It's one preseason game, but the Cincinnati Bengals' defense left more questions than answers. While it's not ideal for the team, one person who stands to benefit is Trey Hendrickson, as he could have more leverage regarding his contract extension stance.
Hendrickson is with the team, but isn't participating in practice or games as part of his hold-in for a new contract. Nonetheless, the Bengals aren't ready to meet the player's demands, but CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan believes that Hendrickson gained leverage after the preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I watched a defense that saw Tanner McKee complete 20 of 25 throughout the evening for two touchdowns, led an opening drive touchdown," Sullivan said on CBS Sports HQ. "And so, yeah, I think you might look at that from 10,000 feet in the air and say the Cincinnati Bengals look good because of Joe Burrow and [Ja'Marr] Chase.
"But I look at that defense and say, I don't know about this one right now. I think Trey Hendrickson [is] probably a little happy right now. His bargaining window is even widening here with the performance that they put together the other night."
The Bengals' defensive showing is troubling, especially since it wasn't Jalen Hurts picking them apart. If they struggle this much against a backup, it's a bad sign for what might happen when they face starting quarterbacks.
Cincinnati still have the rest of the preseason to prove its defense can pressure the quarterback, whether it's a starter or a backup. But if the performance against the Eagles turns into a trend, the Bengals front office may have to find common ground to make sure Trey Hendrickson is on the field in Week 1.
Without Hendrickson to open the season, Cincinnati could be in for another slow start — the kind that cost them a playoff spot last year.
