The Bengals We Need To See More Of In Week 18
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Bengals have some big decisions to make in the offseason. As they prepare for this critical turning point in the direction of their franchise, Zac Taylor has one game left to see what he has in his roster. The Browns are resting a lot of their starters and giving their younger players an opportunity for playing time on Sunday, which gives the Bengals an opportunity to do the same.
Which players do we hope to see step up for Cincinnati on Sunday that could help answer questions at positions of uncertainty?
Myles Murphy
Myles Murphy needs to be playing more.
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) December 31, 2023
The Bengals’ 2023 first round pick has shown flashes in his time with Cincinnati in his rookie year. He has a respectable three sacks on the year, even with veteran Sam Hubbard getting the majority of the playing time on the edge. Considering the Bengals’ investment in him as a first round selection, he could see a major uptick in playing time in 2024.
In an interview with Elise Jesse, Murphy said he doesn’t know if he’ll see a hike in his snap count, but he’ll prepare to be ready for any situation.
“I go into every week just about the same,” Murphy said. “Preparation, when it comes to the playbook, our plan, what my matchup is. I guess what my workload is is my workload. I prepare my body as if I’m playing 60-70 snaps, and however many snaps I do get is what I get, so I’m just preparing myself for the most right now.”
The aforementioned Sam Hubbard revealed that he will need an undisclosed surgery in the offseason, but will play in the Bengals’ final game. In the event that Hubbard finds himself unable to finish the game, Murphy will likely find himself in a full-time defensive role.
Jordan Battle/Dax Hill
Last week, communication issues were highlighted among the secondary. Because of those mistakes, too many big plays were given up to a struggling Kansas City offense. With more experience and playing time, however, Jordan Battle and Dax Hill can work together to help solve those issues.
Jordan Battle will be a great run stuffing safety and solid safety overall.
Dax Hill will be a great pass defending safety and a solid safety overall.
They’re both 23 years old and first time starters.
Now add that the CB1 is 24 & not even a full 2nd year starter.
You…
— Cody Crabtree |o| (@crabtree_cody) January 1, 2024
Battle took over after offseason free agency acquisition Nick Scott struggled mightily in the starting role. Assuming the Bengals don’t draft or sign a new safety for their team, they may stick with Battle and Hill for the 2024 season. This next game, they will be facing off against a Browns team who will be starting Jeff Driskel at QB. This game, which has zero playoff implications, will serve as an opportunity for the Bengals’ duo at safety to work on the communication issues that plagued them against the Chiefs.
Tanner Hudson
One of the more popular 2024 first round options on the Cincinnati Bengals’ wish list is Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. While the star TE will likely be out of reach for the Bengals in the draft, the sentiment is still there – an upgrade is needed at tight end. However, with current starter Tanner Hudson, the Bengals have been getting by just fine.
Don’t look now, but the Bengals have a tight end that has consistently made plays in the passing game. Clutch play by Tanner Hudson against Patrick Queen on 3rd down pic.twitter.com/tfiibmsZHk
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) November 17, 2023
Hudson has been a consistent and reliable receiving threat since being signed from the practice squad to the active roster on November 1st. Jake Browning, who loves spreading the ball around to all of his targets, frequently goes after Hudson in short yardage situations. If Hudson can step up and continue to be the reliable receiving threat, Cincinnati may not prioritize the tight end position in the upcoming draft.
It is worth noting, however, that Hudson will turn 30 in November.
Andrei Iosivas
There’s no telling what the Bengals’ receiving corps will look like in 2024. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are both candidates to depart the team this offseason. If either of them pack their bags for another team, Cincinnati will look for new players to step up.
That’s where Andrei Iosivas comes in.
The sixth round pick out of Princeton saw limited production for the majority of 2023, but the Week 16 game against the Steelers was a different story.
For the deep Dynasty bros out there: Andrei Iosivas is 6'3/205 with 4.43 speed and a 39-inch vertical. Not sure #Bengals can fit pending FA Tee Higgins under salary cap.
With Ja'Marr Chase out last week, Iosivas:
* 46-of-64 snaps
* 42 snaps wide, 4 slot
* 34 routes on 45…— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) December 27, 2023
The four reception, 36 yard stat line is a major boost considering he never had more than one reception or two targets in any prior game this season (though he did find paydirt twice). Iosivas is a very quick and physically gifted player, as in addition to his football accolades, he was a track star at Princeton.
Charlie Jones, who was drafted two rounds prior to Yoshi, has had even less production on offense. However, he has found a consistent role in special teams as a punt returner, and he even used his punt returning prowess to zip by Baltimore’s defense for the first Bengals touchdown of the year in Week 2.
Like all the other previously mentioned players, if Iosivas can end the season on a high note, he will likely find himself in an increased role in 2024.
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