Week 13 could be the perfect time for the Bengals to unleash Joe Mixon on the Steelers. Maybe that will get Mike Tomlin’s attention.
Okay, okay. Enough is enough. I’ve heard more sad-sack fans whining about the Cleveland win than people actually reveling in the fact that the Bengals are still playing meaningful games in November. No, they didn’t run away with the division like they were supposed to. The offensive line sucks. Yeah, yeah. It’s been said. But, can’t there be time to enjoy the feeling of winning? I’m sure Joe Mixon was delighted to get the W and 114 yards rushing.
With that said, the Bengals need to let their new-found toy loose on the Steelers. I’m sure the coaches and players are getting trickles of what the fans want. In fact, Mixon was adamant about it after the Week 7 meltdown.
The Heinz Field crowd went silent, as Mixon sliced and diced the Steelers D. But, unfortunately, Bill Lazor got a case of brain cramps and forgot how good his running back performed in the first half. If the Bengals want any shot at thumping Pittsburgh, they have to let Joe do his thing.
Let’s not go insane. There’s no need to go exclusively ground game. But, there has to be a huge number of times the Bengals feed Mixon the rock. How many? At least put the man on the list for 30 carries. He had 23 against the Browns and came away with a three-digit day.
The I-formation worked wonders in Week 12. Why fix what ain’t broke yet? Hey, Bill…use Mixon. Pro Football Focus kinda made a big deal out of what he did last week. Just saying.
The most wonderful time of the year
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Yup. It’s that time again. Steelers Week is bringing out the best and worst of Bengals fans. With the playoffs looming, this game is one of the bigger games in series history. Oh, my. Excuse my ignorance. Every game against the Steelers is a big deal.
Unfortunately, Mike Tomlin is looking ahead to bigger and better things (or should I say teams?). When asked for non-coach interview material by NBC’s Tony Dungy, Tomlin mentioned “fireworks” with the Patriots.
Any Bengals talk?
Crickets. Dang Mike T. That’s cold. A game, like two weeks away?
Meanwhile, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger tried to calm the firestorm by keeping things on planet earth.
"“For me, I am 100 percent on Cincinnati and nothing else. That is my biggest focus because these guys are going to come out to get us. They want to ruin our playoff chances. I know those guys are going to want to get after us and try to ruin our Christmas.”"
Honestly Ben? Ruin your playoff chances…and Christmas? For the love of…sit down. Barring a major breakdown, the Steelers are in the playoffs.
But, what needs to be addressed by the Bengals brain trust is the lack of respect. That should be met with a dose of smash-mouth football.