
Thrilled, yes...but not exactly confident.This year, I actually DO feel confident! For severalreasons, this years 7-3 feels a whole lot better than last years 7-3. It’s aconfident feeling that, as an Arizona Cardinals fan, I've never felt before. With the way things shook out, I washappy to see the Atlanta Falcons coming to town I mean, sure they had a greatyear. But they were still the Falcons, and at that time, a team with only aslightly better history than the Cardinals. 
I mean, they weren’t the Giants,Eagles and/or others that generally spend January playing instead of watchingfootball.This year, I want them to play the Vikings! I want tosee how we stack up against the suddenly mighty Saints! I am confident enough inthis years team to be looking forward to anyone we play as the the playoffsapproach! It’s truly exciting to consider the prospects of where we can end up.It’s super exciting to look forward to a showdown with the Vikings on Dec. 6, with apotential playoff bye dangling in the balance of the outcome! That's right! You heard (read) me! A potential playoff bye in the balance!For the first time in my 23 years in Arizona, and my21 years as a season-ticket-holding Cardinals fan, that I am truly confidentthat we can beat, really truly beat, any team we play!Rise up, Red Sea! I have the feeling this can...evenwill be the most fun and exciting December for the faithful since the vagabond Big Red firstpitched their tent in the Valley! GBR!. The team is 7-3 and all alone atop the AFC North.What are Bengals fans thankful for Carson Palmer's HealthCarson Palmer has remained relatively healthy A lot of credit needs to go to the offensive line. Protecting Palmer was a big concern of mine heading into this season. The line has played well so far.Palmer has shown no signs of the elbow injury that caused him to miss all but four games last year. Palmer has also been displaying an ability to move in the pocket and even run the football that we have not seen before. Running GameCedric Benson is averaging 95 yards per game on the ground.

His consistent production has helped transform the Bengals offense into a balanced attack that controls the clock and plays smart, effective football. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard have also been key contributors in the running game.The offensive line deserves credit when it comes to the team's ability to run the football. DefenseI cannot say enough about the attitude and intensity that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has brought to Cincinnati. It would not have been surprising given the recent history of this franchise. However, they put the loss behind them and won the next week in Green Bay.They are 5-0 in their division with the Cleveland Browns coming to Cincinnati on Sunday. A perfect record against AFC North opponents would be great, but this team has bigger goals. Happy Thanksgiving!.