Who is Tycen Anderson? Bengals safety secures two interceptions in first half vs. Packers
The first preseason touchdown for the Cincinnati Bengals wasn't a pass or run. In fact, it didn't even come from the offense at all. Second-year safety Tycen Anderson took advantage of an errant pass from Cincinnati native and Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford and notched his first-ever NFL interception. He took it 42 yards […]
The first preseason touchdown for the Cincinnati Bengals wasn't a pass or run. In fact, it didn't even come from the offense at all.
Second-year safety Tycen Anderson took advantage of an errant pass from Cincinnati native and Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford and notched his first-ever NFL interception. He took it 42 yards all the way to the house.
But Anderson wasn't done! Later in the second quarter, Anderson stole a pass intended for rookie tight end Tucker Kraft right out of his hands for his SECOND interception of the first half.
This one was all Anderson. He straight up out-muscled for the ball Kraft as they both fell to the ground. Kraft has at least 40 pounds on Anderson too.
Who is Tycen Anderson?
Anderson was a fifth-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. A former team captain at Toledo, Anderson was praised for his leadership and special teams experience in college. It was precisely why the Bengals traded up for him last year. He is firmly behind starting safeties Dax Hill and Nick Scott, and rookie third-round pick Jordan Battle for that matter as well.
This play is more than just a pick-six for Anderson. He spent all of last season on Injured Reserve following the preseason last year. To see him return to action and impact the game so emphatically was awesome to see.
But Anderson didn't make this play alone. Domenique Davis provided a quality pass rush from the 3-technique spot that forced the costly throw from Clifford. Davis has been repping behind B.J. Hill and Zach Carter at defensive tackle this offseason after spending most of last year on the practice squad. The 27-year old defensive lineman needs to put out as much quality tape as possible if he wants to crack a stacked Bengals' defense.
Will Tycen Anderson make the Bengals' roster?
Anderson wasn't in any danger of losing his spot this offseason. He has a clear path to making the Week 1 53-man roster as a key reserve at safety, and core special teams player. He will be the first one off the bench if one of Hill, Scott, or Battle goes down when September arrives.
Plays like the two he made Friday night in Paycor Stadium are exactly why.
4 Bengals who saw their stock rise in joint practice vs. Packers
Cincinnati’s early draft picks showed out in the preseason dress rehearsal.
Featured image via © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
