Cincinnati Bengals must now rely on Dre Kirkpatrick

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (21) reacts during the second half of the 2012 BCS National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is now going to be counted on heavily to help Cincinnati overcome the loss of Leon Hall, who at the time of his injury, was playing like the best cornerback in all of football. No one player will ever replace the impact he was having, but a group effort by the Bengals can help them overcome his loss in the same way the team was forced to in 2011 when he suffered another Achilles tendon tear.

The former first-round draft pick out of Alabama hasn’t played much, but head coach Marvin Lewis is confident Dre and the rest of the CBs are ready to step up in place of the injured Hall:

"“Every opportunity he’s had, he’s done a good job of playing and when he gets opportunity, he’s done well with it. Whoever is the combination of people and the people who play will be fine. Adam’s gotta play and do a great job for us. Terrance has to continue to do a great job and whoever else goes into the mix.”"

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