AFC NORTH Bungles finally become Bengals

Cincinnati has reclaimed its true identity with a magical run.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Ridicule? They're used to it.
Punch lines? They know them all by heart.
Last place? Fits as snug as a receiver's glove.
During their dozen dismal seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals were resigned to their status as the NFL's masters of misery. Heck, they even earned the nickname "Bungles."
Heading into their AFC North first-place showdown Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals are trying to get the hang of something entirely new.
Overnight, they've become a sensation.
"Everybody is loving the Bengals," Ravens safety Ed Reed said.
Change in attitude
Once-reluctant players are venturing out in public again and getting an entirely different reception. Autographs are in demand and pats on the back have replaced those under-the-breath remarks.
"It's different," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "I love it. I went to my cousin's basketball game last night and tried to sneak in and sit in the corner, and that lasted about two minutes. I didn't see much of the game. It's a nice tradeoff."
That's the mood across town, where fans are back on the bandwagon and children no longer get mocked for wearing Bengals garb. Coach Marvin Lewis visited an elementary school this week to talk about the importance of education and found a receptive audience dressed in black and orange.
"It was tremendous to see the kids from kindergarten to eighth grade -- there was about 700 or 800 kids -- and all were in their Bengal gear," Lewis said. "It was amazing. That was fun."
That's what winning will do.
On a roll
After a 1-4 start, the NFL's worst team since 1991 has given up its distinction by winning six of seven games. The Bengals and Ravens are both 7-5.
Three years ago, Baltimore was the NFL's success story, winning a Super Bowl with one of the best defenses in league history. Lewis was the Ravens' defensive coordinator and has brought those winning ways to the league's most forlorn outpost.
The Bengals have quickly outgrown their penchant for bumbling and crumbling in meaningful games.
The surge started with a home victory over Baltimore on Oct. 19, followed by another home win over first-place Seattle. The Bengals grabbed attention by becoming the first team to beat Kansas City.
Past Bengals teams would have bungled such opportunities for respect. This one has learned how to handle attention and pressure, winning four in a row while in the spotlight.
Credit Lewis, who has taught them how to focus on what's important and ignore everything else.
"We're being coached now like a Fortune 500 company with a mission statement," right tackle Willie Anderson said. "That's the first time in our careers we've been coached to have a mission and take it one game at a time, win here, don't worry about any of these other teams."