“The Dead Cat Bounce” has been a term often used with the Cincinnati Bengals—an often-cynical phrase talking about the Bengals’ ability to end lost seasons in a strong way, thus saving jobs that other franchises would have cut the cord.
In a way, it happened last year, with the team’s five-game win streak to end the year, and the Bengals’ defense making leaps from those seen early in the year.
It’s happening again in 2025—especially on defense—even though the team was eliminated from the playoffs far earlier than in 2024. And, certain younger defensive players have started to bring pleasant surprises with increased playing time this year.
One of those players who has risen to prominence over the end of the past two seasons has been 2023 first-round pick, Myles Murphy. He had three sacks as a rotational player as a rookie, but injuries and wallowing on the depth chart hurt his progress in 2024. While he flashed at the end of the year, some wondered if then-coordinator Lou Anarumo’s penchant for preferring veterans over high picks was an issue with Murphy’s development.
Murphy’s progress in 2025 hasn’t gone unnoticed. Be it by the pundits, the masses, or even Bengals star quarterback, Joe Burrow, No.99 has garnered rightful attention and accolades.
“I think Myles Murphy has really shown a lot the last couple of weeks,” Burrow told the media at a recent press conference. “I don’t know anything about the scheme or what his responsibility is on plays. I just see him making plays and impacting the game in a lot of different ways. You can say that for a lot of guys. A lot of young guys that are starting to step up that way.”
The unfortunate injury to Trey Hendrickson and an overall battered Bengals defensive line has given Murphy the opportunity to start eight games (the first starts of his career) for the Cincinnati defense this year. He has responded well, logging career-highs in sacks (4.5), tackles (41 total), tackles-for-loss (five), and quarterback hits (nine).
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Hendrickson and the Bengals this offseason, if Murphy continues to ascend, they have a nice piece on the defensive line. The Bengals also used a 2025 first-round pick on another EDGE in Shemar Stewart, who has potential, but has similarly faced injury and depth chart issues early in his rookie year.
Since the Bengals are officially out of playoff contention, they are, at least partially, in 2026 roster assessment mode in these last two games. Teams have until May 1, 2026 to exercise the fifth-year option on 2023 first-round picks, so these final two weeks will be critical for Murphy to continue to show progress.
Regardless, it’s great to see Murphy start to see his potential with increased snaps. He has made the most of his opportunities and run with them this year.
This isn’t to say that the Bengals shouldn’t continue to bolster the defensive line this offseason (Hendrickson and/or otherwise), but Murphy should be in the future plans and with increased snaps. If Murphy continues to develop and they can get more from Stewart next year, Cincinnati could have a nice couple of young options for the years ahead.
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