Bengals never needed veteran’s clutch play more than they do now
The Cincinnati Bengals have an advantage over most teams in the NFL. They have not one, not two, but three reliable wide receivers. Tyler Boyd, the Bengals' third option in their aerial assault, has had two 1,000-yard campaigns and two over 800 since 2017. In 2022, Boyd is once again showing how valuable a commodity […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have an advantage over most teams in the NFL. They have not one, not two, but three reliable wide receivers.
Tyler Boyd, the Bengals' third option in their aerial assault, has had two 1,000-yard campaigns and two over 800 since 2017. In 2022, Boyd is once again showing how valuable a commodity he is.
NFL.com released its list of the top slot receivers so far in 2022 based on a formula from Next Gen Stars. Boyd has been the second-best, ranking only behind Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams.
"The Bengals' slot weapon can be overlooked in a receiving room that includes Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the seventh-year veteran has made the most of his opportunities when Joe Burrow looks his way. Boyd exploded for a league-high 155 receiving yards in Week 7, including a 60-yard TD that took the top off the defense on the opening drive. While he has only been targeted on 14 percent of his slot routes this season, Boyd has been incredibly productive when given the chance, gaining a league-high +142 receiving yards over expected from the slot (the only WR over +90). The Bengals have leaned into a spread offense over their last three games, averaging the widest average formation width in the NFL (30.1 yards) and passing at the highest rate in the league (72 percent) with the score within one possession. Look for Boyd to have more big games if the Bengals continue to embrace a pass-heavy spread offense identity."
Boyd currently has 29 receptions for 455 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per catch. That puts Boyd on pace to have career highs in all four categories, not bad for a seven-year veteran.
The former second-round pick has also been clutch this season for the Bengals. Of Boyd's 29 receptions, 20 have gone for a first down. Also, 52.6% of his targets (38) have moved the chains, the highest rate on the Bengals.
The Bengals got some gut-wrenching news on Thursday. All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will is set to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a hip injury, so Boyd's special start to the season will have to not only continue but go up to another level if the Bengals want to stay relevant in the playoff picture for the AFC.
Feature image via Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
