Matt’s Take: Red-hot Bengals; end of an era in Cincinnati
Matthew McAdow
By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist
Joe Burrow thrives in primetime games and displayed his skills on Sunday Night Football this week which led to a Bengals victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Time and time again, No. 9 shows the world that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league on national television. Cincinnati has now won six straight home primetime games, which is quite the opposite narrative of what I was used to growing up.
With the AFC North all winning this week and all of them currently holding a playoff spot (how wild is that), Cincinnati will need to continue to apply the pressure next week against the Texans. There is now a three-way tie between the Steelers, Browns and Bengals for second place in the division, along with the Ravens leading the group at 7-2.
In the NFL, every game matters, but when you start 1-3, now every game really is do-or-die in a tight AFC North Division. Let’s enjoy this one for now, though, Who Dey!
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Positives
Joe Burrow threw for 348 yards, two touchdowns and had had no turnovers. He continues to make wise decisions and protects the football better than any quarterback in the league.
Have yourself a day, Tee Higgins, with 110 yards and eight receptions, which led all wide receivers. It felt good to hear the striped jungle yell “TEE” throughout the night.
Tight end usage was huge. Smith Jr., Hudson and Sample all had action on Sunday night and each of them have their own strengths. If they can contribute together in this offense like they did on Sunday night, then I might just be fine with not going after a tight end at the deadline.
Cam Taylor-Britt is officially an elite corner in my book. He reeled in a massive interception, which makes that three on the year. The 24-year-old out of Nebraska is becoming one of my favorite draft picks in the history of this franchise.
Nick Scott forced a fumble in Bengals territory that helped ensure a Bengals victory. When two teams that are this good matchup against each other, it often comes down to turnovers. Cincinnati forced two and Buffalo forced 0, which resulted in a 24-18 victory.
Opening drives have been stellar as of late. Cincinnati is on a four-game win streak, while also scoring on the first drive in each of those four games.
Mike Hilton silently disrupts an offense night in and night out. He had 10 tackles, trailing only Germaine Pratt with 11.
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Negatives
Burrow appeared to have his fingernail ripped off on his throwing hand, which appeared to be his pointer finger. I am no expert, but I am sure this is going to cause some discomfort throughout the end of this season.
Joe Mixon picked up the blitz quite well, but he failed to get anything going on the ground in this one – 2.6 yards per carry on 14 carries isn’t exactly what I was expecting in this one. On to next week.
Everyone in the AFC North continues to win. At what point can Cincinnati catch a break for a change? Looks like they will have to grind this season out the hard way.
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Joey Votto: End of an era
The Cincinnati Reds this weekend decided to not pick up Joey Votto’s option, which resulted in the best player to ever wear a Reds uniform to become a free agent. Number 19 will eventually have a statue outside Great American Ball Park, but for now, it still stings.
Sure, I understand that they weren’t going to pay him $20 million, but I had hope that the Reds would do the buyout and a small deal. Everywhere I read, people are stating Votto isn’t willing to play a part-time role, but I haven’t seen him say that anywhere.
Don’t get me wrong; I like Nick Krall, but I have to call certain things out when I see it. He stated over the weekend that money didn’t play a factor in this decision and that they simply don’t have at-bats for Joey. Money didn’t play a factor? Really? No at-bats for Joey?
I’d rather him just have came out and said simply that Christian Encarnacion-Strand is our first baseman and that we weren’t willing to pay top dollar for a .200 batter who is 40 years old.
If there are no at-bats left for Joey, then I hope that means that I won’t be seeing players like Vosler, Martini, Fairchild and others of that level take up time in the DH spot. If there is no room for No. 19, then does that mean there is also no room for Jonathan India? My advice: never bank on a team not having injuries. There is enough playing time for each of these players and everything typically plays out in a way that everyone gets enough playing time.
Time heals all wounds and I am excited for the future of this Reds team, while also being excited to see where my favorite athlete of all time ends up in 2024. It’s been a wild ride and in all honesty, he deserved so much more throughout his career. Someone of his caliber could have easily left for the Yankees or Dodgers, yet he decided to stick it out right here in Cincinnati.
You’ll always be a Cincinnati Red, Joey Votto, and thank you for everything you have done for the game of baseball.
(Bengals photo by Matthew McAdow.)
Comment
Trade Bait
Position players like India, Senzel, and Barrero can be traded for a #3 starter and a good middle reliever. Ref: Elly de la Cruz: I'd rather have 6 core players each hitting .280 with 20 HRs and 80 RBI, than a phenom player that can be pitched around. Elly's key contribution may be his arm. I was thinking he would be a great option in the outfield, with his speed and arm. But once an outfielder has a reputation of throwing runners out at 3rd or home, then nobody runs to the extra base anymore. But with Elly at SS as the cut-off man, all bets are off for the opposing third base coach, for sending runners or not. Because who knows, on the various scenarios, which fielder makes the throw to a base. OF Jake Fraley might also be on the trade bubble. I'm suspect of his defense. As a side note, I hope the Reds can sign Votto to a minor league contract for 2024. Because you never know who's hurt out of spring training. It's a good possibility he can make the team in April. Then his stats and returning injured players dictate that the end is nigh. And Votto can say, "I'm retiring May 15th." Then the last homestand leading up to that day will be the curtain call on his great career. And we'll have a Votto Day at GABP, as he deserves. It would have been cool for Joey Votto to surpass Johnny Bench's Reds record 389 homeruns though. I can't believe, with the sluggers that have played for the Reds, that 389 is the most career HRs. Big Klu, Frank, and Ken Jr. squared up a few baseballs in a Reds uniform though. Dunn made a run and E.D. (bless his heart) couldn't play more than 130 games a year. It has been a great pastime to watch and root for Joey Votto. He has done well. Many of us appreciate his talents and effort.
Column
The Votto issue shouldn’t be a surprise, unless he can be retained for far less than his buyout there’s no reason to retain him…yeah he was very good but he was a bad signing as is most all of those with the long term contracts…can you name one that’s been worth his salary? Several current reds won’t be back…if India doesn’t return it will likely be about his agent more than the player…might be best to cut bail with senzel, farmer, barrero, fairchild, casali, hopkins and bader too…regardless it will be an interesting off season for sure…I’m hopeful they can teach de la Cruz to hit a breaking ball…