Chiefs players dedicated victory cigars to noted pot-stirrer Eli Apple

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple talked smack all week, and when his team lost to the Chiefs on Sunday night, they made sure to let him hear it.

Eli Apple is clowned on social media for a reason. The Bengals defensive back created a brand, for better or worse, based on social engagement.

His Twitter account is used frequently to clap back at hating fans, or even take a shot at an opposing player. This all comes from a man who at his best is a depth corner.

The former Ohio State Buckeye fits the mold, and has struggled to adapt at the NFL level. While Apple wasn’t directly responsible for any of the Chiefs scores on Sunday night, he was the target of Kansas City’s postgame celebration.

That’s Chiefs defensive back Juan Thornhill, who put Apple on blast and smoked a pack dedicated to the Bengals defensive back.

Bengals talked smack all week, and Chiefs got the last laugh

Cincinnati talked smack all week, calling Arrowhead Stadium ‘Burrowhead’, and taking multiple shots at a Chiefs team which has very much been there and done that before.

The Bengals, now having made the AFC Championship for two straight years, acted out of line and like a team with nothing to lose. Unfortunately, their window will only stay open for so long — just ask the teams in their own division. It can shut quickly.

Burrow is playing out his rookie contract, but could receive an extension any day now. That would severely limit the moves Cincinnati can make moving forward, such as a contract extension for star safety Jessie Bates, who is a free agent this offseason.

Time moves quickly in the NFL. If the Bengals miss their chance, the window can shut at any moment. Giving a team like the Chiefs free bulletin-board material and motivation throughout the week leading up to the AFC Championship was a bold choice, and one KC obviously took very personally.