Football
According to Bengals overtime, “He Was Ready For the Moment” Devin Cochran’s Uncomfortable Start to His First Career
This article highlights an impressive and unexpected performance by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Devin Cochran, who stepped into a challenging situation and delivered in his first career NFL start. Here are the key takeaways:
- Unexpected Start:
Cochran was forced into the starting lineup just hours before kickoff when Cody Ford, scheduled to replace the injured Orlando Brown Jr., fell ill. Despite the abrupt change, Cochran ultimately held his own. - Rough Start, Strong Finish:
Cochran struggled early, giving up two pressures that included a sack leading to a Joe Burrow interception. However, he settled in quickly, allowing only two more pressures for the rest of the game. His improvement enabled Burrow to excel, completing 26 of 37 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in the Bengals’ 37-27 win over the Tennessee Titans. - Preparation and Mental Fortitude:
Cochran credited his readiness to offensive line coach Frank Pollack’s unpredictable preseason rotations, which kept him on edge and ready for sudden opportunities. He also cited his practice reps against Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson as invaluable preparation for Tennessee’s Arden Key. - Calming Down Under Pressure:
Cochran described the mental challenge of stepping into the game, acknowledging early nerves but emphasizing how adjustments helped him “calm down” and play to his strengths. This mindset shift proved critical for his performance. - Praise from Coaches and Teammates:
- Joe Burrow acknowledged Cochran’s early struggles but praised him for settling in and playing “great” the rest of the way.
- Head coach Zac Taylor lauded Cochran’s preparation and poise, noting how teammates and coaches trusted him to deliver when called upon. Taylor emphasized that Cochran’s practice habits and approach made his sudden inclusion feel manageable rather than concerning.
- Career Development:
Cochran, an undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech in 2022, had played just one offensive snap in his NFL career before Sunday. His ability to step up on short notice against a top-tier Tennessee defense is a testament to his development and readiness.
In summary, Devin Cochran’s performance is a prime example of a backup seizing the moment through preparation, mental toughness, and in-game adjustments. His strong showing not only benefited the Bengals on Sunday but also solidified trust from coaches and teammates, proving his value as a reliable depth piece for Cincinnati’s offensive line.
