Newly-crowned starter among Bengals who are set up for a promising season following the preseason
The Cincinnati Bengals made strides in the month of August. Winning in the preseason doesn't matter, but growing during the three games? Most definitely.Progress in training camp was evident for multiple facets of the team. And even though the bulk of the starters didn't play much in the actual games, we saw enough to note it […]
The Cincinnati Bengals made strides in the month of August. Winning in the preseason doesn't matter, but growing during the three games? Most definitely.
Progress in training camp was evident for multiple facets of the team. And even though the bulk of the starters didn't play much in the actual games, we saw enough to note it was translating onto the field.
When the season ends several months from now, we'll look back at how these players progressed thanks to the work they put in during the preseason.
CB Dax Hill
The biggest winner from the preseason is Hill as he's the only definitive winner of any starting battle the Bengals commenced. Sure, DJ Turner II will still get playing time, but there's a reason Hill has been working with the starters since right after the preseason opener. He had a fantastic first exhibition and hasn't looked back since.
Hill couldn't make the transition from slot defender to safety in the NFL, but outside cornerback looks like a home for the former first-round pick. The preseason went about as perfect as the Bengals could've hoped for him, and it sets him up for a great third season at a new spot in the same system.
DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
One of Hill's college teammates from Michigan is also primed for a large role in the defense. Jenkins won't be credited with many (if any) starts this year as a rookie defensive tackle, but his availability will be heavily relied on after the defensive tackle room incurred so many injuries throughout training camp.
Jenkins had an up-and-down preseason opener but responded well in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears with his first-ever NFL sack. He'll be right behind starters Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill for the duration of the season, expected to have moments just like that.
WR Tee Higgins
We only saw Higgins for one drive this month, and it ended with him scoring six points. It's a reflection of how he looked like the best player on the field during training camp.
Higgins looks absolutely primed for a dominant season, and it would come at the perfect time. His 2023 was all kinds of disappointing due to injuries and lack of production. Now with a clear head and acceptance of the franchise tag, he's ready to earn the contract he deserves next offseason.
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