Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Cincinnati Bengals
By Ash Thompson
Cornerback
The Bengals always seem to be loaded at the cornerback position. Their starting corners will be Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones barring injury. Jones is suspended to open the season, which could open the door for a younger man to take his spot. He will turn 34 during the season but has not shown signs of his age. Kirkpatrick signed a 5 year, 53 million dollar contract this offseason. He is among the league’s best corners and has missed only one game in the last three seasons.
The Bengals also have some younger players on the depth chart. They exercised the fifth year option of Darqueze Dennard‘s rookie contract this off-season, and expect him to assume a bigger role. Dennard has disappointed since he went in the first round of the 2014 draft. Last year’s first round pick William Jackson suffered a torn pec in the preseason. The team also expects Jackson to contribute. If neither of the two step up then Josh Shaw will fill a role. Shaw is a better special teams player than corner but can hold his own.
Safety
George Illoka has a sprained knee, and will likely sit out most of the preseason, but unless it lingers the Lions will be facing one of the NFL’s match up nightmares. Iloka is a 6’4″ 225 lb safety that is equally at home playing center field, covering tight ends from the slot, and stepping in to run support. His counterpart in the Bengals secondary is Shawn Williams. The Bengals chose Williams over free agent Reggie Nelson in the 2016 offseason and have not looked back.
Outside of the starters, the Bengals do not have much at safety. injuries at the safety position could have them in a bad place. They do not run as many three safety looks on defense as many of the Lions opponents this season. That prevents their younger players from getting much playing time.
Specialists
The Bengals drafted kicker Jake Elliot in the fifth round of the 2017 draft. It is difficult to imagine him not being their man for the year. Kevin Huber has been their punter since 2009, He is still putting up decent distance, but the Bengals brought in Will Monday to keep Huber fresh in the preseason.
The Bengals young receivers will likely feature prominently in their return game. John Ross is too dangerous a weapon not to see some time here. Adam Jones has been a very good returner for his entire career, but the Bengals should let younger legs take the load in 2017. Joe Mixon was one of the best kick returners in college football but may be the team’s top running back. That would limit his return duties. Tyler Boyd also did some returning in college. In any case, the Bengals return game will give the Lions all they can handle.
Next: Early look at Lions vs. Buccaneers
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the NLF’s most complete teams. They have marquee players on offense and defense. Their supporting players are also more than competent. The Lions should be able to exploit the patchwork offensive line, however, unless those players are better than advertised. This will be a case of strength vs. strength. The Lions offense vs. the Bengals defense. Whichever unit gets the better support from their teammates will win the day.