{"id":255547,"date":"2025-11-21T13:16:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T18:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=255547"},"modified":"2025-11-21T13:16:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T18:16:15","slug":"3-surprise-standouts-for-the-cincinnati-bengals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/21\/3-surprise-standouts-for-the-cincinnati-bengals\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Surprise Standouts for the Cincinnati Bengals"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> received some good news this week when franchise quarterback Joe Burrow<\/a> returned as a full participant in practice. While this is certainly a positive development, it still can’t hide how disappointing a season this has been in every facet for the orange and black. Since Burrow was injured in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>, the team has fallen apart. This is especially true on the defensive side of the ball, which has reached a historical level of ineptitude, with the possibility of getting worse. Even in the chaos and loss, the team is getting contributions from several players who deserve praise. Let’s examine three surprise standouts for the men in stripes.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) chases down Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3 Surprise Standouts for the Cincinnati Bengals<\/h2>\n

Dylan Fairchild<\/h3>\n

The Bengals’ third-round rookie left guard<\/a> has started every game and been phenomenal at a position the team has struggled to draft and develop for many years. Fairchild’s physical and mental makeup are impressive for a 22-year-old who is improving each week. His footwork and ability to anchor have been solid, as well as his strong hand placement and the ability to punch and disrupt defenders under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Scott Peters. Cincinnati might have found a star to help protect Burrow for years to come.<\/p>\n

Ryan Rehkow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Mormon Missile has been magnificent in his sophomore season, and like Fairchild, has consistently improved game by game. Rehkow is following the trends of 2024 and punted more consistently while upgrading his stats in every measure, including touchbacks.<\/p>\n

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All Pro Rehkow https:\/\/t.co\/nXlhaQUXfI<\/a><\/p>\n

— Honcho Da Delusional Fan (@Honcho_WhoDey) November 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n