We conclude our 2023 Kansas Metropolis Chiefs schedule preview with maybe their largest matchup of the yr, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Though they fell wanting making it again to the Tremendous Bowl, 2022 was one other stellar season for Cincinnati. Issues began somewhat rocky out of the gate with a 4-4 begin, however the Bengals would go on to win their remaining eight video games. In Week 17 their recreation in opposition to Buffalo was canceled resulting from Payments’ security Damar Hamlin’s struggling cardiac arrest on the sector.
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The Bengals have made it to the AFC Championship recreation in opposition to the Chiefs for the second yr in a row, however this time Cincinnati got here out on the shedding finish by a rating of 23-20. The Bengals then kicked off their offseason by signing former Chiefs left sort out Orlando Brown Jr. to a four-year contract.
In addition they signed veterans Nick Scott and Irv Smith Jr., who will begin at security and tight finish respectively. Cincinnati’s first three picks within the 2023 NFL Draft have been used on protection, choosing defensive finish Myles Murphy and defensive backs D.J. Turner II and Jordan Battle.
The offseason didn’t come with out a few important losses, because the Bengals misplaced each beginning safeties, Jesse Bates III and Vonn Bell, in addition to operating again Samaje Perine. The Bengals nonetheless boast a championship-caliber roster, nonetheless, and may as soon as once more be in competition to signify the AFC within the Tremendous Bowl.
Now, let’s check out among the Bengals’ prime gamers and their outlooks for the 2023 season:
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Burrow has one of the crucial enviable conditions within the NFL. His prime two extensive receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are among the many elite at their place, and Joe Mixon is a former Professional Bowl operating again who can nonetheless make an impression.
Burrow has utilized his weapons to the fullest, recording the fourth-most passing yards and third-most passing touchdowns during the last two seasons. He’s lethal correct, main the NFL in completion proportion in 2021 and ending second in 2022. Burrow additionally grew to become considerably of a dashing menace final season, racking up 257 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He’s poised to have one other massive yr in 2023 as he continues to chase an MVP and a Tremendous Bowl ring. Burrow has been coping with a calf harm that has compelled him to take a seat out the preseason, however all indications are that he’s on monitor to play in Week 1 of the common season.
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After arguably having one of the best rookie season by a large receiver in NFL historical past, Chase wasn’t fairly as explosive in 2022. A part of the reason being that he missed 4 video games with a hip harm, however a few of it was resulting from defenses being on excessive alert for his massive play capability. His yards per reception common dropped from 18 to 12.
Make no mistake, Chase nonetheless had a pleasant 2022 season, catching 87 passes for 1,046 yards and 9 touchdowns. Now in his third yr, he might want to modify to how defenses have realized to cowl him. Chase’s ceiling could possibly be being one of the best receiver within the league.
His launch off the road of scrimmage is second to none and his capability to trace the ball and win contested catches is among the many better of all receivers. Per Professional Soccer Focus, Burrow’s passer ranking when focusing on Chase was 112.4 final season.
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Higgins is a bit in Chase’s shadow however is a superb receiver in his personal proper. He has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and barely missed the mark in 2020. Throughout Chase’s 4 recreation absence Higgins proved he generally is a true No. 1 receiver, catching 26 passes for 371 yards.
Higgins is a redzone weapon along with his lengthy and tall body, racking up 19 profession touchdowns in three seasons. 2023 is a contract yr for Higgins, so he’ll certainly be placing his finest foot ahead every week to safe a big-time contract subsequent offseason, whether or not it’s with the Bengals or elsewhere.
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Hendrickson has quietly been one of many higher cross rushers within the league over the previous few seasons. He isn’t probably the most athletically gifted defensive finish within the league, however he performs with a excessive motor and nice mechanics. He additionally has a refined set of pass-rush strikes.
After a breakout 2020 season with the New Orleans Saints the place he recorded 13.5 sacks, the Bengals signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $60 million deal in 2020. Hendrickson has 22 sacks and 6 compelled fumbles over his final two seasons, incomes him back-to-back Professional Bowl nods.
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Accidents have held again the proficient Awuzie from being acknowledged as one of many elite cornerbacks within the NFL. Solely as soon as has he performed a whole season and has missed 27 video games all through his six-year profession. When wholesome, although, he can match up with any receiver within the league.
In 2022 Awuzie didn’t permit a landing and allowed a catch on simply 41.9 p.c of throws with him in protection per Professional Soccer Focus. Sadly, accidents price him once more final yr when he tore his ACL in Week 8. He has been collaborating in drills throughout follow and seems to be on monitor to play in Week 1 of the common season.