The Cincinnati Bengals have a shot to do a few somethings they’ve never done in their over 50 years of existence: win the AFC North three consecutive years and win the Super Bowl.
As of now, an app for live betting has the Bengals as the best bet to take the division but it would still be an uphill battle to reign supreme over the entire league. In order to do so, however, there are a few players who will have to step up for various reasons. For some, pay days are on the line. For others, their job.
A fantastic season could be ahead of Cincinnati and they’re led by superstars all over the field. Guys like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are household names even among the most casual fans. Even then, their success will be aided by the play of a few teammates looking to take a step in their own careers.
Bengals Under Pressure
Joe Mixon
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What can be said about Joe Mixon that hasn’t already been said? Mixon enters 2023 having run for 5,378 yards and 40 touchdowns, good for fifth and fourth in franchise history, respectively. Considering that this is more than likely his final year in Cincinnati, he won’t catch Corey Dillon (8,061 yards) or Pete Johnson (64). However, both James Brooks’ mark of 6,447 yards and Rudi Johnson’s 48 touchdowns are within reach.
In order to reach those heights, Mixon will have to step up and make the most of every carry. Last year, Mixon ran for just 814 yards and seven touchdowns. 153 yards and four touchdowns happened in one game. Needless to say, he’s not exactly playing to his 2021 Pro Bowl self.
The Bengals used a fifth-round pick on Chase Brown, the 2022 leading rusher in the Big Ten. Barring multiple unforeseen things, this will be the final season we see Mixon in Cincinnati. If he is to have a career away from Cincinnati, he will have to step up.
Tee Higgins
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The WR2 in Cincinnati who could be WR1 for 75% of the league, Tee Higgins has to prove he’s also worth investing in. There are questions abound as to who the Bengals will pay with contract extensions. Alongside Burrow this offseason, Higgins has been a topic of conversation. Both came into the league in 2020 and both have dominated at their respective positions.
Higgins compliments Chase’s game so perfectly. While they both have aspects of their game they do so well, they are not pigeonholed into specific roles. Higgins is a master at 50/50 balls and making those clutch big plays. He is also incredibly knowledgeable of coverages and can find soft spots when asked.
Higgins’s level of pressure in 2023 is different than Mixon’s. Mixon is fighting for his NFL life, Higgins is fighting for a payday. The Bengals certainly believe Higgins is worth an investment. If an extension is not reached in the next few weeks, Higgins will be under the pressure to perform.
Chidobe Awuzie
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On the defensive side of the ball, Chidobe Awuzie is coming off of an ACL injury in a contract year. In his time in Cincinnati, Awuzie has shown an ability to be a number-one corner but losing him hurt.
However, the Bengals have been drafting well at corner. Last year’s second-round pick was Cam Taylor-Britt and he really came on in Awuzie’s absence. Additionally, Cincinnati drafted D.J. Turner out of Michigan in the second round and D.J. Ivey out of Miami (FL) in the seventh. All three have started off the 2023 campaign well with strong camps. Awuzie, while he has begun to ramp up recovery, has a massive target on his back.
Heading into 2023, Awuzie is CB1 when healthy. The concern is 2024 and beyond. Will the Bengals extend Awuzie past 2023? That’s the question he must answer with his play. At the same time, is the range of Awuzie’s asking price within the realm that the Bengals are comfortable?
Awuzie is under plenty of pressure to perform. If he falters, he risks losing out on a payday AND his job. With the way Turner and Ivey have been performing leading up to the year, it will take plenty of effort to stave off the young rookies. Awuzie is certainly capable of doing so but it will depend on how he heals from his injury.