Getty Image
The NFL was thrown into a state of chaos on Monday night when Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin’s medical emergency meant the pivotal game between the Bills and Bengals was postponed and eventually canceled altogether.
Thankfully, it appears Hamlin is well on his way to making a full recovery. But that does little to solve the league’s logistical issue, Both Cincy and Buffalo were in the running for the top spot in the AFC playoffs. The result of their game would have gone a long way to setting the AFC playoff field.
But no result means no clarity.
The NFL devised a plan to deal with this on Thursday night. The game between Buffalo and Cincinnati will not be rescheduled. Instead, the league will hold a neutral-site AFC Championship game should one of a number of scenarios involving Buffalo, and Cincinnati arise.
Additionally, Cincinnati has clinched the AFC North by virtue of win percentage. However, should the Bengals lose to the Ravens in Week 18, they could have to travel to Baltimore to begin the playoffs.
The site of that potential would be determined by a coin flip under the proposed change. But that doesn’t fly for the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals Expected To Vote Against Amended Playoff Structure
The league will hold a vote on the new structure on Friday afternoon. It’s widely expected that the format will pass. But one team that will not be voting for it is the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the Bengals intend to try and block the passage of the new format.
Katie Blackburn, executive vice president of the Bengals, oversees the day-to-day operations of the team. She was recently appointed to the league’s 10-member competition committee, and she voiced her concerns both on a call with committee members Thursday night and in an email to NFL membership later. Sources described the email as “lengthy” and “strong.”
Jones states that the Bengals’ problem lies mainly with regard to the Wild Card round. The team believes it should host the Ravens regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s game.
Bengals running back Joe Mixon shared a similar belief on Twitter on Friday morning. Though he may want to continue to read the rules that he shared.
Either way, it appears Cincinnati is less than pleased with the situation.