We know the negatives. They are promoted, and will be promoted, on this site. But there were some positives that came from a disastrous season that took high expectations and converted that energy into a powerful explosion of Bengals fan rage. Well, I honestly can only think of two. The Bengals knocked the Browns chances of a playoff berth. The off-season finished with a two-game winning streak. While the season itself was awful, the Bengals did do some good at the end of the season building momentum for 2008.

But let's go through each game quickly monitoring the points that made the season what it was.

THE GAME THE BENGALS FORCED SIX TURNOVERS, PART I. The Bengals hosted the Baltimore Ravens on the first Monday Night Football game of the year. The vaunted Bengals defense forced four fumbles and two picks. I was dumb enough to believe that this game would forecast a season of similar games. And it did. Only with the Ravens. The Bengals won 27-20 and the season was off to a perfect 1-0 start. This season was going to be awesome!!!

THE GAME THAT SET DESTINYS. In a sense, this was the game that showcased a sum of both team's season. The Bengals offense scored 45 points with 531 total net yards. And they lost coming up six points and 23 yards short. Not even a shower of tasty Budweiser would accelerate forgetful minds. It propelled the Browns to a 10-6 season while the Bengals came one win short of finishing 8-8 for the fourth time in five seasons. The silver lining was that the rematch had implications that simply made Bengals fans smile.

THE GAME THAT WAS LOST ON KICKOFF RETURN. At this point in the season, I was big on the offense. We just scored 45 points the week before and 27 points over a perceived "tough" Ravens defense. Give us one possession to end the game and we could either win or tie the game. Either way, we'd score. It wouldn't end at 24-21. Glenn Holt says, "Oh, yea?" Holt fumbled a kickoff with over a minute left in the game after the Seahawks offense went 60 yards on seven plays in 1:42 scoring the game's eventual winning score. Cincinnati started cursing that made Hell's Angels blush.

THE GAME AGAINST A TEAM NO ONE BEAT. We really didn't know what the Patriots were about yet. It was only the fourth week and 16-0 is rarely on anyone's radar this early in the season. In reflection, holding the Patriots to just 34 points and 404 total net yards was a victory in itself considering our defense isn't, well, great. While Tom Brady suffered his second-season interception in this game at the hands of Leon Hall, it was a career backup running back that's touring with his third AFC East team that assured a loss. Sammy Morris' 7-yard touchdown run on the Patriots first second-half possession gave them a 24-7 lead that all but sealed New England's win. This was also the game that Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer bickered back and forth heading into the lockerroom at half-time. We're not sure if that argument was ever settled.

THE GAME THAT JARAD ALLEN MADE LEVI JONES CRY. Levi Jones, our super-stud high-salary left tackle, was quickly pulled from the Bengals 27-20 loss to the Chiefs after allowing defensive end Jarad Allen to record three first half sacks -- one on third down, one forced a fumble. Though before the sacks, the Bengals offense started well. On the Bengals first possession of the game, Palmer completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Before that play, Kenny Watson picked up 19 yards. It took the Bengals four plays to record 73 in two minutes taking a 7-3 lead. It would be the last time the Bengals would score a touchdown until there was five minutes left in the fourth quarter reducing a 17-point deficit. This was also the game that Tony Gonzalez set the touchdown record for tight ends. The team decided to cover the hall-of-fame tight end with never-played-linebacker Robert Geathers.

THE GAME THAT ACTUALLY INSPIRED. Let's face facts. It wouldn't be proper to describe the Bengals as comeback kids. But at one point, the Bengals were down 23-10 after Mike Nugent kicked a 43-yard field goal with four minutes expired in the third quarter. Then T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Palmer. Kenny Watson scored two touchdowns and Johnathan Joseph returned a 42-yard interception to the house. Of the 28 second-half points, the Bengals scored 21 in the fourth quarter in the 38-31 win over the Jets. Watson's day: 31 carries, 130 yards, three touchdowns.

THE GAME I PREDICTED. This was the game I sat and predicted each possession at the audible sigh of my visiting cousin. Willie Parker ran for 126 yards, Hines Ward scored two touchdowns and Carson Palmer had a 6.6 yards-per-attempt average. What's that spell? L-O-S-S, loss, loss, loss.

THE GAME THAT RUNNING BACKS DICTATED. Marshawn Lynch recorded 153 rushing yards on 29 attempts. He rushed for a touchdown and completed an eight-yard touchdown pass. Lynch single-handedly beat the Bengals. J.P. Losman's efficient day was a secondary note. It also didn't help that the Watson and Rudi Johnson combined for 13 rushes for 22 yards in the 33-21 display the Bills put on. It wasn't that way early. Glenn Holt scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and the Bengals took a 14-13 lead into half-time. Then the Bengals lost 20-7 in the second-half.

