Getty Image
Despite losing Pro Bowl franchise quarterback Joe Burrow to a season ending injury, the Cincinnati Bengals are still alive in the AFC playoff race.
Given how crowded the race is in the AFC, the 7-6 Bengals probably cannot afford to lose more than one game, making each of their four remaining matchups absolutely critical.
In an effort to get the fanbase hyped up for what will be a crucial home bout against Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told the fans to have an extra drink before making their way to their seats, which is fine and all in good fun.
“I do challenge our fans—we got outstanding fans—to drink one more drink and rush into the stadium and be as loud as you can humanly possibly be when Minnesota’s offense is out there,” Taylor said.
Taylor then continued to describe the atmosphere he’s hoping, saying he wants those in the stadium to not be able to hear each. Again, fair play.
“If the person three seats down from you in the row can’t hear you, then you’re doing a good job,” Taylor said. “That’s essentially what the quarterback is dealing with as he’s trying to communicate with the tackle, make the last second communication to the receiver. If they can’t hear him, they can’t make that check.”
Taylor’s comments take a bit of a turn at the end — even Pat McAfee and J.J. Watt thought they were ill-advised when talking about it on The Pat McAfee — as he compared Bengals fans to Vikings fans and essentially said that the latter are louder.
“That is a critical element that we get this home field advantage. We’re not playing on the road this week. If we were playing in Minnesota, it would be a real problem. So Minnesota is here, let’s make it a real problem for them.”
Zac Taylor believes the Paycor crowd can play a major role Saturday afternoon vs Minnesota:
"Drink one more drink, rush in the stadium, and be as loud as you can humanly, possibly be." pic.twitter.com/rNcen3NQo2
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) December 12, 2023
To be fair to Bengals fans, the Vikings’ fans have the benefit of a roof which absolutely amplifies the noise they’re able to generate.
The Bengals vs. Vikings game will kick off on Saturday, December 16 at 1 p.m.