The Cincinnati Bengals closed an up-and-down season with a bang on Sunday, blowing out the Cleveland Browns in 31-14 fashion in Week 18.
That helped the Bengals stay above .500 while finishing with a 9-8 record. As many outsider observers pointed out, the team also avoided going outright winless in AFC North play for the first time.
Fueled by veterans such as Joe Mixon making big plays and hopeful splashes from some of the younger members of the roster, the game was a best-of-both-worlds showcase for fans.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable takes and reactions from right after the game went final.
FINAL: #Bengals 31, Browns 14
Seriously, take next to nothing from that fraudulent contest.
Cincinnati finishes 9-8, not bad considering schedule, division, Burrow injury, even if far from where expectations started.
A wildly interesting and impactful offseason starts now.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) January 7, 2024
If I had to read tea leaves
They kept mixon in long time. Maybe just to get $$ but might mean he’s back on reduced deal again.
Boyd got pulled pretty early. I think there’s 0% chance we offer him a deal.
— Matt (@MrKCincy) January 7, 2024
He probably shouldn’t be! https://t.co/yARD4YH2iC
— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) January 7, 2024
Two late explosive plays for TDs for the #Bengals D to put an appropriate capper on the season.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) January 7, 2024
The entire AFC North had a winning record which is pretty dope. The grit and grind division is unstoppable.
— mike (@bengals_sans) January 7, 2024
Thank you Bengals!
See you next season! pic.twitter.com/HFQ64rcwkZ
— Bengal Jim’s BTR (@bengaljims_BTR) January 7, 2024
End of an era… 🐅 #Bengals pic.twitter.com/sDulkUZDCZ
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) January 7, 2024
Mike Hilton. Man of the people.#Bengals pic.twitter.com/cYKsWKa26X
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) January 7, 2024
Literally what every Bengals fan is wishing for 🤞🏻 pic.twitter.com/R1prakMMsm
— Bridget J (@bridgetjancarz) January 7, 2024
Who Dey, nice W pic.twitter.com/yQuGv11a6D
— jion12345 (@nftcrypto12) January 7, 2024
That's how you end it boys
— Spencer Kramer (@SpencerKramer9) January 7, 2024
One more BIG win in The Jungle! 💪 It’s been an honor to have been a part of your gamedeys all season long, Who Dey Nation! https://t.co/0UTDf6sYlM
— Skyline Chili (@Skyline_Chili) January 7, 2024
End of the season DUB!💪🏻 https://t.co/HPfPSH3Eqm
— Bengals Mic Cart (@BengalsMicCart) January 7, 2024
Idk how you even approach a reaction to this season. 9-8 and missing the playoffs, without almost anyone fully healthy. Its not bad enough to be “fire everyone” about it, but its not good enough to be happy about it lol https://t.co/RyeIehi9Ut
— Brian Blakeley (@_BrianBlakeley) January 7, 2024
i know our season didn't go to plan and our games were hard to watch sometimes but im gonna miss this team so much man 😕 https://t.co/65EDlG0ziQ
— Cam ✰ (@teeithiggins) January 7, 2024
Way to end strong 💪🏻! This year came with so many challenges, but showed resilience. I’ve stuck with this team since I was 8 – as always, SO proud to be a Bengals fan. Until next year #whodeynation 🫡🧡🖤 https://t.co/Vx5HIpU52O
— Missy Anker (@WintersetRD) January 7, 2024
That’s a W! Off-season time, unfortunately. Regroup and come out next year hungry. Lots to fix, but I’m excited to see what we can do. #WhoDey https://t.co/ITTBj7VBNP
— Brandon Kendrick (@B_Kendrick_) January 7, 2024
Finished with a winning season! Got some work to do in the off season but looking forward to see what happens! I hope this isn’t the end for Tee and TB but we will see! #WhoDey🟧⬛️🏈🐅 https://t.co/wUoXd8zi3Q
— Ryan Summers (@CoachRyan_10) January 7, 2024
