Bengals Will Have To Beat Patriots To Stay In AFC North Race

Posted: Mon 8:26 AM, Oct 01, 2007

CINCINNATI (AP) - Marvin Lewis respects their methods. Willie Anderson admires their consistency. Carson Palmer likes their quarterback.

Sounds like the Cincinnati Bengals have a case of Patriots envy.

Maybe it's because the two franchises are such opposites. The Patriots won three Super Bowl in four years. The Bengals have had one winning season in the last 16 years. And as they prepare for their matchup tonight, they're in totally different places again.

New England (3-0) is setting the early standard. Cincinnati (1-2) is headed for early misery unless it can pull off the upset at Paul Brown Stadium.

Simply put, the Bengals have to beat the team they wish they could be -- intense, prepared, scheming, talented.

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