ESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Bengals 'Should Not be Flying Under Anybody's Radar'

The Bengals open the season in less than two weeks.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Aug 29, 2023 7:03 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are one of the top-five betting favorites to win Super Bowl LVIII, but they still have a right to feel disrespected, according to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

"I'm going to tell you yes from this perspective," Smith said about the team having a right to feel disrespected. "They should not be flying under anybody's radar. They have been knocking on the door for a Super Bowl Championship. They've been one of the final two teams in the NFL. And last year one of the final four teams in the NFL, and when you look at what they have. We can talk about Justin Jefferson and his greatness, Travis Kelce and his greatness. Has anybody seen Ja'Marr Chase? Has anybody seen Tee Higgins? Has anybody seen Joe Burrow throwing the football? Has anybody seen this at all? And Mixon can ball as well. This team is potent offensively, defense vastly improved. Zac Taylor has proven to be a damn good coach."

Cincinnati has a unique confidence where it counts: inside the locker room.

They've come excruciatingly close to lifting the Lombardi as Burrow's rookie contract winds down.

"The Cincinnati Bengals are no joke," Smith concluded. "Joe Burrow is clearly one of the best quarterbacks and one of the best players in the National Football League. And for us not to be talking about them more I can understand if they took that as disrespect. I would be able to understand that."

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