3 Cincinnati Bengals who must step up against the Vikings

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021. The Dolphins made a long touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to win 29-26.Miami Dolphins At Cincinnati Bengals Preseason /

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Trey Hendrickson (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Bengals who must step up vs. Vikings – Trey Hendrickson

The next Bengal who needs to play well is Trey Hendrickson. Cincinnati signed Hendrickson to a large four-year $60 million contract in the offseason after coming off a season where he had 13.5 sacks and should have arguably been an NFL All-Pro.

Hendrickson’s Bengal debut is already highly anticipated, but it becomes even more so with his favorable matchup.

The Vikings’ first-round offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw will likely miss the game since he’s recovering from an offseason surgery. Minnesota is expected to start Rashod Hill at left tackle in week one. Hill has mostly been a reserve throughout his career and has rarely started in games. Last season, he appeared in only Week 17.

Hendrickson will be lining up against Hill throughout the season-opener and there is no reason why Hendrickson cannot give Hill fits all game long. He was dominant off the edge last season, and Hendrickson can begin his season on the right note with a dominant opening performance.

This will also help Cincinnati’s worries at cornerback. If Hendrickson is living in the backfield, this gives Kirk Cousins far less time to throw. The Bengals’ pass rush has been impressive during the preseason, and it could win the day in Week 1.

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