Last night’s nailbiting win by the Steelers,  was shrouded by a game that could be dubbed a circus or clusterfudge. But this isn’t a recap of the game that  saw a biter rivalry end with one team being the victor of their arch-nemesis. Oh no, this is about the three parts of the Bengals that make them, ‘The Bengals’.

Marvin Lewis

Head coach for 14 years of the Bengals. Longest reigning coach of color. Has the faith of ownership to lead the team to a title. 0-7 in the playoffs. All of those feats, even the last one are accomplishments for any career.

To be that tenured and have a long leash while being a black coach in the NFL is applauded. Coaches come and go, win or lose. He is the face of that franchise. But he hasn’t won a single playoff game! 

Call it being out coached, less personnel or what have you that’s inexcusable. And should be dismissible come this year. Even without Dalton, they were still winning. Then Big Ben comes back into the game and 74 yds later. Loss #7 win still at 0. Mr. Lewis, I’m sorry but I hope your bags are packed. If not, please attend to it.

Players

So….the Bengals have a reputation for being off kiltered. Claims of unnecessary violence and targeting painted a picture for that game. They say they’re not. The game spoke otherwise.

It was a countless amount of times the game was stopped because a Bengals player decided to do a little something extra/unnecessary. In the face of opponent, knocking balls away, being pushed away by the ref FOR 4 STRAIGHT QUARTERS. The Steelers are not all innocent or their coaches but, after the OBJ v. Norman incident people should’ve been kicked out of the game on both sides.

This leads me to Burfict. He has now become the target of the NFL for his idiotic actions during the game. Just a straight clown. In everyone’s face, talking and even had to be settled down by his coach because he is that unstable. Granted, if my teammate was knocked out of a game, which has been done before, I would be upset. But not running across the field from the sideline to get in the other teams face on a clean hit. That is an ejection in basketball and baseball, what about the flawed NFL?

Also, the sack on Ben was clean as a whistle. Unfortunately he got hurt. But after, he jacked the ball from him, pushed him down and walked over him running with the ball. Isn’t that a penalty? Where is the balance? Mismanaged game by the refs and check your emotions players.

This was a game to change your image as a team and you have failed. Failed.

Fans

Cold hearted. Kinda like when Philly fans threw batteries at JD Drew or snowballs at Santa. These people threw trash on the field and at an injured player. Heartless. The best part of being a fan is being behind your team and being passionate. Do not take that to a degrading level. Have respect and decorum for the athletes home and away and also the ref crew working your game. Your spot in the arena is a privilege, don’t abuse it. There are many fans who would love to be in your position, and have more grace. 

Also, if the ref makes the right call, why boo? The call is right move on. No argument. Next play. Geez.

These three factors give examples of why the Bengals cannot get over the hump. Many teams strive for excellence and expect certain characteristics on each side of the playing field. This team does not. They may be stable but they’re still unstable. Maybe this loss will bring in a new regime, new players that are elite and stable, and the fans can come back down to earth when finally getting a winner and not driven by angst.

Cover from NYTIMES.com