When Bret Favre retired (the first time) I felt like I could finally get the bad memories out of my head. But now we have a coincidence in dates, and the local Cincinnati media are buzzing away. P-Doc and Reedy rub it in for those who remember. Thanks a lot, guys:

P-Doc -http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090919/COL03/309190029

Reedy -http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2009/09/18/memory-lane-the-92-bengals-packers-game/

I've mentioned it before, but I was there at Lambeau Field, watching the Bungles loose a heartbreaker on September 20th, 1992. Favre came off the bench, looked pathetic at times, but somehow managed to pull a victory out of his a**. Geez, did I catch a boatload of crap from everybody, especially my in-laws. But what made it worse was the aftermath. The really really loooooong aftermath.

Look at how the fortunes of BOTH teams turned on that game. Check out the 17 years that preceded it (plus the first two games of '92):

. . . Green Bay - 101-155-4 (0.388) - 3 winning seasons - 1 playoff appearance

. . . Cincinnati - 132-128-0 (0.508) - 7 winning seasons - 5 playoff appearances - 2 Super Bowl appearances

Oh, how I used to tease my in-laws! What fun I had! But now see what has transpired over the past 17 years (plus the first game of '09):

. . . Green Bay - 167-103-0 (0.619) - 13 winning seasons - 11 playoff appearances - 2 SB appearances - 1 SB win

. . . Cincinnati - 132-128-0 (0.356) - 1 winning season - 1 playoff appearance

There was nothing magical about the game, but it serves as place marker, a watershed moment. I feel a little bit sick whenever I think of it all, and living in Northeast Wisconsin, it comes to mind more than I care to admit. After 17 horrendously long years, I'd love to get a little payback on my in-laws. I'll be there again at Lambeau for this grim anniversary. Wish me luck. I'll definitely need it.

No doubt Favre used the Bengals as a springboard to stardom but for me the beginning of the downfall began with Max Montoya leaving, I think it was plan B free agency and the Bengals had no clue how to operate within the parameters of it.


who would have thought that the ineptitude and failures could go on for so long like business as usuall?

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In Memory of Darren

This is one of the best posts I've ever read here.

Just one of many perspectives of hell created by MB. May he spend eternity rotating within them all. Or at least until we win a sb.

"For me it is far better to grasp the universe at it really is rather than persist in delusion, no matter how satisfying or reassuring."
-Carl Sagan

Looks like you got a little payback today.  The looks on the fans faces looked familiar because we have had them on our faces so often.

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James Brown: What do you say to your team after a loss like that, Coach?

Bill Cowher: Well, I tell them we have to play that situation. You have to make sure you have a safety deep there. You had everyone running at Marshall and Stokley was uncovered. You've got to play that situation better.

Boomer Esiason: No, you have no idea what you'd say in that situation, because you never had to deal with that situation in Pittsburgh. Only us in Cincinnati can actually know what it's like.

There is an old allegorical Samuel Beckett play where two guys wait around for a fellow who never shows. Their predicament of Waiting for Godot is supposed to be like the futility of waiting for salvation. Or you can just as easily say it's like waiting for Bengals redemption. It never arrives. But today Godot amazingly decided to stop over for a few minutes between engagements. Maybe he had a flat tire or something.

Walking out of the stands after the game, I tapped another Bengals fan on the shoulder to share congratulations and relief. This was a few minutes after Ed Hochuli made it official and the players were already congregating on the field. I said there was no way that I felt safe with two minutes to go and our guys holding a 10 point lead. He said that he still wasn't really convinced the game was over. Couldn't blame him at all. The Bengals don't win games like this!

After 17 years, it's finally Packers fans who are pulling their hair out. They weren't very happy about that 3rd and 34 conversion, as you can imagine. And then there was the time running out at the end. No miraculous comeback like in 1992, but rather a likely one that fell agonizingly short (for them). I was pretty low key with my razzing afterward, but man oh man, did it ever feel good!

Hurray, a happy memory to paste over the bad one! Just to savor the day, here are a few photos.

Tailgating with some nice Packers fans. They didn't razz too hard.




My view walking down a street toward the stadium. It's named "Holmgren Way" after the very same coach who beat the Bengals 17 year ago.




A view from my seat. Ochocinco has just scored his touchdown and is thinking about his audacious leap. All eyes on Chad, just as he likes it.




A very happy and relieved Bengals fan after the game. Hometown fans file past with those long faces Katie mentioned. I smile as I enjoy the fleeting visit from Godot.

I think i have the same shirt


ABK 4 Life

The ORIGINAL Kitna Hater since '97

Psycho. I envision you walking out of Lambeau Field like Kid Lester at the end of the movie "The Best of Times" with Kurt Russell and Robin Williams. One of my favorites. I wish I could have found a picture of that online but, sigh...

This is easily post of the year. Psycho, I always enjoy reading your literary gems. You outdid yourself on this occasion.

I am sure you had at least 2 or 3 different scenarios playing out at game's end...none of which included a photo-op of victorious Bengal fans exiting Lambeau, the crown jewel of the NFL

For any other team, I'd say this could be a turning point of the season. But alas, we are the Bengals though.

Great photos and have a great "next" 17 years.

We simply need to change the team moniker from Bengals to Cicadas....we come out every 17 years....

...but found this...

Awesome stories... Even better pic!!! Don' think that guy will be spending money at PBS for Mikey either

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#8 Boise State #12 Virginia Tech
#9 Miami (FL) #13 Miami (FL)
#10 Oklahoma #14 TCU

So glad you found that pic!!!! I have been looking for it today. Good job!!

...we get a pic like that...

Thanks for all of the kind words! What made the game even sweeter was being able to talk about it here, with people who understand. I've already experienced more pleasure than anyone should expect from a typical Bengals season, and we're only past Week 2! Not that I wouldn't mind seeing a legit playoff run moving forward, but hey, I'd soon be dizzy trying to sustain hopes at those lofty heights.

I've not seen The Best of Times, but I'll absolutely have to check it out now. And watch for Kid Lester. Don't know how I managed to miss it over the years, but it sounds like a fun movie.

You know, this topic most definitely deserves ongoing treatment. I'll post a follow-up in... you guessed it... 17 years.

"I've not seen The Best of Times, but I'll absolutely have to check it out now."


I thought the movie sucked. And since I can't remember much of it--other than the fact that Robin Williams was in it--it must have sucked ballz.




"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence