Alex Harkaway – For the Review. They overcame a heartbreaking loss against Denver in Week One but refused to let it dampen their spirits. They withstood a furious late rally by Green Bay in Week Two, but they held on in the final seconds. In the following two weeks, they defeated division rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland with last-second scores, converting on several do-or-die fourth downs to win. Yet, those challenges were nothing compared to what the Cincinnati Bengals dealt with this past week.
On Oct. 8, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s wife, Vikki, suddenly and unexpectedly died.
The 50-year old mother of three was loved by all who were involved with the organization. She often baked cookies for the players and even wrote them encouraging letters. Head coach Marvin Lewis said that when he was at the Zimmer house, he noticed Post-It notes Vikki had placed in the kitchen, reminding her of certain things she wanted to bake for the players. Needless to say, she will be missed.
The Bengals gave Zimmer the option to stay home with his family and take as much time away from work as he needed. Yet, on Oct. 11, during Cincinnati’s toughest test yet, there he was on the sideline, calling plays for the defense.
On the road against the formidable Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals played their best game of the season. The offense drove for the winning touchdown late. Running back Cedric Benson became the first player in the league to rush for 100 yards against the Ravens in nearly three years. And the defense, led by Zimmer, held the team, which has averaged 32 points per game this season, to just one offensive touchdown.
After it was done, an emotional Lewis presented Zimmer with the game ball. This moment was reminiscent of the way Los Angeles Angels players ran to centerfield to gather around the image of fallen teammate Nick Adenhart after clinching their division earlier this year. The Angels have rallied around the tragedy and dedicated this season to him. They are now in the American League Championship Series, playing for the right to reach the World Series.
While no one knows why tragedies such as these happen, one thing is certain: The Bengals won this one for the Zimmers. After what took place and the way all their games have gone down to the wire, the Bengals are starting to look as though they could be a team of destiny.
They are definitely a team worth cheering for.