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I had a third degree sprained ankle when I was about 12 or so. It was one of the most painful experiences I can remember. As a kid, of course, it felt like it lasted a lifetime. Extremely painful and only rest would cure it. I can't believe Mahomes will make it through the entire game. However, their backup QB wasn't bad when we played him. No gimmies in this game, I fear. I'm putting it all on JoJo. He's the best one to be in the trenches in this battle.

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Forget the monikers 'Joe Cool' or 'Snow Burrow' etc.

Look at his statistics and tell me who in franchise history, RIGHT NOW is better than Joe Burrow after his 3 years? It's Joey 'FRANCHISE' people!

The Battlecats of Ohio will begin their march into Arrowhead stadium and play a Mahomes who is very similar to Josh Allen in his style of play.

Points of interest:

-last game we just got Chase back from injury and he was not sharp

-last game we were without Mixon

-last game Boyd dropped a sure-handed TD

-last game we did have an intact offensive line

-last game Mahomes was not banged up

What are we gonna hear all week? What will be the statements made concerning how the Chiefs are better than the Bengals? Reid wins games, but what's his percentage of winning the AFC/NFC championship games? If there is a player who concerns me it is Pacheco and if Mahomes isn't mobile Pacheco will need to get the ball more than he did against Jacksonville. Let's face the facts, though....when does Reid ever choose to run the ball more than throw?

We were gonna be in this position whether or not we were number 2 as the Chiefs are the next best team in the AFC. The 'Pride' will win by more than three points this time!

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First, I want to apologize to Eli Apple. Early on, I felt he was the only weak link in this Team. The last time he got a penalty, some of the team members, including Hubbard, pulled him aside right away during a time out. They patted him on the helmet, gathered around him and had a good man to man chat session. Advice. This team leaves not one Man behind, but helps him learn how to avoid the same mistake, and gives him his pride back. Now I see no weak link on this Team.

Second, Congratulations to Boomer Esiason for finally calling out his coverage crew at halftime for harassing him about being a Bengal and supporting them; even, as he staated, throughout the run they had last season to the Super Bowl. I'm so proud of him for speaking out. I remember many of those moments when they would laugh at him for still being a Bengal at heart, and you could see he was not enamored with their actions and comments. So happy he spoke out, and was the only one to pick the Bengals to Win before the game. You Go Boomer!

I predict another win and Hopalong Mahomes will reinjure his ankle, simply by using it. A sprained ankle (especially if it is a third degree...not sure to what extent it was sprained) does not heal in one week. In fact, the worst thing for a sprained ankle is to be abusing it. He will play, he's already promised to do so, and he will pay.

Who Dey All The Way!!

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Loved the "snow globe" game. I think we have a great chance to come out strong and beat KC,

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In addition to the incredibly impressive on-field proficiency, it is nice to see coaches and players unafraid to show a little emotion/attitude. From Taylor's apologies for 'screwing things up' to Joe's comments on refunds, to proclamations of being the conference's big dogs, I just love to see the team show the same energy that we as fans feel. Maybe it's the new NFL. Seems like the old mentality was authoritarian stoicism that worshipped at the alter of 'act like you've been there before', yet also yielded DUIs and other misbehavior once players were out of the building. This team has much more accountability and focus, but also allows for swag and exuberance when their play backs it up. Kudos to the entire organization-what a difference a decade makes.

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Jan 23, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

As a Sports journalist, you are the GOAT

As a game picker, you are just like the rest of us.

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Jan 23, 2023·edited Jan 23, 2023

1. The Bengals were already a juggernaut last week. Plowing over opponents left and right. A bulldozer running amuck. And Romo? Romo barely knew they existed. Ignored them completely Slobbered all over Bills and Chiefs. This week he's a Total Bandwagon Act. He's turned into a phony full of baloney. HOOOOOOO-dey!! Romo has become a babbler who's gotten lazy. You can have him, Doc, and the press clippings he rode in on.

2. If Chase didn't catch that ball, then your buddy Bengal Boy is a monkey's uncle, which may or may not actually be true. Let me use a better example. Ahh, never mind. By the way, another analogy needs to see the day: Jamie Lee Curtis was to Kevin Kline what the Bengals are to KC, so sometimes the opposite happens in both directions. Or something like that.

3. I love, love, love the white unis. They looked like Norwegian WW2 snow fighters out there, sniping the Bills to death. The snow angels in the white unis were stunning. I expect to see those pictures in Vogue next month. White is the New Black, and I, Pogo, am be your new fashion maven. Step into my stunningly decorated, all white office. What can I do for you? Whoo-hoo!

4. See what depth can do for you, Mike Brown. The O-Line has serious depth....finally. If they didn't, this season would probably be over. Mike Brown, are you listening??? Are you finally learning something in the pig-headed brain of yours? It's simple; never cut corners again to save a few bucks. You gotta spend money to make money. That's life. Mike Brown; Are you listening???

5. Beat a team 4x in a row? Gonna be really tough.

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So proud and impressed! Have an unorthodox thought. MLB needs to take notes on how the NFL is set up that a Cincy (small market) team can dominate larger market teams. Bengals have told the sports world they don’t care what anyone thinks they are building a dynasty! (Is that a stretch?). WHO DEY!!!!

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Outstanding observations & perspectives per usual Dr. Doc.

My hidden highlight was a national TV spot for Snickers featuring a dude in Who Dey face paint. Impossible to imagine for about 5 decades.

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founding

Most of the National Media were picking the Bills, but the Sports Illustrated MMQ staff, four of the five picked the Bengals

https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/01/19/nfl-divisional-round-staff-expert-picks

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founding

Most of the National Media were picking the Bills, but the Sports Illustrated MMQ staff, four of the five picked the Bengals

https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/01/19/nfl-divisional-round-staff-expert-picks

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We invited a few neighbors to over to watch. Happiness sprung forth like the daffodils in late March (my gardener spouse has about 500 of them in the yard of various varieties). The game plans set forth by the OC & DC were several steps ahead of the Bills. I agree they may not be here next season and both deserve a shot at a head coaching gig. Kudos to them and to the Zack Taylor culture. Our remarkable players made it look so easy. No telling when the fans hearts will come back to earth. SF looked very human and beatable vs. Dallas. Philly looks sobering & like a real challenge. But 1st there is KC. If the team executes for the balance of the playoffs like it did today . . .

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This was the best game played by the Bengals since the freezer bowl win over the Chargers. It was a complete team effort. I have to admit I was wrrr..... not quite right about the 'mistake' of hiring Taylor. He has put together a highly talented team with strong character in a few short years. I hope he is able to keep the superstars playing 'team first' football.

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Jan 23, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

This is one of those special moments in Bengal fandom where the results trumpet the swagger. I can think of a half dozen or so other moments where I felt like today. And to do that in a den of screaming Bills Mafia in a snowstorm was about as sweet as it can get. And notably, the "appearance" of a run game became a runaway avalanche!

Doc, two great TML efforts today. I am beginning to think retirement has sharpened your wit in the best way. Less constraints would be my explanation. Please, strike on.

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Jan 23, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

Never a doubt. Today was just a beat down. The Bills defense was nowhere near as strong as Baltimore's the last two weeks. But maybe iron sharpened iron...

I'm really starting to enjoy Hayden Hurst's Edwin Moses imitations.

Does Jackson Carmen have some sort of deal with Untuckit ?

Who Dey!!!

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Jan 23, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty

Thankfully, none of the mobsters were in any position this year to fire Zach Taylor, Frank Pollack, Jackson Carmen, Joe Mixon, and the person that designed the white uniforms.

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