Bengals veteran proves that patience can pay off in the best way
When you think of the Cincinnati Bengals as far as wide receivers go, Ja'Marr Chase is the first name that comes to mind. That's understandable, but Tyler Boyd has been through the ups and down with the Bengals for quite some time. Boyd endured five consecutive non-playoff seasons to start his career, including just six […]
When you think of the Cincinnati Bengals as far as wide receivers go, Ja'Marr Chase is the first name that comes to mind. That's understandable, but Tyler Boyd has been through the ups and down with the Bengals for quite some time.
Boyd endured five consecutive non-playoff seasons to start his career, including just six wins total in Bengals' head coach Zac Taylor's first two years. Taylor talked earlier in the week about how Boyd's patience and perseverance have come full circle.
"Just consistency throughout good times and bad times," said Taylor. "We always say we want players that we know what to expect when they walk through the door every day and TB's (Boyd) been that guy for us. And, obviously, my first two years here were very difficult, we didn't win many games. He always came in with a positive attitude, he always led the right way, he always practiced the right way, he always helped bring people along and bring people up.
"I always knew that I could trust on his feedback if I asked him a direct question that I needed a response on he was always honest with me. And so, I've just always appreciated that about TB, and then here he gets to reap the benefits of back-to-back AFC Championship games. You always have a soft spot for guys like that, that were with you through thick and thin and get to reap the rewards and are still the same guy that they were when you got here. That's awesome to see from TB."
The Bengals have won 22 games over the last two seasons and will play in their second consecutive AFC Championship Game on Sunday. Boyd has been a big contributor in this turnaround catching 125 passes for nearly 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Chase and Tee Higgins are amazing, but the threat of Boyd in the slot as WR3 helps both immensely and makes gives the Bengals arguably the best three-headed monster at wide receiver.
Boyd will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024. With his commitment to the Bengals no matter the circumstances, plus his production, he'll surely be at the top of the to-do list.
Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK
