One Bengals player that could flip Week 8 on its head vs. Jets
Cincinnati has built their defense around speed and disruption off the edge -- traits that have made Trey Hendrickson one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers since arriving years ago.
But with Hendrickson dealing with an injury that’s kept him limited throughout the week, the Bengals might need another name to rise and provide that same level of chaos on Sunday against the Jets.
It's been a struggle for Cincinnati to find any pass rush production outside of Hendrickson. However, one season-long starter has the chance to step up big in Week 8.
Bengals DE Joseph Ossai could wreak havoc on Jets amid QB uncertainty
Enter Joseph Ossai.
Now in his fifth season out of Texas, Ossai has yet to fully meet the expectations that followed him when the Bengals selected him in the third round of the 2021 draft.
Injuries slowed his early development, and while flashes of athleticism have appeared, consistency has remained elusive. Yet through seven games in 2025, the 25-year-old is showing signs of finding his footing -- and potentially turning the corner in his career.
Ossai has totaled 19 pressures so far this fall, including 15 hurries, two quarterback hits, and two sacks. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away, but they tell a story of a player consistently around the football, affecting the quarterback even when he isn’t finishing the play.
His first step remains his calling card -- a quick, coiled explosion that allows him to threaten the outside shoulder of tackles before countering inside with power. Against the Jets, that explosiveness could prove crucial.
New York’s offensive line has shown improvement, but it’s still far from a finished product. Injuries and quarterback inconsistency have caused communication lapses and protection breakdowns all year long -- the kind of situations Ossai can exploit.
Whether it’s Justin Fields or someone else under center, Cincinnati’s ability to collapse the pocket from multiple angles will be key.
If Hendrickson isn’t at full strength, Ossai could see his most extensive workload, and associative expectations of the season. Despite Shemar Stewart eclipsing him on the depth chart, that won't necessarily correlate to a lower snap count, especially if Hendrickson is out.
The Bengals have long valued rotation and depth across their defensive line, but there’s also a clear sense that that this week could be a time Cincinnati looks to Ossai to prove he can be more than a situational rusher.
With his length, motor, and twitch, he has the tools to impact the game in spurts -- and the Jets’ offensive structure, built on timing and quick reads, can be disrupted if Ossai wins early in downs and forces hurried decisions.
For Ossai, Week 8 represents both opportunity and responsibility. With Hendrickson’s status uncertain and the Bengals looking to build consistency on defense, a breakout game from Ossai could tilt the balance.
He’s still young, still learning, and still waiting for that signature per
Shedeur Sanders’ Heartfelt Gesture Brings Browns Nation to Tears: Paying Fan’s Medical Bills and Gifting 5-Year VIP Access
By ESPN Staff Writer | October 26, 2025
CLEVELAND, OH — In a moment that transcends the game itself, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has captured the hearts of fans everywhere after performing one of the most selfless acts seen in professional sports this year.
A lifelong Browns fan, battling a severe illness, had reluctantly sold his season tickets to afford critical medical treatment. The story spread across local Cleveland sports radio and social media, with fans rallying in support. What no one expected was that Sanders himself — the rising star and face of the franchise — would quietly step in to completely change the man’s life.
A Gesture That Redefines Leadership
According to team sources, Sanders not only covered the fan’s full medical expenses but also surprised him with exclusive VIP access to all Browns home games for the next five seasons
When the fan was told of the gesture, eyewitnesses say he broke down in tears, unable to believe that his hero had stepped in to help. “I just wanted to live long enough to see the Browns play again,” he said. “Now I’ll be able to do that — and meet the man who made it possible. Shedeur didn’t just save my health; he gave me back hope.”
Sanders’ Perspective
When asked about the gesture, Sanders kept his comments humble and grounded:
“Football’s what I do — not who I am. If I can use what I’ve been given to lift someone else up, that’s what matters most. Cleveland has given me so much love — it’s only right I return it.”
Those close to Sanders say he learned such values from his family, who always emphasized that “faith, love, and giving back” define true greatness more than any stat sheet.
Community Reaction
The Browns community has responded with overwhelming emotion. Fans flooded social media with messages praising Sanders, calling him “a real leader on and off the field” and “the soul Cleveland has waited for.” Even former players and analysts have chimed in, describing the moment as “a turning point in what sportsmanship should look like.”
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb reportedly reached out personally to thank Sanders for his compassion, while local charities have seen a surge in donations inspired by his example.
More Than Football
Shedeur Sanders’ act of kindness isn’t just about generosity — it’s about the culture he’s helping to build in Cleveland. In an era where headlines often focus on controversy, Sanders’ quiet heroism reminds everyone of what the game can still represent:
As one fan wrote in a viral post:
“We cheer for touchdowns, but today, we’re cheering for humanity. Shedeur Sanders just gave Cleveland something to believe in again.”
At this point, the Browns’ record matters a little less — because Shedeur Sanders just won the game that truly counts.
