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Sunday, November 09, 2008
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals' streak of sellout crowds at Paul Brown Stadium stands at 40 and will reach a record 44 at season's end.
It's proof that fan support is there, but where are the home victories? Why can't the Bengals consistently protect their turf?
"I wish we could solve that mystery," defensive tackle John Thornton said.
The Bengals, who are on their bye week, need victories in the remaining four home games to reach 5-3 and match their best home record since Marvin Lewis became head coach in 2003.
The franchise's best home mark the past 20 years is 6-2 in 1996 and 1997.
"There's always something different every time you lose," wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco said. "We just don't play well and I'm not sure why."
Three strikes
Why can't the Bengals win at home? Here are three possible factors:
Juggling act: With family and friends in town, and hangers-on coming from all directions with ticket requests, the players are faced with too many distractions.
Team hotel: The Marriott Kingsgate Conference Hotel is on the University of Cincinnati campus, three miles north of downtown. It's not secluded enough.
Added pressure: The players press too hard and try to do too much, which leads to mistakes. Cheers turn to boos, and that only makes the situation worse.
