The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting in a good position amongst the current AFC North standings at second place with a recent win over the rival Steelers. This season has seen big leaps from the team given last year’s record but has also been a rollercoaster. Joe Burrow has had a much better season but for every touchdown he throws, he seems to throw an interception as well. Tee Higgins has been a huge focus this season and was a top 3 wideout until he broke his leg around the Week 7 mark and is slated to miss 8 weeks. Ja’Marr Chase continues to be a top wideout, if not the best wideout in the league. He is currently accompanied by 2nd year man Malik Nabers, who has seen significantly more playing time with Higgins missing action. Judkins the rookie running back has been a revelation for the Bengals offense. The do-it-all workhorse has been able to function not only as a rusher, but also as a receiver and efficient blocker. The offensive line continues to be shaky at times this season but has begun to gel with every game that has been played.
On the defensive side of the ball, there has been a rather large turnaround. Rookie middle linebacker Dasan McCullough has been an absolute stud when available. Cam Taylor-Britt has continued to be the best player on the defense and typically travels with the other team’s number 1 wideout. Surprise riser this year has been rookie Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, who was expected to start but not expected to breakout. He currently leads the team in sacks. It’s no doubt that the strength of this defense is the secondary, which boasts youth at each safety and corner spot, all of which have the ability to make a play on any given Sunday. The defense has struggled at times with offenses that have good offensive lines, too much time has led to wide open receivers.
As of week 11, the Bengals are currently in the running for a wild card spot in the AFC, as the Browns are yet to lose a game and it is unlikely they will drop 6 straight as the Bengals have lost the regular season series 0-2 to them. The Bengals are projected to have significant cap space this offseason to pursue free agents. Given the draft success by the new FO this past offseason, fans are excited for what is to come once again in Cincinnati. #WHODEY
