Bengals DT Sheldon Rankins ready to go for 2024 season: 'It's here now'

CINCINNATI — Sheldon Rankins is the main man in the middle of the Bengals’ defense as the 2024 season is set to begin this weekend.

Rankins is eager to get out there with his teammates and get to the “real” action of the campaign.

“I understand it’s real now, we had a good training camp, we were able to accomplish some good things throughout the preseason,” Rankins said of DL coach Marion Hobby’s message to his team. “Getting guys to get a lot of reps and a lot of things in a lot of spots to help our versatility, to help us get out there and have the best group we can when we play real ball, but it’s real now.”

“Everything matters, every detail, every action, and understanding that the sense of urgency has to increase, you know, in the preseason, you know you feel like you have time. You know the season is not here yet, but now it is here. So, as the urgency has to increase, and we understand that we can’t start slow, we have to hit full throttle from the get-go, and we intend to do that.”

Getting that run defense working at full capacity is a priority for Cincinnati this season after allowing 126.2 rushing yards per game (26th in the NFL).

That and a little more interior pass rush are two big ways Rankins can make an immediate impact in the Queen City.

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