Carson called me last week.  Seriously.  He called me.  It was tape-recorded but I am still sure the message was heartfelt.  After he thanked me for keeping my season tickets, he said next year was going to be exciting.  His voice bursting with optimism, he said will do anything he can to take the Bengals to the Super Bowl.  

So, to all the naysayers, including my wife (who wasn't especially pleased that "we" renewed our tickets)," stuff it.  Carson is talking Super Bowl.   That's right.  My man Carson is talking Super Bowl.  How many days until training camp starts? 

While we are on the topic of renewing my tickets, perhaps Carson could call my wife...personally... and thank her for her support and loyalty to the Bengals...that may help turn things around for me.

Regarding mock drafts, Steve Wyche of NFL.com now has the Bengals taking Eugene Monroe, the talented tackle from UVA. So does Todd McShay of Scouts Inc., while Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bengals drafting Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree.  If Monroe is still there at 6, we should grab him.  Mel's pick is solid though.  Crabtree is not just a great receiver, he is an awesome football player.