Football is back!
I don’t know about you, but it felt great to do nothing this weekend as I sat and watched college football all day and night Saturday. But this weekend, we finally get to see our beloved boys in orange again.
As most of you are, I couldn’t be more excited to see the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals kick off their season against the Cleveland Browns.
Everyone is starting the season healthy, and we don’t have to listen to national media talk about injuries or contract negotiations; we are primed for a good year… well, hopefully.
We have been hearing for months now from media analysts, coaches, players, and fans how the Bengals need to start fast, and we’re all right. Usually, we get into the last month of football, and we talk about must-win games to push into the playoff picture.
Well, now it’s reversed. Cincinnati’s first two, possibly three games, are arguably must-win games for the pure fact that they need to get ahead of the season early versus trailing all year and catching up at the end.
You know who the heavy-hitters are for the Bengals. But in this article, I’m taking a look at a group of players I’m looking to either perform well because they are new (to the team or league) or need to have a breakout season.
Tahj Brooks – I’ve been talking about him since the Bengals drafted him. They were shocked he was still around in the sixth round. He was arguably the best blocking running back in the draft, and he knows how to make people miss. As of now, he is ranked as the third back behind Samaje Perine, but I believe once he gets his opportunity, he will become the number 2 back behind Chase Brown, and they become a dangerous 1-2 punch.
Jermaine Burton – After a tumultuous rookie season, Burton is looking to have his breakout season. He was touted by so many people last season, but unfortunately, he was a letdown on and off the field. According to teammates, he has put in his extra time this offseason and is one of the Bengals’ six receivers. He has been practicing as the return man, so hopefully, he can show his talent there and earn more reps throughout games. But he needs to prove himself as to why he was drafted.
Dylan Fairchild – Drafted in the third round in this year’s draft, Fairchild is looking to prove himself as the starting left guard. With a team that has been hurting on the offensive line and hasn’t had an above-average front line in so many years, it is imperative for this line to prove itself. They have a new coach this season who has brought and implemented some new and fresh ideas, and they are looking to translate that to the regular season. He was a high school state champion wrestler and played alongside current teammate Amarius Mims at Georgia. He was also ranked as the 5th-best guard in the preseason.
Kris Jenkins Jr. – Jenkins was banged up most of his rookie season as he played with a clubbed hand most of the season. He was a big factor on the defensive line coming out of Michigan, and he now has a fresh defensive line coach. We need a big year from both lines, but especially the defensive line, as there was slim to none rush defense last season.
PJ Jules – The Bengals are unfortunately already entering the season slightly slim in the secondary, as Daijahn Anthony is going to enter the season on the IR. Jordan Battle and Geno Stone are still sitting solid as the starters, but only have Tycen Anderson and Jules sitting behind them. Anderson has been very reliable whenever he has been given the chance to play. Hopefully, when Jules gets the opportunity, he can prove why he is a part of the 53-man roster.
Demetrius Knight Jr – The Bengals lost Akeem Davis-Gaither in the offseason and selected Knight in the second round. After Wilson got hurt last season, the Bengals’ linebacking crew, along with the rest of the defense, was nearly nonexistent. Knight was praised going into the draft, coming out of South Carolina, and is able to attack the ball carrier. As of now, he will be lining up alongside the leader of the defense in Logan Wilson.
Dalton Risner – The Bengals were entering the season unsure at right guard, flipping a coin between Cody Ford and free agent signee Lucas Patrick, until late last week. The Bengals finally answered all of the fans’ prayers by signing Risner, who was one of four guys we all have been praying to the social media gods for the team to sign. Coming from the Vikings, Risner is looking to help solidify this offensive line for once and for all.
TJ Slaton Jr – Slaton followed his defensive line coach to the Bengals as both of their skill set were needed. After losing DJ Reader, the Bengals had a large gap in their defensive line. They brought in Sheldon Rankins last season, and he was nowhere to be found. Fans and teammates are hoping Slaton can vastly improve the run defense.
Shemar Stewart – After Sam Hubbard retired, the Bengals were left with Trey Hendrickson, who was sitting in, awaiting a contract bump. Behind Hendrickson, they had Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy, both highly regarded coming out of college, but were still somewhat patiently waiting for their breakout seasons. All of the signs were pointing towards a defensive end in the first round, and out came Stewart. Unfortunately, he missed a chunk of the preseason also due to contract disputes. That was figured out, and he quickly showed the Bengals why they picked him 17th overall. But there is still a lot to prove as he replaces Hubbard.
Mitchell Tinsley – Last, but certainly not least, Mitchell Tinsley. This kid came out of nowhere, plain and simple, and made this roster after a stellar performance in Washington. Coaches and teammates were constantly praising Tinsley for his work ethic and his ability to be reliable. He has shown every reason as to why the Bengals should have and did pick him to be a part of this team. There is no doubt he will step up to the challenge when his name is called and complement this already talented receiving corps.
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