Just a moment of passion between the rookie and his coach.
While the Cincinnati Bengals laid the smackdown on their in-state and division rival, the Cleveland Browns, there was a short dispute on the Bengals’ sideline.
Already up 17-0 with the first half winding down, first-round tackle Amarius Mims exited the game due to an injury (ankle). As the second quarter was coming to a close, broadcast cameras caught Mims in a heated exchange with offensive line coach Frank Pollack.
Amarius Mims returns at RT.
Just had a heated conversation with OL coach Frank Pollack. Orlando Brown Jr stepped between them as Mims put his helmet on to enter the game. #Bengals | @WLWT pic.twitter.com/I0bGvnqjkL
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) December 22, 2024
Final score was 24-6. Joe Burrow had a monster game – 23-for-30, 252 yards and three touchdowns. Of course Burrow’s No. 1 pass catcher, Ja’Marr Chase, had himself a day as well – six receptions for 97 yards and a score. The Bengals’ defense was able to rack up three sacks and an interception in the win.
Following the game, Olivia Ray of WLWT caught up with the rookie tackle to learn more about his sideline dispute and the status of his injury.
Amarius Mims said there's no hesitation on his end on playing this Saturday.
Here's his explanation of the ankle injury + heated sideline exchange between he & Frank Pollack. #Bengals | @WLWT pic.twitter.com/a97ZDIZvtt
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) December 22, 2024
At the end of the day, Mims didn’t feel 100% and did not want to put his teammates in “harm’s way” if he entered the game with his injury.
As for the rookie’s exchange with his coach, it was all love between the two.
“We good. Tempers flare on the sideline. This is a game of love and passion,” Mims said. “He’s passionate about the game, I’m passionate about the game. Things happen but I promise you, we good. We talked about it, we hugged it out.”
Now at 7-8, the Bengals will face the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Dec. 28. Besides beating the Broncos themselves, the Bengals will need the team to lose their remaining games as well to make the playoffs. Mims also confirmed that he’s “all good” for the game.
