The Cincinnati Bengals have played six games and are fortunate to sit at .500 with 11 games left. The offense has struggled mightily since Joe Burrow injured his calf in training camp as evidenced by their NFL rank of 32. The defense has been better the last two games but also has its demons in stopping the run and getting off the field on third down. The Bengals come off the bye week and will face one of the best teams in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers. Cincinnati is at a pivotal crossroads in their season with little room for error after the entire AFC North won this weekend. The Bengals need to get back on track and play more balanced football if they want to win their third consecutive AFC North title. Let’s take a look at the three biggest surprises of the season thus far.
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The 3 Biggest Surprises This Season for the Cincinnati Bengals
DJ Turner
The Bengals drafted DJ Turner out of Michigan in the 2nd Round of the 2023 NFL Draft at 60th overall. He tested extremely well at the combine earning the 4th-highest athleticism score with a 97 and ran a 4.26 40-yard dash. These exceptional traits have translated well at the next level as Tuner has been fantastic in stripes.
JuanDrago “DJ” Turner has been SHUTDOWN through six weeks and it isn’t being talked about enough:
• 144 coverage snaps
• 15 targets
• 5 receptions allowed (43 yards)
• 0 TD’s allowed
• 2 passes defensed
• 42.4 passer rating allowedAnd Turner has been facing WR’s like DK… pic.twitter.com/9tVyLj9phs
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 16, 2023
This strong play from Tuner has allowed the Bengals to ease back starter Chidobe Awuzie from his Achilles rupture suffered last season. The team has to hope the rookie can keep playing at an elite level to help win games down the stretch.
Cam Taylor-Britt
Turner’s running mate on the other side has been sophomore, Cam Taylor-Britt who has been equally impressive. The former Nebraska product had the best game of his NFL career against the Seattle Seahawks before the bye recording seven tackles, two TFLs, two QB hits, three deflections, and one interception.
Cam Taylor-Britt caps off his great day pic.twitter.com/6PMhrzX0CI
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) October 15, 2023
Turner and Taylor-Britt have become a formidable duo when on the field at the same time. Even though both players aren’t the biggest, they have exceptional technique and closing speed when the ball is in the air. Couple this with learning from defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo and you might have something special for many years to come.
Joe Burrow Struggles
The injury to Burrow has been well-documented and has hampered the Bengals franchise quarterback since Week 1. Even with this in the background, Burrow has not been himself regarding his accuracy and deep ball success. They say history is the best teacher and the front office is likely encouraged that it can repeat itself in the form of the last two seasons if Burrow is now healthy. Cincinnati will need the magic and the play of Burrow to elevate the entire team in the final 11 games if the orange and black are to make another playoff push.
Main Photo: Phil Didion/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK
