Let’s face it. The Bengal defense has a lot to be desired. A whole lot. At times this season it looked as if offenses had zero obstacles. Just 11 men doing whatever they wanted, however they wanted, when they wanted. Other times the defensive unit showed flashes of a unit that had been at times dominant in recent years.
Mike Hilton has spearheaded a resurgent Bengal defense. There are few players who’s career looked like it went from might-not-happen to solid. Hilton was one of those. After a stellar career at Ole Miss, Hilton bounced from Jacksonville to New England. Never really finding a place in either organization, the Pittsburgh Steelers came calling when the Fayetteville, Georgia, native finally found a permanent home. For four years Hilton was part of a solid Steeler defensive unit that was always in contention.
Cincinnati knew they needed defensive backfield help. The Bengals would come calling on Hilton, signing him to a 4-year, 24 million dollar contract. The deal paid off on both ends for Cincinnati. In Hilton’s first year as a Bengal, he was part of a defense that lead the team to a Super Bowl. Last year in 2023, Hilton had his best season, recording 64 solo tackles along with 20 assists.
In all honesty, 2024 has been an underwhelming year for Hilton and the Bengals squad. Even in the position the team is in at 7-8 the team still has a chance to make the playoffs. They will need to win the final two games and get assistance from other teams. Hilton has stepped up his play on defense as other players have followed suit. The Bengals have won three in a row. The latest victory was a 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns hjere Sunday. Hilton recorded sis tackles in the game against Cleveland. His total for 2024 is 43 solos with 19 assists. Hilton’s current pace would give him his best season yet. If the team is going to make a run, they will need the leadership and playmaking ability of Hilton to do so.
Defensively, veteran Logan Wilson is gone for the season. Sheldon Rankins continues to miss games. Hilton has been there and done that. He’s experienced the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows in Cincinnati. The script is not finished for the 9-year veteran. Hilton’s future in stripes may yet to be determined. One thing is for sure. The former Ole Miss Rebel would be hard to replace. It may be a road Cincinnati may not want to go down.
Feature Image: Mike Hilton, #21, of the Bengals tackles the Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, #17, in the Cincinnati-Cleveland game here Sunday. Photo by Michael Mitchell.