Campy's Bengals Page
8-8 and Feeling Great!!!
Marvin Lewis has brought the NFL back to Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
January 4th, 2004
By: Matt McGowan
What a season!
Yes, the loss in the regular season finale to the hated Cleveland Browns was a tough pill to swallow. But playing a meaningful game in the regular season finale is something that many young Bengals fans have never seen, and older Bengals fans may have forgotten about.
And it felt great!
While losing three out of the last four games is a cause for concern, let no one take anything away from what Marvin Lewis and his Cincinnati Bengals squad have accomplished this season. The Bengals are no longer the laughing stock of the NFL. In fact, many around the league see them now as a rising power. That is one heck of a turnaround!
And there are more changes to come.
The biggest change this coming off-season will be the departure of star running back Corey Dillon. Corey's tenure here in Cincinnati has been one of sharp contrasts. While many fans here in Cincinnati will remember the bad (such as CD's countless trade demands), Dillon did provide Bengals fans with many good memories during a very dark era in Cincinnati football. For a long time, he was all Bengals fans had to look forward to on many a Sunday over the last several years, and for that, we say "thanks!"
But this team now is bigger than any one player. And make no mistake, Bengals fans, this team will continue to improve. In just one season, coach Marvin Lewis has transformed a locker-room culture, energized a fan base, and wiped away a national stigma. The thoughts of what he can do in a second season are enough to fill even the most hardened Bengals fans hearts with optimism not seen around here in a long time.
Thanks to Coach Lewis, the entire staff, team, and yes, even owner Mike Brown (his hiring of Lewis as head coach has turned out to be the best decision any NFL executive made last off-season) for a great 2003. Here's to taking the next step in 2004!
GO BENGALS!!!
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| Paul Brown Stadium - official site for the Bengals new ultra-modern stadium. |
| Bengal Report - magazine devoted to the Bengals |
| www.bengals.com |
Thanks again, and GO BENGALS!!!
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