Experience usually trumps inexperience in the NFL. So when half of a defensive backfield is comprised of rookies against a competent 45-year old quarterback, that can lead to trouble.
It did for the Cincinnati Bengals, until it didn’t.
Injuries have forced the hands of the now 10-4 Bengals to throw every rookie they have into the fire, and instead of wrecking the ship, the first-year players are keeping it afloat. That’s the sign of good coaching, and even better evaluation from the personnel department.
Everyone within the Bengals’ organization got to see all their youngins perform in Sunday’s come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.