10.10.10 will not be a day to remember for the city of Cincinnati, Ohio and their professional sports teams. Yesterday was filled with disappointment for the Queen City as the Philadelphia Phillies completed the sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the first ever playoff game held in Great American Ballpark. This all came after the Bengals lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after more mistakes from quarterback Carson Palmer. Where does Cincinnati go from here?
Southwest Ohio should be proud. After years and years of dreadful sports franchises the city finally seems to be on the rise. Even though the Reds suffered a no-hitter tossed by Roy Halladay in their first MLB postseason game in 15 years and were swept by the Phils, the Reds did win the NL Central quite handily. Also, Bengals fans should be happy that they have to nitpick to find mistakes in the Bengals games. Back in the "can't win a game to save their lives" days and the infamous 2-14 season, the Bengals have been to the playoffs twice under Marvin Lewis. The Bengals have only lost their last two games by three points apiece, which means they have the ability to win those games. They just have made a few small mistakes. Last week it was the run defense as they gave up 102 yards to Peyton Hillis. This week it was three interceptions from Palmer. 2-3 going into the bye week is not where the Bengals would like to be, but it is not the end of the world. The schedule does not get any easier as the Bengals will face the Falcons (4-1), Dolphins (2-2), Steelers (3-1), and Colts (3-2), but the bye gives them time to hopefully work out the kinks and all is not lost with just three losses.
To the people of Cincinnati, do not lose hope. Remember the NL Central Champion Reds and the playoff Bengals of 2009-2010 (plus Terrell Owens) when you are feeling glum. If these two teams do not pan out, Cincinnati still has the Kelly Cup Champion Cyclones to cheer on.
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