The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on Thursday to start Week 7. With the playoffs slipping away, they made a significant quarterback change to jumpstart the offense. With Joe Burrow working his way back from turf toe, the Bengals have turned to Joe Flacco. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer asked Flacco about his new role in the AFC North.
“I’m not necessarily looking that far ahead—but, sure. Is that my job? Is that my task? Well, then I’m gonna do that g*ddamn task as best as I possibly can. I sure hope that’s the case, yes,” Flacco said.
The Bengals were flying on offense for the first time this season on Thursday against the Steelers. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were unlocked with Flacco under center, unlike the malaize that met them with Jake Browning at quarterback. Flacco is taking it one week at a time, but he knows if the division is in reach, Burrow will come back.
The Bengals face one of Flacco's many former teams, the New York Jets, in Week 8. Aaron Glenn and the Jets do not have a win yet this season and are facing Cincinnati at the wrong time. The Bengals should be able to go up and down the field against their defense, just like most teams have this season.
Flacco was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Bengals after he lost that job to Dillon Gabriel. Mike Tomlin was not a fan of the in-division trade, but the Cincinnati fans have to be loving it. While they got off to a dreadful start, the Baltimore Ravens have been so much worse. That leaves the AFC North wide open for a rejuvinated offense.
The Bengals host the Jets in Week 8 with a chance to get to 4-4. Can they hand Glenn another loss and join the playoff conversation?
