Bengals supporting Apple ahead of TNF showdown with Dolphins, Hill
Cornerback Eli Apple has remained silent ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals' Week 4 contest against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
Following the Dolphins' win last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, star wideout Tyreek Hill called out the Bengals defensive back after their previous meeting in last season's AFC Championship Game when Hill played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
"I can't wait to go against Eli Apple," Hill said, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. "I owe you, boy. I owe you. I'm here. The Cheetah is here. That's it."
The Bengals got the best of the Chiefs during the last campaign, winning the regular-season contest and the postseason rematch in the conference championship.
During the AFC title game, Apple tackled Hill short of the goal line to prevent Kansas City from extending its 11-point lead entering halftime. Cincinnati responded with 11 unanswered points to start the second half before punching its ticket to Super Bowl LVI with a 27-24 overtime win.
Apple trolled Hill and fellow Chiefs wideout Mecole Hardman after the game by offering them Super Bowl tickets.
Aye @MecoleHardman4 @cheetah dm me yall number and I’ll hook yall up wit them super bowl tickets on me 🤞🏿
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 31, 2022
Apple hasn't publicly discussed his squad's upcoming matchup, but his teammates have spoken up for him.
"(If) somebody comes after Eli, he comes after all of us," said safety Jessie Bates on Tuesday. "We're all up for the challenge."
While Hill's rivalry with Apple has taken center stage ahead of the Week 4 game, Cincinnati will also be under pressure to limit Jaylen Waddle. The sophomore wideout is among the league leaders in yards after catch with 131 through three games.
With most of the Bengals' secondary prepared to back up Apple in their upcoming matchup, Cincinnati appears ready to let its play do the talking.
"We're just going to go out there and handle our business on Thursday," said cornerback Mike Hilton.