CU Buffs Awuzie help take the Bengals to the AFC Championship

The former Buffs and current Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie helped the Cincinnati Bengals to their first playoff win in years. And now the AFC North Champions have a chance to make even greater history. Another appearance at the Super Bowl. In the wildcard win against the Oakland raiders Awuzie had 3 solo tackles, and assisted in 3. It was the first playoff win for the Bengals in 31 years, and this Colorado Buff had a big part in it. But that wasn’t enough for the Bengals they were thirsty for more.

They went into Nashville not ready to back down to the high powered offense of the Titans. It was close throughout, and a kickers game until the very end, when Even McPherson kicked the game winning field goal with 4 seconds left in the fourth quarter. This young team behind Joe Burrow believed in their leader and themselves. The history that Cincinnati had no longer matters as they more on to a victorious future. It was also the first time the Bengals have won a road playoff game. Beating the Titans 19-16. This is a new team of the future, not burdened by the past. Confidence is something new to the face of Cincinnati and beautiful to watch.

Chidobe Awuzie got 3 more solo tackles once agains, and assisted for another two. Neither defense remained pretty all game, but it was the Cincinnati Bengals defense that was able to get the ball back for their team, and the offense was able to score what they needed to move on to the next round.

Everyone around the NFL is starting to buy into quarterback Joe Burrow’s words. He was not surprised at their first playoff win. It’s what they’ve worked for and trained for all season. He exclaimed this is how it’s gonna be from here on out. He was not wrong as they went on to win again. All quarterbacks have confidence but this Ohio native and former LSU great has the confidence and the game to back it up. He wants to win championships for the Queen City and is not shy about talking about it. With over 4600 passing yards and an astounding 70 percent completion rate he has every right to wear the highest amount of confidence.

Joe ranked 6th in passing yards, and 8th in touchdown throws for all quarterbacks in the NFL this season. His passer rating was the best. Joe Mixon had one of his best years yet rushing for 1205 yards ranking 3rd in the NFL. He also ranked 4th in rushing touchdowns. Another former LSU great who played with Joe Burrow in college ranked 4th in receiving yards with 1455 and 3rd in receiving touchdowns with 13. Former great Joe Namath to future great Joe Burrow had this to say:

The other Buff for the Bengals Josh Tupou was sidelined again for a knee injury in the second half of the Titans game. His MCL will continue to be monitored and we won’t know much more until we see his progress or limitation at practices.

The Bengals broke another long draught with the win. It’s the first AFC Championship appearance since 1988. That puts a stamp on the longest losing streak in the conference championship game. Cincinnati will now move on to play the Kansas City Chiefs for all the marbles. The great news for the Bengals is that in all the AFC Championships they’ve been in, they have never lost one. While they are ending streaks and breaking records Cincinnati may have history on their side. Could their experience in being AFC Champions in the past and never losing be the extra motivation they need to get back to the Super Bowl? The road continues in Kansas City January 30th, at 3:05 on CBS to see who will wear the AFC Crown in 2022.