Intense competition unfolds among Bengals' cornerbacks, as numerous players vie for elite starting roles
Cincinnati Bengals' Cornerback Positions Heating Up Ahead of 2025 Season
The Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback position is shaping up to be one of the most competitive areas during training camp, as several players are vying for starting spots in the 2025 season.
Josh Newton, who made six starts in the 2024 season following an injury to Turner, is one of the key contenders. Newton has been making a strong push for the starting slot cornerback spot, with his intensity, tackling ability, and physicality in coverage on full display during training camp.
Dax Hill, who moved from safety to cornerback in 2024 and impressed before tearing his ACL in Week 5, is another top contender. Hill is a candidate to start at outside cornerback or in the slot in 2025 and is the Bengals' most versatile defensive back.
Cam Taylor-Britt, who has been a starter since mid-2022, remains a crucial figure in the secondary. He is getting a fresh start with new defensive coordinator Al Golden in 2025.
DJ Ivey, a regular third-down defender in the 2024 season, is also getting opportunities to develop as a true outside cornerback with the first-team defense. Ivey has been impressing with regular reps with the first-team defense, making him a contender for playing time as well.
The top contenders for the starting cornerback positions in the 2025 season are Hill (starting slot cornerback), Taylor-Britt, and Turner II as starters at outside cornerback spots. Josh Newton is a key backup for the slot corner position.
Coach Zac Taylor has warned against reading too much into the rotation of players with the first-team unit at this stage. However, Newton has been consistently running with the first-team defense, which bodes well for his chances.
The competition for the Bengals' cornerback spots is intense, with Hill emphasizing the importance of knowing the offense and matchups at cornerback. Newton, on the other hand, is confident about the team's potential, stating, "We have the biggest question mark. It's an honor to have that question mark because we have a pencil ready to answer it."
Coach Taylor is excited about Ivey's growth and ascension on defense and special teams. Ivey is praised for his size at the cornerback position, and his impressive performances in camp have earned him recognition as a contender for playing time.
Turner, meanwhile, is focusing on making more plays on the ball when quarterbacks challenge him down the field, following a strong performance last Thursday where he recorded five pass breakups, including against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Bengals' cornerback position is a hot topic, with several players fighting for starting spots. The team's first official depth chart lists Dax Hill as the starting slot corner, with Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II as the other starting cornerbacks, while Josh Newton backs up Hill in the slot. DJ Ivey has impressed in camp but is not currently listed as a starter.
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- The competition in the Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback positions for the 2025 season is not limited to American football, as cricket enthusiasts might also be drawn to the captivating battle for starting spots, given the intensity and skill on display.
- The upcoming football season, whether it's NFL or any other league, will witness a fascinating showdown between sports tactics and strategies, as the Bengals' cornerbacks test their defense against various offense formations, like the one-on-one coverage strategy used by Dax Hill to impress before his ACL tear in 2024.
- Beyond the gridiron, the fierce competition and determination shown by the Cincinnati Bengals' cornerbacks serve as inspiration for athletes across all sports, encouraging the spirit of resilience and determination that defines athletes, whether they're tackling in American football or diving for a catch in cricket.
