It’s been a whirlwind season for the Cincinnati Bengals, and not in the way fans had hoped. Expectations were sky-high for Joe Burrow and company, with everyone ready to see them storm through the playoffs. But instead of touchdowns and ticker-tape parades, the season has filled fans with disappointment, leaving them heartbroken. As the dust settles on their Week 18 win over the Steelers, the Bengals find themselves not basking in glory but dodging yet another curveball.
In the aftermath of the Bengals’ 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18, two Bengals’ linebackers made it to the NFL fine book. The NFL slapped Germaine Pratt with a $22,511 fine for Unnecessary Roughness after he used his helmet in the fourth quarter. Another linebacker, Akeem Davis-Gaither, joined him on the list, receiving a $14,956 fine for a hip-drop tackle, in the 4th quarter with 1:08 left on the clock.
It’s like when things get a little too heated, and someone always ends up paying the price. Guess the Bengals will have to pay up for these moves. To make it even more interesting, Steelers WR George Pickens also joined the club with a fine for a facemask during the same game.
After the Bengals edged out the Steelers, there was hope for a playoff miracle. If the Chiefs could beat the Broncos and the Jets handed the Dolphins a loss, the Bengals would have sneaked in. Jets did their part, knocking off Tyreek Hill‘s Dolphins, but the Chiefs, without Patrick Mahomes, couldn’t seal the deal against Denver. And just like that, the Bengals’ hopes came crashing down. Fans of Joe Burrow were heartbroken, watching that dream slip away.
But here’s the thing—firing a coordinator is just the start. Now, the heat is on head coach Zac Taylor, who’s been leading the Bengals since 2019. And honestly, his seat is looking pretty hot after this season. Missing the playoffs after all the hype around Joe Burrow and the offense? Not a great look.
