{"id":208328,"date":"2025-01-05T09:31:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-05T14:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=208328"},"modified":"2025-01-05T09:47:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-05T14:47:58","slug":"trey-hendrickson-dominates-in-pursuit-of-defensive-player-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/01\/05\/trey-hendrickson-dominates-in-pursuit-of-defensive-player-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Trey Hendrickson Dominates in Pursuit of Defensive Player of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> have been a one-man defensive show in 2024 and Trey Hendrickson stepped up once again saving his best performance for hopefully not last against the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>. Hendrickson was a man possessed against the division rival bolstering his case for his first Defensive Player of the Year award with another 3.5 sacks<\/a>, 3 TFL, and 3 SOLO tackles en route to guiding the orange and black to a 19-17 victory. The much-maligned Bengals defense was stellar against the Steelers and bailed the offense out after they saw too many drives stall when in the red zone. Cincinnati will be closely watching the afternoon games on Sunday to see if they can get help from their good friends, the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>, and the New York Jets<\/a> in what may be the final game of Aaron Rodgers’s career.<\/p>\n

Trey Hendrickson Dominates in Pursuit of DPOY<\/h2>\n

History Lesson<\/h3>\n

Hendrickson has proven to be the best free agent signing of all time for the men in stripes since arriving from the New Orleans Saints in 2021. The Bengals took somewhat of a chance on Hendrickson four years ago as he only had one season with double-digit sacks. The organization has been rewarded mightily since from their star defensive end as he climbs not only the Bengals record books but also the NFL ones as Hendrickson may win his first Defensive Player of the Year award.<\/p>\n

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop<\/h3>\n

The hallmark of a good pass rusher is being relentless for the entire game. This is Hendrickson’s calling card and his most impressive trait. He doesn’t quit and his motor is strong which is especially impressive this season considering he accounts for 50% of the Bengals’ total sacks and will be the NFL leader with 17.5. Speed to power and strong hand placement is also impressive from Hendrickson and he’s been using it more frequently the last couple of years to help him win.<\/p>\n

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.@Bengals<\/a> @steelers<\/a> @HendricksonTrey<\/a> Trey Hendrickson hit the Steelers with the old "CHOP CHOP" to help close them out and to get the Bengals to 9-8. Playoffs Possibility?? #whodey<\/a> #BaldysBreakdowns<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/z1UPHD6oPN<\/a><\/p>\n

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) January 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n