Cincinnati Bengals’ Postseason Drought Could Lead To Big Offseason Changes
By Julie Swartz
@julieswartz86
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals entered Sunday’s Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts with hopes of winning their first playoff game since 1990. Although this is their fourth straight season with a playoff berth, they have yet to get past the first round. Well, they came up short yet again Sunday, losing to the Colts 26-10.
This was a close battle early in the game, with the Colts only holding a three-point lead at the half. But the second half was a different story – Andrew Luck and the Colts continued to execute their game plan, while the Bengals were unable to get anything going offensively or defensively.
Andy Dalton did not have great numbers, completing 16-of-30 passes for only 137 yards and zero touchdowns, but he does not deserve the blame for this loss. In A.J. Green‘s absence, receivers were unable to make big plays and the Bengals’ defense struggled to contain the Colts’ explosive offense. The Colts simply outplayed them, and that is that.
Luck continues to show why he is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. He completed 31-of-44 passes for 376 yards and a touchdown in the game, and had plenty of help from his talented receiving core, who continued to make big plays. The player of the game, in my opinion, was RB Boom Herron who had a breakout performance with 56 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards and a touchdown in the game. He provided a great balance to Luck in this offense, which was key to this victory.
Unfortunately for the Bengals, they once again have to go back home without a playoff victory. This is becoming a frustrating scenario for the organization as well, as the fans continue to watch their talented team fight so hard in the regular season to fall just short of the desired Lombardi Trophy.
It may just be time to make some big personnel decisions this offseason in hopes to improve their chances in the future.
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