The Cincinnati Bengals looked like an upset-minded team for most of Sunday’s 25-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
That made things more interesting than they probably had any right being, considering the Bengals were missing Joe Burrow under center and the Chiefs have been in the middle of a “down” season by their own standards.
Still, a fresh, long-running rivalry between these two teams had a way of generating reactions, as did the fact both teams had plenty of playoff implications at stake entering this one.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable takeaways from fans and otherwise exiting the latest meeting between these rivals.
FINAL Chiefs 25, #Bengals 17
Cincinnati eliminated.
Will end up looking back on this season wondering what could have been without Joe Burrow.
Inevitably, we know what it was because the defense was never good enough.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) January 1, 2024
Respect to the team for not giving up after Burrow got hurt. Genuinely think the offensive coaches did a good job with Browning. Having said that, it has to be better next season. We have a lot of questions heading in to 2024 but I’m still confident as long as 9 is healthy
— Nick Crago (@FearDaTiger009) January 1, 2024
Underrated take
The coaches didn’t use Myles Murphy, Iosivas, Chase brown or Charlie Jones enough. All the speed, all the athleticism and they iced it.
— Matt (@MrKCincy) January 1, 2024
Good win Chiefers. No Burrow 🤷🏿♂️
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) January 1, 2024
This is gonna be such a huge offseason for the Bengals. Pass rush is at the top of my list. Got a lot of work to do
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) January 1, 2024
That’s the season. Fought hard but at the end of the day we needed #9
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) January 1, 2024
Ja’Marr called out the KC secondary, which I loved.
The Bengals then spent today not challenging the KC secondary, which I didn’t.
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) January 1, 2024
I hope we leave this version of the Bengals defense in 2023 (minus the red zone turnovers those are dope)
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 31, 2023
Ready to see Joe Burrow back on the field in 2024. pic.twitter.com/67oaLnJtMf
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) January 1, 2024
The Bengals failed to score a point in the second half and now they are done. No longer in playoff contention.
— Elise Jesse (@EliseJesseTV) January 1, 2024
One of the most disappointing seasons of my entire fandom. So much promise turned to ash.
— Teth-Adam (@DCRezz) January 1, 2024
Bengals were up 17-7 late into the 2nd quarter. They were -6.5/-7, depending on the outlet.
They didn’t play well in two-plus quarters, but there were three officiating calls that directly affected the outcome.
Result? Bengals lose 25-17 (8 points).
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) January 1, 2024
Chiefs sure were lucky that wasn't Joe Burrow out there for the Bengals.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 1, 2024
