The Cincinnati Bengals opened the week as seven-point favorites against the San Diego Chargers for this week's opening round AFC playoffs matchup, but the Chargers' antics following a close win against Kansas City ensured Cincy won't take them lightly.
After an overtime win last week the Chargers celebrated with jubilance in the locker room, at one point shouting "Who dey!," which is a well-known chant for the Bengals. The celebration was spearheaded by head coach Mike McCoy, and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis also said some players could be heard talking about "owing" the Bengals one.
Watch Mike McCoy's speech here
Cincinnati defeated San Diego 17-10 on December 1st. "Listening to them in the locker room after they won the last game ... they're pointing to us," Lewis said on a conference call with reporters. "They feel like they owe us. So we'll be ready to go."
When asked if the video will serve as bulletin board material, Lewis hinted it might. "It was just a reminder of what we're up against," Lewis said. "I thought Mike made great points to his football team. This is the playoffs now. And everything gets ratcheted up."
The Chargers finished 9-7 on the season and snagged the sixth playoff spot, but would be smart to not make things tougher on themselves. Philip Rivers was resurgent in 2013 and carried San Diego's 2nd-ranked passing attack, but their defense ranked dead last in the NFL. They were 31st against both the run and pass, and facing a Cincinnati team that can attack either hole.
In their Week 13 meeting the Bengals rushed for 164 yards, 92 of which were chewed up by power back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. As a microcosm of San Diego's defensive issues throughout the year, A.J. Green also caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown in the Cincy victory.
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