The Cincinnati Bengals fell short of expectations in 2023 mainly due to the unavailability of their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. Other factors also contributed to their 9-8 season and last-place finish in the AFC North. After the injuries to Burrow, the biggest culprit in the Bengals downfall was the putrid play of the defense that was evident in the first game of the season against the Cleveland Browns. The offensive line and running game also struggled mightily, even when Burrow was playing at his best. Cincinnati has an important offseason in front of them and not all hope is lost in Bengaldom. Let’s hand out some awards for the 2023 version of the team.
Cincinnati Bengals 2023 Team Awards
Most Valuable Player: Joe Burrow
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Burrow is everything, he’s the franchise, period. The year started on an ominous note when he was wearing a sleeve on his calf at the beginning of training camp. This sleeve was only a band-aid to a much larger problem that would end in a severe calf strain that would limit the Bengals signal-caller for the first five weeks of the season. Burrow would eventually hit his stride against the San Francisco 49ers only to have his season end three games later with a torn ligament in his throwing wrist suffered against Baltimore. The Bengals need to be more balanced offensively and still have to improve protecting Burrow going into year five which is hard to believe.
Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase
One of the best wide receivers in the NFL had another fantastic season when you consider he played several games with an AC joint sprain and didn’t have his star QB throwing to him for seven games. Chase would end his third season in stripes with 1216 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. Look for him to return with a vengeance in 2024 with a healthy Burrow.
Defensive Player of the Year: Trey Hendrickson
Possibly the most underrated EDGE player in the NFL and one of the Bengals best free-agent signings in recent memory. Hendrickson was a man on a mission in 2023 and had the best season of his seven-year career with 17.5 sacks and another Pro Bowl nod.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrei Iosivas
The Bengals rookie wide receiver quickly became a favorite of Burrow on scramble drills and when in the red zone. This trend continued when Jake Browing would assume QB1 duties. Iosivas is a sure-handed player who saw his route-running ability increase as the season progressed. Look for Burrow to unlock even more potential out of the former Princeton product next season.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jordan Battle
The Bengals may have found something in safety Jordan Battle. He had an impressive first season in Lou Anarumo’s complex defense. Battle took over the bulk of snaps at safety from incumbent Nick Scott in Week 11 and would never look back.
Not only was he the Bengals' highest graded defender, Jordan Battle had PFF's 5th highest safety grade of any rookie in the last 10 years. pic.twitter.com/veKVT8oxoD
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 8, 2024
Most Improved Player: Cam Taylor-Britt
It’s often said in NFL circles the biggest ability jump for a player is in year two. This mantra most certainly applies to cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. Although he would miss four games with a quad/ankle injury, Taylor-Britt was sensational in his second act in Cincinnati. He would end the season with 39 solo tackles, one forced fumble and four interceptions. The Bengals corner is anxious to increase his interceptions and leadership role on the team as soon as OTA’s begin in May.
Main Photo: Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK
