How The Bengals Can Reclaim The AFC North

The Rex-Files

Since top-secret information on Rex Burkhead is known to the NFL, Mike Brown has to keep him in Stripes. The Bengals’ season finale against the Ravens was a prime showcase for Burkhead. Personally, I see no reason why Rex hasn’t been the featured back in the Bengals offense.

Buried behind Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard, Burkhead finally got his chance to shine. With injuries to both backs, Rex made the most of his opportunity and proved he can play in the league. Hill struggled once again and the stats don’t lie. Jeremy finished the year averaging 3.8 yards per carry. The years before, his final numbers were 794 yards rushing for a 3.6 ypc mark.

With a limited number of appearances, Burkhead was able to put up more than decent numbers. The Bengals’ fourth-year back finished the year with 344 yards on 74 carries (4.6 ypc). The much maligned offensive line paved the way for those hard-earned yards. Burkhead ran with purpose and vision. When the line opened a hole, he showed the same patience as an Ezekiel Elliott or Le’Veon Bell. There was no dancing behind the line. Rex hit the opening and constantly kept his legs churning for positive yardage.

When asked about Burkhead’s performance against the Ravens, offensive coordinator Ken Zampese was surprisingly candid.

"“Rex had a h*** of a day.  The guys did a good job. Rex ran through a lot of arm tackles that day. Those are good players over there. Terrell Suggs played. We didn’t have anything to play for as far as playoffs either, but our guys went out there and played and played well.”"

Yeah. It’s a no-brainer. No. 33 needs to be in Orange and Black.