The Cincinnati Bengals endured a rollercoaster of a season, fighting hard until the very end before narrowly missing the playoffs. After a thrilling victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where they clinched a 19-17 win on Saturday night, the Bengals found themselves in a tense waiting game as they hoped for favorable outcomes from other teams.
The Thrilling Win Over the Steelers
In an atmosphere charged with excitement, the Bengals showcased their determination against the Steelers. Despite facing challenges in the red zone, their defense stepped up and made crucial plays that turned the tide in their favor. Quarterback Joe Burrow played valiantly, even after a scary moment when he had to be evaluated for a concussion. He praised the Bengals’ defense for their ability to make big stops. “We wouldn’t have won without them,” Burrow remarked.
Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread
Although the Bengals secured the win, their postseason dreams depend on how the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins perform in their upcoming games. With a deep breath, fans watched the scoreboard, glancing for any sign of a miracle that could push Cincinnati into the playoffs. “It’s all about taking it one game at a time; anything is possible,” Burrow said, holding on to hope.
A Strong Defensive Performance
The Bengals’ defense had one of its best outings of the year, especially standout Trey Hendrickson, who dazzled fans with an impressive 3.5 sacks during the game, finishing the season with an astonishing 17.5 sacks. His performance underscored the significant improvements the Bengals made on the defensive side of the ball this season, especially when compared to their earlier matchup against the Steelers in December.
Concerns with the Offensive Line
While the defense shone bright, there were concerns about the offensive line’s performance. Despite some high hopes earlier in the year, Pro Football Focus ranked the Bengals’ offensive line as one of the weakest in the league. Key players like Alex Cappa and Cordell Volson struggled, with Cappa allowing multiple pressures and sacks, which ultimately put Burrow in danger throughout the season. With Burrow being sacked a staggering 48 times, fans and analysts alike are questioning the effectiveness of the offensive line coach, Frank Pollack. Many believe it’s time for a change.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft
As the Bengals wrap up their season, eyes are now set on the future. They finished with the No. 17 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, a position that wasn’t what they had hoped for but is still valuable. The Bengals had a moment when it seemed they might secure a top-10 spot, but a late-season surge propelled them to just missing the playoffs. Among teams not heading to the playoffs, they have the second-lowest pick, only trailing the Seattle Seahawks.
A Busy Offseason Awaits
The Bengals will enter the offseason holding five additional draft picks, including a notable trade where they sent their seventh-round selection to the Chicago Bears in exchange for running back Khalil Montgomery, who effectively filled in when starting running back Chase Brown was sidelined with injury. The offseason will be crucial for the Bengals as they aim to bolster their lineup, address their offensive line issues, and possibly find new stars through the draft.
As the Bengals move forward, fans remain optimistic about building on this season’s foundation. With Burrow at the helm and a commitment to improvement, Cincinnati is poised to bounce back stronger, setting the stage for another exciting season in 2025.
