Bengals who must step up
2. Tyler Boyd
Tyler Boyd had a better game last week, hauling in seven catches for 73 yards, but he has yet to find the end zone and struggled in Week 1. In addition, Tee Higgins has missed two consecutive days of practice due to a shoulder injury, and this does not mean he won’t play, but if he is limited, it will affect his ability to perform like his usual self.
This should pave the way for Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase to see a high number of targets. Boyd has had success in the past against the Steelers and will be extra motivated playing in front of a city where he went to college at. Boyd will have to make some big plays out of the slot, especially on the third down situation.
🚨https://t.co/ZsNiZzGlYu's Geoff Hobson considers Tee Higgins (shoulder) "on pace" to sit for Week 3 against the Steelers after missing Wednesday and Thursday's practices. Per @NBCSEdgeFB.
— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) September 23, 2021
Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase are becoming very interesting. Tough matchup still.
In the last two seasons, the Bengals offense has relied on him when it comes to converting on third down, and he has yet to put that on the show this season—so starting this week, it will be necessary for Boyd to have success out of the slot.
If Tyler Boyd can open up this game and make some big plays, it will take some pressure off of Chase, allowing some big-play capability for the Bengals, which is what they will need to score points on one of the best overall defenses in the league.