Who Dey notes: Bengals after Eifert, Roethlisberger gets smooth

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 09: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to sack Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Roethlisberger was injured on the play. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 09: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to sack Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Roethlisberger was injured on the play. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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As Steelers Week unfolds, Bengals fans can expect things to get wilder as the game draws closer. The Week 7 matchup is destined to be a thriller.

You had to feel like it was coming. The Bengals’ year was starting out like a Rob Zombie horror flick. The only thing missing was the added drama to fuel the fear and dread. Having Tyler Eifert for the whole year is nothing more than a tease. In fact, that’s the part of the movie where most people go get popcorn. Why? Every Bengals fan knows Eifert ain’t playin’ through the whole season. It’s time to pick a good blocking TE with decent hands and wish him well.

This could possibly be the year that Cincinnati faithful have to man up and deal with destiny. When Eifert is on the field, he’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s more like a wide receiver in the slot than a wideout. Matchup nightmare? Put him on a linebacker and watch the fireworks begin.

The memories of that 2015 season are what has Eifert believers hanging on. But, back surgery is no joke. The Bengals go into the next portion of their schedule without their red zone weapon. After going under the knife a second time, his season is finito.

Is it time to cry in your beer and curse the football gods? Meh. This was bound to happen. Eifert is talented but fragile. With a whole slew of tight ends to choose from, the Bengals will be fine. Did I say slew? Well, a select few. Tyler Kroft will be under the gun to get the job done. He’s looked good in Eifert’s absence. Now, it’s time to see what he can do when utilized as a permanent chess piece.

Must Read: Warning Shots Fired

Get better, Mr. Eifert. The other Tyler will keep the red zone fires burning, while you heal up.

Big Ben And The Last Crusade 

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When Steelers Week is upon the denizens of Cincinnati, there’s always a chance that anything can happen. While Bengals players routinely swear the game means nothing, the feeling is always the complete opposite. Things get so tense, many players don’t interact with the media until a day or two before game time.

But, Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger decided to speak out. He was brave enough to put his Steelers Card on the line and talk smack about the Bengals. Do you know what this guy said about Vontaze Burfict?

"“I see a guy that’s still one of the best linebackers in the game, and that’s one of the reasons why they’re winning. He’s a great football player.”"

Huh? That can’t be Roethlisberger talking about Burfict. Yes, way. But, he redeemed himself later.

"“He brings an energy and excitement to them….Seems like everytime he plays us, something else comes out.  I don’t know if it’s the Black and Gold or what. We’ll have to see on Sunday.”"

That’s called putting it on super thick with all the works. A pizza with everything…even anchovies. C’mon man. It’s just Big Ben’s way of keeping the fire down between him and Burfict. Personally, Bengals fans are hoping to see a few more “love taps” (exchanged?) between Roethlisberger and Burfict.

The words may have sounded honest and endearing, but there was a huge pause before Ben answered. That’s called choosing your words wisely.

And seeing that the first round of the annual rivalry is less than a week away, Ben chose the wise route.