NFL fans spark backlash over 'insane' Cincinnati Bengals social media post about New York Jets: 'Poor taste'

The Cincinnati Bengals have faced major backlash over a 'crazy' social media post that was shared prior to their game against the New York Jets. 

The Bengals made a visit to MetLife Stadium on Sunday for a showdown against the Jets, which resulted in the hosts picking up their first win of the season. 

Quarterback Justin Fields bounced back from a difficult few weeks - which saw him place in the team scrutinized - to help lead the team to a 39-38 victory on the day. 

However, while most Jets fans were concerned with the result, some supporters were focused on a social media post from the Bengals just one day prior. 

Before their game, the Bengals official account posted a graphic showing Joe Flacco and Ja'Marr Chase sat in the cockpit of a plane, with MetLife Stadium and the New York skyline in the background. 

Some fans made a tenuous link to the tragic 9/11 attacks in the city on September 11th 2001, which remains one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

There is nothing to suggest that the Bengals intended to make the alleged reference. 

However, that didn't stop fans from voicing their opinions on social media. One fan wrote: 'this graphic against a New York team?'

Another said: 'Delete this. Embarrassing for both @Bengals and @Ticketmaster'

'Someone on the social media team is getting fired', one disgruntled user said on X.

Meanwhile, some fans fired off blunt messages, such as: 'This graphic is so out of pocket lol'. 'This graphic is crazy'. 'Poor taste guys'.

In the game itself, the Jets managed to finally end their losing start to the season - which had spanned seven games - with the dramatic win at MetLife.

Prior to the game, the Jets announced the sudden death of legendary player Nick Mangold at the age of 41. He leaves behind a wife and four young children. 

The iconic center, who played his entire 10-year NFL career with New York, revealed only 12 days ago that he desperately needed a transplant as he battled chronic kidney disease. 

But on Sunday, barely an hour ahead of the Jets' game against the Bengals, the team announced that the 41-year-old had died Saturday night after complications related to his kidney disease.

'Nick was more than a legendary center,' said Jets chairman Woody Johnson, who called Mangold 'one of the greatest to ever wear the green and white.'

Johnson continued: 'He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football.  Off the field, Nick's wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.' 

Back in 2006, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and, earlier this month, Mangold announced that he needed a new kidney, issuing a public plea to fans as he searched for a donor. He shared four children with his partner, Jenny - Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte.