The Cincinnati Bengals have been a one-man defensive show in 2024 and Trey Hendrickson stepped up once again saving his best performance for hopefully not last against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hendrickson was a man possessed against the division rival bolstering his case for his first Defensive Player of the Year award with another 3.5 sacks, 3 TFL, and 3 SOLO tackles en route to guiding the orange and black to a 19-17 victory. The much-maligned Bengals defense was stellar against the Steelers and bailed the offense out after they saw too many drives stall when in the red zone. Cincinnati will be closely watching the afternoon games on Sunday to see if they can get help from their good friends, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New York Jets in what may be the final game of Aaron Rodgers’s career.
Trey Hendrickson Dominates in Pursuit of DPOY
History Lesson
Hendrickson has proven to be the best free agent signing of all time for the men in stripes since arriving from the New Orleans Saints in 2021. The Bengals took somewhat of a chance on Hendrickson four years ago as he only had one season with double-digit sacks. The organization has been rewarded mightily since from their star defensive end as he climbs not only the Bengals record books but also the NFL ones as Hendrickson may win his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
The hallmark of a good pass rusher is being relentless for the entire game. This is Hendrickson’s calling card and his most impressive trait. He doesn’t quit and his motor is strong which is especially impressive this season considering he accounts for 50% of the Bengals’ total sacks and will be the NFL leader with 17.5. Speed to power and strong hand placement is also impressive from Hendrickson and he’s been using it more frequently the last couple of years to help him win.
.@Bengals @steelers @HendricksonTrey Trey Hendrickson hit the Steelers with the old “CHOP CHOP” to help close them out and to get the Bengals to 9-8. Playoffs Possibility?? #whodey #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/z1UPHD6oPN
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) January 5, 2025
Although Hendrickson is signed through 2025, look for the Bengals front office to approach Hendrickson about an extension this offseason to keep him in Cincinnati.
Teaching Lesson
Amid Cincinnati’s five-game winning streak, the young defensive players have been crucial in the resurgence of Lou Anarumo’s unit. They are learning firsthand the importance of giving 100% effort on each play as Hendrickson is a great player to emulate and aspire to be like.
Joe Burrow recently noted they’ll find out the type of players they have in this locker room and know those they can look to build the future of Bengals football around. We are getting glimpses of what he was talking about of late and he spoke about this and the DPOY case for Hendrickson after the victory saying, “Our defensive young guys, and guys that have played good in the past, have started playing well. Then, Trey Hendrickson — after tonight, I don’t know who else is going to win Defensive Player of the Year other than him. He was incredible tonight. Anytime that he didn’t have chip help, he was getting to the quarterback.”
Star players are hard to come by in this league. The Bengals have three, and only one on the defensive side of the ball. He has given them everything he has on every snap and when the awards come out, it’s time for the NFL to recognize Hendrickson as the DPOY.
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