The Bengals could start five rookies on Thursday Night Football in Cincinnati.
A recent play involving rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter highlighted the team's inexperience. During a game at Lambeau Field, the Packers scored a 14-yard touchdown after Knight and Carter failed to cover the middle gap.
“We’ve got to play it better,” Carter said. “When we got to the sideline, we were mad about that play. It’s a play we’ve repped in practice before. It wasn’t a new play for us.”
The Bengals are relying on young players, which will inevitably lead to mistakes. In contrast, last year's defense featured starters like Vonn Bell, Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, and Mike Hilton.
Author's summary: Bengals' youth movement brings mistakes.