30 Comments

The Browns might honestly win the division this year. Very talented roster. It kind of reminds me of the good Bengal teams during the Andy Dalton era - loaded defense with a good running game. Only question mark is the whether or not the Quarterback can play at a high level.

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You are spot on with all 3 subjects Doc. I can remember thinking maybe 3/4 months after that horrible day "wow, I didn't cry today". Lives and life forever changed. Certainly helps to be reminded, if that's necessary, that sports are sports. Taking that deep breath you talked about and privileged to do so.

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I remember being in shock on 9/11 and feeling really lonely that day. I had purchased my first home in May and my dog died suddenly in June. I wasn’t dating anyone at the time and I can still remember watching the images on tv that night . Today I’m in a much better position thankfully. I was planning to go to the gym that night but I thought why should I be so lucky to go when some people had to make the decision to jump out windows this morning. I think I value relationships much more because of that day! First responders are amazing and should be highly valuable in our society.

Yesterday kinda reminded me of the time the Bengals played the Patriots in their first game of some season Marvin Lewis years. Bengals got absolutely trounced. They didn’t look prepared AT All! I was more excited than they were that day. This looks similar to me. I just don’t understand coming out flat it’s the first game!

I would have felt better in off season if we had signed a different running back. Just move on from Mixon. He’s pretty much showed who he is. If he could pick up a blitzer I’d be okay but he’s not good at that either. I’m in no way panicking but this trend of first games these llast few years is somewhat concerning in Zac’s culture club.

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I’ll say it again - JOE IS HURT ! You don’t go from being the greatest QB in the league - completion wise - to Andy Dalton - UNKESS YOU ARE HURT !!!!! Zac is hiding the truth from the local media who are to STUPID to ask about Joe’s calf. ARE YOU BLIND

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The rain was clearly an issue and that's not an excuse imo. My question is did they KNOW it was supposed to rain on Sunday, or was it a surprise? They didn't look remotely ready to deal with it. I still say they need a stronger run game/plan, and yesterday showed it.

I don't know what to say about 9/11 besides I'll never forget how scared and horrified I was that day. And also angry at people that would senselessly attack civilians just trying to live their lives. The first responders there that day are absolute heroes.

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Sad as time goes by horror fades. Not from you and me, but, for the younger set. When we were kids we’d see the paper headlines remembering December 7, but, didn’t feel as our parents felt. That time is coming for a generation after 9/11. Sadly, another day that will live in infamy!

Changing subjects…..I know you root for local teams. You can play hard, but, you are a “now” homer.

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

THAT'S what "Brownie" means? And they secretly do housework?! I mean, sign me up! I may have to switch allegiances...LOL

Yesterday was ugly, so I will revel in the Reds for the week (and up until they get into the playoffs...or their moment passes). For the immediate future I will worry about the Bengals on Sundays, and trust Taylor & Co. will figure it out.

Beautiful, vivid, haunting tune picked out for today. I have heard bits and pieces from The Rising, but not that song. After all these years, the bright blue of this day's September morning sky always takes me right back...

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As a local business owner, small that I am, I look at the Bengals as a business. I told my wife yesterday, "If I had a sales meeting and had a year to prepare if I showed up with that effort the Bengals showed yesterday the client would have thrown me out of the room and I would and should be absolutely embarrassed." I heard a pastor say "there are 43,800 minutes in a month. Well there went 180 minutes yesterday I will never get back.

I also keep hearing people say, "this is what happened last year so we will be fine." That is awful logic. You failed last year so it is okay to just go ahead and plan to fail again? I thought the goal was to win!?!?!!? With the schedule the Men have this year losing to subpar teams will make the games against top notch teams later this season MUST WIN games. Or am I way off base?

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The Bengals look positively LeBronian. Mail it in and lose until it's time to start winning toward a playoff spot.

Regarding 9/11.... a Saudi national was the mastermind, 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis, a Saudi intelligence officer named Omar al-Bayoumi provided resources (money, apartment, etc.) to a couple of the Saudi hijackers in the year leading up to the attack. Our government still redacts portions of the 9/11 Commission related to Saudi Arabia's involvement in the attack. Nothing fishy about this at all. They're a trusted ally, after all.

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Yes on the 60 Minutes FDNY truly heroic individuals there and afterwards …. Hopefully not to be forgotten…

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

Add my thank you to the others regarding remembering September 11th. Some news commentator said back then “All Americans are now New Yorkers”. We were of one heart and mind following those events.

There were so many miraculous stories of narrow escapes and fearless rescues by selfless heroes risking everything to save others. We need to keep those tales in our consciousness now and always. They exemplified America at its best. Thanks again for the meaningful remembrance!

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

Very enjoyable column today. Today is 9/11, the most somber day for our generation. I did watch 60 Minutes last night. Just like 2 years ago, it still hurts. Seeing desperate people jumping out of buildings to avoid burning to death when all they did was go to work is heart-wrenching. I can't even imagine it. As for the FDNY, they showed incredible bravery, loyalty, and love rarely seen outside of warfare. They were indeed warriors that day. Sports seems very trivial today.

However, you are spot on regarding the Bengals. I wouldn't get too worked up over the loss. Let's face it, this current iteration of the Bengals does not match up well with the current Browns. The Bengals have no answers for a hard charging DL. I don't know if it's talent or scheme. I think they will regret keeping Mixon. This team would also benefit from a stout fullback. I know it's not in vogue, but Burrow and his receivers need more time. With such a weak running game, teams can simply bet on pass each down. And where was Chase Brown? Is he injured?

Today, half of NFL fans are panicking and half are overconfident.

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The Rising is a fantastic album. I just wish he was never given the motivation to write those songs. Hard to believe it’s been 22 years. Seems like yesterday.

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

When it's all said and done, baseball and football are games. We watch passionately, some to an unhealthy extent. In my younger days, I suffered the losses badly and joyously reveled in victory, with the former being the much more common result. Not so much these days. I still follow my teams with passion, but life's realities gradually reveal the things most important. There was no greater reality than 9-11. It left our nation reeling, at first, then resolute. We clung to each other. It's a shame we only do this when things are at their worst.

Like everyone else, 9-11 tore at me and my belief we were safe within our borders. Uncertainty and, yes, fear, took over for awhile. We needed things to help us overcome those thoughts and for me, The Rising was one of my greatest go-to's. A hard listen, for sure, but a necessary one. Still a tough one to listen to, even now, but while I'll lament another early season, and obviously unprepared, Bengals loss, and hope the Reds can at least sputter into the playoffs, on my ride home later I'll be listening to The Rising. Thanks for the reminder, sir.

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

Tried 5 times to write a comment. I remember too well that day like many of us. And The Rising was very special. But I agree that it is tough to listen to at times. Thanks Doc for the poignant tribute.

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

I was already having a very bad day when you reminded me (for the tenth time today) about 9/11. Tears streaming down. I remember EXACTLY where and when I was at that moment. At work. But somehow able to see a TV. I have had a VERY BAD day. Not quite as bad as those who left us on that day. We are so lucky to live in this great country and live our lives better than 99% of the rest of us living on this Earth. Say your prayers and count your blessings every single day.

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