The Bengals have been killing it so far this season. They have shown the clutch gene that they have week in and week out. We have seen about six games where the Bengals had a game-winning drive, none bigger than last week against the Steelers. With Joe Burrow suspended for health and safety protocols, Sam Darnold was called on to make a game-winning drive. And he delivered. With four seconds left in the game and no timeouts, Darnold fired a dot to Jamar Chase for the win. The Bengals are now 13-0 and look like they will be competing with the Titans once the AFC Championship game rolls around. I got to talk with the Head Coach of the Bengals. And when I tell you, the Bengals have a gem, they have a gem. A heck of a coach and I was honored to be able to talk to him.
Interviewer: Wow, coach! It’s nice to finally speak to the man behind this undefeated Bengals team. Truly an honor. I am with Any Given Sunday. First off coach, what was the process like in getting this job? Why did you decide to take your coaching talents to Cincinnati?
Head Coach: I appreciate your time and it’s an honor to be interviewed By Any Given Sunday. I have been coaching for about twelve years and football is my passion. I love working with great players and great personnel. When I saw the opportunity for the Bengals was open I couldn’t help but leap for the job. I plan on retiring in Cincinnati. We just got Burrow and Chase on contracts. We’re looking forward to the future.
Interviewer: We will get to the future, but man this team looks good! Last year, the Bengals were good but they heavily relied on the pass game. Now with you on board, this offense is booming. I wouldn’t call it “explosive” but “simple smart football”. Joe Mixon has never been this good. And the threat to both pass and run has defenses on their heels. How have you been able to make such a scheme that maxes out everyone’s production?
Head Coach: Yeah man we don’t play explosive ball. We like to play chess. Not checkers. We work with what the defense gives us. We don’t try to be too flashy or too over-aggressive. And man, I can’t even put into words what Joe Mixon is doing for this team right now. When I came into this office he was a bit nervous because we got Damien Martinez. But I told him since day 1 that I believed in him, and that he was the guy to run that rock for us. I installed that confidence in him. And as far as the scheme goes, imma keep that one under wraps. Can’t be giving away all my secrets. Like I said we play chess. Not checkers. We work with what we’re giving. At the end of the day, I feel like Joe Burrow solidified his MVP in that game. He is the league leader for that right now. He has proven week in and week out why he is the best QB in this league.
Interviewer: I completely understand, can’t be giving out the sauce, especially for free. But yes, I have not seen Mixon play like this in a while. You can tell he is running with confidence. Joe Shiesty is doing it again. And the efficiency is mind-blowing. Let’s switch gears a little bit. Before you got here, the Bengals had a sort of cockiness to them. Celebrating all over the field. They backed it up, but it left a bad taste in a lot of peoples’ mouths. Once you got the job, did you feel that tension amongst the league? And if so, does that sort of put a chip on your shoulder? This year, we sort of see a humble team, but also a team that knows they have the potential to win the Super Bowl. When you walked into the locker room, was it hard to change the culture or were guys just buying in?
Head Coach: Yeah I would say when I joined the league I felt the tension towards me. But I get it. I came across a great team that had been competing before I got here. The Bengals had a target on their back before I got here. I expect nothing less now that I’m here. We’re coming. I set the standard on my first day in the office. I told my personnel and my team what I expected of them. Everyone has a job. You do your job. We win games. It’s that simple. We won’t head hunt, but if approached we will defend. The loudest man in the room is usually the fool. My guys know what I expect from them.
Interviewer: Wow, no truer words were spoken. The loudest man is usually the fool. Wow, I cannot imagine the pre-game locker room speeches. I’m ready to suit up for you already. I don’t want to hold you too long, so if you don’t mind I have a few more questions for you. After your first win on Primetime, you had a message. And the message was clear. You want the Titans. The Titans have a lot of respect around the league, while you guys are undefeated and still going under the radar. Do you think that you guys may be sleeping on other teams? For you guys to meet this year, it would have to be in the AFC Championship game, a rematch from two years ago, where this team won. However, last season the Titans beat this team in the Divisional rivalry. If you guys meet again in the AFC championship game, would it be fair to call this a rivalry?
Head Coach: I wouldn’t say we’re sleeping on any team whatsoever. We just want to see what the hype’s about. Like I said we’re not a flashy team. It would most certainly be fair to call that game, if god sees it that way, a rivalry game. If they’ve been rivals before I got here we’ll continue the tradition. I’m just thankful to god for putting me in the hands of such a great team. I can’t wait to see what the future holds
Interviewer: Last question: what is your message to the league?
Head Coach: Who Dey Nation Is Coming. With a new awakening.
Interviewer: Thanks coach what an honor.
Head Coach: My pleasure
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