One of those problems pertains to the Bengals' 23-20 defeat to the Rams in February, namely that running back Joe Mixon missed the final two offensive plays.
Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports that Mixon addressed the matter on Friday. A day after Mixon broke his quiet that had persisted throughout the offseason program, coach Zac Taylor spoke up.
After practice on Friday, Mixon had an impromptu news conference with reporters, according to Mixon and the Cincinnati Enquirer. He expressed sorrow for not pressing on coming into the game on the last drive throughout the session.
Mixon claimed it was merely a spur-of-the-moment decision. I should have just said, "Hey, I'm coming in," and take the initiative. But as you well know, the situation was hurried.
The Bengals frequently employed Samaje Perine in their two-minute offense. Perine did little on a carry-on third and one. When it came time for the next play, fourth and one, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow could not find receiver Ja'Marr Chase because the Rams defensive end Aaron Donald had broken through the line.
Taylor stated on Saturday that he does not object to Mixon's remarks.
Taylor remarked via Baby, "You should be enthusiastic about that circumstance." He handled it admirably. Thank you so much for it. He is aware of it. You know, it's one thing that makes you want to return to those times?
That's the challenging part, as teams who have previously found themselves on the losing end of similar situations have discovered. That much-desired chance at redemption is far from guaranteed. Super Bowl XLIX (Seattle ran instead of passed), Super Bowl LI (the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead in the second half), and Super Bowl LIV (the 49ers blew a 10-point lead with seven minutes left). The missed chance may linger and worsen if there is no chance to alter the result.
The Bengals must temporarily set their plans for how they would react in a similar circumstance at Super Bowl LVII aside. It will be far harder to return to that moment given the AFC's robust roster of top clubs than it will be to transform it into a championship.
Login To Leave a Comment