As the Cincinnati Bengals continue their push through the 2023 NFL season, the spotlight intensifies on one of the team’s standout performers, Tee Higgins. The wide receiver's contributions on the field have been crucial to the team's success, as evidenced by the stark difference in their record with and without him. The Bengals have secured a 6-4 record when Higgins is on the field, compared to a dismal 1-4 when he has been absent.
Higgins, struggling with knee and ankle injuries, is questionable for the pivotal Week 17 faceoff against the Denver Broncos. This game is shaping up to be a defining moment in the Bengals’ quest for playoff contention. Their hopes hinge not only on winning their remaining games but also on the Broncos losing and both the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts dropping at least one of their final matchups.
The absence of Higgins in five games this season has been acutely felt by the Bengals. Yet, when on the field, Higgins has been nothing short of electrifying. He has matched his career-high season total for touchdown catches, underscoring his value as a primary offensive weapon. Averaging 72.7 receiving yards per game, Higgins is enjoying his second most productive season in this metric, an indication of his sustained performance level despite injuries.
A Critical Season
In his last six games, Higgins has found the end zone five times, a testament to his knack for scoring and his connection with quarterback Joe Burrow. The duo's chemistry is clear, and Burrow's skills have been pivotal in keeping Cincinnati’s playoff dreams alive amid the swirling uncertainties. The quarterback’s leadership and ability to execute under pressure have marked him as a potential candidate for the Bengals' Most Valuable Player this season.
Higgins’ journey through this season has been marred by various injuries, including a quad injury acquired in Week 11 that has limited his practice participation. Even so, his significant contribution in the Week 16 victory over the Cleveland Browns offers hope that he can overcome his current physical setbacks in time for the high-stakes matchup against Denver.
Looking Forward
Beyond individual performances, Cincinnati’s prospects also hinge on the efforts of their other skill players. Ja'Marr Chase stands out, with a potential to join the elite ranks as only the 13th receiver in NFL history to achieve the "triple crown," a distinction that would signify his exceptional all-around performance in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
The Bengals now face the arduous task of clinching a playoff spot with everything to play for in the final weeks of the season. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Coach Zac Taylor and his team. Ensuring Tee Higgins is fit and ready could very well be the key to unlocking the Bengals’ path to postseason play.
As Week 17 looms, the Bengals' fate remains uncertain. The outcome of their season appears to hang in the balance of Tee Higgins' ability to overcome his injuries and return to the field. His presence could shift the momentum in Cincinnati's favor as they battle for a playoff berth against the Broncos and beyond.