Bengals vs Lions: 4 key matchups to watch in Week 6

Bengals Matchups to Watch – Sam Hubbard vs Penei Sewell

Penei Sewell and the Bengals will be forever linked. The Chase vs Sewell debate was the hot topic of the offseason, and this game was always going to put both players under scrutiny. While the result won’t give us a definitive answer to whether the Bengals made the right choice, fans are eager to put Sewell under the microscope.

Considered a generational talent along the offensive line, it has been a difficult start for Penei Sewell’s NFL career. Over the last two weeks, Sewell has allowed four sacks, two of which led to fumbles. Vikings edge rusher Everson Griffen was a tough assignment for Sewell, and he didn’t come out on top.

Starting left tackle Taylor Decker may return from injury, meaning that Sewell will likely shift to the right side. Sewell was uncomfortable on that side during the preseason and had looked better on the left of the line. Moving back will pitch him against the experienced Sam Hubbard.

While Hubbard isn’t blessed with the explosion and violence of some of the best edge defenders in the league, he is a solid presence with a relentless motor. Hubbard has 1.5 sacks against his name in 2021, along with nine pressures.

With Trey Hendrickson looking to expose Decker’s rustiness, the Bengals should see some joy rushing the passer.