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. 

[Freddie's Dead]

Mixon gonna be eating some ***** about 2330 Monday.  Bon appetit.

Edited December 31, 2022 by Freddie's Dead

[PatsFanNH]

18 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.

I think he means you can’t load the box to stop the run and if you go very light they have the ability to run it on you.  Mind you they got lucky last week against NE. They had a 22-0 lead and needed a Pats fumble to hold on to win 22-18.. Should be a good game but IMO Bills win late on Allen scrambling for a late 1st down to close the game 35-32. 

[Drew21PA]

This guy doesn’t stop does he?  I love it

 

keep it coming Bengals

 

you and your cake schedule haven’t proved anything 

[Patrick Duffy]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Very rare.  Dude is an idiot. 

Yeah really lol....I get stuff like this from Simms/media etc. But then not 1 player, but 2 Bengals players piled on top of that. LoL....

 

Guess we'll see how the bold strategy works out for em, Cotton

[Billzgobowlin]

We are really a Vikings goal line kneel down from this game meaning absolutely nothing

[Pete]

smash the ***** out of the Bengals and dont look back.  Here comes Buffalo!  And we are bringing Hell with us!

[wppete]

Hope the Bulletin  board is full of Mixon and arrogant Bengals. Need to shut up the haters. 

[Steptide]

It'd never be said, but I feel like these kinda comments McDermott probably posts in the locker room for the bills players to see and remember. 

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, Steptide said:

It'd never be said, but I feel like these kinda comments McDermott probably posts in the locker room for the bills players to see and remember. 

I doubt McD ever needs to. I'd bet the players are aware shortly after these types of comments are first made public. 

[machine gun kelly]

Two little problems with Mixon and his ridiculous comments.  
 

1st, they are 11-4 and we are 12-3, not tied and 12-3.

 

2nd, the Bills are 7th on rushing offense, the Bengals, you know Mixon is 26th.  He if all people should keep his mouth shut.

3rd- juxtapose we are 7th in passing and they are 5th.  Not far apart.

 

lastly kind of an even match with us 2nd and then 4th in points, and 5th and 7th in yards.

 

Hes just showing an insecurity that everyone has said if we won the 13 seconds we were expected to beat them in the AFCCG.

 

 

 

[Caesar]

1 hour 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

 

16 minutes ago, wppete said:

Hope the Bulletin  board is full of Mixon and arrogant Bengals. Need to shut up the haters. 

I think some are making more out of Mixon's comments than what he may be implying.  He said they have to go through Buffalo <to get a championship> and what better team to play against...   not really bulletin board material.

1 hour ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

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 

Really?   Queen was almost benched until Smith came, he has absolutely turned their defense around.  There is no question RS is by far their best player on defense.

[YoloinOhio]

[whorlnut]

1 hour ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

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 

Roquan smith is “meh”?  Really?  That dude is legit. 

[Amaru523]

The Bengals really want to do this? They're going to regret it. 

[CoffeeDrip]

I remember when the Chiefs played the Bengals, GMFB talked about how the Bills and Chiefs respect each other and talk each other up when they’re playing but the Chiefs and the Bengals hate each other. Starting to see why if this is the type of stuff the Bengals say routinely. Bills will never stoop to that level though.

[Caesar]

33 minutes ago, PatsFanNH said:

I think he means you can’t load the box to stop the run and if you go very light they have the ability to run it on you.  Mind you they got lucky last week against NE. They had a 22-0 lead and needed a Pats fumble to hold on to win 22-18.. Should be a good game but IMO Bills win late on Allen scrambling for a late 1st down to close the game 35-32. 

The Patriots game is kind of skewed, Bengals punted twice in the 4th qtr (not counting clock runout).  They moved the ball easily and shot themselves in the foot.
Consider the following:
WR inexplicably stopped route in the redzone - interception (u buys know all too well how frustrating)
WR missed audible - pick six
Missed Extra Point
Missed FG
TD called back due to penalty - FG.
Mac Grayson Allen Jones appeared to fumble for a Bengals TD but got the call of an incompletion...
Chase dropped a bomb
Chase fumbled
Tee Higgins dropped a TD pass
Irwin had an open TD pass he misjudged.

Patriots scored on a tipped Hail Mary bomb from midfield on 3rd & 28
Patriots had ONE legitimate scoring drive.

Bengals made a ton of uncharacteristic mistakes that will cost the game if they do commit just one or two vs the Bills.  
 

16 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

Two little problems with Mixon and his ridiculous comments.  
 

1st, they are 11-4 and we are 12-3, not tied and 12-3.

 

2nd, the Bills are 7th on rushing offense, the Bengals, you know Mixon is 26th.  He if all people should keep his mouth shut.

3rd- juxtapose we are 7th in passing and they are 5th.  Not far apart.

 

lastly kind of an even match with us 2nd and then 4th in points, and 5th and 7th in yards.

 

Hes just showing an insecurity that everyone has said if we won the 13 seconds we were expected to beat them in the AFCCG.

 

 

 

You give Mixon too much credit for thinking he knows team stats.   I dont believe there is any insecurity in that locker room and there shouldnt be.  All reports have been very respectful.  
Also, KC was expected to beat the Bengals in the AFCCG, so it's hard to say.

4 minutes ago, CoffeeDrip said:

I remember when the Chiefs played the Bengals, GMFB talked about how the Bills and Chiefs respect each other and talk each other up when they’re playing but the Chiefs and the Bengals hate each other. Starting to see why if this is the type of stuff the Bengals say routinely. Bills will never stoop to that level though.

Schrager said this in response to the fans on twitter, not the players. KC fans have been nonstop blaming the refs for their losses to the Bengals.  They do not believe that is realistic that anyone can beat them, only the refs and themselves can defeat them.  Bengals players have a ton of respect for Chiefs players and coaches.

[Beck Water]

1 hour ago, chongli said:

 

 

Sounds like he's all about the Bengals being AFC Champs last season and not getting the "credit" they deserve for it.

That was last year, Joe.  Take the ring off; it won't help you this season.

 

We know who the #1 seed is in the conference right now.  And who the #2 seed is.

[mike22nc]

1 hour 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.

1-5 in their last 6 games vs the Bills and Bengals with the only win coming due to an OT coin toss and unbelievable mismanagement by their opposition with 13 seconds left. Hard to agree with your statement.

[Goin Breakdown]

Bangles players are starting to remind me of Miami fans. 

[Beck Water]

12 minutes ago, Caesar said:

You give Mixon too much credit for thinking he knows team stats.   I dont believe there is any insecurity in that locker room and there shouldnt be.  All reports have been very respectful. 

 

Some of the stuff that's been quoted from Bengals players doesn't sound that respectful (like Mixon)