THE GAME THE BENGALS FORCED SIX TURNOVERS, PART II. Question: What do you get when Kyle Boller replaces Steve McNair? Victory, brother. This was also the game that Chris Henry returned from his eight-game suspension and the game that we shifted our attention towards a seventh-round rookie named Nedu Ndukwe. This was the game that the Bengals improved their record to 3-6 after beating the Ravens 21-7 providing a small hope at a playoff run -- yea, in fantasy land. Still, if the Bengals won out, with a win over the Titans, they'd be in. But hindsight is an evil, evil frame of mind.

THE GAME THAT REMINDS US THAT WE'RE SO NOT GOING POST-SEASON. I mean no ill-will towards any Arizona Cardinals fan. But there's no way the Bengals should have lost to the Cardinals. Even with a disappointing 3-6 record. Carson Palmer proved me wrong throwing four interceptions -- two returned for scores. The Bengals dominated the time of possession recording 396 total net yards. The defense allowed only 247 yards. The Bengals committed 11 fouls -- so did the Cardinals. The Bengals turned the ball over five times. The Cardinals didn't turn it over once. In a game the Bengals dominated every aspect except turnovers, the Bengals lost 35-27.

THE GAME THAT THE BENGALS SHOWED THEY CAN BE GREAT. When they want to be, of course. The Bengals took it to the Titans in a 35-6 smoking of a wild card team. When a team's offense is primarily rushing the ball against a defense known for suspect (nice word, huh?) rush defense, then we expect the worst. Hey, we're Cincinnati fans. It is what it is. Instead, the Bengals held Chris Brown, LenDale White and Vince Young to 18 carries for 62 yards. It's a formula to winning by 29 points -- especially against a quarterback that you feel comfortable putting 11 guys in the box. Palmer went 32/38 for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Rudi Johnson recorded his second game of the season over 80 yards rushing. This was also Rudi Johnson's first touchdown of the season. Everything came together. And it made us realize that the Bengals can win any game they want to, when they want to. This was the game that Boomer Esiason made it a point to find faults with the team after dominating offensively and defensively.

THE GAME THAT THE BENGALS FELL HARD BACK TO EARTH. What happens when the Bengals play the most complete game of their season? They remind us that they really stink as a football team. It didn't help that the assist came from eventual AFC North Champions -- the Pittsburgh Steelers -- in a 24-10 beat down. Carson Palmer had one of his most ineffective games of his career. It's not that he lost the game. But passing 44 times and completing only 17 never helps. This was the game that Hines Ward became Pittsburgh's all-time touchdown reception leader after catching 11 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

THE GAME THAT WE ACTUALLY BEAT A TEAM WORSE THAN US. There's no doubt that the Bengals play down to their competition. About this time of the year, I was freaking, literally freaking, that the Dolphins would head into week 17 without a win. Eventually, it didn't matter. The Bengals faced a first-time starting, number three quarterback. Brock Berlin had a day that's very atypical of St. Louis quarterbacks. This was also the game that Rudi Johnson reminded us that he still has it. Of course, that would be challenged, again, later. This was the fifth straight game that the Bengals didn't allow a 100-yard rusher after beating the Rams 19-10.

THE GAME THAT WE LOST TO A TEAM WORSE THAN US. What do you get when you're the unfortunate soul that has to deal with Shawn Hill? An embarrassing, and I mean embarrassing, 20-13 loss to the awful San Francisco 49ers on Saturday Night Football. Thankfully the game was called by Bryant Gumbel -- who takes embarrassing to a whole new level. Freshman Al Gore will be a sophomore next season.

THE GAME SIMILAR TO BEATING THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES. What's a successful Ohio State season that doesn't end with a National Championship bid? A win over Michigan. Even with a losing record, beating Michigan is still better than finishing with a great record, but losing to Michigan.We don't think, even though we finish with a great record, that the season was successful. No. We think about beating them next season. That game truly does make or break the spirit of an Ohio State fan.

So, home state rivals play after a 51-45 shootout that defined each team's season. Derek Anderson throws four picks. Kenny Watson rushes 30 times for 130 yards and a score. Palmer only attempted 21 passes. The Bengals beat the Browns and Cleveland doesn't go to the playoffs with a 10-6 season. A season that ends 7-9 doesn't suddenly hurt so much.

THE GAME THAT BUILDS MOMENTUM FOR 2008. When the Dolphins won their first game of the season only weeks before, the entire Bengals nation breathed so hard with relief, that Miami felt Hurricane Bengals came ashore unannounced -- hidden on Doppler 9,000. The Bengals go into the offseason with a billion questions riding high on the team's first two-game winning streak of the season.

