It’s always going to be an exciting and physical matchup when two division rivals go against each other and the best of it comes out of the AFC North. In that trend, the wildcard game between the Bengals-Ravens matchup is as spicy and chirpy as everyone expected it to be and some more. The Ravens came into this game seeking revenge for their defeat in week 18 of the NFL regular season.
Their matchup in the final regular season game produced many memorable moments, including RB Joe Mixon’s iconic coin flip celebration. And now, their game in the postseason got physical as expected. However, some players always take it too far with their physicality as the Ravens’ defensive back Marcus Peters punched Bengals RB Joe Mixon in the groin area.
During the first half of the game, the running back was tackled down by two Ravensdefenders after gaining some yards. After the tackle, DB Marcus Peters, who was one of the defenders that brought Mixon down elbowed the running back in the groin area after taunting him. Mixon immediately pushed away the DB and called for a flag, which he did get from the officials.
The cornerback was flagged for taunting and it gave Bengals a nice 15-yard gain, one more taunting call would result in ejection for the former All-Pro DB. But the refs somehow missed the elbow by Peters and fans believe he should be ejected for it alone.
Bengals fans on social media were furious about Marcus Peters deliberately elbowing one of their players. They believe he should be ejected for his actions, but instead; he was only flagged for taunting.
Marcus peters just out here throwing punches all game. THROW THIS THUG OUT!!
— TwoAway 🔱 (@TwoAwayy) January 16, 2023
I don’t know how you don’t throw Marcus peters out of the game after he just elbows a guy in the nuts
— Obi-Wan Mahomie (@bnice19831) January 16, 2023
Marcus Peters should be tossed for that. That was a clear and intentional elbow to the nether regions of Joe Mixon. No need for stuff like that.
— Brayton J. Wilson (@BraytonJWilson) January 16, 2023
Suspend Marcus Peters for week 1 next season.
That’s bitch behavior.
— Jay R (@JayRBP) January 16, 2023
Marcus Peters punched Joe Mixon in the stomach after the play but that’s AFC North football 😂
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) January 16, 2023
The Ravens are playing without their franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson who is out dealing with a PCL injury on his knee, which he suffered in a week 13 game against the Denver Broncos.
This is a game for mature adults. Send him back to little league.
— Micah Sanderson (@micahsanderson) January 16, 2023
Marcus Peters must’ve been a menace in the hallways in high school with cup checks like that
— Football (@BostonConnr) January 16, 2023
Throw Marcus Peters out of this game. That's a joke.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 16, 2023
Really dirty play by Peters. Not surprising.
— Nick Wesseling (@wesseling_nick) January 16, 2023
Nevertheless, the Ravens are still fighting with everything they have and even managed to put the Bengals in the back seat as they took a one-point lead at the halftime mark.
Gotta be careful Marcus Peters gets to throw punches on defense.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) January 16, 2023
Marcus peters is a fucking bitch and he ain’t about it
— Cincy Jake (@CincyFanJake) January 16, 2023
Still, the Bengals have all the firepower to come back and score a victory against their division rivals. Besides, the Kansas City Chiefs (1st seed) would be watching this game closely as this game would determine their opponent in the divisional round. If the Ravens (6th seed) managed to secure a victory they will have to face the Chiefs in the divisional round but if they fail and the Bengals (3rd seed) win, then the Chiefs will face the Jaguars (4th seed) next weekend.
