Disrespected Bengal can make history in Week 18

One Bengal is on the brink of making history ahead of his team's regular-season finale against the Browns (11-5) on Sunday. However, he continues to be disrespected by the rest of the league and his teammates are calling for it to end.

"We're all hoping Trey [Hendrickson] goes crazy and just has four or five sacks and breaks the sack record," CB Mike Hilton told reporters. "He doesn't get the respect he deserves. ... You put Trey anywhere outside of Cincinnati, they'll be screaming his name Defensive Player of the Year."

Hendrickson, who has a league-leading 17 sacks (tied with Steelers LB T.J. Watt), may not break the sack record (22.5 sacks), but he could become the first Bengal to ever lead the league in sacks since the NFL began tracking the stat in 1982.

However, the sack title doesn't seem good enough for Cincinnati, which was eliminated from playoff contention after its loss to the Chiefs a week ago.

Hendrickson has his eyes on this year's DPOY award. But it would likely take his most dominant game of the season to catch up to the other DPOY candidates in categories outside of sacks. 

There is a chance it happens, although, as Cleveland is planning to rest its starters since locking up the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture.

The Browns announced on Wednesday that they are starting QB Jeff Driskel, who's been sacked 40 times in just 22 games played, with QB PJ Walker backing him up.

Whether or not Hendrickson wins the DPOY, he deserves more respect, nonetheless. He is listed behind eight players in contention for the award, per FanDuel. That must change.

"When you mention a guy like T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, you have to throw Trey Hendrickson in there," Hilton added. "Turn on the tape and watch how much of an impact he has."