The Cincinnati Bengals flopped in horrific fashion on Sunday in a must-win scenario, going down 44-38 at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The loss puts the Bengals at 4-8 and mercifully puts an end to any dim postseason hopes.
Along the way, Lou Anarumo’s defense coughed up 400-plus passing yards to Russell Wilson and more than 34 points for a sixth time on the season — and for the third game in a row.
Naturally, Bengals fans and media weren’t too happy with the defense as the season effectively came to an end. Here is a look at some of the most notable reactions from right after the game.
The Bengals have given up 41 points to a team that hasn’t scored 40 points since November 2018.
— mike (@bengals_sans) December 1, 2024
You know who I trust to fix this laughably bad defense? The same front office and ownership who put it together!
— Mark Chalifoux (@markchalifoux) December 1, 2024
Wasting career years by burrow chase and trey is a damn shame. Top 5 pick and Tee is gone. Not looking good
— Scott Kooistra (@CoachKoos) December 1, 2024
The good news is someone might get fired this year over this one
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) December 1, 2024
They really let Russell Wilson throw for 400 yards 😂
In 2024
You have to laugh to keep from crying man.
— Teth-Adam (@DCRezz) December 1, 2024
If coming off a bye week and letting the Steelers drop 40 on your field doesn’t get someone fired then you might as well abolish the entire organization right now
— megan ortwein (@megortwein) December 1, 2024
A poorly coached team put together by an incompetent front office. Oh yeah and add cheap owners on top of that.
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) December 1, 2024
The Bengals franchise is a total joke and you can 100% blame the front office. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase play the best of their careers and won’t make the playoffs. Super Bowl window is closed. Tee Higgins is gone. Defense is awful. Bengals ownership owes every fan an apology.
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) December 1, 2024
Bengals came out of a bye and gave up 44 to the Steelers with their season on life support 🫠🫠
— Tony Pike (@tony_pike15) December 1, 2024