The Cincinnati Bengals‘ cornerback Eli Apple is experiencing a career season and has become a reliable defender in Cincy’s secondary.
Apple — who was the 10th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft — has gone through many ups and downs throughout his career in the NFL. The Ohio State product came into the league with high expectations, but it has not gone smoothly for Apple.
He has been well-traveled in the NFL, now with his fourth different team. The sixth-year corner has been on the receiving end of much criticism throughout his career. But now, Apple is playing at a high level in his first season with the Bengals.
Eli Apple has somehow gone from fan whipping boy to beacon of stability.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 19, 2021
Against the Broncos, Cincy was without their number one cornerback, Chidobe Awuzie. In addition, Trae Waynes has dealt with injuries all season and struggled when playing. The stripes’ cornerback rotation looked bleak going into Sunday afternoon.
In the end, all was well for Cincinnati’s secondary after Apple had one of the best games in his career. The former first-round corner turned in a lockdown performance against a solid receiving corps made of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Apple’s most impressive play was surely his last-second DPU, preventing a touchdown.
The Bengal defensive back was not afraid to let the world know about his performance either. After Cincy’s 15-10 win over Denver, Apple let the Ravens know they are next.
Can’t wait for that ravens game their fans was talkin all that mess last time it’s big smoke for them
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) December 20, 2021
This has become another hidden gem signing for the Bengals, as Eli Apple has turned into a starter-worthy NFL corner.
He has not produced at a consistent level like this until now. It is understandable why Apple has chirped a bit this season after he has received so much criticism over the years.
The former Buckeye is enjoying a career season and is letting people know, and rightfully so. As mentioned, Waynes has not worked out for the Bengals. Having Apple perform at this level is only becoming more and more important as it clearly appears Waynes will not get healthy this season.
If Apple continues to play at this consistent level, Cincinnati will try to extend the 26-year-old corner. He is still young and could continue to improve if he has truly found his footing. At the very least, Apple has been a good backup corner this season that is producing like a starter.