Bengals RB Joe Mixon reminds first-place Bills: 'We the big dog' of AFC

[Billzgobowlin]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35353953/big-dog-afc 

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon wanted to set the record straight ahead of Monday's big showdown against the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills might have the best record in the AFC, but the Bengals are still the reigning conference champs.

"At the end of the day, what people got to realize and understand, we the big dog of the AFC and that's just what it is," Mixon said after Saturday's practice. "For anything to happen, it goes through us."

The Bills (12-3) currently hold a one-game lead over the Bengals (12-4) for the AFC's top playoff seed entering the "Monday Night Football" showdown. Throughout the week, Cincinnati has acknowledged the need to win the primetime game in order to keep hopes of home-field advantage in the postseason alive.

Mixon reflected that sentiment as well.

"We know what our end goal is and in order to get to that end goal we got to get through Buffalo," Mixon said. "We got to keep one week at a time and everything else take care of itself."

Buffalo (+350) currently has the best odds of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, according to Caesars Sportsbook. The Bengals are fifth at +800.

But Mixon's comments about Cincinnati being the team to beat reflected the team's confidence entering the matchup of two of the top Super Bowl contenders. When asked about concerns regarding Buffalo's linebackers shrinking the middle of the field, Mixon praised Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano but added that "they're not the [Baltimore] Ravens."

Mixon also pointed out that between the team's rushing attack and the receiving corps that features Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati has enough offensive firepower to give defenses problems.

"The best thing about is they're going to have to play us honest," Mixon said. "If you want to cheat, whatever you want to do, we're going to make you pay, whichever way you want to do it. That's on you, however y'all want to play it.

"But at the same time, we're going to play our game and we're not going to let nobody dictate what we wanna do. That's just what it's going to be."

Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said the team is preparing as if Buffalo safety Jordan Poyer will play on Monday. Poyer, who missed the first two practices with a knee injury, participated in Saturday's practice, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg.

Taylor did not make a determination on Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, who was limited throughout the week with a right calf injury. Taylor said the call will be made as the team gets closer to kickoff and Hubbard doesn't need to be a full participant in order to play against the Bills.

"Sam's one of those veteran guys that know how to manage his body and mentally is always sharp," Taylor said.

As of Saturday afternoon, the Bills were 1.5-point favorites over Cincinnati, which has the AFC's longest active winning streak at seven games. The Bills are bringing a six-game win streak into Cincinnati ahead of a showdown the Bengals are eager to play.

"The Bills, what better team would you be able to go up and put your best against?" Mixon said. "It's a great opportunity for us, but at the same time I know our guys, we [are] ready."

 

Doesn't sound smart to upset Bills before matchup

[chongli]

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by chongli

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

2 minutes ago, chongli said:

 

Looks like another candidate 

[mikemac2001]

At the end of the day we might have to twice 

 

I just wouldn’t put it out there 

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, chongli said:

 

 

Lol, wow! I just don't get it. I mean do they think they are intimidating the Bills or something? I just can't wrap my head around it

[Airseven]

They’re the defending AFC champs, so I guess he’s technically right. That being said, I think we all know Chiefs are still the big dog.

[LeGOATski]

This is gonna be such an awesome game. I'm so pumped.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

7 minutes ago, Patrick Duffy said:

 

Lol, wow! I just don't get it. I mean do they think they are intimidating the Bills or something? I just can't wrap my head around it

He’s not even right lol Patrick Queen is pretty good but roquan smith and tyrus bowser are meh.  Seems like after the packers game with jaire Alexander that teams think they can just get under the bills skin 

 

could also be that they are not happy about being home underdogs 

Edited December 31, 2022 by Generic_Bills_Fan

[BringBackFergy]

Cue the Mixon punching a woman gif. 

[Billzgobowlin]

I mean I think he knows their defense has to go against our offense right?  Mixon doesn't scare me and neither does Burrow.  He probably should be worried about Milano though.  Most underrated LB in the league.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

8 minutes ago, Airseven said:

They’re the defending AFC champs, so I guess he’s technically right. That being said, I think we all know Chiefs are still the big dog.

It was pretty flukey scheduling with the titans who were clearly not the best team in the conference ending up with the 1 seed.  I think it’s pretty safe to say that the bengals likely wouldn’t have beaten the bills and chiefs back to back which is probably what is causing this big chip on their shoulder 

[Buffalo ill]

"The best thing about is they're going to have to play us honest," Mixon said. "If you want to cheat, whatever you want to do, we're going to make you pay"

 

I'm curious as to what he is getting at here.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

I've read a number of comments by the Bengal,s haven't heard anything from Buffalo.  Of the 10 writers in the Athletic, 7 pick the Bengals.

 

All good news to me!

[Success]

I mean, the last-place Patriots 100% should have beaten Cincy last week. That game was basically over w/ 1st & goal at the end.

 

I am really looking forward to the game.  I have a hunch it will be a statement game.

 

[LeGOATski]

1 minute ago, Buffalo ill said:

"The best thing about is they're going to have to play us honest," Mixon said. "If you want to cheat, whatever you want to do, we're going to make you pay"

 

I'm curious as to what he is getting at here.

Like cheat towards the line, double team someone, blitz heavy, those various things...

[chongli]

 

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by chongli

[Stretch]

3 minutes ago, Buffalo ill said:

"The best thing about is they're going to have to play us honest," Mixon said. "If you want to cheat, whatever you want to do, we're going to make you pay"

 

I'm curious as to what he is getting at here.

He means you can’t beef up to stop the run or play a dime the whole time, because  they can both run and pass.

[Low Positive]

When this guy is your team leader, you’re going to say a lot of brash things.

 

[Patrick Duffy]

Just now, Airseven said:

They’re the defending AFC champs, so I guess he’s technically right. That being said, I think we all know Chiefs are still the big dog.

 

Even so, it's pretty rare for players to say stuff like this leading up to a game, especially a game of this magnitude with what's at stake....and against a team that's one of the best in the league in the Bills to add. 

 

Not very often these things are said, especially for huge upcoming game, but the few occasions it does...it's usually  not a promising tactic 

[NewEra]

5 minutes ago, Patrick Duffy said:

 

Even so, it's pretty rare for players to say stuff like this leading up to a game, especially a game of this magnitude with what's at stake....and against a team that's one of the best in the league in the Bills to add. 

 

Not very often these things are said, especially for huge upcoming game, but the few occasions it does...it's usually  not a promising tactic 

Very rare.  Dude is an idiot.