One can’t get far without during this Cincinnati Bengals training camp without hearing the name Chidobe Awuzie.
Awuzie, coming off a down year in Dallas on a historically bad defense that made a ton of changes this offseason, signed a ho-hum deal to be the second corner opposite Trae Waynes.
But sometimes it’s hard not to think of him as the No. 1 corner based on his play.
Awuzie has been that good in coverage, whether it’s locked up on a Ja’Marr Chase or somebody else. He’s quietly been one of the big reasons the passing game just hasn’t been able to get going.
And he has some interesting thoughts now that he’s starting to get some attention.
“That’s my No. 1 goal is to earn respect, especially from my teammates first off and going forward across the league,” Awuzie said, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “It’s definitely my goal to earn respect from them, so I guess you’d have to ask them for that. I’m just trying to do my best every day, learn from the guys and keep things lively.”
A former second-round pick, Awuzie had to settle for a prove-it deal in free agency after four years in Dallas. But it’s really hard to throw too much stock into last year’s bad season over just eight games.
Given the level of competition he’s facing with how strong the offense’s cast of wideouts is, Awuzie’s performance has been nothing short of encouraging. If he can stay healthy (he’s missed 15 games over four years), the Bengals might have a steal of free agency they can then start thinking about extending.
