Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Can't Win With Sportsmanship

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Following a disappointing loss to the Steelers, it is clear the Bengals can’t win with good sportsmanship. They need the fire and desire of games past.

Enough with the sportsmanship. Following a disappointing loss to the Steelers, it is clear the Bengals can’t win with good sportsmanship. The Bengals went out of their way to appease the referee’s and all they have to show for it is a Loss. The Linebackers in Stripes might as well have been strapped to Roger Goodell’s desk with Ambien in an IV. The Defensive Line basically had Hot Tea with DeAngelo Williams while discussing a Meryl Streep movie. And the secondary took Antonio Brown out for dinner but didn’t even get a good night kiss. Intensity and passion were replaced with fear and sportsmanship for sake of pleasing the NFL. Yet, the fans in the stands and watching on TV were the ones let down once again by this Bengals team.

The last time the Bengals played Pittsburgh the passion, hatred, and intensity was palpable. Yes, that was a playoff matchup where emotions run higher by default. This past Sunday, the Bengals didn’t need that same passion (which also led to a loss) but they did need SOME passion.

Obviously, talent and strategy are very important. However, when that talent doesn’t have a competitive heart, the strategy doesn’t really matter. This Bengals team has the players and coaches to make a Super Bowl run. But if they can’t strike up more fire than they did last week, it’s going to be a long season.

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Burfict Answer

Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the start of this season for losing his mind and nearly decapitating AB last year. Watching the Bengals without him on the field is like eating Italian food without garlic. There is no flavoring and no spice on this defense without Burfict unleashing his demons on opposing players. As a player, he provides incredible run support and puts fear in the minds of opposing players. At the same time, other players on the defense seem to ramp up their emotion with Burfict on the field. It is obviously difficult for the coaching staff to keep him under control. Yet, it is also obvious why they choose to keep him despite the unpredictability in his character.

The suspension levied against Burfict was well deserved. Marvin Lewis took it even further by not allowing him to participate in any preseason games. Consequently, it has been quite awhile since Bengals Nation has heard from him. It has also been quite awhile since fans have seen defensive passion from their Cincinnati Bengals.

Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

No one wants to see players hurt on purpose or to see defenders targeting the head of opposing players. Nor does any Bengals fan want to see their team helping a Steelers player up after tackling him. There must be a balance between passion and playing the game the right way. Hopefully, when Burfict returns, this Bengals team regains their passion and hatred for the opposing team.

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

How Bad Do You Want It?

The AFC North has become a battleground where legends are made and legacies are forged. Players like Ray Lewis, James Harrison, and even Joe Flacco have shined in AFC North battles inside and outside the playoffs. For the Bengals to get over being a step-child to the Steelers, they must take the AFC North more serious.

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Playoffs or not, an AFC North battle comes down to heart and passion. Bengals players, particularly on defense, must decide how bad they want to win the AFC North. Lewis, Mike Tomlin, and John Harbaugh have been in the AFC North long enough that there are no longer many surprises. Even Hue Jackson in Cleveland is a known commodity in this Division. The difference in winning and losing inside the AFC North comes down to the passion teams bring to divisional games.

How Bad Do the Bengals Want It? It is unfortunate this question has to be asked.

The Bengals saw the Week 2 matchup with the Steelers as just another game. What’s worse, in fear of the referees, the Bengals went out of their way to be nice to Pittsburgh.

Again, no one wants to see the Bengals act like a street gang headhunting for their latest victim. What fans do want to see is a team who understands the seriousness of a Steelers game, regardless of what week it is. Similarly, when the Bengals play the Browns or Ravens there is a certain level of passion that is expected.

Any teams first goal is to win their division and therefore have a good playoff position. This last week, the Bengals appeared unaware that a Week 2 divisional win means the same as a week 16 divisional win.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Time Is Now

Anthony Munoz is one of the most respected football players of all-time and one of the best offensive linemen to ever play. Known as a fierce competitor, he took divisional games seriously and fought for his team. The time is now for this team to fight.

The next AFC North game for the Bengals is on October 23rd versus the Browns. Between now and then, the Bengals will be favored in three of their next four games. Cincinnati should then be in prime position for a divisional win against the hapless Browns. However, if the Bengals don’t come with the understanding of the brevity of the battle in front of them, they will lose.

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Watching Rey Maualuga tackle a Steelers player, smile and help them up should have been painful for a Bengals fan. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the enemy and have plenty players on their team to help each other up. Cincinnati players don’t need more friends or need to work on their relationships with opponents in-game.

Maualuga needs to tackle the Steeler as hard as he can, get up and go back to the huddle. No smiles, no jokes and definitely no helping the player up. Furthermore, while the refs and replay officials completely screwed over the Bengals nothing good can come from complaining. Time ticks away on every person, on every team and on every day.