
Quarterback Joe Burrow celebrating a four-game winning streak after dramatic overtime win versus Denver. Bengals have momentum on their side as they battle for that final AFC playoff spot (photo credit: Ryan Meyer/Bengals.com).
By Dr. John Huang
(CINCINNATI, Oh.) – After going 0 – 3 right out of the gate, I can’t believe the Bengals are still in the playoff hunt. Several dominos still have to fall exactly into place but after that thrilling 30 – 24 overtime win versus Denver, it’s a minor miracle that Cincinnati still has a puncher’s chance at redemption.
“We found our way back into it,” quarterback Joe Burrow said. “All we can do now is control what we can control and try to get a big win next week.”
First things first—take care of business. Zac Taylor’s crew has to win at Pittsburgh (10 – 6) in the regular season finale. That’s no small task. The Bengals lost to the Steelers 38 – 44 at Paycor back in Week 13. As everyone knows, this isn’t Mike Tomlin’s first rodeo. He’s not resting anybody. All those terrible towel-toters would like nothing better than to drive the stake into their rival’s heart.
Secondly, Miami (8 – 8) has to lose at the New York Jets. Unfortunately, the Jets (4 – 12) are one of the worst teams in the league. Miami’s offense should roll. Win, and the “Phish” knock Cincinnati out of the hunt.
Finally, Denver (9 – 7) has to lose at Kansas City. Normally, I’d pick the Chiefs (15 – 1) and their officiating crew—but the defending Super Bowl Champs already have the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up and will most likely be resting their starters in preparation for their three-peat assault. Will divisional hate be enough to spur them on to victory?
I doubt it, but we shall see. If there’s anything we’ve learned this year, it’s that the NFL is a week-to-week league. Anything can happen on any given Sunday (note—Steelers game actually kicks off at 8 pm on Saturday).
Here’s something else we’ve learned. Momentum matters. The Bengals have struggled to string together wins throughout the year. When you start out by losing four of your first five games (three of them at home), it’s hard to reverse that trend. They have nobody to blame but themselves. Oh, they tried to talk themselves into thinking they were a good team, but they just couldn’t get out of their own way. Lack of execution at critical moments became their constant bugaboo.
Until now. Cincinnati has won four in a row and has Big Mo on their side. Make it five and they just might pull this thing off.
If they don’t, then what? Throughout the year, many have been calling for Zac Taylor’s head. The disgust and cynicism layered throughout press row has been palpable. He’s had six years to put this thing together. That Super Bowl run three years ago is looking more and more like an aberration. You can’t be missing the playoffs with the talent he’s had.
Let’s be real. Cincinnati has had a stable of offensive superstars. In my mind, Joe Burrow is the MVP. Taylor admitted he wouldn’t trade Burrow for any other player in the league. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are formidable threats at any level. Chase Brown isn’t chopped liver, either. The window for winning with these guys is closing fast.
The main problem has been the defense. It’s like Swiss cheese—way too many holes, expectantly bland, and frequently stinking up the joint if left out too long. Lou Anarumo’s unit ranks 27th out of the 32 teams, giving up 358 yards and 26.1 points-per-game. How else can you explain a team in which the offense scored at least 33 points on four occasions and the team still managed to lose?
Poor play calling and decision making you say? Perhaps, but not enough of a firing offense. Management loves Taylor. He’s following orders and not making any waves. Plus, the players seem to enjoy playing for him. He’s not going anywhere. For this franchise, It’s déjà vu all over again as simply being competitive is more than good enough.
So here we are, clinging to hope and riding the fumes of a four-game win streak. Whether it’s Big Mo, Joe Burrow’s brilliance, or just a lucky bounce, the Bengals have a sliver of a chance to salvage this season. But let’s be honest—momentum only matters if you can sustain it. If they fall short, it’s back to the drawing board for a team that can’t keep wasting its prime talent. Miracles are nice, but consistency wins championships.
Dr. John Huang is a retired orthodontist, military veteran, and award-winning author. He currently covers the Bengals for Sports View America. You can follow him on social media @KYHuangs and check out his debut novel, “Name, Image, and Murder” and all his books at https://www.Amazon.com/stores/Dr.-John-Huang/author/B092RKJBRD