Kris Jenkins Has Earned Larger Role For Bengals' Defense

Cincinnati Bengals rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. was a difference maker in Sunday's Week 16 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Jenkins was unblockable, recording two sacks. He's starting to play like a rising star for Cincinnati's struggling defensive front.

Jenkins hit Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller with a terrific spin move on his first sack. Jenkins initially showcased lateral agility to the outside before spinning back inside en route to Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The former Michigan standout was relentless.

On his second sack, Jenkins lined up opposite veteran left guard Joel Bitonio. Jenkins bull-rushed Bitonio right into Thompson-Robinson's lap. He does a terrific job disengaging just as the quarterback attempts to maneuver a collapsing pocket.

Even more impressive is that Jenkins fought through an illness on Sunday while enjoying his two-sack performance. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor revealed that Jenkins was battling sickness during his postgame locker room speech, calling it a “Flu game.”

Jenkins helped the Bengals put forth an outstanding defensive effort. They sacked Thompson-Robinson on five occasions. Starting defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai pitched in with a sack each. Kevin Stefanski's offense was limited to 273 total net yards.

Jenkins did not enter the season as a big-time contributor to Lou Anarumo's defense. The rookie second-round selection made his professional debut in Week 3, playing just 25 defensive snaps. Week 5 represented the first time Jenkins played more than 50% of Anarumo's available snap count.

Jenkins has become a staple of the Bengals' defense in recent outings. He's totaled 153 snaps in the previous four contests. The Bengals have compiled a record of 3-1 throughout that stretch, keeping their postseason dreams alive.

Jenkins is replacing Sheldon Rankins in the lineup. Rankins has missed five consecutive contests due to illness. Cincinnati’s defense has arguably improved. They’ve struggled to replace offseason departure DJ Reader at times this year, but the rookie from Michigan is currently showcasing long-term potential.

Even after Sunday's triumph, the Bengals are allowing a 21st-ranked 128.3 rushing yards per contest. The passing defense is even worse, forfeiting a 26th-best 231.6 air yards per week. Anarumo's unit is also a bottom-five scoring defense (26.2/game).

Getting consistent pass-rushing results from the interior has been a recurring issue. Heading into Sunday, they had a 22nd-ranked pass-rush win rate (PRWR) at just 38%, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Jenkins is now tied with Hill for the team lead in sacks among interior defenders with 3.0. Hendrickson (13.5 sacks) hasn't had much help this season.

The aging B.J. Hill is on an expiring contract and the Bengals may not re-sign him. Rankins projects as a likely offseason cap casualty, with the Bengals saving nearly $10 million by releasing him. Jenkins may be the face of Cincinnati's defensive tackle room next season.

Sunday's showing indicated Jenkins is improving as the season progresses. He needs to be a near-every-down defensive lineman for Anarumo down the stretch. Jenkins is providing an in-flux defense with some much-needed solutions.