In the aftermath of the NFL hearing appeals from those involved with the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns fight from last week, the Cincinnati Bengals still come out looking like winners.
Those in charge decided to uphold the Myles Garrett suspension, meaning the Bengals won’t have to worry about the star pass-rusher when they meet the Browns in Weeks 14 and 17.
As for Steelers offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey, he had his suspension reduced from three games to two. That doesn’t end up impacting the Bengals though, as they won’t have to deal with Pouncey this weekend.
Given Cincinnati’s insistence on sticking with and evaluating rookie passer Ryan Finley, it’s a big blessing to avoid a top-tier defender like Garrett twice.
And while missing Pouncey is nice, one has to think the sheer distraction of all the drama between Mason Rudolph and Garrett could have the Steelers off their game Sunday.
And at this point, the Bengals will take whatever they can get as they still scratch and claw for that first win.
