Tuesday Trenches: Who is poised for a breakout year?

Here are a few Bengals players who could be in for a breakout season.

Minicamp is over, and training camp hasn’t yet begun. You know what that means!

That’s right.

There is absolutely nothing going on.

So, I’m going to take a look into my crystal ball (that definitely didn’t tell me 2024 would be Ted Karras’ last season in Cincinnati) and see what players on the roster could be looking down the barrel of a breakout season.

Trenton Irwin, WR

There are more athletic wide receivers on the roster that could fill the void Tyler Boyd left, but they haven’t produced like Irwin has. Irwin has come up big in huge situations over and over again when called upon.

The Bengals selected Jermaine Burton in the third round and may see him as Tee Higgins’ eventual replacement, but they need someone to replace or outdo Boyd’s production now. Irwin knows the offense, and Burrow knows and trusts Irwin.

Prediction: 50 receptions, 600 yards, four TDs

Myles Murphy, DE

A breakout season for Murphy won’t look like one from a guy from a different position. The Bengals have some serious talent on the edge, including Trey Hendrickson, who is coming off a career season. Opposite of him is Sam Hubbard, who just does everything well. Murphy isn’t going to be on the field all the time.

But, in obvious passing situations, I expect Murphy to be opposite Hendrickson, and I expect him to make some noise. Murphy is an elite physical specimen who just needs the pass-rushing tools to be successful at the next level. With the added juice in the middle of the line from the addition of Sheldon Rankins, Murphy could be in for a big year, especially if opposing offenses leave help on Hendrickson’s side.

Prediction: 35 tackles, eight sacks

Chase Brown, HB

Once Brown got a shot near the end of his rookie season, he showed he’s got what it takes to produce at the NFL level. Now, the Joe Mixon era is over in Cincinnati, and there’s a full-on committee ready to take over.

Somebody has to lead it, though, and that somebody might as well be Brown. They signed Zack Moss in free agency to fill out the room, but I expect Brown to be the guy the Bengals look to when they want to move the ball. I don’t think he’s going to drastically outcarry everyone, but I could see him being the most productive back on the roster.

Prediction: 108 attempts, 525 yards, 5 TD/55 receptions, 375 yards, 3 TD

DJ Turner/Dax Hill, CB

Who is it going to be?

I expect DJ Turner, who has played the position in the NFL, to start opposite of Cam Taylor-Britt, but it should be noted that Hill was taking some first-team snaps during minicamp. Of course, that could mean absolutely nothing, but we know the guy is a pure athlete. Then again, so is Turner.

Somebody has got to step up big, and it’s most likely to be one of these two guys.

Prediction: 35 tackles, 3 Int, 4 PBU

Joseph Ossai, DE

Maybe it’ll happen. Maybe it won’t.

Hopefully, it does.

Other Stuff:

• I asked last week about Season 2 of Quarterback. There’s not a Season 2 of Netflix’s Quarterback. Instead, it’s going to be titled Receiver. It will feature Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. So yeah.
• Kevin and I got into a major debate on Three and Out last week about who should be on the team’s Mount Rushmore. I argue it should be Paul Brown, Anthony Muñoz, Ken Riley, and Ken Anderson. Nothing exciting or flashy, and everybody under the age of 30 is disappointed, but, to me, there’s no other answer. One is the team’s founder and one of the most influential minds in football history. Two are the team’s only members in the Hall of Fame. And the last one is the QB with the most passing yards in team history, who went to a Super Bowl, and won MVP. Those four may be the boring choice, but I believe they’re the only four that make sense, at least to me.
• If you want to take Paul Brown out, for technical reasons (like a players-only list), who takes his place? Chad? Someone else? Who?
• I figure, by the time Joe Burrow calls it quits, his face will usurp Anderson’s.
• If you’re able, try to get to Jungle Jam. It’s going to be awesome!

• Which division opponent are you most looking forward to facing in 2024? For me, it’s the Browns. I want a clean sweep so badly.
• What about a non-North AFC Conference opponent? For me, it’s the Chiefs.
• How about an NFC opponent? For me, it’s the Eagles at home or the Cowboys in Jerry World. Iron sharpens iron and defeating either would be nice. What about you?

Relevant Song Lyrics:

Peel me off this Velcro seat
And get me moving
Sure as hell can’t do it by myself
I’m feeling like a dog in heat
Barred indoors from the summer street
I locked the door to my own cell
and I lost the key