Sunday Night Lights

The National Football League flexed its muscle last Tuesday. Literally. The league flexed the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs game from a 1:00 p.m. kickoff to an 8:20 p.m. primetime game that will be broadcasted nationally on NBC.

As I type, this the Bengals are currently preparing for a big game on Sunday against their arch nemesis of the AFC north, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs’ offense owned the Steeler defense when those two teams met earlier in the season. The Bengals defense has been spotty through five games. They looked weak against the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons but were able to force key turnovers against the Indianapolis Colts, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Miami Dolphins. The defense will unquestionably need to play one of its best games of the season in Kansas City.

The Chiefs have been arguably the best team in the NFL and are led by their dynamic quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who has been nothing short of incredible. He commands a high-powered offense that is sure to be a huge test for the Bengals. That being said, the Bengals’ offense has been just as exciting to watch as the Chiefs’ offense in my opinion. Andy Dalton has been solid, A.J. Green is still A.J. Green, Joe Mixon is building upon his good rookie campaign, and Tyler Boyd has emerged as the breakout start of the offense and clear number two receiver behind Green. With two high-octane offenses slugging it out at Arrowhead Stadium, the game should be a fun one to watch.

There is the dubious characteristic of the Bengals wilting in primetime games, however, and that has been a big topic of conversation ahead of the team’s Sunday night showdown with the Chiefs. To me though, this team feels different. They have been resilient, they have made key plays when needed, and most importantly, they have found ways to win. I am excited for the Sunday night game. It is an opportunity for my beloved Bengals to make a big statement on a national stage. I have been chugging the orange Kool-Aid since training camp, and maybe a lot more people will join me following Sunday’s game.

Who Dey!