The Cincinnati Bengals navigated through the complexities of last week in a diligent way. Which matches the way they’ve navigated through this season.

Cincinnati navigated through the aftermath of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest with compassion for Hamlin and his Buffalo Bills teammates. Collectively opting to not press forward with the game. The Bengals managed through the aftermath of their January 2nd game against the Bills being cancelled. While they protested the league contemplating the possibility of having this weekend’s Bengals/Ravens game’s location decided through a coin toss. Once the league collectively made their decision. Cincinnati played with the hand they were dealt. Beating the Ravens and guaranteeing the Bengals host Sunday’s rematch.

The Bengals’ diligence sharply contrasts with the way the NFL handled last week’s events. The league spent much of last week seemingly making it up as they went along. That was by design in their decision making on January 2nd. By rule, the decision to cancel a suspended game rests with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Which contributed to the confusion that night over whether the game would continue.

There were several factors the league needed to consider. First, the teams involved were reportedly firm about not wanting to continue the game under the circumstances. Fan safety was another concern to consider. The decision to suspend the game was announced around 10 PM. Had the game resumed at 10:15 or 10:30, there was the possibility of the game ending around 1 AM. Presenting the possibility of thousands of tired and potentially inebriated fans stumbling out of Paycor Stadium. It doesn’t take a public safety expert to sense that would be a recipe for disaster.

The longer the game was delayed, the more rational suspending the game became. Then there’s the public relations part of this. The NFL had to face the idea, that carrying on with the game would’ve been seen as tactless. Being seen as careless is a perception the league wants to avoid. Especially when it comes to matters of health and safety.

After navigating through the events of January 2nd. Along with receiving the relieving news that Damar Hamlin’s condition began improving. The NFL faced the decision on how to handle the impact of the Bengals/Bills cancellation would affect the playoffs. In that instance, the league decided to put their pre-existing rules for this situation aside. Presenting us with the coin flip scenario the Bengals would’ve faced if they lost last Sunday. The Bengals used that decision as motivation for last Sunday’s game. Even having some cathartic fun with Joe Mixon’s coin toss touchdown celebration.

The Bengals diligence could be helpful for the NFL Playoffs. Earlier this season, I wrote about how the Bengals have adjusted to significant injuries. Most notably, they managed without wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for roughly a month. After collectively struggling in their Halloween loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals haven’t lost since that game. Cincinnati turned to running back Joe Mixon for a record-setting performance. During their Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Cincinnati also kept calm and carried on after losing their first two games of the season. Where their offensive line struggled despite the team making offseason additions to bulk up that line. The Bengals later emerged as the team many expected them to be. Going 12-2 after starting out with an 0-2 record. With four of their wins coming against teams in the upcoming playoffs.

While the poster child of Cincinnati’s calm, cool and collected ways is quarterback Joe Burrow. Sunday could be a test to his “Joe Cool” ways. After completing just 59.5% of his passes last Sunday. He’ll have to manage without offensive linemen Alex Cappa and La’el Collins. Both won’t play on Sunday due to late season injuries.

Ultimately, if Cincinnati sticks to the diligent approach that got them into the playoffs. They will be in good shape to have a deep run in the playoffs.