As the Bengals prep for Week 15 against Baltimore, the conversation inevitably shifts toward the middle of their defense and the two rookies who have been thrust into outsized roles: Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
While both linebackers arrived with clear athletic upside -- Knight from South Carolina and Carter from Clemson -- questions remain towards the immediate future for both players despite the Bengals investing real capital in the duo.
The challenge now is that “eventually” has arrived far earlier than initially projected, and their performance this week could determine whether Cincinnati can repeat its formula from the first meeting.