Pass along your thoughts.

Carson Palmer finished with two 300-yard passing games -- including a 440-yard day against San Diego. He didn't throw a touchdown against Kansas City, New England and Indianapolis. His 13 interceptions came in seven games -- including five with two or more. In six games, his completion percentage was under 60%.

Breakdown between wins and losses.

Breakdown at home/away.

Quarterly breakdown.

Per downs.

- Palmer ranks fourth in the league throwing on 38.3% (199/520) of the time on first down.

Carson Palmer's rating in... (ranking against the NFL)

• Shotgun: 92.6 (5th)
• 2-WR: 115.4 (1st)
• 3-WR: 87.9 (8th)

Yards by Bengals receivers after the catch: 1,532 yards.
Passing yards lost by penalty: 154 yards.

This is one of the best weekends of the year. Four NFL playoff games in two days. When asked this week what my plans were, I said, "vegging out on the couch watching the NFL playoffs." Colts-Chiefs, Seahawks-Cowboys, Jets-Patriots, Giants-Eagles, oh my! This is also the time the league starts handing out their yearly awards. This is the time that writers poll their votes and hand out hardware based off their opinions. Even the SB Nation NFL bloggers handed out the hardware.

NFL MVP: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB Chargers
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB Chargers
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Dawkins, S Eagles (note: I picked Jason Taylor)
NFL Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, Saints
NFL Rookie of the Year: Vince Young, QB Titans

2006 Duds
Worst Player: Ben Roethlisberger, QB Steelers (note: I picked Chris Henry for a variety of reasons)
Worst Coach: Art Shell, Raiders
Worst Rookie: Bobby Carpenter, LB Cowboys (note: I picked Mr. Irrelevant... he didn't even play. I know, I took the high-road)

You can view the entire award show here hosted by Stampede Blue.

So here's my 2006 Bengals awards!

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER
I generally don't care for wide receivers getting offensive player of the year awards. It's like handing out a Cy Young award to a relief pitcher. They don't handle the ball but a fraction of the game. I thought, why not Carson Palmer? He finished fifth in the league with 4,035 yards passing -- a new franchise record. Palmer's 28 touchdowns ranks second behind Peyton Manning. Rudi Johnson finished the season with 12 rushing touchdowns. In the past three seasons, Rudi has scored 36 touchdowns giving him 45 for his career -- tied for second all-time with Corey Dillon.

But I'm going against my own rule and handing this year's best offensive player to Chad Johnson. Johnson's 1,369 yards receiving ranks tops in the league -- three yards more than Marvin Harrison; first Bengal to lead the NFL. Taking you back to the Bengals four-game winning streak against New Orleans, Cleveland, Baltimore and Oakland which revitalized the Bengals season -- Johnson caught 26 passes for 505 yards. Before this stretch, the Bengals were 4-5 and you can simply point to Johnson's non-production for the offense's struggles. Once he got going, the Bengals improved to 8-5 with a chance to control their own destiny. The Cincinnati Bengals were only as good as Johnson was. And when he was on, he was the best.

The TIM KRUMRIE AWARD (best defensive lineman)
I can't pick one over the other. Robert Geathers recorded 10.5 sacks -- the first Bengal since the Reagan administration -- and Justin Smith had, perhaps, his best season. While only recording 7.5 sacks, Smith did a nice job stretching out runs and pressuring the quarterback. He finished fourth (per NFL.com) on the team with 81 tackles and recovered two fumbles. Geathers was our best pass rusher. Along with the sacks, he was constantly in the backfield (a little too much if you ask me). He ran down Michael Vick with his speedy Gonzalez speed. The best way to describe the two is if you combine their talents, they'd make up one of the best defensive ends in the league -- against the pass and the rush.

THE ANTHONY MUNOZ AWARD (best offensive lineman)
There were two guys that started all season on the line -- Eric Steinbach and Willie Anderson. Willie Anderson earned his fourth Pro Bowl and Eric Steinbach is the most under-rated guard in the league. Even though Anderson is the most recognizable, I think Steinbach was the best. He started at guard and center and played tackle. His versatility speaks for itself. I believe he's the best pulling guard in the league and will get the money he's expected to command.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR THAT ARE NOT LINEMEN AWARD
No one really sticks out. Per NFL.com, Landon Johnson finished with 112 tackles; Caleb Miller with 99 and Madieu Williams with 88. Kevin Kaesviharn finished with 63 tackles, four sacks and a team leading six interceptions. So you make the call.

