Dec 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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Trey Hendrickson’s case for Defensive Player of the Year: Bengals’ unstoppable force in 2024

Trey Hendrickson's standout 2024 DPoY campaign

Trey Hendrickson is making a compelling case for Defensive Player of the Year (DPoY). His numbers speak volumes about his impact on the Bengals’ defense this season.

Hendrickson’s standout stats this season

As of Week 17, Hendrickson ranks among the NFL’s best defenders:

Sacks: 13.5 (1st in the league)
Quarterback Hits: 29 (2nd)
Pressures: 3rd
Quarterback Hurries: 5th
Percentage of Team’s Total Sacks: 1st

In 15 games, he has also recorded:

38 total tackles (28 solo)
15 tackles for loss (TFL)
2 forced fumbles (FF)
5 pass defenses

These numbers reflect his dominance and importance to the Bengals’ defensive unit.

Hendrickson’s rise to stardom

Hendrickson began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints after being drafted in the third round in 2017. During his time in New Orleans, he developed under veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan, who played a pivotal role in shaping Hendrickson’s approach to the game.

Starting of STRONG with the NFL sack leader… RT for a chance to win some Trey signed gloves!!! #ProBowlVote + Trey Hendrickson pic.twitter.com/7e6V7DgjmN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 23, 2024

“He was crucial to my development as a football player… and I’m forever grateful for a leader, a mentor and a friend like Cam Jordan,” Hendrickson shared in a recent interview. “He’s a good man, and God bless him because through that I was able to sharpen myself and take the things that I learned from him and make it my own in my own way.”

Hendrickson broke out in 2020 with 13.5 sacks for the Saints, matching his current season total. His performance earned him a four-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals, where he has continued to thrive. Last offseason, he secured an extension to remain in Cincinnati through 2025.

Cam Jordan and Trey Hendrickson’s bond

Hendrickson and Jordan share a strong connection forged during their years together with the Saints. The camaraderie was evident when Jordan responded to Hendrickson’s recent success, tweeting: “Henny-thing is possible was always gon be HIM!! Me, Davenport, and him used to go after each other daily at practice! My bro’s!!!”

Jordan has remained a stalwart for the Saints, despite the team’s struggles. Now in his 14th year, Jordan continues to provide leadership, even as the Saints face challenges.

The DPoY conversation

Hendrickson’s performance places him firmly in the DPoY discussion, alongside names like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett. Watt currently leads the betting odds for the award, but Hendrickson’s production and consistency make him a worthy contender.

The current betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook paint a clear picture of the DPoY race:

T.J. Watt: -220 (favorite)
Patrick Surtain: +380
Nik Bonitto: +1800
Will Anderson Jr.: +2500
Trey Hendrickson: +3000
Myles Garrett: +3300

Hendrickson is tied with several others but trails far behind T.J. Watt, who remains the heavy favorite. Even Myles Garrett, who was a top-three candidate just weeks ago, has seen his odds drop significantly.

Image: Imagn

Trey Hendrickson

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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