In some places, the Cincinnati Bengals are underdogs to make the playoffs and take the AFC North again coming off a trip to the Super Bowl.
And that’s a big part of the reason defensive tackle DJ Reader says the team hasn’t lost the proverbial chip on their shoulder as underdogs.
Speaking with the media, including Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, Reader said that factor, plus the fans and city are a big reason the tone of this upcoming season hasn’t changed.
“We still got the chip. It’s not like there’s a lot of respect out there,” Reader said. “Just that’s the nature of these guys and this city and having guys that push us every day. Everything about this team makes you have a chip on your shoulder and want to be blue collar and go out there and earn it. That’s what we embody.”
The iffy history of teams that lose the Super Bowl actually making it back the next year, let alone even making the playoffs, plays a role in the broad view of the Bengals right now. Some thinking last year’s run was a fluke plays a role, too.
Whatever the reason, as was predictable, Reader and the Bengals won’t have a problem rolling with the idea everyone thinks last year was a fluke and using it as motivation while trying to make it back again.