THE OF-ALL-THINGS-I-CANT-BELIEVE-WE-LOSE-LIKE-THAT
USA Today's Jim Corbett made a point after the Bengals season was over that "character counts". He continues, "The Bengals could use an offseason field trip to the Patriots' locker room, where the concept of accountability is on display daily, not far from the three Lombardi Trophies." He, of course, doesn't mean coaches with obsessive traits towards a woman that may get him fired. Seemingly, Corbett believes the Bengals were shutout of the postseason because of character.

If it tickles your fantasy to proclaim the Bengals dismissal was a result of character, go for it. But the Bengals not being in the playoffs comes down to two plays. A botched PAT that would have tied the game against Denver and a missed 39-yard field goal that would have won the game against Pittsburgh. I can't believe the Bengals aren't going to the playoffs because of those two plays.

Speaking of...

IT’S ALL IN THE PERCEPTION
Perception is hardly reality. In fact, perception can be dangerous. What’s on the surface is hardly what’s underneath. Most of us have seen the surface of the oceans. But odds have it that you have no idea what’s in the Challenger Deep. On the surface, the oceans wave at the pulse of the moon. Underneath, the ocean is vivid with light in total darkness.

The perception is that the Cincinnati Bengals are reflective of the Miami Hurricanes in the NFL.  The only difference is that we have Cris Collinsworth and Boomer Esiason while the Hurricanes have Michael Irvin and Lamar Thomas.

But that perception is hardly the foundation of this team. Madieu Williams, Willie Anderson and Rudi Johnson are some of the most charitable personalities in the league. Head Coach Marvin Lewis spends time and money to the Marvin Lewis Foundation.  Brian Simmons, Levi Jones, Carson Palmer, Bobbie Williams, Doug Johnson, Shaun Smith, Kenny Watson and Landon Johnson took 55 kids to a Toys-R-Us store giving each $300 for a Christmas these kids would otherwise not have.  On the same day, Sam Adams, Justin Smith, Rich Braham, Tony Stewart and Rashad Jeanty took 40 kids, from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, to get pizza before a shopping spree at Dick’s Sporting Goods. On December 5th, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Rudi Johnson participated in Hometown Day giving people the opportunity for an eye exam and glasses for those unable to afford them at New York City public schools. Shaun Smith, Anthony Wright and Kenny Watson did the same in Cincinnati. With his Halo, David Pollack visited Children’s Hospital. Rudi Johnson took time from training camp to visit a six-year cancer patient and his family.

The perception of this team is wounded from a few guys. But the reality is that perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

THE ORIGINS OF FALSE PERCEPTIONS
I understand why people perceive the Bengals the way they do.  After Deltha O’Neal was charged with a DUI, the count hit eight. I’ve designated them as the "Eight Men Out" – in reflection to the Black Sox scandal in relation to the embarrassment they gave their organization.  I’ve come to understand that Chris Henry is either troubled, or he’s just a horrible person. There was a debate brewing in Cincinnati:

Is talent more important than character? The NFL thrives on the moral fiber of its players. The success of the Chargers, Bears and Bengals, incurring character related problems, has created a twist to the Gattaca league. It’s a valiant effort. It really is. The NBA has been battling with an image problem for years. The NFL is battling to prevent it. Arrests, selfishness and pimp-daddy limos are starting to be portrayed in the NFL. I’m curious as to the fan’s reaction. Will fans stop going to games in protest like the brief attendance lows that came only five years ago in the NBA? The majority of sports fans have a demand that they players act modest with a team-first attitude that’s home by eight taking care of Johnny and Gracie.

But that’s not reality. We’ve never had a reputation of having this many character debates in the Queen City. Never.  So if you called this season an aberration, I’d support it.

Chris Henry.

I won’t lie. I enjoy this guy when he makes monster catches, gives his all and makes the difference he’s supposed to make. For a number-three receiver that records nine touchdowns – an impressive 25% of his season’s receptions – is incredible.  For his career, 22% of Henry’s receptions have gone for touchdowns.  Henry has one less touchdown than Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the past two seasons. This guy scores touchdowns.

But the question is always poised with this guy: Is he dependable?

The question of effort plagued Henry at the end of the season. Arrests forced Henry to miss three games early.

In fact, I have a bigger problem at letting Henry play but not letting Thurman play – you know, because it’s the moral fiber, right? Look at Henry: gun charges, giving alcohol to underage girls, marijuana, driving under the influence. Thurman made the same bone-headed choice as O’Neal and Eric Steinbach. But after failing to show up for a required test during the off-season, he was already serving a four-game suspension. The DUI made it a full season.

