The Bengals Did A Bengals Thing At The Worst Possible Time
BOSTON (CBS) -- Just when it looked like the Cincinnati Bengals had overcome their big-game demons, just when it appeared that they were finally ready to compete well in a primetime game with big playoff implications - and to be fair, they did for about 65 minutes - the Bengals reminded everyone that they are still Marvin Lewis's Bengals.
In a game where New England fans undoubtedly should have been rooting for the Bengals to pull the road upset over the Denver Broncos, the Cincy offense picked the worst possible time to commit a costly blunder and show why they have been such an unreliable pick in the Marvin Lewis era. Needing to get a first down just to stay alive after Denver took a 20-17 lead in overtime, Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron fumbled a snap that went directly into his hands then lost the loose ball battle to the Broncos' DeMarcus Ware. Game over.
McCarron is a stand-up guy; he admitted that he was scanning the defense and not looking at the ball at the time of the snap. It's unfair to judge an entire game on one bad play by a guy making his second career start, but the play in question obviously decided the game. It speaks to Lewis's consistent lack of preparation in big games for the Bengals.
As for the Broncos, they showed the football world that their defensive front is still as ferocious as it's been all season and will be a formidable opponent for any offensive line, certainly for the Patriots' incredibly injured and shallow group. If you're taking a snap against them, you better be damn sure you're ready to receive the ball.
The Bengals should still not be feared as a playoff opponent, even if Andy Dalton returns for them at quarterback. They have proven too often to either not show up to these big games or blow it right at the end. They may yet get over the hump and they have played better in primetime games this season than in years past, but until they prove they can play consistently well for 60+ minutes and win in these situations they should not be trusted. Is it fair? Probably not. But it speaks to the reality of their situation ... they have yet to win a playoff game under Marvin Lewis and have a history of underperforming in big games. They certainly have the talent to change their narrative, but do they have the coaching and preparation?
Patriots fans should not be worried about facing the Bengals, even if they ended up having to go to Cincinnati (which they will not). Monday night's ending is just the latest reason.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read more from Matt here. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.