The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff dreams just got body-slammed by the Denver Broncos in Week 18, and the NFL world is here to drop the cold, hard truth.
With playoff spots slipping away faster than a fumble on a cold day, the Bengals are getting a reality check they didn’t sign up for.
Trey Wingo Calls Out Bengals’ Slow Starts
The Bengals’ playoff dreams crashed in Week 18, and NFL analyst Trey Wingo isn’t holding back. Cincy needed help, but Denver’s 38-0 win sealed their fate. Wingo calls out their slow starts as the real problem, leaving them on the outside looking in.
“September matters too,” Wingo said on X, pointing out the Bengals’ rough starts in the last three years:
2024: 0-3, then 1-5
2023: 0-2, then 1-3
2022: 0-2, then 2-3
For anyone out there complaining about the @Bengals not making the playoffs because the @Chiefs aren’t playing anyone in week 18 tell Cincinnati September matters too:
*2024 0-3 then 1-5
*2023 0-2 then 1-3
*2022 0-2 then 2-3All the games count the same amount. Start better
— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 5, 2025
In short, Wingo’s message is clear: all games count the same, so why the slow starts? The Bengals (finished 9-8), had no one but themselves to blame.
Despite a heroic five-game win streak to close out the regular season, their slow start — especially a Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots (4-13) — put them behind the eight ball. Had they beaten New England, they’d likely be in the playoffs.
It’s tough for the Bengals. This latest playoff miss is the result of a series of self-inflicted wounds, starting with their September struggles. Looking ahead, the Bengals need to crack the code on fast starts if they want to make real noise in the postseason.
Denver’s dominant win, which denied the Bengals any chance of securing the Wild Card spot, left no room for debate. The AFC West now takes the final spot (with three divisional teams in the playoffs), while the Bengals watches from home.
For head coach Zac Taylor, the focus should be clear: fix the slow starts. The Bengals have the talent — they just need to put it together from the get-go. As Wingo bluntly put it, “Start better.” It’s time for a change.
Bengals Eye Coaching Changes After Playoff Miss
Per sources, there might be some changes in the Bengals’ coaching staff after they missed the playoffs. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson lit up the stat sheet but to no good.
Zac Taylor’s theoretically safe (he’s got the owner’s trust). But could defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo or offensive line coach Frank Pollack be out? The defense rebounded late, but the line’s shaky play raises eyebrows.
Bengals owner Mike Brown’s known for his loyalty, but even he knows some changes need to be made.
The staff may look familiar, but perhaps we can expect a few fresh faces in key spots next season.