Five Guys: Joey B, Jamarr, Money Mac, Tee, & Jack Change Bengals Whole Vibe;
Bengals End 30 Year Drought, 1 Win Away From Super Bowl
By Deon Cash
The Cincinnati Bengals have had a long history of not winning key games, and with it has come in between a myriad of losing seasons as well.
While the Bengals have had a small history of winning, they haven't been able to get a NFL Playoff win in over 30 years.
However, with the talent that has been assembled over the last few years, there is a new hope with the Bengals, especially in some of the key pieces they have picked up in the last couple years.
With the bengals literally one win away from a Super Bowl, here are some of the key pieces that helped the Bengals become a powerhouse this season and the ones they will need to beat a Kansas City team who will be rocking and ready at Arrowhead Sunday.
You know Mahomes, Kelce, and co. will be fired up against the team who cost them a #1 seed in the final regular season game.
Here's a few of the players, who, literally, have changed the entire energy of the Bengals organization in a matter of 2 seasons:
Joe Burrow, QB
When the Bengals drafted the Ohio boy who done good in Louisiana, Cincinnati knew they were getting a good player, but I don't think the Bengals brass thought Burrow would do what he has done this fast.
He's not only changed the organizational vibe, but he also jumped into different topics within the social and political fray, such as backing the Black Lives Matter movement, promoting Cigars and Cool shades, and giving dope soundbites as soon as he got to the Nati'.
This year, he came off a injury at the end of last season and literally jumped to the top of the NFL in Completion %, 2nd in Quarterback Rating, and in the Top 5 in other major categories as well.
"Riverboat Joe" has the Bengals feelin pretty good.
And like we said before he ever played in the NFL:
"He will be a star and can lead the Bengals to places they haven't been in decades."
Burrow is one win away from making the Bengals feel like the LSU Tigers right now. And yes, he is arguably one of the Top 5 quarterbacks in the league.
Right now.
Tee Higgins, WR
Higgins is a dynamic young (just turned 23) reciever who, like Burrow, came in last year after shining with Clemson during their championship runs.
Higgins had a good first year, but, like Burrow, has exploded in season 2. Once they realized Higgins was as good as advertised?
They let go of one of the all-time Bengals in A.J. Green, making way for Higgins to become a star, which we saw this year as he amassed over 1,000 yards in the season with 74 catches to go with it and 4 TDs. Higgins had almost 1,000 last year before Burrow would get hurt.
Higgins is the 2nd option for Burrow, and has shown he has Superstar potential, standing at 6'5 with elite talent.
Jackson Carman, OL
While he hasn't flourished as some would have liked, make no mistake;
Joe Burrow didn't get comfortable on the field until Week 2, when Carman would make his starting debut.
Carman would not only hold his own, but he would show that despite having offensive line issues, Carman would be able to hold it down for Burrow and that vaunted offensive attack.
And while he has been in and out of the starting lineup, the facts are that the Bengals used Carman as a utility lineman of sorts, as he has played all over the line this season.
Cincinnati had picked up other lineman in free agency, so they didn't want to rush the Meadowdale Wee Lion and guy who protected Trevor Lawrence en route to 2 championships in the last 3 years.
They let him heal, learn, and if you noticed, who was the guy pancaking people during the playoff clinching win?
Action Jackson.
In the last game, the Bengals didn't play Jackson om offense and it showed: 9 allowed sacks this season, (most in Burrow career) in a gutty win nevertheless. But until Jackson is inserted back into the lineup, the Bengals will struggle on the line.
Even if he doesn't start, they will need him to be a factor if they want to stop the 2-Time AFC champs in KC by rotating him in the group against a much better D-Line than in the early season. I hear all the grumblings about getting better lineman in the offseason.
Jus play Jackson Carman. He's a star in waiting. And a rookie.
While he has made his mistakes, best believe he will be playing Sunday in the biggest playoff game in 30 years.
Evan McPherson, Kicker
While McPherson was ridiculed this season by experts and Bengals fans alike before the season, it wasn't his fault the Bengals selected him with the 3rd round pick.
But in hindsight, it looks like a great selection as the former Florida Gator has been electric this season, and has hit nearly every clutch kick, notably the last two game winners, which has sent the Bengals (1) into the NFL playoffs & (2) Into the AFC Championship game with a brilliant display of clutch marksmanship.
"Money Mac" as he is affectionately known now, will have to be money this Sunday as well. But he has definitely earned his money this season, and as a rookie on top of that.
And to top it off, his jersey is nowhere to be found, as the wrath of Who Dey has caught on to Macpherson and has sold out in a brief time.
Jamarr Chase, WR
Chase was recommended by Ioey B, and what a decision that has shown to be as Chase is the best WR to come in the league in a long time.
The experts thought they should take a lineman, but Joey B knew what he had in Jamarr.
In the first preseason game, Jamarr had a bad night, dropping a few passes and prompting people to call him a bust and wishing for "Can't Miss OL" Penei Sewell, which was supposed to be the smart move.
But in game 1, Chase would show why he's literally been a MVP candidate, along with Burrow. He shredded the defense all season, and even more, he lit up the Chiefs a few weeks ago to solidify himself as the Rookie of the Year. He has been nothing short of sensational, and with it has come the "Griddy" dance, the hottest dance trend of 22 so far.
Chase has also brung a legion of fans, which has the Bengals bandwagon bigger than any team in the NFL this year.
Chase has a smooth vibe to him, and he and Burrow have literally taken over the League. Now every expert on Fox Sports, ESPN, and any other network is raving about the Bengals.
Funny how a few players can change the whole mentality of a losing franchise and give it hope like it hadn't felt in over 30 years.
Good luck to the Bengals this weekend, and if these guys shine?
Cincinnati will be headed to L.A. for the Super Bowl.
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