3 Surprise Standouts for the Cincinnati Bengals

3 Surprise Standouts for the Cincinnati Bengals

Dylan Fairchild

The Bengals’ third-round rookie left guard has started every game and been phenomenal at a position the team has struggled to draft and develop for many years. Fairchild’s physical and mental makeup are impressive for a 22-year-old who is improving each week. His footwork and ability to anchor have been solid, as well as his strong hand placement and the ability to punch and disrupt defenders under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Scott Peters. Cincinnati might have found a star to help protect Burrow for years to come.

Ryan Rehkow

The Mormon Missile has been magnificent in his sophomore season, and like Fairchild, has consistently improved game by game. Rehkow is following the trends of 2024 and punted more consistently while upgrading his stats in every measure, including touchbacks.

It’s a shame that Rehkow isn’t getting more love from around the league, but that’s the nature of playing for a losing team.

DJ Turner II

The best Bengals defender and someone who deserves Pro Bowl votes is cornerback DJ Turner, who’s emerging as a top DB right before our eyes. The one aspect that Turner brings that this Bengals defense badly needs is playing with fire and intensity that is evident on the field. His teammates are taking notice, and it’s raising the level of play for the entire group. Turner is also becoming more vocal in the locker room as the coaching staff trusts his voice inside and as a Field General on game day.

Heading into Week 7, Turner has led the league with five forced incompletions and a 91.6 coverage grade last week, allowing just a 45.8 passer rating in his coverage. He also ranks (Corners) Forced Incompletions – 1st, Forced Incompletion % – 1st, Pass Break Ups – 1st, Interceptions – 1st, NFL Passer Rating – 3rd, Reception % Allowed – 3rd. 

The common denominator of Fairchild, Rehkow, and Turner is that they are supremely dedicated to their craft in the never-ending quest to get better. Heading down the stretch, the Bengals will need all of them to continue trending upward. Cincinnati’s slim playoff hopes may depend on it.