The Bengals’ season is officially over. Next week, the Bengals will not have the opportunity to lose in the first round of the playoffs, for the first time in six years.
The Bengals did win their final game of the season and first game of the 2017 calendar year. So, Happy New Year, Bengals!
There was a mixed bag of reactions following the Bengals’ win over the Ravens, capped off by a huge day from Rex Burkhead and a four catch, 82 yard day from Cody Core. Maybe Core really is the Bengals’ No. 2 wide receiver of the future.
Whether Burkhead can be a No. 1 or 2 running back for the Bengals next year will be determined by free agency as Burkhead becomes a free agent for the first time in his young NFL career in March.
Rookie Tyler Boyd also had a nice day, playing mostly in the slot. He had two catches for 39 yards and added a 15-yard run on a reverse in the first quarter.
Marvin Lewis was happy after the win, as were the players who are surely sick of losing, after doing that nine times this season, plus tying once, which is essentially a loss.
Here are the social media reactions to the Bengals’ win over the Ravens to end the 2016 season.
The 2016 season is OVER! pic.twitter.com/YD7Brqh8LR
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) January 1, 2017
Defense allowed 15.75 points per game in second half of the season. #Bengals
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) January 1, 2017
Who would ever thought? @MHuff28 pic.twitter.com/dNjfzWvFQ0
— Tra Carson (@PlutoCarson) January 1, 2017
Happy New Year! #whodey
— Cody Core (@Cody16Core) January 1, 2017
@RBrex2022 is a ⭐️⚡️
— Jeremy Hill (@JeremyHill33) January 1, 2017
Texarkana in the building @PlutoCarson @MHuff28 and Ry Mallett pic.twitter.com/83hqyHKX0z
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) January 1, 2017
We made it to free agency healthy!!! Whew #praiseyoulord! pic.twitter.com/XPct8B5LWp
— Melissa Whitworth (@mrs_whit77) January 1, 2017
Proof that you really can achieve your New Year’s resolution from @Bengals LB @VinnyRey.https://t.co/5DOrsjSXqN pic.twitter.com/izHYfBVr7X
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) December 31, 2016
Currently #Bengals stand at .333 SOV, which I think is the tiebreaker for draft, & #Cardinals are at .391 looks like pick 9 is ours
— Codiki (@codiki) January 1, 2017
Tyler Boyd: 54 receptions for 603 yards (11.2) and 1 TD
— Joe Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 1, 2017
— Giovani Bernard (@G_Bernard25) January 1, 2017
Good win today my boys #whodey
— Jody Breeze (@Blafell1) January 1, 2017
#Bengals DB Adam Jones after game: "I want Coach Lewis back. Words cannot explain. For all the people taking shots at him ... " (1 of 2) .
— Richard Skinner (@Local12Skinny) January 1, 2017
Jones on Lewis (2 of 2): ... "They need to shut the f--- up. Obviously they don’t know what the hell is going on." #Bengals
— Richard Skinner (@Local12Skinny) January 1, 2017
Andy on the fast start today...said guys were getting open, he felt comfortable with what they were doing.Said he's really happy for Rex
— aly cohen (@alyco32) January 1, 2017
Andy said Whit is the guy in locker room everyone goes to when they need something. Obviously, would love to have him back. #Bengals
— aly cohen (@alyco32) January 1, 2017
Andrew Whitworth: "I want nothing more than to play LT for the Cincinnati Bengals." #Bengals
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) January 1, 2017
The final game of the football season is always brutal, win or lose. You look around the locker room and say to...
Posted by Chick Ludwig on Sunday, January 1, 2017
We always like our guys. Marvin says when you think of Burkhead, you think hard work...that's what he does & what kind of professional he is
— aly cohen (@alyco32) January 1, 2017
Marvin called this season Andy Dalton's best. #Bengals
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) January 1, 2017
Andy had his best season but team didn't, Marv says
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) January 1, 2017
Marv: he's gone through stretch he hasn't had experienced guys but he's mentored young guys
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) January 1, 2017
Marvin asked if he wants to keep Burkhead: No question. We always want to keep our guys. #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) January 1, 2017
Marvin Lewis: "Hopefully a great kickoff to 2017." #Bengals @FOX19
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) January 1, 2017
Marvin Lewis' first words as he sits down: "I'm extremely happy." #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) January 1, 2017
Heard some fans on the way out "We are undefeated this year!"
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) January 1, 2017
#Ravens' Steve Smith finishes with 3 catches for 34 yards in what's likely his final game. Waves goodbye to fans as he leaves field.
— Joe Kay (@apjoekay) January 1, 2017
.@awhitworth77 soaking it up. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/epkNkzWZTI
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) January 1, 2017
Whitworth one of last #Bengals off field. Waited for Steve Smith to wrap CBS interview so he could congratulate him, wish him well
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) January 1, 2017
Love seeing Rex running wild!
— Brennen Warner (@BrennenWarner) January 1, 2017
LaFell running into locker room: "It's been real. It's been fun. It's been real." #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) January 1, 2017
Smith and Brandon LaFell hugged. Looked like Smith pointed at him and said "I got you" before LaFell jogged away. They are very close.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) January 1, 2017
KeiVarae Russell: remember the name. Kid can play some football. #Bengals
— Jed DeMuesy (@Local12Jed) January 1, 2017
Pretty solid year for Brandon Lafell: 64 receptions, 862 yards (13.5) and 6 TDs
— Joe Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 1, 2017
IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BENGALS FAN 27-10 OVER BALTIMORE.
— alan cutler (@cutler18) January 1, 2017
The Bengals walk off the field undefeated in 2017.
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger1530) January 1, 2017
Sup 2017 ✌
— Ryan Hewitt (@Huey_85) January 1, 2017
And with that, the Browns are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Happy offseason!