The Cincinnati Bengals are struggling to stay relevant. But, Vontaze Burfict and Jeremy Hill are helping the cause with their drama.
It’s that time of year. The Cincinnati Bengals are limping into the stretch run and there’s nothing to keep fans tied to the television or buying those coveted tickets (sorry Mikey). But, there’s always room for morbid curiosity. Since A.J. Green wowed fans with his impersonation of the Undertaker against the Jaguars, there was nothing worthy of headlines (sike…always something with the Bengals). Thus, we have Vontaze Burfict being ejected from Week 10’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Yaaassss. That’s pure magic. Gotta love it.
You really have to feel some kinda way for Burfict. Either you admire the dude for being a throwback to the days of real football or you hate him. Why would anyone hate Tez? Well, you could say he’s always at the core of the Bengals’ woes (not), he’s a locker room cancer (nope) and he’s a selfish player. Every admirer would say the same thing: the man plays linebacker the way it was meant to be played.
Additionally, since Burfict has become the villain of the NFL, it’s natural for everyone to fear him. Moreover, it’s his “job” to cause fear and trembling in offensive players…and those guys in zebra stripes (oops…officials). It’s no longer about his talent. Now, the rage is how uncontrollable he is. It’s gotten so bad, if he walks through the arm of a ref, he gets a flag thrown and tossed from the game. Wow, he’s a beast.
Target or imagination?
Also, according to a “source” that spoke to ESPN, Burfict feels he’s being targeted by the league. I’m no roving reporter with a brim and trench coat, but it doesn’t take a secret source to see what’s been happening to Burfict.
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This season, he’s been a model of consistency. But, the suspension he received to start the year was questionable at best. The “kick” against Roosevelt Nix was no harder than a toddler pushing away a scary toy. My take? Jeff Bergman saw it as a chance to make a name for himself.
I’m no apologist for Burfict. If the man does something screwy on the field, he deserves to be punished. But, even the NFL gave a backward inkling that they could’ve been wrong on this latest installment of The Burfict Files.
#Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict will not be suspended for making contact with the referee in yesterday’s game, I’m told. It’ll will be reviewed using the standard process for a possible fine.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2017
Oh well, if Burfict is in the area, it has to be his fault. Right? But, Marvin Lewis doesn’t think so. That’s not something common in the NFL.
"“It would shock me if those things occur,” Lewis commented. “I know on occasions supposedly they have, but again, that would shock me.”"
Jeremy, how could you?
Injuries have taken a toll on the Bengals, for a couple of years. Tyler Eifert has had season-ending surgery in consecutive seasons. Now, the scalpel is falling on Jeremy Hill. He decided to have ankle surgery, after being put on the Bengals injured reserve list.
As a result, Lewis was surprised Hill decided to have the surgery and seemed a bit…peeved.
"“Jeremy thinks he needs to have ankle surgery,” Lewis said, via Cincinnati.com. “Yeah, I think I would be (surprised). I think he’s consulted a couple physicians, both said that this was something that could wait until after the season but he just felt like it was causing too much discomfort.”"
Wait. Do I detect a little shade? Hill was already placed on injured reserve. Unless Marv has made a secret deal with Mr. Goodell, there ain’t eight weeks left in the Bengals’ season. If the Bengals happen to reel off seven wins and get a Wild Card berth, the football gods have been gracious.
Finally, let Hill do what he thinks is best for his future. After all, he’ll be a free agent at the end of the year. And wasn’t Joe Mixon drafted for this type of situation?
Honestly, I think Hill wanted to get an early exit from the madness of Camp Lewis.