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Early hot takes for Bengals 2018 season

By Travis Steffen

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 24: Marwin Evans #25 of the Green Bay Packers grabs the face mask of Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals trying to make a tackle during the first quarter of their game at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 24: Marwin Evans #25 of the Green Bay Packers grabs the face mask of Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals trying to make a tackle during the first quarter of their game at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will bounce back in 2018 with 5 interceptions

Most fans have already written of cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick after a struggling season in 2017. Just one year removed from the best year of his career shows how quickly fans can turn on a player. Kirkpatrick came into training camp last season with a broken hand, keeping him out of training camp and preseason games. This led to him being out of shape and injuries to his shoulder, hip, and hamstring followed throughout the season.

I fully expect Kirkpatrick to bounce back in 2018. He’s told the media that he doesn’t care about slogans and that he wants to get out on the field and prove it. With cornerbacks William Jackson III and Darqueze Dennard having breakout seasons last year, Kirkpatrick will get plenty of attention to start the season from quarterbacks.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is looking to get more aggressive up front and disrupt the quarterback who will benefit Kirkpatrick and allow him more opportunities to grab the ball. In 2016, he hauled in three interceptions. Last season, Kirkpatrick only grabbed one interception but still had 14 pass deflections while struggling through injuries. In the two games without Kirkpatrick last year, the Bengals defense allowed more than 30 points to the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. The only two games they allowed 30 or more points.

Next: Stripe Hype podcast: Offensive expectations in 2018

I think that Kirkpatrick will haul in five interceptions in 2018 and accompany those picks with at least 15 pass deflections. One bad season is not enough for me to completely write him off and I think with the chip on his shoulder and improved defense and new schemes, Kirkpatrick will get back to his 2016 self of better.

-Travis Steffen

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