3 Cincinnati Bengals who must step up against the Vikings

Bengals who must step up vs. Vikings – Riley Reiff

Yet another new Bengal needs to step up against Minnesota. Riley Reiff is a former Viking himself, he had a great season last year for Minnesota at left tackle. Cincinnati’s pass blocking will attempt to take a step in the right direction this season, and it likely will with both Reiff and Jonah Williams at tackle.

While Reiff is expected to be an upgrade at right tackle this season, he has a giant challenge against the Vikings. Minnesota’s star edge rusher Danielle Hunter lines up at left defensive end, so he will be facing off with his former teammate Reiff. Reiff of course knows a lot about Hunter’s talents since he probably consistently went against him in Viking practices over the last couple of seasons.

Hunter missed last season with an injury. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Hunter had 14.5 sacks in each season and was a Pro-Bowler both seasons. Hunter also had an 89.4 PFF grade in the 2019 season. He is one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, so Reiff has to rise to the challenge.

Burrow was hit way too much last season, Reiff needs to protect Cincinnati’s quarterback. The Bengals could have one of the better three-wide receiver combos in the NFL with Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and the rookie Chase. Burrow looked good last season as well. Reiff has to limit Hunter’s production if Cincinnati is going to have a successful passing attack in the season-opener.

Minnesota will be a nice challenge for a Bengals team looking to finally win some games this season. Cincinnati will be off to a great start if some of the listed players step up, leading to a 1-0 start to the 2020-21 NFL season.