Maybe in high school and/or college. NFL is a different monster, for a myriad of reasons.

 

Well then, don't cash the pay check.

Agree with you on the first paragraph. Yes, when you only give up 16 or 17 points, you expect to win the game. So, to have that happen on back to back weeks, has got to keep it fresh on everyone's mind. I just hope Taylor doesn't go back to the "old" offensive game plan, and have Dalton throw it 50 times. And, I know I probably sound like a broken record with this...but, good night they've got to get Tyler Eifert more involved. It'd be one thing if Green would've been healthy all this time, but it's not.

 

As to your last paragraph...I know it's the "smart" business thing to do (go winless)...but, screw it. I'm a fan. I want to see them win. That's why I wanted Dalton in the Steelers game...not only to win, but to see Pittsburgh lose. And yes, I'd love to see them beat the Browns. Would love to see Sam Hubbard sack Mayfield two or three times. If that means we get the #2 pick, heck I'm fine with that. There's no guarantee the Bengals will screw up the #1 pick any less than they'd screw up the #2 pick.

 

At the end of the day as fans or at least myself I want to see them win championships. That is not happening this year. Winning a game or two or three means nothing on this season. In fact it could hurt the future of this franchise depending where they fall in the draft. Yes there is no guarntee that even with the top pick they get it right. However, even if it ups the chance of them getting it right by just one percent. That one percent is better than winning a game or two this season.

 

I have always been the most positive person on this board in terms of how I view most of my teams. However, in this case have to look at the big picture. Losing sucks, but if losing this year helps in any way to win in the future it is worth it now.

At the end of the day as fans or at least myself I want to see them win championships. That is not happening this year. Winning a game or two or three means nothing on this season. In fact it could hurt the future of this franchise depending where they fall in the draft. Yes there is no guarntee that even with the top pick they get it right. However, even if it ups the chance of them getting it right by just one percent. That one percent is better than winning a game or two this season.

 

I have always been the most positive person on this board in terms of how I view most of my teams. However, in this case have to look at the big picture. Losing sucks, but if losing this year helps in any way to win in the future it is worth it now.

 

Of course, every fan wants their team to win the Super Bowl. But every year, fans of 31 teams are going to be disappointed in that regard. It doesn't mean you stop being a fan just because they didn't take home the trophy at the end of the year. So, I'll root for them every game during the regular season in the meantime.

 

I know it's not a popular opinion. I've already said that. I've also already stated that I realize it's the "smart business decision" (to not win). But, again, it doesn't mean I have to like it. Same way with the players. You think they like losing? Yeah, they're getting paid. But, you think they want to be known as the worst Bengals team ever?

 

I just feel that when it comes to the draft, there's no sure thing. You might get a Carson Palmer with the #1 pick, or have an Aaron Rodgers fall to you later in the first round, or maybe strike gold with a Tom Brady later on day 2...or you might as easily get a David Klingler, Akili Smith or Ryan Leaf instead. Whomever they take, whenever they take them, will be applauded by some and criticized by others.

I’m glad that the Bengals will likely get first choice in the draft, and while I presently don’t know a better way, I just don’t like the incentive to be to aim to tank the rest of the season to secure that 1st round pick. How can a player even play the game with this in mind?

 

And while I get why the system is set up this way, I just wish they’d develop another way that gives teams incentive to try to win each and every game they play whether they’re out of playoff contention or not.

Well then, don't cash the pay check.

 

The pay check is determined by the contract and league rules. If it’s in the contract, I’m cashing checks all day long.