Matt’s Take: Bengals take over in Spain, epic rivalry clash approaching, & Sal Stewart
By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist
What a game! While I don’t necessarily enjoy waking up to watch the Bengals at 9:30, it was fun watching them play good football in Madrid.
Growing the game of football and growing its fans and viewership is important for the future of the game. To make it even better, Cincinnati played phenomenal against a Falcons team that is loaded with talent and improved their record to 6-2.
“Alexa, please say Who Dey Think they Gonna Beat them Bengals in Spanish.” Gracias!
Quick Stats and Comments from Spain:
Ja’Marr’s first half was off the charts – 142 yards, 8 catches, and a touchdown before halftime? He ended the day with 155 yards and 10 receptions. Maybe I shouldn’t have traded him off my fantasy roster?
Joe Burrow had 3 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, 271 passing yards, and was 24/29. He is by far the favorite to win MVP as it stands right now and a victory on Sunday against Pittsburgh would really help improve his chances even more.
Cincinnati had 123 yards rushing and averaged 5.1 yards per carry – that’ll play!
Barrett Carter reeled in an interception to ice the game.
With the NFL Trade deadline approaching on Tuesday at 4 p.m., I hope to see Cincinnati trade Shemar Stewart and some draft picks to truly go all-in and try and win it all this year. The window is open, now is the time to add an edge defender, corner, safety, or linebacker. Make it happen.
Epic Rivalry Approaching
“Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to the Main Event!” – Bruce Buffer voice. Cincinnati at 6-2 vs. Pittsburgh at 6-2 to take control of the AFC North on Sunday Night Football in the jungle.
I can feel the tension in the air already! This is the most important game thus far of the season and it could define who wins the AFC North and possibly gets a home game come playoff time. With the injury bug in Baltimore and Cleveland being…well Cleveland, it appears this might be a race between the Steelers and Bengals to decide who wins the AFC North.
If you look up “Must-Win” in the dictionary, this game is the definition of it. My cousin Tyler Brummett forgets where he was raised at times and it's time for the Bengals to show him that the AFC North runs through Cincinnati.
I despise three things and three things only in life – the Steelers, the St. Louis Cardinals, and…well, we don’t discuss politics here. (Teasing about who anyone wants to root for).
Remaining Schedules of Bengals and Steelers-Predictions
Bengals Prediction: 13-4
Steelers (6-2) Win
Commanders (2-5-1) Win
Saints (3-5) Win
Browns (5-4) Loss
Chiefs (6-2) Loss
Panthers (3-5) Win
Colts (2-7) Win
Ravens (4-5) Win
Browns (5-4) Win
Steelers Prediction 10-7:
Bengals (6-2) Loss
Eagles (2-7) Win
Broncos (7-2) Loss
Texans (3-5) Loss
Jaguars (6-2) Loss
Ravens (4-5) Win
Panthers (3-5) Win
Titans (1-7) Win
Ravens (4-5) Loss.
Sal Stewart Rookie of the Year
On the night of Nov. 9, the Rookie of the Year will officially be announced. I will keep this short and sweet – if it’s not Sal Stewart from the National League, the game of baseball is headed in the wrong direction via analytics.
He led all NL Rookies in home runs, RBI, XBH, and Total Bases. He didn’t miss a single game, was an All-Star, and already was voted by the Players as their choice as Rookie of the Year. He had a season far and above any other rookie – WAR means nothing at first base. His name better be announced tonight or this award has become an analytical joke. With that being said, what a season from Sal Stewart, he deserves all the praise.