BENGALS EYEING SUPER BOWL RETURN
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
The Cincinnati Bengals continued their quality stretch of play Sunday. A 37-30 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers marked the teams fourth win in their last five games.
“I think we’re playing as good as anybody,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in his postgame news conference. “We’re hitting our stride offensively.”
Burrow had a positive performance against the Steelers, throwing for 355 yards and four Touchdown passes.
“[Joe’s] always comfortable,” said Bengals Head coach Zac Taylor. “The whole world could be falling down around him and it wouldn’t faze him. He’s a special player.”
As ESPN Cincinnati Radio host Mo Egger revealed on Wednesday’s Rod Pedersen Show, Bengals fans have also come to feel comfortable with Joe Burrow behind centre.
“Give me Joe Burrow in the Month of January with a chance,” exclaimed Egger. “And I’d feel pretty comfortable as a Bengals fan.”
Cincinnati’s offense has performed well during their 4-1 stretch. They have averaged over 31 points per game over that span.
The Bengals look to become even more potent offensively, as receiver Ja’marr Chase is set to return for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
Chase hasn’t played since suffering a hip injury during the teams week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
“We expect him to play,” said Burrow, regarding Chase status. “As soon as he’s ready to go he’ll be back, ready to play and keep making plays.”
As Egger explained, the Bengals face the challenge of a difficult end to their regular season schedule.
“Looking at the final 7 weeks” exclaimed Egger. “They’re gonna play 5 of the top 7 teams right now in the AFC, including the Titans on Sunday.”
As the Bengals prepare for Tennessee’s potent rushing attack, (led by Running Back Derrick Henry) they hope their run defense improves following recent results. It was a week 8 loss against the Cleveland Browns where the Bengals gave up 143 yards rushing on 34 carries.
While the Bengals aim for another postseason berth, the only team standing in their way of winning the AFC north division title is the Baltimore Ravens.
“I don’t know if I really believe in the Baltimore Ravens,” said Egger. “I think you saw it last Sunday. They just have a total lack of weapons for (quarterback) Lamar Jackson to throw to. However, they have an easier schedule down the stretch than the Bengals do.”
Following Sunday’s game against the Titans, Cincinnati heads back home to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 13 showdown.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio)
