National media is ignoring the reason why the Bengals are definitely going to the Super Bowl again
The Cincinnati Bengals' improbable Super Bowl run last season didn't buy the team any equity with the national media. It seems like the majority of national analysts have the Baltimore Ravens winning the AFC North, or they think the Bengals will get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. It's a bizarre take […]
The Cincinnati Bengals' improbable Super Bowl run last season didn't buy the team any equity with the national media.
It seems like the majority of national analysts have the Baltimore Ravens winning the AFC North, or they think the Bengals will get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.
It's a bizarre take on a Bengals team that looks primed to be a major factor in the playoffs for years to come.
Regardless of what the national media believes, I think Cincinnati is the team to beat in the AFC this season.
And it's because the Bengals are the total package. Cincinnati has the best young quarterback in the NFL in Joe Burrow. They also have one of the top offensive skill position players in Ja'Marr Chase, along with quality wide receivers in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
It's not just the Bengals' offense, though, that will be impressive this season.
There's also Cincinnati's potentially elite defense — something the national media seems to be ignoring.
Bengals defenders know they're good. And they know everyone is sleeping on them this season.
"Our entire defense is underrated,” said linebacker Logan Wilson recently (via The Athletic).
“We know how we are felt on the scene,” added defensive tackle DJ Reader.
The national media is ignoring Cincy's defense, but opposing coaches aren't.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay praised the Bengals' defense after joint practices between the two teams last month.
“They play the run well, they play the pass well, and they understand what offenses are trying to get done," said McVay. "I’d be really surprised if this wasn’t going to be an excellent defense this year and pick up right where they left off, particularly in the playoffs.”
Cincinnati is a complete team. But while the offense gets all the attention, it's the defense that's going to carry this team to the Super Bowl again.
While analysts fawn over the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos, it's the Bengals that will be quietly making another run behind some of the most exciting players in the NFL.
I'm not sure how long folks can sleep on the defending AFC champions, but I have a feeling that the national media won't be able to ignore the Bengals any longer after the 2022 season.
Featured image via Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports
