Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple played one of his best games against the Denver Broncos, but he may be letting his success get to his head.
After Week 15, Apple’s redemption arc continues.
Apple had been criticized throughout this season for his lapses in coverage, but he started making his comeback around Week 11, notching his first interception against the Raiders.
The sixth-year corner made some huge plays against Denver, including a critical pass deflection to prevent Courtland Sutton from scoring a touchdown early on, and Apple nearly had a pick, too.
Apple seems to relish in instigating drama, though, as evident by this tweet after Week 15’s game:
Best play jeudy made all game https://t.co/GDFt3KQrX7
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) December 20, 2021
Cincinnati Bengals CB Eli Apple oozes too much confidence before Week 16
Now, Apple is back on his sass train again, this time dissing the Baltimore Ravens ahead of their decisive Week 16 matchup.
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
Apple’s nickname, according to Pro Football Reference, is “The Quiet Assassin,” but we don’t think we’ve ever heard anyone in the league call him that.
It sounds like a made-up name, honestly, and we’re not even sure how it applies to his position. Is Apple killing receivers’ chances of catching the ball? It’s not a great metaphor.
At the end of the day, Apple’s performances speak for themselves, and as long as he’s trending upward, we have no issues with what he says off the field.
Apple currently has 41 total tackles, nine passes defended, and two interceptions, and he’ll assume No. 1 cornerback duties again to shut down Baltimore’s wideout threats like Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins.
Apple can keep starting fires all he wants, but his cockiness could get him very badly burned in the future.