The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled to get interior pressure on opposing offenses.
They may have found part of the solution this offseason.
Kris Jenkins Jr., a second year player out of Michigan, is quickly emerging as a difference maker.
He’s shown the ability to shed blockers in practice and preseason games.
As a result, defensive coordinator Al Golden said, per Kelsey Conway, that Jenkins had the best camp of any defensive player.
“I’m really excited about him and his versatility,” Golden said to the Enquirer beat reporter. “He’s become a better pass rusher on early downs. We’re giving him the freedom to do that. He’s strong. He brings energy.”
If Jenkins can continue to make that sort of impact during the regular season, the defense should improve from last year.
Of course, so far, the defense hasn’t been encouraging.
The unit has struggled in all three preseason games. We talked about it in the video below.
Hopefully they’re just holding back and will look a lot better when they show a real game plan.
