Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals: George Illoka Will Shine Under the Bright Lights

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

George Iloka will prove the Bengals made the right decision deciding between him and Reggie Nelson.

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So far this year, you have mainly heard George Iloka’s name for bad penalty calls and dropped interceptions. I don’t mean to say that Iloka is the reason the Bengals are 1-2 and struggling, but at times he hasn’t helped the cause…. This week though, things will be different.

With Reggie Nelson gone, Iloka is now the most experienced safety for the Bengals. Well known for big time hits, a tendency to make a play on the ball, and obviously a bright career ahead it was easy to see why the Bengals wanted to make sure no one got their chance to sign him away from the Franchise. But, it is time he steps up, and it’s not like he needs anyone to tell him that.

This is a team without an identity. We are waiting for the big bounce back and Iloka has to be one of the players to initiate just that. He knows his dropped interception against the Steelers really could have made an impact in the game, he doesn’t need us to tell him that. We just want George to be the terror he has been since he got his chance to be a starter for this team.

This Thursday, all eyes are on the Bengals in their super sweet Color Rush Uniforms by Nike. The Miami Dolphins, who come off a game in which they put up 30 points on the dreadful Cleveland Browns, with a solid young core of wide receivers will go up against this Bengals defense. The Bengals will need to look to someone in the secondary to make some plays and make sure the corners aren’t on an island. That’s where George Iloka will be there to shine.