10-22-2016, 12:16 PM
(10-22-2016, 09:14 AM)StrictlyBiz Wrote: Couldn't there be hypocrisy going the other way? For years the Bengals fans bashed the Steelers dirty players but defend Burfict.
Generally speaking, no. Bengals fans (for the most part) don't pretend Burfict isn't dirty. That's the key difference. I don't think our fanbase ever had a big problem with Harrison. Just look at when we signed him. There wasn't much backlash. Now imagine if we'd signed Hines. I think Cincy would've had a riot. I'd say he was the closest comparison for how your fans feel about Burfict.
I don't think I ever saw a Steeler fan question Ward's tactics. It was always "keep your head on a swivel" when talking about him. Bengals fans pretty much openly admit that Burfict is dirty. Therefore, no hypocrisy on our side.
Fwiw, I agreed with the rest of your post. It sucks when your defensive MVP gets targeted by the league.
The training, nutrition, medicine, fitness, playbooks and rules evolve. The athlete does not.
