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Cincinnati Bengals: Three Bold Predictions For Tyler Eifert

By Damian Parson

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 07: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to pull in the ball against Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 7, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 07: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to pull in the ball against Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 7, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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In March, Tyler Eifert signed a one-year contract to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals. Eifert has played more than half of a 16 game schedule only three times in his six-year career. If healthy, his impact could be a great boost to this underrated offense.

The last time  Eifert appeared in close to 80% of the schedule was 2015. He tallied a stat line of 52 catches, 615 yards, and 13 touchdowns. The red zone savant has since dealt with back, knee, and ankle injuries causing him to miss substantial playing time. If the Bengals talented tight end is healthy, this offense could reach new heights. Andy Dalton in particular would love the reemergence of Eifert in Cincinnati’s offense. Should it happen, Dalton could see more single covered weapons than he has seen over his entire career.

Let’s take a look at three early bold predictions for Eifert entering his seventh NFL season in Cincinnati.

1. He Will Start and Finish the Season Healthy

As explained above, Eifert has been riddled with injuries that chain him to the sideline and the operation table. Thus, The former Notre Dame standout is under the radar for everyone outside of the Bengals fan base and organization. Having played so little in recent years, Eifert comes into this season with little expectations or pressure on him. Also, he could split time with C.J. Uzomah to preserve his health throughout the season.

2. Eifert Will be a Top Five Tight End This Season

In the league today, tight ends are rising every year and becoming more prevalent. With Rob Gronkowski’s retirement, everyone moves up a notch in the tight end rankings. Outside of the top three (Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and George Kittle), the spots in the top five are wide open. A healthy Eifert possesses more upside than Eric Ebron or Jared Cook. He should be able to rise among the ranks by season’s end.

3. He Will Reach or Surpass 700 Yards and Eight Touchdowns

Earlier in this piece was Eifert’s best career stat line. His yards were close to the bolded take, while his touchdowns surpassed it. To secure a top 5 spot statistically last year, Eifert would’ve needed to surpass 750 yards by Ebron at the fifth spot. He is more than capable from a skills perspective, but as the circle forms, it leads back to health. With a plethora of weapons on the Bengals offense, Eifert could rule the middle of the field and dominate the red zone.

Although it was for a short time, we have seen what Eifert can do for this team, he is key to any possible Bengals success this year. As we not so patiently wait for the beginning of the 2019 NFL season, take a look back at Eifert’s highlight reel above thanks to the Blxrr Highlights YouTube channel.

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