Due to the intricacies involved with law school, I took a hiatus from writing my sports blog.  Although such intricacies continue, the world of sports becomes more amusing as days go bye and so I shall return to write.  To those of you who enjoy reading my blog here on Fox Sports, thanks for your support and excuse me for taking a short break.   

The NFL is full of surprises each week and week 13 wasn't the exception.  The Dolphins came from behind in the fourth quarter to beat the Bills by a score of 24-23.  Also, the Browns almost surprised Jacksonville.  Furthermore, the Buccaneers are still alive in their quest for the post-season by playing a weird game before a somber crowd and with a final score reminiscent of pre-season games. 

But perhaps, the most exciting surprise was the Bengals beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh.  The Bengals needed this win and they earned it.  Although, the score was a close 38-31, the Bengals made a huge statement in that game.  They now have a record of 9-3 and a two-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  That's huge in December! 

Besides the people in Cincinnati, I don't think many others were paying attention to the Bengals before this season, or even early this season.  I was certainly not paying that much attention to them and didn't think they would have such a great season.  My friend, Carolyn, said that this would be the breaking season for the Bengals and I laughed.  I love her, but come on ... the Bengals; they've been the NFL's ugly duckling for over the past 10 seasons or so. 

Since 2001 we've been hearing about Chad Johnson and how good of a receiver he is.  But he talks too much and that draws comparisons with the notorious T.O.  We've also been hearing how good is Carson Palmer.  He left USC with such great hype as Matt Leinart is leaving this year.  Yet, Palmer had an average season during 2004.  Apparently the success of USC has recharged Palmer's excitement for football and he has had an amazing season so far.  You can't go wrong with the Palmer - Johnson combination.  They've got their team rolling and betting against them would be as dumb as thinking that Batman and Robin would not answer a cry for help. 

But perhaps the most important piece of the Bengals puzzle has been their coach, Marvin Lewis.  The Bengals fans claim, 'in Marvin we trust,' as if he was God himself.  And although Marvin isn't God, he'll certainly be remembered as a god in Cincinnati when this ride is over.