Bengals News (12/16): Long way to go

Game Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals | Week 15 | 2020 NFL Season
"When you lose, its frustrating" said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. "It's hard to get rid of this feeling that we feel at the end of every week. But it's frustrating because we feel good about the position we put ourselves in heading into the game. But it's a myriad of reasons for why we lose. And it 100 percent falls on me."

Recovery of Bengals' Joe Burrow: What to expect, how it compares to others
When he went down with a season-ending left knee injury on Nov. 22, the top overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft became the latest quarterback to tear multiple ligaments in one knee. Burrow tore his left ACL and MCL and also suffered partial tears to his PCL and meniscus, sources told ESPN.

Joe Burrow’s surgeon offers positive news on Bengals QB’s comeback.
The man who performed the surgery, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, appeared on a recent episode of the Adam Schefter Podcast and said he expects every player he’s worked on this year to likely be ready for the start of the 2021 season.

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bengals land Penei Sewell, Chiefs pad loaded roster
After the injury to quarterback Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals have had a rough go of it, losing to the Dallas Cowboys this past weekend. In what could turn into the battle for the third overall pick, it looks like the Bengals at least got a victory of sorts as they now look locked in to that pick with their eyes on one massive prize.

NFL Week 14 grades: Cowboys get an 'A' for pummeling Bengals, Ravens get 'A-' for wild Monday win - CBSSports.com
Sometimes revenge is a dish best served cold and sometimes, it's a dish best served with a side of Cincinnati chili. In his first game back to Cincinnati since being let go by the Bengals, Andy Dalton helped propel the Cowboys to a 30-7 win against the overmatched Bengals.

Steelers vs Bengals: 3 early causes for concern
Are the Pittsburgh Steelers on a verge of another late-season collapse? Last season the Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills in December, never won another game and missed the playoffs. This season the Steelers have a playoff spot locked up but are looking are living with a two-game losing streak and three games left to play.

A Breakdown of the Cincinnati Bengals' Cap Space Situation Entering the 2021 Offseason
Cincinnati's 30-7 loss to Dallas put them in the pole position for the No. 3 pick in April's NFL Draft. As long as they lose one of their next three games, they'll finish with the third selection.

The Cincinnati Bengals need so much more than Penei Sewell
While they were miles away from notching a victory into the win column, at the very least, they secured a long-term triumph. The organization now has a multi-game lead on the third overall selection, all but guaranteeing they have the opportunity to take the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft, Oregon lineman Penei Sewell.

Around the league

Mike Tomlin: Steelers WR Diontae Johnson ‘responded appropriately’ to first-half benching
Flash forward to Sunday night's game against the Buffalo Bills, when top wideout Diontae Johnson flubbed two early passes to kill drives. The missed plays gave Johnson 12 drops on the season, most in the NFL.

Offensive Player Rankings, Week 15: Building AFC, NFC Pro Bowl rosters on offense
Below, I have selected 42 players -- splitting them up by conference -- who deserve to make this year's Pro Bowl, which is going virtual in Madden NFL 21 this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't worry, I'll get back to my usual offensive player rankings next week. Until then, here is my list of offensive Pro Bowlers.

NFL notifies clubs there will be no local playoff bubbles
The choice to forego local bubbles was recommended by the league and NFL Players Association medical experts based on COVID-19 testing data, Pelissero added. The NFL and NFLPA are pleased with numbers related to the coronavirus and therefore sticking "with what works" for the postseason, Pelissero added.

T.Y. Hilton returning to 'dominant' form in Colts offense after slow start
In nine games played through Week 11, Hilton averaged a measly 36.3 yards per game on 3.2 catches per tilt. He had just one game with more than five catches, never reached the 70-yard mark, and scored exactly zero touchdowns. Those are WR3 numbers, at best. They certainly aren't indicative of the playmaker Hilton had been for most of his career.