3 under-the-radar Bengals who must contribute vs. Vikings
By Alex Austin
Under-the-radar Bengals vs. Vikings – No. 2: Logan Wilson
As previously mentioned, the Vikings are going to run the ball often in Cincinnati. If the Bengals do not come up with key stops, this could quickly turn into a game where Cincinnati struggles to find a rhythm on offense because they do not see enough of the ball.
The Bengals will need a few quick stops on defense to allow their offense to create the needed chemistry. The linebackers will be one of the most important units in stopping Cook.
If the defensive line does their jobs and takes on blocks in the run game, that leaves the Cincinnati linebackers free to shoot the gaps and find the ball carrier. Indecision or incorrect decision-making will allow Minnesota to get their blockers to the second level and Cook will be able to bust off big plays.
The linebacker the Bengals are counting on the most is Logan Wilson. Taken in the third round last year, Wilson is a guy that the Bengals are expecting to take the second-year leap and become a solid contributor every down. This will be a good test to see how much he has improved in the offseason.
While some might not consider Wilson to be “under-the-radar”, he’s not someone getting a ton of buzz ahead of this game. Let’s hope he makes his presence known in Week 1 against Cook and Co.