In midst of their 17th season in 18 years of failing to have a winning record, the 3-11-1 Cincinnati Bengals decided to not raise ticket prices for the 2009 season. Sunday will mark the 44th straight sellout for the team, but that could change quickly in '09 as many season ticket holders are not expected to renew their seats. How many of those corporate boxes are going to be renewed at $150,000 a pop? Not many.

Watching the Bungles this year has been the equivalent of going to the dentist to get a root canal. At least they give some laughing gas, the Bengals just make me laugh. They are not freezing prices because they want, they are doing it because THEY HAVE TO.

"In 2008, the average NFL ticket price was $76.28, while the Bengals’ average ticket price was $71.17, more than $5 below the league average. With the price freeze, the Bengals’ 2009 average ticket price should continue to be well below the average," the team said in a press release announcing the price freeze.

The team's play on the field has been below average too. Marvin Lewis' coaching has been below average in his five years and Mike Brown wishes he could simply be labeled a below average owner.

The Bengals’ 2009 home schedule features games against division rivals Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore, along with non-division games against the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and the corresponding finisher in the AFC South. Final scheduling information will be announced in the spring by the NFL.  You better believe that all eight home games will be Sunday at 1PM too.

Mike Brown will still figure out a way to get his money. More money on the parking passes, raised concession prices, or doubling up on an increase next season are just a few examples of things that would not surprise me. The fact he's not generating the same revenue tells me that he will tighten up the ship which means - no GM, no additional scouts, no firing Marvin Lewis, and maybe not even tagging T.J, but hey Mikey Boy thanks for the Christmas gift. The best gift I am going to have this holiday season though is having this miserable Bengals' season end.

NFL bengals, mike brown, tickets prices, 2009 bengals schedule, marvin lewis