Ted Karras called Trey Hendrickson "The Closer," after he unloaded on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a game-ending sack that all but ran out the clock in Sunday's stunning win at Paycor Stadium.
But on the 50th anniversary of the movie, we're going with "Jaws," because Hendrickson plays like a relentless shark who can smell blood in the water. According to Elias, since he joined the Bengals in 2021, his 25.5 fourth-quarter sacks lead the league.
"Basically, a walk-off sack to end the game when you need him the most. That's when he shows up. you need that from your big-time players," said new Bengals linebacker Oren Burks, who should know as a starter in the last two Super Bowls.
The fin is above the water, he's circling, and he's sniffing for blood.
He's had at least half-a-sack in five straight games dating back to last season, his 37 sacks since 2023 Opening Day are 5.5 clear of his next pursuer, and Pro Football Focus has him with the early-season league lead with 14 pressures.
You may not need a bigger boat, but you're certainly going to need more blockers.
An eight-year vet, Burks is getting his first look at Hendrickson and the man is as advertised.
"You don't get 17.5 sacks two years in a row by accident. I can see why he does," Burks said after Wednesday's practice. "I think it's because the way he handles everything as a pro. The way he takes care of his body. He watches what he eats. His nutrition is phenomenal. I think it's the mentality he has. You can tell he's particular about the small things. Small things are what win you games in the long run."
Hendrickson is certainly chewing through some historical numbers. That sack of Lawrence is his 59th as a Bengal, tying him with the late great Ross Browner for fifth on the club's sack list. Up next, Hizzoner himself, two-time Bengals Super Bowl linebacker Reggie Williams, has 62.5. Then the Big Three of Geno Atkins (75.5), Carlos Dunlap (82.5), and Eddie Edwards (83.5) loom.
"When you look at our interceptions this year, the pressure has been usually coming from Trey," said safety Geno Stone, who says the NFL sack champion hasn't missed a step from last season. "QBs have to get it out. We're starting to get in sync with rush and coverage. We're getting enough time, and he's getting there for us."
Last Sunday, both interceptions came as a result of Hendrickson barging into the pocket to pressure Lawrence. In the opener in Cleveland, he was bending the edge as Joe Flacco uncorked the killer pick with 90 seconds left.
Cue the haunting, relentless Jaws theme.
"Game-changer," Stone said.
DAY ONE
The Bengals gathered for the first time Wednesday to practice with quarterback Joe Burrow on injured reserve and it's there, but the 2-0 record and Browning's track record also has them upbeat.
"Obviously, it's tough when you lose QB1," said left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who says he won't change his approach to being a captain with Burrow out. "I just hold myself to a high standard.
"We've got confidence in Jake, what he can do. I've been a part of some really big wins Jake has had here. I mean, I think everybody is excited. We've got so much football in front of us. A lot of guys in this locker room love football. To me, it's another opportunity to play for Cincinnati on national TV. I feel that way no matter who is or isn't out there with me."
Burks, who has also been around, is set to make a run even though "a big piece of our team is missing. But we're off to a good start at 2-0 and (Browning) is a good quarterback. He can lead the ship."
A BETTER BROWNING
That's what Browning says. He's better than the guy who completed 70.6% of his first seven NFL starts that coincided with the last two months of the 2023 season. Plus, he says he's taking the ball at a better time in the season.
"I feel like I'm a year-and-a-half better than I was then," Browning said. "I had no idea what it all was going to feel like, or I kind of had to make some adjustments on the fly.
It's a little bit different getting thrown in Week 3 versus Week 11. I'm a little bit closer to when I was last live as opposed to getting thrown in Week 11, where you are three or four months since I'd been in a real football game."
Browning insists he had a good '24, even though he didn't throw a pass and took five snaps.
"Last year, I didn't take a meaningful snap. I had a good year as far as just watching my film in practice and stuff like that. I feel like I made some improvements that I needed to," Browning said.
PLENTY OF HELP
Burrow has the experience of Browning to bounce off him as his No. 2, and Browning has plenty of faith in new backup quarterback Brett Rypien, who got here the last week in August after the Vikings cut him.
Rypien not only has four NFL starts with the Broncos and Vikings, he has a history with Browning. They've known each other for more than ten years since they were both prolific West Coast high school quarterbacks. When Browning took his recruiting visit to Washington, where he ended up playing, so did Rypien. When Rypien visited Boise State, where he ended up playing, so did Browning.
"I think it's taken for granted: Quarterbacks that have been around for a long time and a lot of different systems and just seen a lot of different football. So, I think he provides a lot of value there," Browning said. "He's been around. We did draft prep together. He spent some time in Minnesota last year. He's seen a lot of quarterbacks and he's super smart, so very fortunate to have him. It's just a calm presence on the sideline. I even felt that on Sunday."
SLANTS AND SCREENS
Bengals rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (ankle) is the only player who didn't practice Wednesday. Two starting defenders were limited: Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) and linebacker Logan Wilson (ankle). Rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild (shoulder) went full …
No, Browning doesn't have a favorite throw from Sunday that he's replaying over and over: "Not off the top of my head. Feels like two years ago." …
New practice squad quarterback Mike White is finally a Bengal four years after he stunned them on a New York Halloween Sunday as a Jets rookie. He hit 82% of his 45 passes for 405 yards as he rallied the Jets back from a 31-20 deficit with 7:29 left.
And he says Wednesday's not the first time somebody brought it up.
"All the time," White said. "That game was just so crazy, it gets brought up all the time. So many crazy plays."
The Bengals starting tight end that day, C.J. Uzomah, signed with the Jets the next offseason and became one of White's best friends. They're still in contact as Uzomah waits for a call a year after winning a ring with the Eagles.
"Any chance I got," White said, "I told him, 'Don't let this get to, 'I'm undefeated against you." …
White, 30, is on his fourth team, has four-year-old twins, and is happy he's gone to a team that is recognizable for his son.
"It's been a grind teaching my son the teams to root for because he loves the Bills," said White, cut by Buffalo at the end of this past training camp. "Now I'm lucky to come to a team with a Bengals, Tigers logo. It's very easy to get a four-year-old boy to go there. He's fired up. He won't call them the Bengals. It's the Tigers. But we're working towards that." ….
