ESPN Lists Bengals' Punting Unit As Biggest Reason They Won't Make Super Bowl

Cincinnati is punting at an elite level using Drue Chrisman's leg.

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks the Bengals punting unit is the team's biggest hang-up for a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Barnwell posted a piece highlighting one weakness for the top-10 Super Bowl contenders and punting was where he landed with Cincinnati, despite the improvements under Drue Chrisman.

"Punting? Yes, there are reasons to be concerned about what Cincinnati has done when booting away the ball," Barnwell wrote. "The Bengals have been below average on special teams this season, but they've particularly struggled with punting, where they've fielded the NFL's fourth-worst unit. Kevin Huber has been the league's second-worst punter in the league by the measures at Puntalytics, with Cincinnati gaining just 37.4 net yards per punt.

"The Bengals added rookie Drue Chrisman to the roster and have had Huber inactive the past couple of weeks, but it's unlikely they would be carrying Huber on the roster if they weren't planning on going back to him at some point. Chrisman is untested in the postseason, and he also lost out to Huber when the two battled for the job in training camp."

Barnwell posted the article on Thursday without that second paragraph on the initial posting.

Chrisman is the main guy now and it's quite the assumption saying Cincinnati wouldn't be "carrying Huber on the roster if they weren't planning on going back to him at some point."

Bengals fans know all too well how patient this team with making roster moves. 

They don't pull triggers until they have to, and at this point, they don't have to make that call until next week.

Chrisman is still on the practice squad and can get called up one more time before he has to take a roster spot next week. At that point, Cincinnati can cut Huber and bring him back to the practice squad. 

Huber should get the spot for his years of service and can be a valuable resource for Chrisman if Cincinnati makes the playoffs.

Barnwell laid out why it makes no sense to go back to Huber's old leg. 

Meanwhile, Chrisman is averaging 52.6 yards per punt over the last two games (second in NFL over the full season), with four of his eight punts getting downed inside the opposing 20-yard line.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Get Your Bengals Tickets From SI Tickets HERE.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Breaking Down Ja'Marr Chase's Injury, Recovery and Probability of Return Against Chiefs

Bengals Players Respond To Justin Reid's Comments

Get Up Panel Agrees Bengals Are Biggest Threats To Chiefs In AFC

Ja'Marr Chase On His Return: 'I Don't Think I Can Be Stopped'

Watch: Ted Karras Gives Weather Forecast Ahead Of Bengals-Chiefs Matchup

Watch: Tee Higgins Mic'd Up For Bengals' Win Over Titans

Bengals Film Breakdown: Tee Higgins Showed He's A Star During Four Game Stretch Without Ja'Marr Chase

Bengals Player Power Rankings Week 13: Two New Faces Make List Following Win over Titans

Walk-Off Thoughts: Bengals Beat Titans in Physical, Playoff Style Rumble in Nashville

Winners and Losers From Cincinnati Bengals' Win Over Tennessee Titans

Ravens Lose To Jaguars, Boost Bengals AFC North Chances

Postgame Observations: Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins Lead Bengals Past Titans 20-16

Watch: Bengals Celebrate in Locker Room Following Win Over Titans

Watch: Joe Burrow Finds Tee Higgins For Go-Ahead Touchdown, Bengals Lead Titans 20-13

No One Should Blame Bengals For Playing It Safe With Ja'Marr Chase

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase Works Out Ahead of Bengals' Matchup With Titans

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our FaceBook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok