It's rare to begin a column by waxing lyrically about a side that tasted the bitter nectar of defeat in the week just passed, but that's the situation in which I find myself this week.

The Cincinnati Bengals fell just short against Pittsburgh on Monday, losing 24-17, in an incredibly hard fought AFC North battle.

Yet, although they suffered only their third defeat of the 2011 season, the Bengals gave their fans plenty of reason to think they will be a contender in the years to come.

Ultimately, it was the Bengals youth that led to their downfall. Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton - who has been brilliant in his first NFL season since leaving TCU - threw an interception late in the game, bringing to an end what could've been the game-tying drive.

Sure, that interception - and subsequent defeat - hurts, but the other 55 or so minutes of the game is what give the Bengals hope.

Look no further than the Bengals opening touchdown, when Dalton found fellow-rookie A.J Green in the end zone. Not only was the athletic catch by Green impressive, but also the fact that he beat out perennial All-Pro defenders Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark in the process, speaks to how impressive the catch was.

Prior to this game, the only knock on Cincinnati was their failure to match it with the NFL powerhouses. And although they didn't beat Pittsburgh, they did show they have the making of an AFC powerhouse.

Their week 11 expedition to Baltimore will give more insight, into whether they are ready to compete, or if their young talent needs a few more seasons to marinate. 

AH, THE AFC WEST

Depending on how you look at it, the AFC West in either the most evenly matched, or most average division in recent history. (Minus the NFC West)

The 5-4 Oakland Raiders - on the back of their win over San Diego - lead the division, with the aforementioned Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos trailing by just the one game. At the moment, the close proximity of the sides is the only thing keeping the division interesting.

Unfortunately, on form, regardless of which side ultimately advances from the West, it's hard to imagine them achieving any playoff success. Oakland is arguably favourites to claim the crown, but they are a team with some gaping deficiencies. Mainly, their discipline needs the most work; penalties flags have marred Oakland's play up until this point.

Inconsistency is the biggest problem for the Chargers, having looked strong in defeat, against New England and Green Bay, but then struggle against lesser-ranked sides.

Denver and Kansas City are barely worth considering in the division race.

It seems that the AFC West title will reside somewhere in California, but it is hard to see how either side will be relevant in the playoffs. 

ROMO RISING TO THE OCCASION

Few NFL quarterbacks are more maligned than Dallas Cowboys' signal-caller, than Tony Romo.

In the past few seasons, it seems as if every Cowboys capitulation is placed at Romo's feet. While I will admit that Romo has had his share of disastrous outings, placing the entire blame on his shoulders discredits his strengths under centre.

Against Buffalo, Romo showed just why he should be considered an NFL elite.

He completed 24 of his 27 passes, amassing 270 yards and three touchdowns, leading Dallas to a 44-7 victory over the previously-considered playoff contending Bills.

If Romo can maintain this sort of play during the NFL's second half, expect the Cowboys to make a late postseason charge. 

WRITERS' CURSE

In our collaborative NFL mid-season review last week, ED WYATT and I tipped the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens as AFC champions respectively.

Both sides suffered defeats this week.

It may not be the Madden Curse, but maybe the BackPageLead curse is starting to take shape.