The Cincinnati Bengals had an “off” day on Monday because of the upcoming week’s schedule since they play on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings.
For outsiders, though, there was plenty to go over in the wake of the team’s second straight win, the latest a blowout of the Indianapolis Colts.
For starters, there was a wild, twisting and turning playoff outlook to review. And the fact the Bengals got a critical performance from rooking running back Chase Brown was a big deal, too.
Plus, Jake Browning proved his own breakout wasn’t a fluke, fueling hope this version of the team can really make some noise.
Here’s a look at the must-know Bengals news, notes and quotes for December 12.
Playoff outlook
How bunched up is the AFC right now? More than five teams have the same 7-6 record as the Bengals. After their win, they were the seventh seed. But a few hours later, based on other results, they dropped to 10th.
Joe Burrow gifted suite to Jake Browning's family for game vs. Colts
Just a simply amazing story about Joe Burrow making sure that Browning’s family didn’t have to watch the game in the cold.
Chase Brown's breakout
The rookie looked like the fastest player on the field on Sunday and had an interesting spot in the rotation alongside Joe Mixon.
Browning stresses hydration
While he’s somewhat joking around, Browning explained his injury scare during the win over the Colts.
Browning on the running game
Browning said after the game that Joe Mixon is a key part of their success right now: “I’m not sure, but I keep going back to it starts up front and with Joe (Mixon). When we’re able to run the ball well and you have to dedicate more resources to stopping the run, then we have really good skill players on the outside. I feel very comfortable with how everything is going, Zac (Taylor) calling the game, feeling like we’re staying a step ahead as far as run-pass, having everything kind of look the same, mixing in some screens. It makes my job easy.”
Zac Taylor on Chase Brown
Taylor with nothing but praise for how the rookie has powered through some hardships to get to this point: “He’s done a great job controlling what he can control. When he came back off the injury, he’s shown great attention to detail as a rookie with what we’re asking him to handle. He makes plays when his number is called. This whole rookie class has had the right mindset since they walked in. It’s a really impressive class. Chase has had a great two games, but as a whole that group has done a great job of mentally being about the right stuff in their rookie seasons.”
