A win in Sunday's regular-season finale won't send the Bengals into the playoffs, nor will it be a spoilsport for the playoff-bound Browns, but that won't affect Cincinnati's preparation for the game.
That's been the word from head coach Zac Taylor since the Bengals were officially eliminated from the playoffs with a loss to the Chiefs last weekend. The Bengals haven't gone winless in the division in more than 20 years and have a chance to finish the year with a winning record. These are a few reasons why Taylor believes his players will “do whatever it takes to win this game.” and end the season on a good note.”
“Our ultimate goal is to win this game by all means possible. “What it looks like is what it looks like,” Taylor said via the team’s website. “The fans that continue to support us and cheer for this team and give us their heart and soul will get a chance to see us play hard in a home game and find a way to win.”
The desire to play hard until the end is shared by the players. Defensive end Sam Hubbard said he needed undisclosed surgery after the season and “didn't think twice” about continuing to play for the Bengals this week despite missing playoff appearances.