Bengals: Tyler Boyd has definitively solidified himself as WR1

Four games into the Bengals’ 2020 season, Tyler Boyd has finally proved without a doubt that he is the top receiver on the roster.

Going into the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2020 season, one big question surrounding the team was whether Tyler Boyd was really the top receiver in Cincinnati or if a healthy A.J. Green would reclaim his former role. After four games, it is clear that Boyd is the main attraction at the receiver position for the Bengals.

Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow’s trust in Boyd is evident, as he has targeted the fifth-year wide receiver 33 times (T-9th) and completed 28 of those passes (T-4th). According to Pro Football Focus, Boyd has 23 receptions for a 1st down, which they credit as the second-highest total in the league.

Not only has Boyd been the Bengals’ top weapon, but he has been one of the best wide receivers in the entire NFL so far. PFF has the slot phenom as their third highest-rated wide receiver in the league with an overall grade of 85.6.

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Tyler Boyd has taken the top role over from A.J. Green

While Boyd is thriving in 2020, his teammate Green has had a rough start to the season. Despite being targeted 32 times (T-11th), he has only caught 14 passes (T-45th) for 119 yards (T-77th) and 0 touchdowns. Not only has he been outplayed by Boyd, but even rookie Tee Higgins has outperformed him in yards and touchdowns despite being targeted ten fewer times.

At this point, Green isn’t even the Bengals second best weapon in the receiving game, let alone competition for Boyd at the top. It is too early to tell if Green is just rusty or if he has lost a step, but things aren’t looking good for the Bengals’ legend.

As for Boyd, things are only trending upward. While the season continues, his connection with Burrow will only grow stronger. The rookie signal-caller is getting better with each game and that means Boyd’s production can only go up from here.

Next, Burrow and Boyd will visit the Baltimore Ravens, where they are 14-point underdogs. If the Bengals are to pull off an upset, Boyd will have to continue to dominate in the slot.