The Cincinnati Bengals achieved their first playoff win in three decades thanks to standout performances from players who made sure losing wasn’t an option.
The Bengals came into Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with the Raiders hoping to break their playoff curse.
They answered the call and downed the upstart Raiders 26-19 to advance in the postseason for the first time in 31 years.
Who made the difference for Cincinnati this time around?
3 Bengals players who carried the team to win over Raiders
Ja’Marr Chase
The scariest thing about the Bengals, certainly for opposing teams, is just how young their core is on offense.
Joe Burrow is 25 years old in his second year in the league. Ja’Marr Chase is a 21-year-old rookie.
You wouldn’t have guessed he’s only been a pro for a few months watching Chase dominate the Raiders defense like he did on Saturday night. Then again, this wasn’t anything new from Chase. He’s been a star from the start.
Chase caught nine passes for 116 yards. He had 23 rushing yards on three carries as well.
After the game, Chase told reporters, “I don’t think I can be stopped.”
He plays like he means every word of that. Just ask Las Vegas.