Billzgobowlin Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chongli Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 (edited) Edited December 31, 2022 by chongli 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 2 minutes ago, chongli said: Looks like another candidate 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemac2001 Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 At the end of the day we might have to twice I just wouldn’t put it out there 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Duffy Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airseven Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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. 1 1 1 10 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGOATski Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 This is gonna be such an awesome game. I'm so pumped. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generic_Bills_Fan Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 Cue the Mixon punching a woman gif. 4 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billzgobowlin Posted December 31, 2022 Author Share Posted December 31, 2022 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. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generic_Bills_Fan Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo ill Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 "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. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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! 2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Success Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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. 2 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGOATski Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chongli Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 (edited) Edited December 31, 2022 by chongli 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stretch Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low Positive Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 When this guy is your team leader, you’re going to say a lot of brash things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Duffy Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 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. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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