The Cincinnati Bengals finally put together the kind of performance fans have been waiting for all season - a complete, wire-to-wire win. But as satisfying as their dominant showing was against a spiraling Dolphins squad, it comes with a bittersweet twist: the playoff door is already closed.
This one wasn’t about postseason hopes. It was about pride, evaluation, and maybe laying the groundwork for what comes next.
Let’s be clear - the Bengals didn’t just win. They controlled this game, especially during a third quarter that turned into a statement.
Twenty-one unanswered points in that frame alone flipped the switch from “competitive” to “commanding.” Offensively, they found rhythm.
Defensively, they clamped down. For once, everything clicked.
Of course, context matters. The Dolphins, already on shaky ground, made a surprising move by benching their starting quarterback in favor of a seventh-round rookie.
That decision raised eyebrows and certainly played a role in how the game unfolded. Still, the Bengals took care of business, and that counts for something - especially for a team that’s had more questions than answers this season.
Now, with two games left, the focus shifts to evaluation. This is the stretch where decisions start to take shape - not just for the roster, but for the coaching staff as well.
Who’s earned another year in stripes? Who’s playing for their job?
These are the kind of games that help front offices separate the long-term pieces from the placeholders.
The next test? A matchup with the Cardinals, who have shown flashes on offense with Jacoby Brissett under center.
It’s a game that carries more weight than it might seem at first glance. Not only does it offer another chance to gauge the Bengals’ progress, but it could also have major implications for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Right now, Cincinnati sits around the 10th overall pick, just behind Arizona. A win could shift that order - and with it, the options available come draft night.
But beyond draft math and roster evaluations, there’s something to be said for ending the season on a strong note. If the Bengals can replicate the energy and execution they showed against Miami, they’ll not only put themselves in a better position heading into the offseason - they’ll start to rebuild some of the confidence that was shaken early in the year.
For now, the playoff dream is over. But the work? That’s still very much ongoing.