The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of things that could classify as x-factors in 2024.
One key area of the defense that does seem to fly under the proverbial radar in these types of conversations, though, is cornerback.
There, Dax Hill has joined the fray on the boundary opposite Cam Taylor-Britt. It’s a situation that was highlighted recently by ESPN’s Seth Walder:
Cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II. They allowed 2.0 and 1.7 yards per coverage snap last season, per NFL Next Gen Stats, the second and eighth most, respectively, among outside CBs with at least 300 coverage snaps. With Chidobe Awuzie gone in free agency, these two young DBs will have to step up.
Going into his sophomore year, Turner’s job is very much at risk with Hill coming over from safety and already seeing a ton of work with the starters this spring.
And when it comes to Taylor-Britt, while he’s obviously got massive No. 1 upside, he only played 12 games and 86 percent of the snaps last year, so his ability to stay healthy will be key.
An improved pass-rush up front will help the secondary too. But the trio of corners on the boundary will need to hold up better and remain on the field in 2024 for Lou Anarumo’s unit to have the best chance of reaching near-elite heights again.
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