Anyone who’s been following the NFL this year, has undoubtedly heard about the sudden rise of the Cincinnati Bengals, which is finally getting them the acknowledgement and recognition fans knew they were capable of all along and providing even more hope for a Superbowl win than ever before.
The last time this team had been this impressive was in 2005 when the team, which included wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houzmandzadeh and QB Carson Palmer, won the AFC North for the first time since 1990. Since then, they’ve enjoyed several impressive runs including three division titles, two wild card spots, and a trip to the playoffs four years in a row.
But this year, the Cincinnati Bengals are making waves for different reasons, with week after week record-breaking wins, a defense that has become even more efficient at stopping even the best ranking defensive teams in the league, and a now seasoned Andy Dalton ready to roar, taking the team to their first 8-0 record in franchise history.
During week 8, the Bengals enjoyed, yet another, impressive feat with a home win to longtime rivals, and three time reigning champs against the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, which included an edge of your seat, nail biting win. The Steelers led 10-6 during the fourth quarter, and with just 2:57 left on the clock, the Bengals safety Shawn Williams made an interception, setting Dalton up for a 9 yard touchdown pass to Green, giving the Bengals the lead with 16-10. With 1:57 on the clock, the Steelers drove the ball to Cincinnati’s 16 yard line, and with just 4 seconds left on the clock, Roethlisberger made the final play, overthrowing the ball out of the end zone, giving the Bengals a 7-0 win, before going on to beat the Cleveland Browns for the 8-0 record.
This week, the undefeated team is scheduled to face the Houston Texans, the league’s leading team in (defensive) third down percentage, during this week’s Monday Night Football. When asked about the game against the Texans, Coach Marvin Lewis states, “They’re good at getting to the right place offensively…and well put together defensively…We have to do the things that have been a part of our success, and that’s taking care of the ball, taking care of the quarterback, and making plays with the ball in our hands” (Cincinnati Bengals).
With just 8 more games to go, the Bengals will certainly be interesting to watch, as we anticipate if they are able to hold onto their winning streak, or better yet, if they will make it to the Superbowl for the first time since 1989. However, as a die-hard Bengals fan, I think the championship moves they make throughout the season are impressive enough to last a lifetime!