CINCINNATI -- This winning season, the Bengals have had a difficult time getting anyone to believe in them.
The NFL has had to extend sales deadlines numerous times so the team would not be blacked-out from regional television coverage.
So, if it is tough for fans to get on board to buy tickets, is it any wonder that sports pundits have a difficult time jumping on the 7-2 football team's wagon?
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Frostee Rucker commented on his team’s positive season. "We're just taking it in stride,” he said.
The team beat its long-time divisional foe, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday in a slug fest 18-12. Neither team scored an offensive touchdown.
Key players from both teams left the game with injuries and special teams won the day.
Both teams’ field goal units drilled four scores through the uprights. But the difference in the game was when the Steelers took a 3-0 lead – and during the ensuing kickoff – Bengals rookie Bernard Scott, from Abilene Christian University, took the ball 96 yards to give his team a 6-3 lead.
"That was my first time returning a kickoff since my freshman year in college," said Scott.
"It was kind of new to me," he grinned as if opening an early Christmas present, "but yeah, [it felt] real good."
He is one of three alum from his university playing in the NFL. He finished off the hat trick of all three returning kickoffs for touchdowns.
The other two are Chicago Bears Danieal Manning who returned a kick in 2008 for an 83 yard score, and earlier this year, Johnny Knox returned one for the Bears 102 yards against the Detroit Lions.
Scott also mentions that getting recognized by the nation as a legitimate team was comforting, too.
The team was getting headlines across the country and Canada, like ESPN.com: "The Bengals spent most of the last 20 seasons chasing Pittsburgh, and now it's the other way around, and the Steelers realize it's a decidedly uphill climb."
And from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Give Bengals Credit: This is clearly a different breed of Bengal, one that isn't tamed easily."
And this from Fanhouse.com: "Bengals Are Dysfunctional No Longer"
Even Steelers safety Ryan Clark admitted, "They're clearly the best team in the division."
Players and coaches are keeping tight-lipped about headlines and hype concerning the team, but did explain the positives of others’ recognition of the team.
"I think it's good that our town and our city are finally getting a chance to believe in what we've got going," said Rucker. "We're glad that everyone else is finally noticing all the hard work we've put in, but at the same time, if we lose they are going to be the same people pointing their fingers."
Scott says, "We're all just taking advantage of opportunities, that's the main thing."
The fans were more direct about the team and the positive feedback from the media.
Jared Ryan of Cheviot says, "You know, with our 19-year history, I still don't think people are giving us the respect we deserve, but I'm kind of glad. It'll be underdogs all the way to the Super Bowl if that needs to happen."
Mason resident Tara Hurst thinks it’s too little, too late.
"I don't think they give them enough props,” said Hurst. “I think they've seen them do bad for so long, they don't believe in them."
Melanie Hampton of Dayton, Ohio kept it simple. "The era of the Bungles is over for sure. I think we should start recognizing the City of Cincinnati,” she said.
Respecting the team through headlines or discussions on the street, Bengals officials announced Monday afternoon that the team's three remaining home games have yet to sell out.
Which will no doubt bring into question if the local fan base is giving the team the respect it deserves.
