Keyshawn Johnson explains why the Cincinnati Bengals' showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs is crucial for their season, as they look to avoid an 0-2 start.
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a must-win situation as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season. After a disappointing 20-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener, the Bengals cannot afford to start the season with two consecutive losses.
NFL analyst Keyshawn Johnson believes this game is a turning point for the Bengals, stating, "This is a must-win for Cincinnati. If they start 0-2, it's going to be tough to dig themselves out of that hole."
Bengals Aim to Avoid 0-2 Start in Must-Win Matchup against Chiefs
The Bengals' defense will face a major challenge against the Chiefs' high-powered offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In their Week 1 loss to the Steelers, the Bengals struggled to contain the passing game, allowing 333 yards and a touchdown to quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has emerged as a key player for the Bengals' defense, making a jaw-dropping one-handed interception against the Chiefs in their Week 1 matchup. He will need to continue his stellar play to help the Bengals slow down Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense.
Bengals Aim to Avoid 0-2 Start in Must-Win Matchup against Chiefs
On the offensive side, quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals' receiving corps will need to find a way to exploit the Chiefs' defense. Burrow completed only 21 of 38 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Steelers, and he will need to be more efficient against the Chiefs.
The Bengals' receiving corps is led by Ja'Marr Chase, who is coming off a historic rookie season. Chase will be matched up against Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who is one of the best young cornerbacks in the league.
Bengals Aim to Avoid 0-2 Start in Must-Win Matchup against Chiefs
The Bengals' offensive line will also need to step up and provide better protection for Burrow. The Steelers sacked Burrow four times in Week 1, and the Chiefs' defense is known for its ability to generate pressure.
The Bengals' running game, led by Joe Mixon, will also be important in this matchup. Mixon rushed for 82 yards on 27 carries against the Steelers, and he will need to be productive against the Chiefs to keep the defense honest.
The Bengals are entering this game with a sense of urgency, knowing that they need to start the season with a win. A loss to the Chiefs would put them in a difficult position early on, and they cannot afford to dig themselves a hole that would be hard to climb out of.
