The Cincinnati Bengals are on a real high at 2-0 after they beat the Houston Texans away from home, in what was yet another dominant display. Ja'Marr Chase's insane touchdown grab will claim the headlines, but the Bengals defense showed yet again how strong they are.
Cincy's defense was strong against the rush and the pass, leaving CJ Stroud's offense without a touchdown. The Texans managed to score just two field goals in all four quarters, meaning that the Bengals left Houston after an emphatic 20-6 win.
There were some standout performances on defense, most notably Dexter Lawrence, who was instrumental in shutting down the Texans' rushing attack. He also produced one of the plays of the game, managing to stop Houston from getting a first down on 4th and inches.
However, several other names performed well on defense too, including linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr, who has had an excellent start to the season, and cornerback Dax Hill, who managed three pass breakups and 10 tackles during the game.
Dax Hill is giving the Bengals a massive contract dilemma
Hill is in a crucial year of his NFL career. The Bengals took the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, but he is now in the final year of his contract. It means that by the end of the season, Cincinnati needs to make a decision on whether to keep the 25-year-old or whether to let him test out free agency.
So far this season, he is almost leaving the Bengals with no choice, as Hill has quietly been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL through two weeks. He has 11 solo tackles and four pass breakups, which is tied for first in the league.
ESPN projects that Hill's contract will be around $20 million annually, which is a lot for a good player without being one of the league's best (until now). But if he continues the way he's started the season, the Bengals may have no choice but to pay him.
Why it could be so difficult to extend Hill's contract
The biggest issue with Hill's contract situation has nothing to do with him, it is more to do with other Cincinnati players who will need paying at the end of the season. Fellow corner DJ Turner is also in a contract year, and without being harsh on Hill, Turner has been a much better player.
Furthermore, running back Chase Brown is also in the final year of his deal, and so the Bengals will need to consider paying Brown, especially if he continues to perform at an elite level, as he has for the past year and a half.
The most likely outcome is that Turner gets put on the franchise tag, and then the Bengals have to make a decision on Brown and Hill. But if Hill keeps playing at this level, Cincinnati's front office might have no choice but to sign him.
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