Do the Cincinnati Bengals Have a Glimmer of Hope Stepping into Week Seven?
Despite going into Week Seven with their fourth consecutive loss, the Cincinnati Bengals are feeling a glimmer of hope with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who provides a unique blend of extensive experience and stability that offers the struggling Bengals a legitimate shot against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. With star quarterback Joe Burrow, sidelined due to his toe turf injury, and backup quarterback Jake Browning failing to perform in the last three weeks, Cincinnati’s season and Super Bowl aspirations were spiraling as a result of an offense riddled with turnovers. The unexpected trade for Flacco changed that daunting narrative overnight, introducing a quarterback with an unparalleled history against the Steelers. Flacco’s presence has already injected a tangible reason for optimism, providing the Bengals with a lifeline in a crucial AFC North Battle.
Flacco’s greatest and most important asset for the Bengals this week is his extensive and successful experience going head-to-head with Pittsburgh. He holds an even 11-11 career record against the Steelers, having encountered head coach Mike Tomlin in every one of those matchups over his career. This means that Flacco understands and is prepared for the psychological warfare and defensive tactics of his opponent better than the players on the Bengals’ current roster. Statistically, he has thrown for 5,028 yards and 27 touchdowns against Pittsburgh, making him one of the most prolific active quarterbacks against the Steelers. Furthermore, his recent win against the Steelers last season as the Indianapolis Colts quarterback confirms his continued ability to deliver in this rivalry.
The veteran’s arrival immediately provided a stabilizing force to an offense that was previously collapsing under a wave of turnovers. In his Week Six debut against the Green Bay Packers, Flacco went turnover-free, completing 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns despite having less than a week to learn the Bengals’ playbook and find his footing amongst his new teammates. This clean performance was the most critical change that gave Cincinnati a fighting chance to rally late in the game. Flacco’s renowned composure also allowed the Bengals’ elite playmakers to thrive, with Ja’Marr Chase posting 10 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown to help the new quarterback, something he had previously expressed frustrations about.
The strategic benefit of Flacco’s passing game is that it efficiently utilizes Cincinnati’s top targets, a necessity against the Steelers’ defense. After an understandable slow start, Flacco found his rhythm in the second half of his debut, completing 70% of his passes and two scores while hitting eight different receivers. This ability to accurately distribute the balls provides a significantly higher chance to an offense that needs to score to win. While the short week is a clear challenge, Flacco’s veteran knowledge and steady hand turn what could have been, and has been, a disaster into a legitimate divisional fight for survival, the first real fight for Cincinnati in three weeks.
