The Cincinnati Bengals made a late season surge. They won their final five games to put themselves in position to be in the playoffs. It came down to the final weekend where the teams hopes were pinned on several scenarios. All the scenarios had to come true. They all did with the exception of one. As a result the late season surge was too little, too late. For the second straight season Cincy will be at home watching the playoffs.
Looking back on the 9-8 season, had just one of those losses been wins the Bengals would have had their chance to be in the playoffs. You could take your pick. I think the most devastating loss had to be the week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. Despite a first year now fired head coach of a team that went 4-13, the New England Patriots came to Cincy and upset the Bengals in week #1 16-10. The loss set the tone for a devastating start to the season. One the Bengals never did recover from.
There were some historically great performances from the Bengal stars. The Bengal threesome of Jamar Chase, Joe Burrow, and Tre Hendrickson had seasons so elite it’s the first time any team had three players lead the league in sacks, passing and receiving and not make the playoffs. The 2024 season will go down as one of the most bizarre seasons in Bengal history. Six of the eight Bengal losses ended in nearly identical fashion. Final minutes, nail biter, either team could win type losses.
If you had to point blame for the Bengals this season, you would likely point to the defensive side of the ball. At one point in the season the Bengals scored over 30 points in three straight games and still lost. The failures of the defense ultimately cost the Bengals a playoff spot and cost defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo his job. Several other position coaches were let go. Bengal owner Mike Brown traditionally is a loyal owner who seldom sends coaches packing. Brown sent a message at the conclusion of this season. He held coaches accountable for the failings of the 2024 season and sent them packing.
At the start of next season Cincy will have a new offensive line coach and a new defensive coordinator. Several decisions will have to be made during the off season. One thing is for sure. Cincy will have to shell out big $$ for Jamar Chase. Not only will Chase command big $, the team will also have to pay if they want to keep Chase’s side kick Tee Higgins.
Stay tuned, because the off-season may be every bit as interesting as was the regular season for the Bengals.
Feature Image: File photo