Bengals: 5 most important individual matchups vs. Vikings in Week 1
By Glenn Adams
Tyler Boyd vs. Mackensie Alexander
The Bengals ranked 30th in third-down conversions last year. They must improve upon that this year. A big key to that is how well Tyler Boyd plays. Most people call him a slot receiver. Some would call him a possession receiver.
He should be called reliable and underrated. That is what he a proven to be throughout his career here in Cincinnati — A reliable and underrated receiver.
He will more than likely be matched up against ex-Bengal Mackensie Alexander. Alexander went back to Minnesota after spending the 2020 season in Cincinnati.
Mackensie Alexander gives the Vikings more cornerback depth and, at his peak, is one of the best slot corners in the game. https://t.co/gJ4U9XFRuy
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 26, 2021
If Alexander is assigned with attempting to keep Boyd in check, it could be a good battle. One we should expect Boyd to come out on top of.
Boyd’s ability to work in the middle of the field could be pivotal to offensive success for the Bengals. Joe Burrow is still working his way back from last year’s knee injury. The offensive coaches will need to get a feel for where Burrow and the offensive line are, especially early in the game.
That will more than likely mean the quick passing game will be on display.