Wide Receivers
Players to target: AJ Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross
Colts matchup: Kenny Moore; Pierre Desir; Nate Hairston
AJ Green is one of the most prolific receivers in the game, and someone who cannot be ignored when he is on the field. However, other than Green, the Bengals are light at wide receiver. Speedster John Ross struggled in his first season in Cincy after running a 4.22 40-yard dash and being drafted 9th overall by the Bengals in 2017. Unlike Ross, Tyler Boyd burst onto the scene in his rookie season, catching 54 balls on 81 targets. Boyd took a step back in 2017, only catching 22 passes in 10 games.
Green will most likely be shadowed by Kenny Moore or Pierre Desir, due to there size (Green 6″4; Moore 6″0; Desir 6″1) and physicality. However, Ross and Boyd could get attention from any number of players.
This will be a great test for these young corners, who will play a huge role in the defense on Sunday. If the secondary locks down the receivers, or even limits the damage, they could give the pass rush more time to disrupt Dalton in the pocket. Shutting down Ross and Boyd would also put more pressure on the Bengals ground game, which was among the worst in the league in 2017 (31st).