The Cincinnati Bengals have moved on from the mainstays of the last defensive era with the big trade for Dexter Lawrence.
One of those mainstays, though, just caught some major shade from a Bengals great.
Appearing on Pat McAfee’s show after the Lawrence trade, Bengals legend Andrew Whitworth had some critiques about Hendrickson.
“Here’s the reality to Trey Hendrickson,” Whitworth said. “He’s a helluva player. But here’s the truth. He is ranked at the top of the group when it comes to sacks and pressures of the quarterback, no doubt. But let’s go look where he’s ranked in the run game in all those years as well. And it ain’t up at the top.”
Whitworth was trying to make broader comments about how the Bengals went and got Lawrence, rather than pay a pass-rusher like Hendrickson, because they want to attempt to build a more complete defense.
In the process of his chat, he even stressed that the Bengals went to get Lawrence because “you’re talking about all three downs how can we affect it.”
And it’s completely fair. Those around the Baltimore Ravens, after the four-year deal worth up to $112 million, described Hendrickson as a “closer,” which he is.
In five seasons with the Bengals, Hendrickson’s snap counts passed the 70 percent mark once. That’s fine: Having a diverse, deep rotation on the edge is a good thing.
It’s a harsh…but fair situation. The Bengals want to build inside out. They weren’t going to do that with Hendrickson, but they can with arguably the best nose tackle in football with Lawrence.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals great appears with some eye-popping Trey Hendrickson criticism
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
