A topsy-turvy season for the Cincinnati Bengals matches the kind of year cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has had.
Months upon months of rehab and recovery from a torn ACL led to Awuzie starting his second-ever contract season in a limited role. As the season wore on, his role expanded to a starting gig, like it previously was during the last two seasons.
Saturday night in Pittsburgh showed that those days appear to be done for Awuzie.
The Pittsburgh Steelers blew the doors off the Bengals in what was essentially a must-win game. A total collapse on offense and defense for Cincinnati featured one of the worst performances Awuzie has had in recent memory as he surrendered multiple explosive plays to George Pickens, including a 66-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
So much discourse surrounded Pickens this week regarding his lack of effort and general immaturity. Awuzie provided him with the perfect opportunity to prove his worth.
These weren't closely contested plays, they were Pickens torcing Awuzie with the kind of long speed that only one party had. Cincinnati left its veteran cornerback on an island in these situations with no safety help over the top, and they watched Awuzie get burned.
"Obviously it sucks, first 24 hours dealing with a loss, and that's not playing our best to our standard," Awuzie said after the game. "But, you know, we got to look in the mirror and take accountability. It's gonna be a hard film session tomorrow. And yeah, just get better."
Pickens had a career game going up against mainly Awuzie for the 28:11 Pittsburgh had possession. He finished with 195 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions. He started the game with a bang as he took a slant against DJ Turner II and Dax Hill 86 yards to the house. The rest of the game saw him pick on Awuzie whenever quarterback Mason Rudolph looked his way.
The loss hurts the Bengals' playoff chances terribly, but timing of this showing from Awuzie is only helped by what's to come next week. Cam Taylor-Britt, who's been out the last four weeks with an ankle injury, can return to the field next weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. Taylor-Britt taking back his gig would send Awuzie, who's a free agent this offseason, to the sidelines as the first corner off the bench once more.
It's how his time as a pivotal member of this Bengals defense will come to an end, and for the better.
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