I’m not defending Thurman. In fact, it’s been a disaster that he’s fallen so hard from whatever grace he had. It’s disappointing that he failed his teammates, fans and employer. With him, this defense had an impact player that contended with Lofa Tatupu, DeMarcus Ware, Shawn Merriman (another drug policy violator) and Carnell Williams for Rookie of the Year. Then rumors surfaced of an impending suspension because he missed a mandatory drug test. It was later confirmed and Thurman was forced to sit the first four games.

In the end, Thurman’s actions hurt this team on the field by not being there. He’s an incredible talent that made an impact the moment he stepped on the field his rookie season. Now, he’s faded away because he couldn’t hear that voice in his head about moderation, responsibility, loyalty and honoring Lewis’ trust to give troubled kids a second chance. Shame on you, Odell.

BEST NON-ROOKIE PLAYER THAT PLAYED FIRST FULL SEASON WITH TEAM
At first, Eric Ghiaciuc's play was disappointing. The line wasn't making adjustments and blitzers found success up the middle. After Rich Braham went down for the season in September, Carson Palmer was sacked 14 times in a three-game stretch. After that, things calmed down. Ghiaciuc's ability to seal the middle tremendously improved. As the season wore on, there was a limitation with blockers letting defenders tee-off on Palmer. But towards the end, you didn't hear Ghiaciuc's name in a negative manner and most agree that he is the future center.

THE CASUALTY OF INJURY
If you were to ask me the game that set the tone for the season, I would point to the 34-17 blowout over Cleveland in week two. In that game, we lost our starting center, starting outside linebacker and best kickoff return man for the season. We also lost starting strong safety for three games with an ankle injury. When Rich Braham went down, the offensive line had problems finding cohesiveness. Add that to Levi Jones going down against Tampa Bay and missing nine games. Bobbie Williams missed three games after an appendectomy. T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed the season’s first two games with a heel injury. Chris Perry missed the season’s first five games, played the next five, and then broke his leg against Cleveland. Deltha O’Neal missed three games, Brian Simmons missed five and Rashad Jeanty missed four; all due to injury.

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE
When Levi Jones went down against Tampa Bay, Andrew Whitworth had to step up. And he did... for a little while. His struggles came against Dwight Freeney and against the Denver Broncos. But about that time, Jones finally made his return. Whitworth, for a rookie left tackle, was simply awesome for role asked of him. Was he the best rookie left tackle in the league? No. But he's up there. The thing about Whitworth is his dynamics. At the start of training camp, Whitworth was getting work in at guard and tackle. He played both during the season.

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE
Is there anyone that Johnathan Joseph didn't impress? Against Baltimore, Joseph dropped four potential interceptions. His 20 pass deflections is tied for fourth in the NFL around guys like Champ Bailey, Chris McAlister and Charles Woodson. He's the best tackler in the secondary and isn't afraid to smack you. Joseph will be something special.

THE RISE OF OTHERS FROM CASUALTY
The injuries have enabled others to step up. Caleb Miller went from special teamer to "hey, he ain’t that bad". Johnathan Joseph has started ___ times with O’Neal struggling to regain starting status. Andrew Whitworth is expected to take over at left guard once Eric Steinbach’s price can’t be met. Eric Ghiaciuc is the starting center of the future. Stacy Andrews will take over at guard and tackle when others fall.

THE SEASON IN A NUTSHELL
Carson Palmer made an impossible return. David Pollack broke his neck. Robert Geathers laid out Trent Green. Eight players arrested. Injury, injury, injury. Play-calling. Defensive shortcomings. Records broken. Rich Braham retires. With all that, it's still disappointing the Bengals missed the playoffs. They nearly overcame tremendous adversity. They played with an image that's not reality. They struggled, they thrived and then struggled again. They couldn't beat the good teams and barely beat the bad teams. The 2006 Bengals team went through a lot and finished not doing enough. The only thing that concerns me heading into the off-season is this: Are the 2006 Bengals a trend or an aberration?

Before the playoffs even begun, five NFL coaches have either resigned or been fired. Dennis Green, given the Herculean task of building a team run by a family that hasn't experienced a winning record since 1998 under Vince Tobin, was given Kurt Warner, a rookie quarterback two all-star receivers and a great running back. The Cardinals have only two winning records since 1984. That, my friend, isn't a coach, it's a trend that points to one consistent, ownership. Jim Mora Jr. punched his departure ticket making the mind-boggling decision to publicly admit he'd coach the Washington Huskies if the job opened. Art Shell was hired right before the season started because Al Davis likes to wait.. and wait.. and wait. As a result, the Raiders had no chance in 2006 because Shell was a convenient choice after Davis lost out on the quality coaches available. Nick Saban, the NFL's version of Larry Brown, lied about the Alabama job until the Tide offered $32 million guaranteed for eight years. Don Shula isn't a fan of Saban saying, "there were four or five direct statements that were blatant lies. That tells you a little bit about the guy... The guy likes to hear himself talk and then doesn't follow up on what he says." We've heard several conflicts with why Bill Cowher is leaving. Is he leaving to be with his family and take a year off even though he said he's "not burnt out"? Or, as ESPN reported, is he leaving because he feels he should be the highest paid head coach in the league -- especially higher paid than ex-GM and head coach Mike Holmgren -- who he beat in the Super Bowl? On a personal note, I'm THRILLED this happened. I'm so ready for a Steelers team post Cowher. I respect him, but he's been a thorn to Bengals fans for years!

