Thread by @NFL

After a season of defying expectations and their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years, a big question loomed over the @Bengals and @JoeyB… is this team the real deal?

After starting the season 4-4, the Bengals and their audacious QB began to find footing in the AFC.

In fact, they closed out the season on an 8-game win streak.

In Week 8, despite taking the field without star WR @Real10jayy__ for the second week in a row, the Bengals beat the Panthers handily.

How, you ask? Well, that’d be @Joe_MainMixon’s 5️⃣ TDs and 211 yards. You’re welcome, fantasy owners.

The depth of the offense shined by midseason.

@samajp32 set a franchise record for TD receptions in Week 11, while @teehiggins5 and @boutdat_23 padded the Bengals offense with stellar plays week after week.

There’s strength on both sides of the field. In Week 13 against KC, the defense forced a late 4th-quarter fumble that kicked off the Bengals’ final scoring drive.

In Week 15, the D forced four takeaways on back-to-back possessions!

Coming off his breakout season, Joe Burrow proved he’s got what it takes.
Despite only playing 16 games, he finished the year with 4,475 YDs and 35 TDs (tied for 2nd most in the league).

The @Bengals have multiple tools at their disposal to win. So good news, Cincinnati - this team is the real deal.

Can the Bengals march through the playoffs to avenge last year's Super Bowl loss?

📺: #BALvsCIN — Sunday 8:15pm ET on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+