[Spirit100]

I've mourned long enough nicker:. Very disappointing ending to a good 11-5 season.

The Chargers wanted it more, were loose, fired up and had nothing to lose. They controlled the offensive and defensive lines.

Not sure why Gruden left the run so quickly. We were picking up 5-7 yd chunks and here we go lets pass with a QB who didn't show up to play this game ( Mr. Jeckyl & Hide ). Also hats off to the Chargers D coordinator who game planned very well for Dalton and Gruden. You can only hide so much before good coaching exposes the reality of a QB strengths and weaknesses.

The down side is Dalton isn't going anywhere which I'm ok with as long as he works his arse off in the offseason to get better. Not sure he did so well from last season to this one. The North was down this season, the Bengals did what they should have done and won it.

Yet when it comes to attacking opposing teams weaknesses and utilizing your strengths, that comes down to COACHING.

Not so sure the Browns will cut a big check after dismissing Lewis for a Cowher or Chuckie Gruden. Cincinnati wants a no nonsense, proven Super Bowl winner to get the Bengals over the hump. The organization is making bank with things just the way they are.

A lot of folks would love to change places with us. We have had three winning consecutive seasons which is a far cry from the Shula-Coslett-LeBeaus debacles, however, people are pissed off. AND I LIKE IT, mediocrity and poor performance isn't being accepted like it used to be.

I predict Dalton and Lewis will sit pat. The public outcry will fade. I do hope that the Brown/Blackburn mafia takes note and realizes that the Daltons-Grudens-Lewis' of the franchise better work hard in the off season to improve upon this season. In 2014 I'd take 10-6 ( even 9-7 ), second place in the North, Wildcard birth and if we won 1-2 playoff games. I'd be ecstatic.

That's the next step. We need to WIN IN THE PLAYOFFS.

sidenote: I enjoyed watching good games minus the Ravens and Steelers playing this past weekend. And Gut your avatar selection continues to impress nicker:.