Steve Smith Sr. RIPS Bengals Offense: “They Don’t Want to Run the Football”

Steve Smith Sr. had some strong words for the Bengals’ offense on ESPN’s First Take:

“We’re getting production confused with winning football.”

“The biggest issue is they don’t want to run the football. The Cincinnati Bengals don’t desire to run the football.”

Smith pointed to Cincinnati’s 12 carries for just 17 yards and questioned why the Bengals became even more pass-heavy after Ja’Marr Chase went out:

“Ja’Marr Chase goes out, and you don’t run the football at all. What do you do? You throw it even more.”

Smith, a former NFL wide receiver, said the approach was “crazy to me as a wide receiver,” especially near the goal line.

“You’re sitting there, you’re on the two-yard line, and you’re in four- and five-wide receiver spread in pistol or shotgun formation, a running back standing next to you.”

“You’re telling the defense one thing and one thing only: You’re going to throw the football.”

“And that’s the biggest problem.”

#Bengals