Thanks to a juggernaut offense, the defense of the Cincinnati Bengals sometimes gets lost in the shadows, and it's been one of the better units for the last few seasons.

Cincinnati finished tied for fifth for the fewest points allowed per game with the Dallas Cowboys (20.1) last season, and that can't happen without some good play on the line of scrimmage. 

Trey Hendrickson just wrapped up his second season with the Bengals, and he's garnered Pro Bowl nods in each. However, one prominent outlet feels the recognition of Hendrickson as an edge rusher hasn't been what it should be.

Like Matt Milano, he's far from a nobody, but for as productive as he's been, he gets nowhere near the attention he warrants. In three years as a full-timer with the Saints and now Bengals, he's only racked up 35.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 76 QB hits. As the headlining pass rusher for an annual title contender, he belongs in conversations with the best at his position. –Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports

Hendrickson's first year with the Bengals in 2021 saw him rack up a career-high 14 sacks in the regular season. However, as the Bengals made their run to the Super Bowl, Hendrickson was arguably even more dominant with 3.5 sacks and five quarterback hits in four games.  

The 2022 campaign was another productive one for Hendrickson with career highs in pass-rush (90.0) and defense (85.0) grades per Pro Football Focus. Also, Hendrickson had his second-highest marks in pressures (62), hurries (35), and quarterback hits (24).

Hendrickson isn't going to blow anyone away with crazy highlights or numbers that are too gaudy. He's just a steady drip of water, and even that wears away a stone eventually if it stays persistent enough.

Bengals’ defender is aging like fine wine

His game does nothing but elevate.

Feature image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK