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Cincinnati Bengals’ Woes May Have Marvin Lewis’ Job in Jeporady

By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) talks with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) talks with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are off to a 2-4 start making everyone question whether Marvin Lewis is in the Hot Seat. Since the playoff collapse against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season the Bengals have yet to right the ship.

There were high hopes coming into the 2016 season for the Cincinnati Bengals. No one thought they would be 2-4 at this point in the season. This time last year they were on their way to 7-0 starting the season off perfect.

This season they can’t get seem to get it right. The Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. The games they lost have come against the stiff competition of the Broncos, Steelers, Cowboys and Patriots.

Granted they have played top competition to start the season. But if they don’t turn things around one has to think that Marvin Lewis could lose his job. There are no excuses for this play with the talent on this team.

Last season the Cincinnati Bengals were posed to win their first playoff game since 1990. They had the game in the bag until Vontaze Burfict committed an illegal helmet to helmet hit on Antonio Brown. This ultimately cost the Bengals the game. Burfict was handed a three game suspension this season for that hit.

All game Burfict was aiming to take out a player on the Steelers in the playoff game. This season after serving his suspension it seems as if he hasn’t learned his lesson. Last week against the Patriots Burfict hit Martellus Bennett low and stomped on LaGarrette Blount’s ankle after a play.

After diligently reviewing the play the NFL decided to fine Burfict $75,000. Marvin Lewis is coming to the defense of his player instead of taking control of the situation. Burfict has been fined eight times for a total of $805,000, it is not an accident any more. If someone is constantly being fined for making illegal hits it is a habit not an accident.

Lewis defending Burfict just shows the lack of control he has over his players. Burfict’s actions are preventing the Bengals from winning key games. He cost them a playoff win. Against New England the Cincinnati Bengals were winning 14-10 before collapsing in the second half.

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The rest of the season is easier. The Cincinnati Bengals can still make a run for the playoffs but if they don’t make it Marvin Lewis may be out. The Bengals have made the playoffs five straight years only to get knocked out in the first round. Lewis needs to win a playoff game in order to save his job and they can get back on track Sunday.

If the Bengals don’t turn around their season soon they will be searching for a new coach in he offseason. It all starts this week when they go up against division rival the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have yet to win a game so the Bengals should be able to get a victory. They still have the ability to win the AFC North or make get the Wild Card spot. Lewis just needs to get his players on track to start winning games.

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