Bengals defenders besides Trey Hendrickson who can extend a long Eagles jinx

The time for celebrating is over. A short memory is a positive trait when it comes to football. The Philadelphia Eagles must clear the memories of Week 7's win over the New York Giants and begin focusing on a trip to Ohio's Queen City.

The Cincinnati Bengals, like Philly, haven't gotten off to the start they had hoped, but do they ever? Perhaps you've heard. Another tough challenge awaits the Birds. The Eagles haven't won a single game in Cincinnati in five opportunities.

Now, there's a lot that goes into that. Unless they lock horns in a Super Bowl, they'll only see each other once every four years. These teams once tied in 2008, and Philly will only travel to Paycor Stadium every eight years. But, make no mistake. This Bengals team can extend this streak.

The Bengals' defense is sometimes porous which sometimes leads to shootouts. That will help the cause. See Cincy's Week 3 game vs. the Washington Commanders. You can also highlight Week 5's battle with a divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens if you seek evidence.

Both of those games resulted in losses, but the Bengals field elite talent on the defensive side of the ball. Many of these guys you've heard of, but they're worth another discussion.

Here are five Bengals looking to limit the production of the Eagles offense.

Lou Anarumo is the defensive coordinator. This is his 13th season as an NFL coach, his sixth with Cincinnati. He's charged with limiting Kellen Moore, Jalen Hurts, and the Eagles' offense. His best player and chess piece is Trey Hendrickson, a three-time Pro Bowler.

Hendrickson appears destined for his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. He leads the Bengals in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (also seven).

Backup Eagles left tackle Fred Johnson must buckle his chin strap. It's going to be a long afternoon, but Mr. Hendrickson has some help. Here are a handful of guys to watch when the Birds are operating on offense.

Germaine Pratt, linebacker

Germaine Pratt, a former third-round selection, has played well above his pedigree since the Bengals added him in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the 72nd player taken, 15 picks after Philly added J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

Pratt leads the Bengals in solo tackles (43) and is tied with Logan Wilson for the team lead in total stops (71). Both must be accounted for all afternoon.

Sheldon Rankins and Kris Jenkins, interior defensive linemen

Sheldon Rankins clogs a lot of holes. A six-foot-two, 305-pound frame will do that for you. By today's standards, he's slightly undersized for a defensive tackle, but you would never notice.

Pro Football Focus gives him a 34.3 tackle grade. He also sports grades of 55.8 and 60.0 as a run defender and pass rusher. Kris Jenkins is a rookie, but PFF gave him the fifth-best grade of all Bengals players in Week 7 (70.7).

Vonn Bell, safety

Vonn Bell has produced the third-highest tackle total of any Bengal through the first seven weeks (38). This is his second stop with the franchise after beginning his career with the New Orleans Saints (2016-2019) and spending the 2023 campaign with the Carolina Panthers.

15 of his 38 tackles have been of the solo variety. He has also forced two fumbles. broken up two passes, and hauled in an interception. Look for him as he'll be patrolling the defensive backfield all afternoon.

Sam Hubbard, defensive end

Sam Hubbard has produced the highest sack total of any Bengals player not named Trey Hendrickson. He has two on the season. He has also tallied one TFL. He'll be lined up versus Lane Johnson for most of the afternoon.

He's also forced a fumble. That means Philly can't be loose with the football when he is in the area.

Final thoughts: Philly hasn't won in Cincinnati in five total trips. The best it's been was an overtime tie in 2008. Remember when Donovan McNabb said he didn't know the overtime rules?

Philly has been outscored 139-71 during the four losses. This is a very winnable game, but the Eagles must avoid the slow starts and missed opportunities if they're going to earn a road win. Otherwise, the jinx will continue and they won't have another opportunity to end it until 2032.