After finishing 2022 as one of the better defenses in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals took a massive step back last season. In 2022, Cincinnati possessed the sixth-best scoring defense in the NFL as the unit capitalized on turnovers and shut teams down in key situations but last season, the group dropped to 21st in the NFL. Regardless of whether you believe Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is an elite coach or not, that is an indefensible turn of events in one season.
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End Underwent Major Ankle Surgery
One of the biggest differences last season was the dramatic dip in play on the defensive line. While defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard have usually been renowned for their discipline, neither player managed to play well against the run last season and that was arguably the biggest difference. While Anarumo typically plays a disciplined contain defense against the run, the defense gave up outside runs far too often last season in plays that ranged from a quick five yards around the edge to massive runs by opposing running backs.
As it turns out, there was a fairly reasonable explanation: while it was believed last season that Hubbard had simply suffered a high ankle sprain, that injury turned out to be significant enough to require surgery this offseason. Specifically, Hubbard underwent a tightrope and deltoid procedure several weeks ago that was able to fully repair his injured ankle. After he underwent recovery, he spoke with reporters about just how much he was suffering last season.
“I kind of wanted to just be out there and was doing the best I could,” Hubbard said about his choice to fight through the pain. “I did want to burn that film from the back half of the year, but I’m going to get back to my old self. Got a long offseason of work ahead and I’m excited to be back with the guys.”
Hubbard unfortunately was accurate: his play late last season was atrocious and it was a big part of why this team was unable to make the playoffs even with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow being on the bench with a season-ending injury. Hubbard certainly deserves some credit since he was effectively playing on one leg last season and luckily, he is back to full health now.
“Thankful that I made it out with no cartilage damage and stuff like that, but it’s all fixed,” Hubbard said.
It should be noted that Hubbard’s effort set the example for the whole defense. Last season’s first-round pick Myles Murphy lauded Hubbard’s merit last season that he was able to play through such a major injury. When you have an effort like that pushing the guys around him, it can really push this unit to new heights in the future.
Hubbard has been a huge leader on this roster since he was drafted in the third round of Ohio State in the 2018 NFL Draft. With an example-setter like that on your roster, the sky is the limit for what Cincinnati can achieve this season.
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