Writer: Anthony Iles
Wednesday October 6, 2021
The Cincinnati Bengals played on Thursday Night Football last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the national spotlight as they were the only NFL game on that night to kick off Week 4 of the NFL regular season. Historically, the Bengals have not had an efficient winning percentage during prime time games. However, as Fall is approaching and the leaves will be changing colors, the Bengals are turning a new leaf and changing before our eyes.
The young Bengals core played against the Jags QB Rookie Trever Lawrence and first time NFL Head Coach, Coach Urban Meyer. With this being the 4th NFL game for both of these individuals they seemed to finally get into a good groove as the first 3 games it had been a struggle at first but each game getting better. The Bengals have been on a mission playing with a chip on their shoulder to prove to the AFC North and all the NFL they are for real and ready to roar. Both defenses played solid throughout the game. On offense Joe Burrow and company moved the ball well and were able to control the clock more in the second half. The Jags got in good rhythm on offense as they kept their plays simple and mainly short passes.
In the end it came down to ball control and the Bengals milking the last few minutes of the game. They were able to get some key first downs on the final drive and get into field goal range with a few seconds left on the clock with the score ties 21 – 21. Rookie Kicker Evan McPherson has ice in his kicking leg as he nailed the game winner to put the Bengals at 3-1 and the Jags fall to 0-4.
It was a great team win for the Bengals and now they must prepare for the Packers coming to the Jungle on Sunday October 10 at 1:00 P.M. on Fox. The Bengals, Ravens, and Browns are all 3-1 in the AFC North and the Steelers lost to the Packers falling to 1-3 to begin their season. Never count the Steelers out but this season feels different for them and I believe it is the start of a rebuilding phase as this will be Big Bens last year. I look for the Steelers to be 8 – 9 record this season if they continue the way they have been playing these first 4 games. As for the rest of the AFC North, they sky is the limit for these teams and it will come down to the last 2 games of the season to decide an AFC North Division Winner and a playoff berth.
WHO DEY!!!
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