Despite Stephen A. Smith’s Jim Harbaugh Predictions, Cincinnati Bengals Named as Chiefs’ “Biggest Obstacle” for Historic Three-Peat

Published 04/05/2024, 2:30 AM EDT

The NFL’s big shots are the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won two back-to-back Super Bowls. But when it comes to pursuing an unprecedented third title, one team won’t let up – the Cincinnati Bengals.

ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell says that the Bengals are the “biggest obstacle” for the Chiefs as they strive for greatness. And it’s simple to understand why. The Bengals have beaten the Chiefs thrice in the last four encounters, one of which was a major playoff victory.

“I’m going to rely on history and say the Cincinnati Bengals a team that beat the Chiefs three times including in Arrowhead during the postseason to make it to the Super Bowl” Barnwell said. “They have a great formula we matching up with the Chiefs,” he added.

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A big part of that formula is Cincinnati’s stifling defense. Guys like Trey Hendrickson and new addition Sheldon Rankins give them a fierce pass rush that has given Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Chiefs offense all kinds of problems.

“Bringing in Sheldon rankings up front they’re going to be a much tougher defense this year and they get Joe Burrow back as well” Barnwell explained.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Bengals also have a bonafide superstar quarterback in Joe Burrow. The guy is money, able to make every throw, and also use his legs to extend plays and make something out of nothing. That dual-threat ability has been kryptonite for the Chiefs.

So while everyone is hyped about what Jim Harbaugh might do with the Chargers, the real team standing in Kansas City’s way of a three-peat could be good old Cincinnati. The Bengals have the Chiefs’ number, plain and simple.

Will the Cincinnati Bengals or the Harbaugh effect be a killjoy for the Chiefs?

That’s not to say the Chargers won’t have a say. After all, adding the fiery Jim Harbaugh as head coach has already got the NFL world buzzing. “If I could play for any coach, I’d play for Jim Harbaugh,” Skip Bayless declared at a recent press conference. “He’s already proven to me he’s the best coach in all of football, college and pro.”

And you can’t argue with that. Harbaugh’s got a track record of success, from his time leading the 49ers to that national championship he won at Michigan years ago. With a talented roster led by Justin Herbert, the Chargers could give the Chiefs some real problems in the AFC West.

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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has a different take. He believes Harbaugh’s arrival with the Chargers could be the key to finally ending Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ stranglehold on the AFC. “If anybody can disrupt the dominance of Kansas City, particularly in the AFC West, I think [Harbaugh] is somebody that figures out how to do it,” Smith proclaimed on First Take.

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Smith’s hot take might be bold but not entirely unsubstantiated. Indeed, given Harbaugh’s prior achievements, he may be able to disrupt the Chiefs’ win streak and ambitions in the coming season.

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However, even though multiple changes may take an immeasurable amount of strength and time, it is the Chiefs that might have a hard time against Cincinnati next season. As the NFL completes its offseason and the players step into the arena, the clarity: the way towards Super Bowl LIV goes across Cincinnati, and if the Chiefs intend to win the map, they must resolve the mystery that the Bengals have become.

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Written by:

Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a passionate football fan, he brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many exciting personalities. He seeks to write lively and engaging articles that play to his expertise.

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra

Despite Stephen A. Smith’s Jim Harbaugh Predictions, Cincinnati Bengals Named as Chiefs’ “Biggest Obstacle” for Historic Three-Peat

Will the Cincinnati Bengals or the Harbaugh effect be a killjoy for the Chiefs?

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