If you listen to local radio, there's plenty of dissatisfaction directed towards head coach Marvin Lewis. Some of the frustration includes (but not limited to), game management, timeout usage, half-time adjustments, player preparation and the disastrous defense on the field a full four years after arrival. Here's the point: it's frustration. I've heard no one suggest we need a change. Most, if not all, reasonable Bengals fans think Lewis should be here. But some are questioning whether or not he can take the team to the next level. My only contention is that fans shouldn't use this season as a sample to prove their points. A lot of things went wrong. There's a lot of second guessing going on with Lewis. But realistically, there was way too much that went outside of Lewis' hands disabling his ability to control the team. He said he'll change things and that's all we can ask. You live and learn in life and Lewis' learned a lot as a head coach in 2006.

When Marvin Lewis explains that Odell Thurman isn't on the team and his return isn't on the horizon, it makes me wonder what the hell he did.

"Odell is not a member of this football team," Lewis said. "He's on suspension by the NFL. He's got a long road to go. I'm not even going to spend any time talking about Odell. We're talking about our '07 season. He's not part of this football team." - Marvin Lewis

So far, we know that he was suspended for the entire 2006 season for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The final straw that broke the camel's back was the DUI after Pittsburgh I. This makes me wonder, Chris Henry has provided alcohol to underage girls, been arrested for gun charges, caught with marijuana and pulled over while driving intoxicated. After all those societal issues "not being right" that Lewis says time and time again, you'd think Henry would be the one that's "not a member of this football team." Where is the balance in this? Where is this level playing field that supposedly exists?

Obviously, we've heard a small dosage of what could be the issue here. Thurman did something that hit Lewis and Mike Brown personally. What that is, we may never know. But that has to be the reality given the imbalance of what Henry has done and what Thurman has done.

So now we open the issue of character. The topic that's plagued Lewis this season. The theme of the off-season. Consider this now: every acquisition will have a deeper background check than an applicant at the Lebanon Correctional Institute. Lewis says he'll now rule with an iron fist -- around the same time the team picked up Jason Berryman who has spent 258 days in jail. Here's Berryman's wrapsheet.

May 27, 2004: Arrested for "breaking the driver's side window of an automobile owned by his ex-girlfriend during a heated argument May 7."

August 24, 2004: Arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of first-degree theft when he stole $4 from an Iowa State student and punched him in the face before stealing a cell phone from another ISU student.

January 28, 2006: Cited for being on the premises at a club underage -- listed as an alcohol offense.

Lewis continues, "They long for that from me to be the hard (guy) all the time in certain areas. So we'll make sure I give them what they want."

Forgive us coach when we say, "we'll believe it when we see it".

Sifting through other items on the docket.

TMQ awarded Cincinnati with the worst play of the year.

This sounds like the selfishness that Carson Palmer and Willie Anderson spoke of.

We will be doing a year in review all week long. If you have a story or an opinion, open up an account and go off in the Diaries.

January 8: On the second play of the Bengals first playoff game in over a decade, Kimo von Oelhoffen hits Carson Palmer in the knee numerous ligament tears, a shredded ligament, damaged cartilage and a dislocated kneecap. The Bengals, after leading 17-14 at half-time, were eliminated from the playoffs after being shutout in the second half losing 31-17.

January 10: Palmer had surgery on his left knee to repair his torn ACL and MCL.

January 30: Chris Henry was arrested on multiple gun charges in Orlando, Florida – while wearing his jersey.

February 13: The Bengals signed Rashad Jeanty to a two-year deal.

March 13: The Bengals signed Dexter Jackson to a reported four-year deal.

March 15: CincyJungle.com went live. Boo-ya!

March 22: Carson Palmer updated his injury status and said he was on schedule. However, he was still uncertain if he’d be 100% ready for training camp.

April 4: The Bengals hosted a press conference announcing the signing of Sam Adams.

April 7: The Bengals signed Bobbie Williams to a three-year contract extension.

