{"id":116166,"date":"2021-06-08T13:13:04","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T17:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=116166"},"modified":"2021-06-10T06:38:18","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T10:38:18","slug":"cincinnati-bengals-tight-ends-have-x-factor-potential-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/06\/08\/cincinnati-bengals-tight-ends-have-x-factor-potential-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Cincinnati Bengals Tight Ends Have X-Factor Potential in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cincinnati Bengals tight ends aren\u2019t the most revered group in the league, but they might be a hidden gem. Granted, between the three expected to make the roster, none have massive pro-level success. Regardless, they have a chance to play a pivotal role in the team\u2019s 2021 success. With the team\u2019s bolstered line and impressive wide receiver room, Cincinnati\u2019s tight ends can be the icing on the cake. Still, all three have something to prove this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals Tight Ends Need to be Difference Makers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Last season, the Bengals tight ends didn\u2019t produce enough on offense. Now, they\u2019re at an interesting crossroads heading into a massive season for the organization. They\u2019re headlined C.J. Uzomah<\/a>, with Drew Sample<\/a> acting as a trustworthy staple, and have Thaddeus Moss as their young wildcard. All three players have interesting upsides, but none of the above have proven anything up to this point in their careers. After this team\u2019s roster reload during the off-season, the Cincinnati Bengals tight end room has become a point of contention. Clearly, they haven\u2019t been the highest-producing unit in Cincinnati\u2019s offense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some suggest the team<\/a> pursue Zach Ertz<\/a> or even<\/a> a Tyler Eifert<\/a> reunion. However, the Bengals have three unique tight ends on their roster<\/a>, all of whom could make an impact in 2021. At LSU, Joe Burrow<\/a> found a comfortable rhythm with the tight ends in his offense. Obviously, the Bengals recognized that connection and brought in his college teammate in Moss. Still, Moss is an undrafted free agent and has yet to play an NFL snap. Burrow and Moss can certainly still connect for some key plays in Cincinnati, but it\u2019s far from a sure bet. In all likelihood, the Bengals need to weaponize Uzomah and Sample this season. Each has something different to bring to the table and can make a major impact in different ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

C.J. Uzomah<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fresh off his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon in a Week 2 loss against the Cleveland Browns<\/a>, there\u2019s some serious pressure on Uzomah. Currently, he\u2019s on the last year of a three-year pact that earns him<\/a> $5.2 million this season. For the 28-year-old pass-catcher with six years of pro experience, 2021 performance will be the path to his next payday. After all, he\u2019s accumulated just 1,098 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 career receptions. He\u2019s the 14th-highest-paid<\/a> tight end in football and really has yet to live up to the billing.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that said, Uzomah has the highest upside of any of the team\u2019s current tight ends. Almost immediately, Uzomah showed his connection with Joe Burrow, as the two looked in sync by their opener. Unfortunately, the two played just two games together in 2020 and are now rebuilding that chemistry in camp. According to Bengals sources and Uzomah himself, the tight end looks back to top form early in pre-season workouts. It\u2019s a major benefit to both himself and Burrow to be back on the field at this stage. Certainly, the team needs the duo to get comfortable and allow Burrow to find a trustworthy tight end<\/a> in his passing progressions. If Uzomah can even get back to his 2018 form, it would be a very welcomed performance. In that season, he compiled 439 yards, three touchdowns, and snagged 43 catches. If he can refind that form, that\u2019s a heck of a start for this Cincinnati Bengals tight end room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Drew Sample<\/span><\/h3>\n

In Cincinnati, talking about Drew Sample is a tremendously nuanced conversation. On one end of the spectrum, his second-round billing has made him something of a martyr among fans. On the other end, he\u2019s an unbelievable blocker and a sturdy pass-catching option as a backup. Truly, Sample is probably in the upper tier of blockers from the tight end position. The team lost a key pass backfield pass protector in Giovani Bernard<\/a> this off-season. That means Sample plays much more of a pass protection role from the H-back position, where he\u2019s proven his worth. That’s a big deal for Joe Burrow’s health, However, there\u2019s a great chance for Sample to take a big leap in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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At the request of @jamesshiner11 with the game idea from @bengals_sans<\/a>, I bring you a tape breakdown of Drew Sample's blocking ability from Week 15 vs. Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

First #Bengals<\/a> offensive play, Sample puts a good shove on TJ Watt, turns away Marcus Allen for a good Gio run. pic.twitter.com\/8SbGpq169b<\/a><\/p>\n

— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) May 21, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n