The opposing offense may have an issue with number 99 this season. With his health back, look for Andrew Billings to be a force for the Bengals on the line.
Bengals’ defensive tackle Andrew Billings was definitely turning heads in the last preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Totaling only three tackles in limited time, Billings was a force to be reckoned with. Against the run he was always in the backfield and tackling runners for a loss. Let’s take a look at what makes Billings a shoo-in for the future of this defense.
A Rookie Season Cut Short
Billings was born to play in the league from the start. Growing up in Waco, Texas and playing for Baylor University, he was named All Conference his sophomore year and was highly touted in the upcoming draft class. Billings ended up falling to the Bengals in the fourth round (126th overall). Competing with popular players such as Domata Peko, Pat Sims, and DeShawn Williams for that nose tackle spot, his quest fell short when he tore his meniscus in practice. His rookie season was cut short as he was placed on injured reserve.
Having a Nose for the Football
Fast forward to last season, Billings returned and competed for the nose tackle position now that Peko had left in free agency. He started on the roster behind Sims, and later got his first start after Sims went town with a calf injury. He started 7 of the 15 games he played in, and he totaled nine tackles.
Heading into this training camp and preseason, the first game against the Chicago Bears didn’t yield much result. Following his impressive start against the Cowboys, this could be a glimpse of how dangerous he can be. His relentless effort in finishing plays will pad his stat line with sacks joining his defensive repertoire. Against a Bills offensive line that allowed consistent pressure on the quarterback against the Browns last week, Billings will be sure to have another positive showing on Sunday.
Due for a Breakout Season
With almost a full season of experience and a seemingly healthy knee, Billings looks to dominate the line of scrimmage and provide pressure up the middle and on the edge. Taking on multiple defenders for added pressure, Billings has stepped up and shown flashes of a veteran.
A defense that was ranked 30th in the league a season ago, the future is bright with this breakout player to raise that ranking. With the potential and the skill set he possess, Billings is set to be the nose tackle of the future and only make this defense stronger in its ability to stop the run.
The Bengals third preseason game begins against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday on Fox. The Bills look to end the Bengals chances at a 3-0 start and ruin Andy Dalton’s “homecoming” of sorts in a city that got its first playoff berth since 1999.