April 13: The Bengals reach an agreement with Jeremi Johnson on a one-year deal.

April 14: The Bengals reach an agreement with Jeremi Johnson on a six-year deal voiding the one-year deal.

April 20: The Bengals signed Chad Johnson to a new contract, with one-year extension, that will extend through 2010, with an option in 2011.

April 21: The Bengals reach an agreement with Anthony Wright to a one-year deal.

June 3: Henry was pulled over on I-275 and charged with a DUI.

June 3: A.J. Nicholson was charged with burglary, grand theft and vandalism.

June 20: Misdemeanor charges were filed against Frostee Rucker for spousal battery and vandalism.

June 14: Henry was arrested for providing alcohol to three underage females making this his fourth arrest in seven months.

July 13: Unconfirmed reports broke that Odell Thurman would be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

July 13: The Bengals selected Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the 2006 NFL Supplemental Draft.

July 15: Mike Brown responds to character concerns. "We want our fans to know that we share their concerns regarding the recent off-field conduct of several Bengals players. We expect our players to be good citizens, as most are, and we hold them accountable for their conduct under team and league rules."

July 23: After citing Matthias Askew with a parking violation, Cincinnati police used a Taser to subdue the defensive lineman. He was charged with arresting arrest and obstructing official business. All charges were later dropped.

July 25: The Bengals sign Levi Jones to a six-year contract extension through 2012.

July 25: Marvin Lewis doesn’t confirm Thurman suspension. "There has been no correspondence about Odell, so you guys (media) are way ahead of us."

July 26: Bengals.com announces Thurman’s suspension that was rumored two weeks earlier but Lewis denied a day before.

July 26: Bengals announced the entire pre-season and regular season is sold out for the season.

August 1: Odell Thurman apologizes. "First of all, I just want to say I did make a mistake. First, I want to apologize to my teammates, the guys who sweat with me, my friends and family, but most of all the fans and the kids who look up to me. I'm just glad to be back on the positive track."

August 4: The offense beat the defense in the Bengals intra-squad scrimmage, 42-25.

August 5: Eric Steinbach was arrested for boating under the influence.

August 8: The touching story of Julie De Rossi was published. De Rossi died two years after being hit by a drunk driver. Being a donor, more than 50 people received parts from her; including her Achilles tendon that was placed in Palmer’s knee. "It's amazing to think that somebody else is inside me. You look at the scar. You stare at it. You rub it. It's given me a second chance at life. And I'm extremely grateful to this person.'"

August 8: The Bengals introduce the "Jerk Line".

August 13: The Bengals beat the Washington Redskins, 19-3, in pre-season game #1.

August 15: The Bengals waive Matthias Askew.

August 18: Bengals beat Buffalo, 44-31, in pre-season game #2.

August 20: Palmer discusses why he hates the Steelers. "It's just the team, that's our rival. They are the guys that are where we want to be. When you play at USC, you hate UCLA. You don't hate the strong safety, you don't hate the left outside linebacker, but it's just something that develops."

To which Marvin says: "Fortunately or unfortunately, we're in the business of putting them out of business."

August 21: Bengals medical staff under fire after Chris Perry is found to be injured. "They checked it out and said nothing was wrong with it and came back and told me something was wrong with it," he said of the knee. "Same with the ankle. That's why it took so long. If they had told me about it in February, it would have happened in February. I knew it was hurting, but to the extent that it was, I had no clue. I didn't know that (until) I went and got a second opinion and found out how hurt I really was."

August 28: Bengals beat Green Bay, 48-17, in pre-season game #3. Carson Palmer made his return.

August 31: The Bengals sign Willie Anderson to a five-year contract extension through 2011.

September 1: Bengals beat the Colts, 20-3, in pre-season game #4.

September 10: Bengals win opening weekend beating Kansas City 23-10. In the game, we saw one of the most violent whiplashes when Trent Green was knocked out by Robert Geathers.

September 12: Henry avoids jail time by pleading guilty and receiving 100 hours of community service and two years on probation for gun charges in Florida.

September 17: The Bengals beat Cleveland, 34-17, in the most costly game of the season. The Bengals lost David Pollack, Tab Perry and Rich Braham for the season. T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Levi Jones were already inactive from injury and Dexter Jackson missed suffered an ankle injury.

September 18: David Pollack placed on IR after it was disclosed Pollack suffered a fractured C-6 vertebrae.

September 21: Rudi Johnson wins the FedEx Ground NFL player of the week after rushing the ball 26 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns.

September 21: Newly elected NFL commissioner Roger Goodell brings his holiness to Cincinnati to discuss the CBA with the un-approving Mike Brown.

