CINCINNATI – Any anxiety about how Super Bowl LVI ends is water under the bridge for Cincinnati Bengals run again Joe Mixon and coach Zac Taylor.
Mixon, who was not on the field for the team’s final attack in the previous 23-20 loss Los Angeles Ramsincluding the third and the 1st and the fourth and the 1st situations, told reporters on Friday that he should have worked harder to be on the field.
On Saturday, Taylor said he has discussed the matter with Mixon and is not shy about how Mixon presents himself about the situation.
“You should absolutely feel engrossed in that situation,” Taylor said. “He handled it brilliantly[ly]. That is very much appreciated. Photo knows it. That’s one of the reasons why you want to go back to those moments, you know? “
With the team on a two-minute offensive and the Bengals needing points to renew or win the Super Bowl, Cincinnati opted to fall back. Samaje Perine. In Cincinnati’s final drive, he was stopped to no avail and was the target of a hasty and messy overtaking attempt on the 4th and 1st turns that ultimately marked the Rams victory. .
On Friday, after declining to speak to the media across OTAs and during the first two days of training camp, Mixon suggested he should essentially test himself into the game in his final drive. that same.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, “It was just a fleeting incident,” Mixon said in an impromptu press conference after Friday’s practice session. “I really should be proactive about myself and just say, ‘Hey, I’m in here.’ But you know, that’s the heat of the moment.”
Mixon told reporters he’s been mostly working on the team’s two-minute offense during season after season. But in the final two minutes of all 2022 games when the Bengals were tied or eight points behind, Perine had 21 strikes to Mixon’s 13, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Later in the season, Taylor admitted that maybe he would rework the situation a little differently.
“Whether Joe is there or not, he certainly deserves a chance at the crucial moment of an important game to try to claim it for us as our signature back.” Taylor said in February, three days after the loss. “But then again, it’s just one of the decisions you make at the moment and you have to move forward with it.”
And Taylor isn’t shy about Mixon’s recent comments on the situation. During Saturday’s practice inside Paul Brown Stadium, Taylor and Mixon spoke to a crowd of 28,283 who came to watch the AFC defending champions. Mixon, who is nearing the end of his first Pro Bowl season, signed autographs, played catch with fans and encouraged big cheers during drills throughout the day.
Taylor said his rerun during Saturday’s showcase practice was not because of the fans and cameras present.
“It’s just his interactions with everyone he meets,” Taylor said. “He’s one of the most genuine players I’ve ever met. He’s certainly appreciated by everyone here in this organization.”
