The Cincinnati Bengals came into the season as a potential Super Bowl contender with a number of explosive and talented weapons on offense. However, they did not show up in their season opener, and perhaps the worst player on their offense Sunday was star wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Higgins is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has been one of the best No. 2 receivers in all of football. But his performance on Sunday was not indicative of that whatsoever…
The entire Bengals offense struggled mightily, only putting together 142 yards of total offense. Higgins did not take part in any of those yards for the Bengals, as he was held to zero receptions despite getting eight targets from Joe Burrow.
Tee Higgins today:
8 targets
0 receptions
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 10, 2023
Considering his role on what was supposed to be an elite Bengals offense, many fans were extremely disappointed by his play in this game.
How many catches did Tee Higgins have today?: https://t.co/uUmwUmhOaL pic.twitter.com/EFiPtC0UWA
— Dave, (@DWil__15) September 10, 2023
Tee Higgins with the most brutal stat line for Week 1:
Eight targets, 0/0 receiving
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) September 10, 2023
Tee Higgins getting me points for fantasy rn pic.twitter.com/iSIkTff6Z9
— Furb (@J_Andres57) September 10, 2023
Tee Higgins reportedly MISSING.
If found please direct him to First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.
Prayers he’s found 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/cNRjtica5f
— Washington D.C. Worms 🪱 (@WDCworms) September 10, 2023
I thought I’d be able to get 1 fantasy point between Tee Higgins and Dallas Goedert.
— 𝙳𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚍𝚍 (@BayAreaGringo) September 10, 2023
There is one outside factor for Higgins that could have directly led to his poor play, his unsteady contract situation with the Bengals.
The team notably decided to sign star quarterback Joe Burrow to the largest contract extension in NFL history this week. And reports have emerged that this could mean that Higgins may not get the deal he wants with the team.
According to Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals and Higgins are “not close” on a potential contract extension.
Obviously it is pure speculation to say that this is the sole reason why Higgins played poorly. But it is at least worth monitoring his play for the rest of the season to see if he picks up his play without a long-term contract.
