Currently Cincinnati sits at 4-4, second in the AFC North, one game behind divisional leader Baltimore.
So just how important is Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers?
It’s a must-win.
No, ifs, ands, or buts about it, Cincinnati has to beat the Panthers (2-6), especially after last week’s embarrassing loss to Cleveland that dropped Zac Taylor’s squad to 0-3 against divisional opponents, and 0-4 against back-up quarterbacks this season.
Many consider Monday night’s loss to the Browns, the worst the Bengals have suffered in a long while.
Whether it was or wasn’t, the game needs to be put in the rear-view mirror, and all focus needs to be on Carolina.
A win over the Panthers at Paycor Stadium Sunday means Cincinnati would be on par with last season, entering the bye week with a 5-4 mark.
A loss to Carolina?
Unless if something miraculous would happen, you might as well mark the 2022-23 campaign as a season lost.
That’s right, who would have ever thought with the amount of talent the Bengals have, they’re already in a must-win situation after eight weeks.
Their schedule is backloaded with talented teams such as Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore and even though Tampa Bay has struggled, that would be a tough game along with a road game against the hapless Pittsburgh Steelers and a home matchup with a Browns squad that has dominated Cincinnati since Joe Burrow took over as the Bengals’ signal caller.
Add injuries to key players on both sides of the ball, and that’s why there is a sense of urgency now.
The Bengals’ players and coaching staff might not admit it, but there is.
While the rich got richer during Tuesday’s memorable trade deadline, Cincinnati, per norm, didn’t make a single move even though the Bengals will be without Ja’Maar Chase for at least three to five more weeks, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for the remainder of the season.
So yeah, Sunday’s game is a must-win. If you don’t believe it is, you need to take off your Who Dey sunglasses.
