Something is different...

As I check in with other fan sites I feel a different aura concerning the Bengals and it makes me feel like this season is special no matter what happens form here on out.  Today I was on the Steeler SBNATION site and I actually felt pride in what the Bengals have accomplished, already, this year.  Many of the Steeler fan posts express some of the same doubts and questions that we Bengal fans have experienced most of our lives.  I must admit I revelled a bit in their pain.  Steeler fans are not accustomed to this doubt though and they seem a bit uneasy talking about their coaches and players in a negative light.  It is almost amusing to read through these negative posts and see that after each question or doubt comes a statement of reassurance that everything will be OK.  I have been amused all season when the Bengals win how it is usually due to the ineptitude of the other teams' coaches or players, or to a bad call from the officials, but seldom due to a methodical butt whipping by the Bengals.  This attitude seems to be changing with the last few wins but there are still some die-hard Bengal haters who usually end with a comment on how the Bengals will fold at the end or never be able to make it if they get into the playoffs.  It is refreshing to hear other team's fans talk about how they think their offensive coordinator is getting predictable and should be changed, or how there is still a chance to get into the playoffs if WE do this and this and this, or how if we only had this key player or that key player.  I am never going to take anything for granted but this year seems different, a special year maybe, perhaps the stars are aligning.  Whatever happens it is always refreshing to hear Steeler fans anguish about their team, or the Brown's fans relive events that happened nearly 50 years ago while proclaiming the new Browns as the team to beat util the third game of the season.  How about the Raven fans who still believe their defense is the heart of their team and they will be there in the end? This is fun.  I have to admit that even though I don't advocate it it is even nice to see militant Bengal fans ambush other teams comment sites and dis the opponents!  Hey, Peter King is actually speaking good of the Bengals!  Hopefully all of you other Bengals fans who have anguished for years without ever getting off of the bandwagon are enjoying this season with me.  The bengals actually have a defense!  I think I'll go read some more Steeler fan posts and enjoy their pain.