September 24: Bengals beat the Steelers, 28-20. Thanks Ricardo Colclough. However, the Steelers play the "they didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves" game. "Yeah, it does hurt, because it was nothing they did that beat us," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "It's something we did -- the turnovers."

"The better team didn't win," Parker said, flatly.

September 25: Positive track over. Odell Thurman was pulled over and charged with a DUI with Henry vomiting out the window and Reggie McNeal in the backseat. 

September 26: Caleb Miller tackling Hines Ward is the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

September 26: T.J. Houshmandzadeh was named AFC Player of the Week. Against Pittsburgh, Housh had nine receptions for 94 yards and two clutch touchdowns in the Bengals win over Pittsburgh.

September 27: The NFL extended Thurman’s four game suspension to a full season.

September 27: Frostee Rucker placed on IR.

September 28: The team told Odell Thurman he’s not welcome at the team’s facilities. Said Marvin, "We've told him he's not to be around here."

October 1: Bengals lose to New England, 38-13.

October 6: The NFL suspended Henry two games for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.

October 13: Anthony Wright has appendectomy.

October 15: Bengals lose Tampa Bay, 14-13. This is the game where the Bengals allowed a no-name rookie Quarterback to convert a big fourth down. Oh, and something about roughing the passer foul.

October 16: It was announced that Levi Jones will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He’d be out for two months.

October 19: Chad Johnson comes out and discusses the Bengals conservative and mundane offense. It even "angers" him. "Stuff is not going the same way it did last year, to where I can come out and be bold," he said. "We’re not playing bold. We’re not playing aggressive. So I can’t be aggressive. I’ve got to feel it. I can’t come up and say, ’Man, we’re going to go out and torch these guys,’ and we go 75 plays in the game and have one explosive play. We’re just not the aggressor right now."

October 20: Tab Perry placed on IR.

October 22: Bengals beat Carolina, 17-14.

October 22: WLW Sports Talk host, Andy Furman, was suspended for calling T.J. Houshmandzadeh a racist.

October 24: Reported that old Bengals receiver, Peter Warrick will work out in Cincinnati.

October 26: Chad Johnson makes the cover of Sports Illustrated.

October 27: Chris Henry reinstated after being placed on Reserve/Suspended List.

October 27: Antonio Chatman placed on IR.

October 29: Bengals lose to Atlanta, 29-27.

November 1: Chad Johnson ditches his Mohawk after losing a bet with DeAngelo Hall because the Bengals lost to the Falcons.

November 1: Andy Furman is fired from WLW.

November 5: Bengals lose to division leading Baltimore, 26-20.

November 6: Questions about Palmer’s confidence in his knee surface.

November 8: The Bengals sign Ben Wilkerson to the 53-man roster after expectations of Braham’s return keep dimming.

November 12: Bengals give up 42 second-half points, in one of the biggest second-half collapses in NFL history,  to the Chargers losing 49-41.

November 15: After the Bengals scored 41 points against the Chargers, Lewis confirmed that the offense is "more in Bob Bratkowski’s hands."

November 19: Bengals beat New Orleans, 31-16. The Saints offense recorded 595 yards from scrimmage.

November 22: Carson Palmer wins the FedEx Air NFL Player of the week.

November 26: Bengals shutout the Browns, 30-0. The shutout is the first since 1989.

November 28: Chris Perry placed on IR.

November 30: Bengals beat division leading Baltimore, 13-7, on the NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football.

December 3: Reggie McNeal was arrested for resisting arrest and drug possession.

December 7: Palmer wins his second FedEx Air NFL Player of the week.

December 9: Deltha O’Neal was arrested for DUI.

December 10: Bengals beat Oakland, 27-10.

December 11: The Bengals send Hamilton County an invoice of $900,000 for the installation of FieldTurf.

December 11: David Pollack finally has his halo removed.

December 12: The infallible Roger Goodell offers "aide" to Mike Brown regarding character issues.

December 13: Hamilton County says no to Bengals’ invoice.

December 15: David Pollack’s future is in doubt after it was reported that he would require surgery.

December 15: Kelley Washington placed on IR.

December 18: The Bengals lose to Indianapolis, 34-16.

December 19: Chad Johnson and Willie Anderson were named starters for the 2006 Pro-Bowl. Carson Palmer was named backup.

December 20: It was reported that Palmer hurt his shoulder after the final hit against the Colts.

December 24: After the Jags and Bills lose, a win will give the Bengals a playoff berth. Bengals lose to Denver, 24-23.

December 27: Rich Braham announced he’s retiring.

December 31: With the Chiefs winning and the Broncos losing, the Bengals could have won a playoff berth if they beat Pittsburgh. Steelers win, 23-17.