Get ready for a potential underdog story! In what's shaping up to be a crucial game for the Bengals against their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, two unexpected heroes might emerge from the shadows. We're talking about players who've spent most of the season on the sidelines: sixth-round draft picks Cedric Johnson and Tahj Brooks. Could they be the secret weapons Cincinnati needs to pull off a victory at Acrisure Stadium?
Second-year edge rusher Cedric Johnson and rookie running back Tahj Brooks, both late-round draft picks, are poised to step into significantly larger roles than anyone anticipated. But here's where it gets controversial... are these players truly ready for the intensity of a Bengals-Steelers showdown, or is this a recipe for disaster?
Johnson's journey has been particularly challenging. After a promising end to last season, his momentum was derailed by a calf injury during training camp, limiting him to a mere 16 snaps this year – all in the most recent game. However, those 16 snaps showed flashes of potential. In his season debut against the Bears, Johnson managed to generate three quarterback pressures in just 12 pass-rushing attempts. That's a pressure rate that could make a real difference!
With star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson sidelined due to a hip/pelvis injury and rookie Shemar Stewart also out with a knee injury, Johnson is now in line for a substantial increase in playing time. He might even approach his career-high of 24 snaps. Can Johnson capitalize on this opportunity and prove he belongs on the field, or will the pressure be too much?
On the offensive side, rookie running back Tahj Brooks, selected in the sixth round this year, faces a different kind of challenge. He's only seen action in 13 plays this season, with the majority of his six carries coming in a loss against the Minnesota Vikings eight weeks ago. And this is the part most people miss... Brooks' primary responsibility against the Steelers isn't expected to be running the ball. Instead, he'll likely be tasked with providing crucial pass protection for Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Steelers' defense is notorious for its relentless pass rush. While they only sacked Flacco three times in their previous meeting, they also managed to hit him six times. More broadly, the Steelers are near the top of the league in both quarterback hits (tied for first with 40) and sacks (tied for second with 32). Protecting Flacco will be paramount, and Brooks' ability to step up in this area could be the key to the Bengals' offensive success.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged Brooks' progress, stating, "There's a lot there as a rookie to learn offensively for us. I think he's picked it up as well as anybody could have hoped. It's just now it's about opportunity and showcasing what you can do. But from a trust standpoint, he's done that for us... And so now it's just when he gets his opportunities, if he gets his opportunities, making the most of them. But excited for the progress that he's continued to make."
To further bolster the running back depth, Kendall Milton was called up from the practice squad to support Brooks and Chase Brown.
The Bengals' inactive list for the game was largely predictable, given the injuries to key players. Joining Hendrickson and Perine on the sidelines were wide receiver Jermaine Burton (illness), cornerback Marco Wilson, and tight end Cam Grandy. Sean Clifford served as the emergency third quarterback. Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, who has been active in three of the last five games, is also in line to potentially see playing time for the first time since October 5th, offering some depth on the defensive line.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Before that game, they boasted an NFL-leading plus-50 points off turnover margin and a plus-nine turnover margin overall. However, they suffered a minus-three turnover margin against the Chargers. Can they regain their turnover-generating prowess against the Bengals?
So, what do you think? Are Johnson and Brooks ready to rise to the occasion and make a significant impact in this crucial game? Or are the Bengals placing too much faith in inexperienced players against a tough opponent? Will Brooks' pass protection hold up against the Steelers' aggressive pass rush? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
