Cincinnati Bengals fans rightfully expected to see the team compete for a Super Bowl this year.
But with the way things have unfolded, settling for some serious breakout players sure isn’t the worst thing that could happen.
While the season seemed to live and die by two different Joe Burrow injuries, the team continues to at least get huge showings by big pieces of the future for the team.
We’re talking rookie defensive backs DJ Turner and Jordan Battle, first-rounder Myles Murphy and even a few others.
Here’s a look at some of the best love thrown toward those up-and-coming players recently.
Jordan Battle is taking his opportunity and running with it
Over the last two weeks the #Bengals rookie has produced:
🔸85.3 run defense grade (1st among 53 safeties)
🔸6 defensive stops (T-2nd)
🔸14 tackles (T-5th)
🔸79.1 PFF grade (9th) pic.twitter.com/6aJbRlidNK— Evan McPhillips (@emcphil) November 29, 2023
The #Bengals are going to have a secondary akin to Seattle’s old “Legion of Boom” in Cincinnati over the next couple years with CTB, DJ Turner, Dax Hill, and Jordan Battle.
The question is: what’s going to be their nickname?#RuleTheJungle #WhoDey
— Jason Garrison (@JasonRG83) November 29, 2023
Jordan Battle: highest-graded rookie DB in the NFL for week 12 – 76.8 💪 pic.twitter.com/AhjHH8SeAs
— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) November 28, 2023
I give it two years before we see a flood of Jordan Battle jerseys at Paycor Stadium.
This guy strikes me as a fan-favorite in the making.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) November 28, 2023
#Bengals have drafted:
Jordan Battle
Cam Taylor-Britt
Dax Hill
DJ Turner
Logan WilsonThat's a pretty good start to a young defense. They deserve credit for that. https://t.co/jZsBX1q8F2
— Austin Elmore (@autyelmore) November 28, 2023
I’m excited about the young group in DJ Turner, Jordan Battle, Charlie Jones, Yoshi and Myles Murphy. Hope they get more snaps in the next 6 games.
Also, let’s see Chase Brown on MNF.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) November 28, 2023
Couldn’t care less about the outcome. Here’s what excites me:
Myles Murphy
DJ TurnerI think the bengals nailed their first two draft picks that will play huge roles in 2024.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) November 26, 2023
There have 14 been rookie edge rushers play at least 75 pass rush snaps this season. Among them, Myles Murphy ranks:
3rd in PFF Pass rush grade (67.7)
3rd in pass rush win rate (13.8%)
4th in pressure rate (12.6%)
14th in snaps played (87)Keep giving him reps. https://t.co/uLsy174vNE
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) November 27, 2023
By far the most interesting thing in this game has been, I think, serious signs of life from Myles Murphy
— Jake Liscow (@JakeLiscow) November 26, 2023
The Bengals secondary has a real bright future with Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner, Dax Hill, and Jordan Battle.
— Andre (@AndreBengals) November 28, 2023
Losing Vonn Bell was a way bigger hit than Bates imo…
Bates had the name, but the last 2 seasons were bad… and this is the first time I’ve seen any negativity about Dax Hill. He’s done great as a young safety
And Jordan Battle gonna be elite in a year or 2… https://t.co/dDLBhRLP1m
— Cincy Stripes (@StripesCincy) November 28, 2023
