown owned team

Regardless, I was obviously pleasantly surprised to attend the most entertaining Bengals game that I could have this season. Money well spent. That is the treat that the Bengals have to offer. Much like a bullfight, a MMA match, or even a NASCAR race; people don’t really go for the competitive nature of those sports. People go for the off chance they will be lucky enough to witness carnage. So, when the terrible state of Indiana isn’t trying to stick me [liquor stores closed on Sundays?], I am ALWAYS willing to hedge my bets in favor of the slight chance that the Bengals unleash bloodshed of biblical proportions.

–

My prediction for the game: Who Dey Tigers, 20 |  Ed Reed, 7

–

Oh yeah, check out this ESPN.com article about Carson and his domination of the Ravens: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/5209/palmer-at-his-best-against-ravens

–

Please don’t forget to follow us on the Twitter machine [see right column].

–

As always, meet at Brother’s Bar & Grille [see link on the right] in Broad Ripple around 12:45 for the festivities. The [injury riddled] Colts are on at the same time so prepare for to be annoyed.

Who Dey.