Facing the Bengals twice a season should be something Hendrickson loves.
Hendrickson became available in free agency because he and the Bengals couldn’t agree to terms on another long-term deal. The contract impasse between them lasted for months, and it led to Hendrickson leaving Cincinnati for an AFC North rival.
Players are usually stoked to face their former teams, and that should hold true for Hendrickson. When the Ravens and Bengals meet, the stakes are usually high. The key to shutting down Cincinnati’s offense starts with pressuring quarterback Joe Burrow. When next year’s schedule is released, expect Hendrickson to quickly check out the dates when Baltimore will tangle with the Bengals.
Hendrickson should also be motivated to show he’s got plenty left in the tank at age 31, and that he’s better defending against the run than generally given credit for. Indianapolis, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Washington all reportedly had interest in Hendrickson. He chose the Ravens and wants to make them happy with that decision.