Things Just Got VERY BAD For Bengals De Factor General Manager Duke Tobin | Bengals Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty to talk about heading into Sunday's showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but three storylines stand out: Duke Tobin's apparent unwillingness to answer for his own mistake, Dylan Fairchild's injury status and Joe Burrow's recognition of just how important this game is.

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Let's start with Tobin. After the Bengals backed out of their proposed trade for Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, it was Zac Taylor who stepped in front of reporters to deliver an apology on behalf of the director of player personnel. Taylor even admitted he wasn't comfortable doing it but was following Tobin's instructions. That's an uncomfortable situation for any head coach. Tobin oversees personnel decisions, and when one goes wrong, he should be the person answering questions. Taylor has enough responsibilities preparing this football team without becoming the front office's public-relations representative. Accountability starts at the top, and Bengals fans deserved to hear directly from Tobin.

On the field, the Bengals are monitoring left guard Dylan Fairchild, who was listed as a limited participant Wednesday with a pectoral injury. Fairchild was hurt late in the victory over Atlanta, and Taylor has described his status as day-to-day. His availability matters against a Pittsburgh defense that can make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

And then there's Burrow, who understands the significance of what awaits Sunday night. The Bengals quarterback called it "as big of a game as we've had here for a while." He's absolutely right. Both teams enter at 6-2, and the winner takes sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Cincinnati also has an opportunity to avenge its 30-27 loss in Pittsburgh earlier this season and even the season series. Burrow knows these opportunities don't come around every week, particularly with a chance to make a statement in front of the home crowd on Sunday Night Football.

This is what makes Sunday so important. The Bengals are riding a four-game winning streak, Burrow is playing outstanding football, and the opportunity is there to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the AFC.

But they need to take care of business.

The Tobin situation is a reminder that accountability needs to exist throughout the organization. Fairchild's health is something to monitor, and Burrow has made it clear that he understands the magnitude of this matchup.

Now it's time for the Bengals to back up the talk on the field. Sunday night is about first place, division pride and showing Cincinnati that this team is ready for something special.