Ted karras is the leader the bengals needed
Anyone who watched the NFL last season saw how abysmal the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line was. Joe Burrow was sacked a total of 70 teams last season, with nine in the divisional round against the Titans, and seven against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl.
Somehow the Bengals managed to have a magical season, and playoff run with one of the worst offensive lines in NFL history.
Owner Mike Brown saw this and took it seriously by signing center Ted Karras, right guard Alex Kappa, right tackle La’el Collins, and drafting left guard Cordell Volson. While the line still struggled in the early stages of the 2022 season, they seem to have finally found their stride, and Ted Karras has been leading the way.
Besides being an above average blocker, Karras has shown his leadership skills time and time again. After gaining their first win in New York against the Jets this season, Karras was very vocal in the locker room. He has a type of glow around him that allows him to lead the team in ways many Bengals fans have never seen before.
Karras was mic’d up for the week four matchup against the Dolphins, and his leadership once again rang out. After every play he was pushing the tempo of the entire offense, talking to the players, and encouraging the team. One thing that really sticks out from this clip is the way he talks to Volson after a series of plays.
Volson being a rookie and being thrust into the starting role right away is undoubtedly facing tons of pressure, but Karras is there to help him improve, as well as build his confidence.
Last season C.J. Uzomah was there to spark some energy in the locker room, which could be the reason this team went on that run. However, he is no longer with the Bengals. This team needed someone to step up and be a true leader for this team, and Karras has shown to be that guy so far in this young season.
Cincinnati fans and players are expecting to get back to where they were last season, but that doesn’t happen without a revamped offensive line, and a true leader. Karras is playing a part in both of these key elements.
Karras has done his part in protecting Burrow, now it’s time to see him spark something with this team. Up until now Karras has spent his entire career in New England, he knows what it takes to win. If the Bengals are going to be playing for another Super Bowl, then Karras needs to continue playing with this type of leadership.