Cincinnati sports fans, hold your head up high, this column is for you.
We've seen our beloved Bengals turned into the Bungles
teasing us with one winning season in the last 18 years. The Reds either totally suck or just mess with us until the midpoint of the season. They haven't had a winning season since 2000.
Cincinnati fans, put down your Who Dey Chew and Chris Sabo bobbleheads and take a deep breath. There is hope for our beloved Cincinnati.
For the first time in a long time, there is some buzz coming from Paul Brown Stadium. In the course of one off-season, the Bengals have totally reshaped themselves.
Mike Brown brought in free agents to fill the holes on the roster. A defense that was ranked 12th in the NFL last year has gotten better with the signings of Roy Williams and Tank Johnson.
With the addition of college football's best middle linebacker, USC's Rey Maualuga, and one of it's best college pass rushers in Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson, Cincinnati's defense could easily be in the top 10 next year.
Last year's offense was one of the worst in the league. But the Bengals could very well be this year's Arizona Cardinals or Miami Dolphins if Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson play full seasons, Andre Smith isn't a bust and Laveranues Coles succeeds as a deep threat.
Just down the street, at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way, there is reason for hope right now. The streak of losing seasons may soon be over. The Reds find themselves 27-23 as of yesterday morning, only two-and-a-half games out of first place.
This is a far different ball club than we are use to seeing. No longer are the Reds relying on Adam Dunn or Ken Griffey Jr.
Instead, the Reds are winning with pitching and defense. When was the last time you could say that? I still shudder remembering the days of Jimmy Haynes, Cory Lidle, Eric Milton and Brandon Claussen. Cincinnati has gotten consistent work from each of its starters, and the relievers are bridging the gap to closer Francisco Cordero.
Fans no longer have to watch the Big Donkey plod around the outfield, unable to get to routine balls. This team is making plays in the outfield and infield that we could only dream about in years past.
The emergence of young stars like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto is enough in itself to get Cincinnati fans energized.
Reds and Bengals fans, there is finally some hope. This is going to be a great year for sports in the Queen City. 2
Sports
Michael Lewis
