Tuesday Trenches: The more things change, the more they stay the same

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesI remember the Blockbuster Video next to the Hallmark store, which was in the same strip mall as Kmart in the town where I grew up.

I remember when the Cincinnati Bengals, having already locked up a division title and a home playoff game after the 2009 season, allowed the New York Jets to beat them in Week 17. The Bengals sat all their starters, including quarterback Carson Palmer. By doing so, the Jets were able to squeeze into the playoffs as a wild-card team. They beat the Bengals 24-14 in Paul Brown Stadium the following week.

I remember being able to ride my bike throughout my neighborhood in the summer. I could play with…