Sunday afternoon, while watching the lowly Cincinnati Bengals struggle against the even more lowly Houston Texans, I realized something. I feel bad for Bengal fans. They're so excited about the team's 4-0 start and have failed to realize that they have yet to play anything close to a solid football team. Obviously, there should be some reason for enthusiasm among the Bengal faithful. The team started 4-0 for the first time since 1988, when they had a winning record and went to the Super Bowl. There is an electricity in the air and, as good fans should, the people of Cincinnati are rallying behind their team, expecting nothing but the best from them. Unfortunately, most good things must come to an end, so I will give these words of caution. Enjoy the run while it lasts.

I come from Pittsburgh, so obviously I am a diehard Steeler fan. But I am not writing this to tell you why the black and gold are so much better than the Bengals. I am writing it so that if or when the Bengals do fall, the entire population of their following does not go into depression here at UD.

Back in Pittsburgh, we have what some might call a baseball team. Others would rather call it a disgrace to everything involving athleticism. I just call them terrible. The Pittsburgh Pirates have the longest streak of losing seasons in Major League Baseball. Every year, the fans get excited as the Pirates get off to a quick start until about three fourths of the way to the all-star break. Then, like always, they collapse and finish last in the division. Despite this, Pirate fans are sure to enjoy the ride early in the year as our team does their best to not finish 40 games under .500.

What does that have to do with the Bengals?

I see the Bengals as an NFL version of the Pirates this season. They will do their best to shake things up early, but in the end fall flat on their faces and, once again, miss the playoffs. They might even start the season 6-0, though they do face a tough Jacksonville team Sunday night. The beginning of the end though, despite what happens in the coming weeks, will be on Oct. 23 when the Steelers come to town (at least I hope so). This begins a tough stretch of games that includes the Colts, the Ravens (even though they are struggling they always put up a fight), the Packers and the Steelers again. Then, to possibly add insult to injury, they must close the season at one of the loudest stadiums in the country against the Chiefs.

I don't hate Bengal fans, I just feel bad for them. I know what they're going through, the Pirates have been doing it since they lost Barry Bonds. If they do continue to win games, well, congratulations, that must be a weird feeling for you. Nevertheless, I don't see that happening; expect the worst.