National media outlet names Bengals' most underrated player
Everyone knows about the Cincinnati Bengals' star players that have carried the franchise over the last couple of years — Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are the biggest reasons for Cincy's recent success. But those aren't the only players responsible for the Bengals' back-to-back AFC North division titles — it takes every player […]
Everyone knows about the Cincinnati Bengals' star players that have carried the franchise over the last couple of years — Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are the biggest reasons for Cincy's recent success.
But those aren't the only players responsible for the Bengals' back-to-back AFC North division titles — it takes every player on a 53-man roster to compete for championships.
Several of Cincinnati's players could fall under the label of "underrated", but only one was chosen by Sports Illustrated this week as the Bengals' most underrated player.
SI.com's Conor Orr named each AFC team's most underrated player this week and he went with center Ted Karras for the Bengals.
From SI.com: Ted Karras was not just part of a wave of upgrades the Bengals made to their offensive line; he’s an intellectual counterpart to Joe Burrow. The more responsibility that is handed over to Burrow, the more he’ll need someone like Karras to carry the load up front. Karras allowed just two sacks last year and was penalized three times total. Burrow is not going to leave the pocket frequently and still has the propensity to extend plays in the pocket. Having Karras helps in managing some of that chaos.
The relationship between a center and a star quarterback is pivotal.
Former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, for example, was an integral part of Peyton Manning's success in Indy. Saturday and Manning were almost always on the same page which helped the offensive run smoothly and efficiently.
Karras, who is entering his second season with Cincinnati, is that guy for Burrow. The Bengals would be wise to keep Karras around beyond the 2024 season (when his contract is up) — continuity between a quarterback and a center is incredibly important. And it certainly seems as though the Bengals have the right center in place for Burrow.
Joe Burrow reveals the one thing you won’t catch him listening to this summer
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow revealed the one thing you won’t catch him listening to this summer
Featured image via Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
