How Monday Night Football could help Cincinnati

Instead of letting the realities of Monday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys weigh on their minds, the Cincinnati Bengals are taking it as an opportunity to clarify who and what they are.

For Cincinnati (4-8), the game is a nationally televised test against the resurgent Cowboys (5-7) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (8:15 p.m., ESPN). The slimmest of playoff hopes are at stake, but beyond that the Bengals simply need a respectable 60-minute performance. Ideally they would also receive contributions from all three entities, because that’s been a while.

In addition, Cincinnati will be watched by an audience of millions, perhaps even tens of millions, for 60 minutes. A slip-up on this stage will likely cement the narrative surrounding the Bengals, particularly the fact that they miserably squandered a season of productive offense and MVP-caliber play from quarterback Joe Burrow.

However, Cincinnati is committed to deflecting this and other narratives. In fact, the pressure of Monday’s game might be just what the team needs.

“It’s a tough test for our guys and it’s exciting to be on Monday Night Football and I think that’s what this team needs right now,” Taylor said. “Put us back in the spotlight, have a chance to overcome and win and get on the right track here.”

To look at divisional rankings across the NFL, a football fan in Las Vegas or Philadelphia might look at the Bengals’ 4-8 record and not think much of the team. But those who have followed Cincinnati closely in 2024 – anyone who has watched the Bengals find new ways to lose and go 1-7 in games with a score of 1-7 – know there is more to this team.