Jacksonville Jaguars must keep these 5 Bengals in check

These two Bengals defenders could give the Jacksonville Jaguars a headache.

1. Jessie Bates, safety

Jessie Bates III is one of the best safeties in the NFL and is still puzzling that the Bengals haven’t given him a contract extension. However, he is off to a slow start in 2021. In three games, he’s logged 22 total tackles and one tackle for a loss and has a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 75.6. On the other hand, he’s allowed nine passes on nine targets and hasn’t registered a pass defensed or an interception.

Bates has been limited in practice this week, so there’s a chance he won’t suit up Thursday. His absence would be a blow to the Bengals’ secondary. Conversely, his presence in the lineup could make it difficult for the Jags to throw the ball, even if he hasn’t been as good as he was last season.

Update: Ben Baby of ESPN reported that Jessie Bates has been ruled out for Week 4.

2. Logan Wilson, linebacker

The Bengals have a stout front seven, and linebacker Logan Wilson has established himself as the leader of the unit in just his second year. The 2020 third-round pick has snagged three interceptions in as many games. Also, he’s logged 30 total tackles and three passes defensed.

Wilson is one of the reasons why Cincy has a top 10 defense. He currently has a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.7 and it’s possible that if he played in a bigger market, he would get the spotlight. If he keeps playing the way he has this season, it won’t take him much to get noticed by the national media.