BOX FULL OF SPORTS

As I said in my previous blog, this time of year is a sports haven complete with multiple game options and this weekend undergirds my argument with a resounding case closed!

First and foremost lets put an end to this Cincinnati Reds baseball season at home and now the losing streak. We all have our opinions on what needs to happen and something should; on that we can all agree. One thing I know for sure is that it's easier to make bold moves and declarations when you're not in charge or writing checks. We as fans have that luxury and our second guessing won't have people blowing up our phone lines and calling radio stations saying Joe in the suburbs should be banned from the radio. I know this organization realizes they have to do something, even if it's laying out a solid where do we go from here plan. Something will be done but getting rid of the manager isn't part of that plan.

Fansided.com 

The UC Bearcats got an impressive win this past Thursday in Prime Time and no it wasn't the offense but the defense that set the tone and ensured the win. They never let Miami aka "The U" get into any real offensive rhythm and lets be honest the majority of you thought they were going to give the same performance that had us all questioning their abilities as evidenced in previous weeks. Now can we give credit where credit is due with the same expediency we do when it's not?

©2015 Wayne Box Miller Media

Speaking of UC I had a chance to watch the game from the new press box and the new Club Level seating and I have to say well done. There are plenty of TV monitors to watch not only The 'Cats but a few other games as well. With the cooler than desired weather and the majority of the people staying inside there was still ample room to move around and partake of all the food stations and watering holes. The food was pretty good with the basics as well as high end selections from which to choose. The seats are comfortable and a far cry from the steel padding of the past. Sitting near the ten yard line and end zone, the sight line was amazing! I can tell you any seat in the brand new Club Level or Suites is pretty good and for football fans you have the view you need to evaluate the plays.

Courtesy of Cleveland.com

For Boxing Fans and that is the majority of Cincinnati as boxing is part of this city's DNA, Adrien "The Problem" Broner was much improved and seemingly back to form in his WBA Super Lightweight Title victory last night over Khabib Allakhverdiev at US Bank Arena. While continuing to mix the sweet science with antics he still knows how to dangerously divide his time in the ring, but seemingly gained a renewed focus outside the square. As I say think of your younger self compared to now and you'll see a lot of reminders of your youth if you're honest. We all hope he continues to grow and his new business venture of promoting fights is equally successful. Following a trend that Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya have fine tuned, making money outside the ring, is a great next step.

Today the Cincinnati Bengals look to go 4-0 and put even more distance between them and the rest of the AFC North. After the Ravens beat the Steelers on Thursday Night, the Bengals are even better positioned to create more distance within the Division. Be reminded that this is a long season and after today there is still 75% of the season yet to be played. But clearly the Bengals won the first quarter of the season and Andy Dalton has looked better in doing so. So why am I hearing what happened last year ringing in my head? Say it with me: THAT WAS LAST YEAR LOL. 

The Bengals answered the call of the Ravens best, back agains the wall effort last week and will surely be tested again this week with a Chiefs team needing to keep pace in their Division early on. The reality is there is no off week in the NFL but with the home crowd and a highly respected offense and defense the Bengals can go 4-0 if they take care of the football. 

Sleeping with Bienemy is still one of the best monikers Chris Berman ever coined for now Kansas City Chief Running Back Coach Eric Bienemy. Pound for pound, heart vs heart there was no bigger player in the NFL than EB. When he played for the Bengals his heart and desire for the game and life was always on display. If you want to learn more about the man check out his article on the Chiefs Web Site. Props to you EB...

Side note: It was also a big football weekend including high school football, as several big teams clashed in Cincinnati; and in college with big games like Alabama and Georgia, where the Tide handed the Dawgs one embarrassment of a home game beat down for Georgia faithful. For all the trash talking, on the field jumping up and down between the two teams and confidence imagined, only one team showed up at game time; their reward? A nice ride back to Tuscaloosa...

Well I have to say hats off the Reds Community Fund for the 11th Annual Marty Brennaman Golf Classic Weekend at Belterra Casino Resort. One of the best golf outings in the business it's made even more impressive by the amount of money they've raised for the Community Fund. I can honestly say this is one of the best weekends of golf  annually in addition to The Marvin Lewis Community Fund because of how they both reinvest in our community. That means we all win. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat; I'm Wayne Box Miller.