So, Week 1 is in the books! And what did we learn? The Bengals are, well, still the Bengals. Another heartbreaking loss endured by the fans as their team gave up a small lead they had pretty much the entire game. The OPI on Green during the last drive was a push off, although controversial considering the defender had an arm wrapped around him before he did so. It would probably have been best left as a no call.
And then it happened! A missed chip shot field goal from 31 yards out by Randy Bullock. The Bengals drafted Jake Elliott in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and then CUT him to keep Bullock!?!?! I get it, he was also drafted in the fifth round, but of the 2012 NFL Draft. This is now his ninth year in the NFL and he’s on his fifth team! He’s not as good as Jake Elliott and it is costing the Bengals games.
On a lighter note, A.J. Green is back and looked rather healthy throughout the game, despite a few times where it seemed he might be limping a little. Let’s hope he stays healthy and gets back to his old ways.
Lastly, Joe Burrow made his NFL and Bengals long-awaited debut. He made some rookie mistakes, as was to be expected, most notably the shovel pass interception when they were having a good drive into Chargers’ territory. He was impressive with his poise though, and displayed it best during the final drive of the game when losing by three points. There’s going to be some exciting times ahead with this young man at the helm.
The Bengals will try to bounce back this Thursday night in Cleveland against the 0-1 Browns who looked miserable against the Ravens on Sunday. It’s a short week, and Burrows first prime time game ever, so let’s hope they can put Week 1’s loss behind them and get a W in Week 2! WHO-DEY!