I think this might make Bengals fans feel a bit better..

[Edskin]

I'm really hoping Carson Palmer rehabs and is ready for the start of next season. In the meantime, I think many of you Bengals fans will be able to relate to this...similar situations.

http://edkleese.blogspot.com/

[macro]

Thanks for sharing, Ed, but I've got to admit, that didn't make me feel any better. If our chances hadn't been ended before the game even began, I might be able to feel better. If Carson Palmer's leg hadn't been shredded and a shadow of doubt cast over when he might return (and if so, will he be the same?), I might be able to feel better. If our loss hadn't been to the franchise I despise more than any other in professional sports, I might be able to feel better. If a quarterback with inferior talent (the guy playing for Pittsburgh) weren't everyone's golden boy and in the AFC Championship game while our more-talented quarterback is sitting at home with his knee swollen and bandaged, I might be able to feel better.

Unfortunately, all those situations exist. This wasn't just any playoff loss, and I just can't feel better right now. It's going to take quite a while. It will probably take until Carson is back at his All Pro form, the Bengals have embarrassed the Steelers in a game, finished ahead of them in the standings, and advanced further in the playoffs. Maybe then, I will feel better. Until then, there will be a void. A knawing, frustrating void, much like the one created by Joe Montana's pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl 23, and Pete Johnson's four failed attempts on 1st and goal from the one yard line in Super Bowl 16. Those will never go away. Hopefully this one will...eventually.