Sam Hubbard Addresses Struggles, Key to Bengals' Defense Generating More Pressure

The Bengals only have five sacks in three games and have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill (92) and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) walk to the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' defensive front has struggled so far this season. They couldn't generate any pressure on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on Monday night, which helped the second overall pick post historic numbers.

Sam Hubbard is at the forefront those struggles. He missed most of training camp due to a knee injury, but he isn't using that as an excuse for his performance.

"I don't want to talk about injuries," Hubbard said on Wednesday. "I think I definitely could play better - fixing my mistakes, getting with my coach, getting a rotation going. I think Ced (Cedric Johnson) stepped in and played great. Getting Myles (Murphy) back soon, that's going to be really good for us. It's all about the next play."

Hubbard has 10 tackles and no sacks in three games. He also has a few missed tackles and hasn't generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, despite being on the opposite side of Trey Hendrickson.

The Commanders converted 8-of-9 third or fourth down attempts on Monday night. What's the key to getting more pressure?

"First we've got to stop the run," Hubbard said. "We've got to put ourselves in third and long situations where we get an opportunity to pin our ears back. Once we get that and get a lead then we get to tee off. That's the formula for rushing the passer."

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