Sleepless in Cincinnati

Nickerson: Where are you going?
Stefen Djordjevic: Where am I going? No place, man.
--All the Right Moves

Am certain that many Cincinnati Bengal players and fans found it difficult to sleep last night after a late game meltdown that can only be described as 'epic.' Truly, fiction could not have told a greater tale of self-destruction.

The play calling and execution were certainly questionable and will be subject of close hindsight-oriented scrutiny for some time.

To me, however, the larger issue was complete lack of emotional control that escalated as the game progressed and hit a crescendo in that last 1:36. Regardless of what others might say to you, you choose your response. You do not have to take it personally. You can remain calm. You can simply walk away.

This is a lesson that should be taught at a young age. Bengals players, coaches, and, frankly, fans in attendance generally behaved like juveniles. An organization (and its supporters) that displays, condones, or tolerates such behavior is destined to face consequences similar to those experienced by the Bengals last night.