When Sheldon Rankins joined the Cincinnati Bengals in March as a free agent, he had high expectations, and nothing he has seen since has caused him to want to lower them. In fact, he feels even more confident about the organization now.
“Super Bowl or bust”
“I believe we’re very strong,” Russells declared following some on-field training with the group. “Even just observing the folks outside. the manner in which they are moving. We have a lot of talent in our room, and I’m really excited about what we can do. Super Bowl victory or failure? That played a role in my decision to come here.
“Once you get here, you can feel it in the building,” he stated. “The manner in which individuals behave and speak. The manner in which individuals handle you. Excellent in every aspect. Everything is all up for the New Orleans performance in February.”
Rankins, 30, committed to a two-year, $26 million contract with Cincinnati, and he intends to demonstrate that the team made the right choice.
“I comprehend the essence of the enterprise,” remarked Rankins. When you sign a guy, pay a guy, and receive the type of money I was lucky enough to receive from them, I know what they expect of me, and it’s not nearly as much as what I hold myself to. I want to be one of their top players.”
Regarding his position, Rankins sees himself as a Bengals defensive lineman who can play on three downs.
“I have zero doubt in myself to be a dominant three-down guy.,” he stated. “Go play against the run, and on third down, use your pass-rush skills to earn money.” I have complete confidence in my abilities at this stage of my career.”
Rankins seems driven and self-assured as he starts his first season in Cincinnati. That mix works well.
