In this Thanksgiving week edition of Cincy Sports Journal’s weekly review. The Cincinnati Bengals lose their franchise quarterback for the rest of their season. Cincinnati Football survives a close one this weekend and more.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffers season-ending injury

In a year in which the world has faced many gut punching moments. Of more massive consequence than any National Football League game. The Cincinnati Bengals were dealt a stinging blow last Sunday. In their 20-9 road loss to the Washington Football Team. Losing quarterback Joe Burrow for the rest of the season. Burrow was carted off of the field early in the third quarter. With what was later reported as an ACL injury.

It’s a disheartening showcase of a franchise’s longstanding struggles; that a franchise quarterback’s season-ending injury is not a shocking development. Perhaps the way 2020 is going for the world in general also plays into the lack of shock. Burrow’s injury leaves an already battered Bengals offense even more battered. While cutting a remarkable rookie season for Burrow short. Burrow still managed to have impressive performances throughout this season. Despite the Bengals only winning two games so far. He joins packed group of Bengals offensive players sidelined by injuries.

Star running back Joe Mixon is still recovering from a foot injury. Mixon was formally moved to injured reserve last weekend. He hasn’t played since Week 6 because of his injury. The move to injured reserve means he might not return until mid-December. Injuries have sidelined left tackle Jonah Williams for much of his young career. Wide receiver Mike Thomas and offensive tackle Fred Johnson are still recovering from injuries. While right tackle Bobby Hart just returned after a Week 6 knee injury.

Before Burrow’s injury, this game was quite a defensive battle. Particularly between this year’s top two overall draft picks. Top overall pick Burrow and Washington’s Chase Young. The defensive star Young went after Burrow in a tenacious way. Part of a strong defensive showing from both teams in the first half.

The Bengals led at halftime despite a fumble near the goal line. Two missed field goals and a missed extra point in the first half. Part of a wild day for Bengals kicker Randy Bullock. A.J. Green caught his first touchdown of the season in the first half. Plus, Bullock made a field goal to give the Bengals their 9-7 halftime lead.

Ryan Finley came in as quarterback after Burrow’s injury. Fitting the image of a deer in headlights throughout the game. Throwing an interception and getting sacked four times. The Bengals were unable to get anything going after Burrow’s injury. As Washington scored 13 unanswered in the second half to win 20-9. Next up for the 2-7-1 Bengals, the 3-7 yet nevertheless NFC East contending New York Giants. Sunday’s game at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium kicks off at 1 PM Eastern on FOX.

The College Football review

Cincinnati Football escaped Orlando with a 36-33 win over UCF Football last Saturday. It’s the Cincinnati Bearcats closest win of this season to date. The Bearcats will spend their Thanksgiving weekend in Philadelphia. Facing Temple Football this coming Saturday at 4 PM Eastern on ESPNU. While Temple goes into this game with a 1-6 record and Cincinnati goes in 8-0. Temple has managed to keep it close against Cincinnati in recent years. Cincinnati beat Temple by two points last season.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 prompted the cancellation of a local college rivalry game. Miami Ohio Football’s game against Ohio Football was cancelled. One of many college football games that were postponed or cancelled last week. The Battle of the Bricks game was supposed to be played last Tuesday. This is Miami’s second scrapped rivalry football game this season.

Miami’s clash against the Cincinnati Bearcats isn’t happening this year either. Temporarily halting one of the oldest college football rivalry games. The 1-1 Miami RedHawks next game is this coming Saturday. Miami will face Akron Football in Akron at 1 PM Eastern time. The RedHawks and Zips clash can be seen on ESPN3.

College Basketball’s 2020-21 season tips off this week

Cincinnati Basketball’s 2020-21 schedule was unveiled last Friday. Cincinnati’s men’s basketball season will tip-off on December 2nd. With a home game against Lipscomb Basketball. Part of an opening week book-ended by the Crosstown Shootout. Cincinnati will host rival Xavier Basketball on December 6th.

Xavier released their updated 2020-21 schedule back on October 30th. Xavier’s season tips-off this week with the Xavier Invitational. The invitational tournament will feature Oakland, Bradley and Toledo Basketball. Xavier will face Oakland in their season opening game. That and all of Xavier’s games this week will tip-off at Noon Eastern time. All Xavier games in this invitational can be seen on FS1. Xavier will play Bradley on Thursday and Toledo on Friday.

Northern Kentucky Basketball’s season starts this Wednesday at home. Facing Ball State Basketball at 6 PM Eastern time. NKU will wrap up their opening week facing Chattanooga Basketball. Saturday’s game in Chattanooga will tip-off at 2 PM Eastern time.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone.