06-20-2015, 09:31 PM
The only way to change the image, is to change the image.
The image used to be that this organization was the NFL's version of the Bad News Bears. That image was well deserved because of 12 years of front office buffoonery and atrocious on field play, for most of those years.
However, Marvin came along...and in his first 8 years, he slowly changed that image to a more positive one. It became one of a team that could compete, could draft pretty well and was run much better. But the overall stigma of the Bengals past still lingered because they still hadn't really "accomplished" anything.
Over the last 4 years, the Bengals have made the playoffs each year, setting a team record for consecutive appearances. But, at the same time, they also set an NFL record for most consecutive one and done's. So, while they have definitely improved on the overall image (consistently successful in the regular season, and being perennial contenders), they have done nothing to change the image that they are choke artists, that still aren't ready for prime time.
That what's at stake this year. Another winning season will be nice. Another playoff berth will be terrific. But, another one and done will do nothing for "the image", except to cement their place as the league's most consistent underachievers.
How do they change the image in 2015? Go out and win a damn playoff game or two. That would be a pretty good start in reshaping the perception, which they have created for themselves.
The image used to be that this organization was the NFL's version of the Bad News Bears. That image was well deserved because of 12 years of front office buffoonery and atrocious on field play, for most of those years.
However, Marvin came along...and in his first 8 years, he slowly changed that image to a more positive one. It became one of a team that could compete, could draft pretty well and was run much better. But the overall stigma of the Bengals past still lingered because they still hadn't really "accomplished" anything.
Over the last 4 years, the Bengals have made the playoffs each year, setting a team record for consecutive appearances. But, at the same time, they also set an NFL record for most consecutive one and done's. So, while they have definitely improved on the overall image (consistently successful in the regular season, and being perennial contenders), they have done nothing to change the image that they are choke artists, that still aren't ready for prime time.
That what's at stake this year. Another winning season will be nice. Another playoff berth will be terrific. But, another one and done will do nothing for "the image", except to cement their place as the league's most consistent underachievers.
How do they change the image in 2015? Go out and win a damn playoff game or two. That would be a pretty good start in reshaping the perception, which they have created for themselves.
