Not even halfway through the 2009 season, the Bengals have accomplished more than many followers of the NFL thought they would be able to a year after a dismal 4-11-1 season.

Through the bye week and seven games, the Bengals (by virtue of a tiebreaker) sit atop the AFC North Standings.

They defeated the Steelers, Ravens and Browns, the latter two on the road, and completely destroyed the Bears before the bye, showing just how potent their balanced offense could be.

While all good things, these accomplishments have led to a frustrating number of people declaring that Cincinnati’s season has been a success and they’ve done all they needed to for happiness in 2009.

A friend of mine, after the Steelers game, told me “you’re welcome.”

I asked “for what?”

Their response: “for us making your season by letting you guys win.”

This person is not alone in thinking the Bengals have done all they wanted to do and now will sink back into irrelevance as the “real” teams come to play.

They’re wrong. This season’s far from over. It’s only beginning.

The goals for Cincinnati this year weren’t centered around winning the first three division games and starting strong. That’s simply the first step.

Marvin Lewis said it best at this week’s Wednesday press conference, saying “We have a nine-game season and our first week is this week against the Ravens. What counts is this game. This one counts, and all the other stuff is peripheral.”

Is that coachspeak? Absolutely. But it’s exactly what the Bengals need to be thinking and what the fan base should believe. No playoff or Super Bowl spot has been clinched, so there is still much work to be done at Paul Brown Stadium.

The most dangerous opponent for a team is the one they face this week and the Bengals certainly face a tough challenge in the visiting Ravens. Still sore over a last minute loss Oct. 11 in which they allowed their first 100-yard rusher in more than two seasons, the Ravens certainly have this one circled on their calendars.

This is the latest, and most telling test, for a team that picked itself up off the mat after one of most gut-wrenching losses in recent memory week one, then navigated through back to back to back last-minute wins in AFC North play.

Now, the Bengals will be tested again. This time, we find out if they’ve listened to those who have told them how good they are and that they’ve accomplished all they had to, or if they see things for what they really are and know there is work ahead.

The calendar has turned to November with Cincinnati standing at 5-2, atop the AFC North, but none of that matters any more. The important things will be the next nine Sundays that determine whether this season truly will go down as a success.

Know that although it’s been an exciting and enjoyable ride for seven games, this season is far from over.

It’s just beginning.

CHRIS DUNHAM can be reached at chrisdunhamjr@aol.com.