Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) and wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) celebrate on the bench with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) after Hubbard runs back a stripped ball for a 98-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals advanced to the Divisional round of the playoffs with a 24-17 win over the Ravens. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 342
The Cincinnati Bengals are not a nice matchup for any club right now. After a 1-3 start that had the NFL worried and wondering if they were ‘washed,’ the Bengals have gone on a four-game winning streak.
This streak includes victories over two of the NFL’s finest teams in consecutive weeks, the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Burrow and company not only won against the Bills and the 49ers, but they also embarrassed two top-5 defences. They annihilated the 49ers, with fans questioning Steve Wilks’ employment and whether the 49ers pass rush was doomed after Burrow went 28-32 for 283 yards and three touchdowns.
Then they had no trouble stopping Josh Allen’s typical wizardry in a suffocating 24-18 triumph that wasn’t as close as the score suggests.
With these two victories, the Bengals are not only back in playoff contention, but also legitimate Super Bowl candidates.
Prior to their winning streak, the Bengals had once again tricked everyone. They began the season slowly, losing to two of their divisional opponents as well as the Tennessee Titans. They barely beat the Los Angeles Rams, preventing them from going winless in the first quarter. After a game, Ja’Marr Chase yelled that he’s ‘always open,’ while some speculated that they gave Burrow the NFL’s biggest contract too soon.
However, the NFL reacted too quickly, especially given that Burrow was battling with a calf ailment that severely limited his movement during the first several weeks of the season. His movement is clearly back, as he returns to scrambling and running bootlegs.
Aside from movement, Burrow seemed to have regained control of the game. The Bengals averaged just 12.25 points per game in their first four games, and Burrow was struggling. He wasn’t the razor-sharp passer he’s known for. Now that he’s back, the Cincinnati offence is firing again, and their scores per game are up seven points, with Cincy averaging 19.4 points per game as they continue to turn their offence around.
Nonetheless, their terrible start has placed them in a deep hole from which they must dig their way out. The Bengals are still last in the NFL’s hardest division. They are 5-3, tied with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, but lose tiebreakers because they lost both of their divisional games early in the season.
Even if the Bengals are unable to overcome the 7-2 (and dominant) Baltimore Ravens to capture their third consecutive division title, they can still make a Super Bowl push. The Bengals are the only wild card club with a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl.
For starters, Cincinnati has the coolest quarterback in the league. Burrow, who appears unfazed by pressure, has previously proven he can overcome the best teams in the NFL, including the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs. Aside from Burrow, the roster has playoff experience, having played in a Super Bowl and a second consecutive AFC title game. This suggests they’ve been through the ringer and will fare well in late January and possibly February.
Furthermore, the Bengals are now performing admirably as a unit. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have each had 100-yard performances in recent weeks, and the offensive line has done a better job of protecting Burrow. Even when their offence isn’t clicking, Lou Anarumo’s defence keeps the club together. The defence has forced numerous turnovers in each game during this winning streak. They boast the league’s highest turnover differential of +9 and are tied for third in takeaways with 15.
Overall, with a loaded roster, improved offensive-line play, momentum, and one of the fiercest quarterbacks in the game, the Bengals are the only thing standing in their way. If they keep this up, they’ll be contenders again in January.
