The Cincinnati Bengals have turned into a powerhouse in the AFC. After advancing to Super Bowl 56, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams, they made the AFC Championship Game again, this time losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cincinnati has a deep, talented roster on both sides of the ball, but the trenches remain a weakness for the team.
On defense, they lack that premier pass rusher to set the tone. The Bengals had only 30 sacks last season and finding success later on in the season when you cannot consistently get after the quarterback will make winning very difficult.
The offensive line remains a work in progress on the other side of the ball. While that unit got off to a strong start in 2022, things quickly deteriorated with injuries being a big reason why. By the time the postseason rolled around, the Bengals were using three backups in the starting lineup.
Injuries are a part of the game and tough to predict, so it isn’t anyone’s fault necessarily that the offensive line’s performance fell off a cliff. Looking to ensure that doesn’t happen again, the Bengals made another splash in free agency, signing Orlando Brown Jr. away from the Chiefs.
Brown will likely take over the starting left tackle spot, kicking Jonah Williams over to right tackle. That is something Williams isn’t thrilled about and has requested a trade. His uncertain future with the franchise is part of what makes the signing of Cody Ford a top under-the-radar move this offseason.
Ford spent the 2022 season with the Arizona Cardinals and has been a guard for the majority of his career. But, he will likely be going back to his roots and playing tackle for the Bengals, whether it is as the swing or in the starting lineup for Williams.
That kind of versatility is key for Cincinnati, as Ford can be plugged into the lineup at four different spots depending on need. Offensive line signings don’t garner too much attention unless they are top-of-the-market deals, but bringing in Ford is a big deal for the Bengals.
Keeping Joe Burrow protected and upright is of the utmost importance for the franchise. Ford, whether it is as a backup or starter, will help ensure that happens.
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