D.J. Reader: The Unsung Hero of the Bengals Defense

Background

D.J. Reader is an American football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons with the team. In 2020, Reader signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Bengals.

Contributions to the Bengals

Reader has been a key contributor to the Bengals' success in recent years. He has recorded 108 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks in his four seasons with the team. Reader's impact goes beyond the stat sheet, as he is a disruptive force in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line. He occupies multiple blockers, which allows his teammates to make plays.

Underrated Player

Despite his contributions, Reader is not as well-known as some of his teammates. He is not a flashy player, but he is a consistent and reliable presence on the defensive line. He does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to the Bengals' success.

Impact on the Defense

Reader's presence in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line has made a significant impact on the unit. He has helped to improve the team's run defense and has also put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Reader's ability to disrupt the offense has helped the Bengals to become one of the top defenses in the NFL.

Conclusion

D.J. Reader is an unsung hero of the Bengals defense. He is a consistent and reliable player who does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Reader's impact on the team is undeniable, and he has helped the Bengals to become one of the best defenses in the NFL.