The Bengals took on the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason finale. With training camp and the first two preseason games in the history books, this was the final chance for the back-end guys to make an impression, and potentially land a roster or practice squad spot. Who would step up?
Winners:
C, Matt Lee
Lee made his return to the lineup after missing due to injury. After a couple of slight hiccups, he settled in nicely and looked great as both a pass protector and run defender. He likely goes into the season as the backup C to Ted Karras.
DE, Isaiah Thomas
Thomas was the flashiest player on defence for the Bengals. He had a staggering 7 pressures and also was able to get to the QB twice. Maybe he made a late push for a roster spot.
DT, Howard Cross III
Cross showed some nice flashes as a pass rusher, demonstrating his ability to get off the line quickly. He also got an interception with a nice return. The play did end with him fumbling the ball back to the Colts, but I won’t be too hard on him. He was solid.
RB, Kendall Milton
Milton got a small chunk of work, and had a solid day. On his 8 carriers, he picked up 72 yards, good for 9 yards per carry. He ran with power, but a big 41 yarder was his highlight of the day.
CB, Marco Wilson
Wilson only saw a limited number of snaps, and seems destined to make the team. He looked good in coverage, and had a nice pass breakup earlier on in the game.
LB, Shaka Heyward
Heyward looked quick, playing well in coverage and against the run. He only saw a limited number of snaps, but in the final preseason game, that is, more often than not, a positive sign. The guys he was competing against were also solid in camp, so we’ll see what happens, but he has put himself in a decent spot to make the team.
WR, Isaiah Williams
Williams only went for 3 receptions for 33 yards, but he led the team in receiving on the day. He has looked very solid for most of the offseason, outside of one drop earlier in the preseason. On an individual level, Tinley’s breakout has been a bit unfortunate, as Williams seemed on track to make the roster. He probably won’t now, but I still don’t mind what he has put on tape.
OT, Andrew Coker
The competition wasn’t the best, but Coker came in and did what he had to do. He was solid in both phases for most of the game. It is tough to project him onto the roster, but the consistency, compared to the struggles of some other guys, might enter him into the conversation for a back-end spot, or one on the practice squad.
Losers:
G, Jaxson Kirkland
It was a rough day for Kirkland. Early in the game he gave up some pressure, and also got called for some costly penalties. He was a bit better later on in the game, but this was one where he needed to stand out. After making the team last year, the practice squad seems more likely this time around.
QB, Desmond Ridder
Ridder completed less than 50% of his passes and threw a terrible interception that went for a touchdown, and missed some other throws. He had the odd flash, but didn’t do anything to move the needle in a positive direction.
OT, Caleb Etienne
Etienne gave up a sack after not knowing the snap count. He didn’t get out of his stance and allowed the rusher to get to Ridder. He got hurt a little later, and I’m not sure if he’ll end up on an injured list. If healthy, he still might be in play for the practice squad, but a costly mental mistake like that isn’t a good showing.
C, Andrew Raym
It was an improvement from his first two games, but the level of competition took a massive step back in the final preseason outing. Still, his overall level of play wasn’t great, and he fell behind Matt Lee and Seth McLaughlin (both back from injury) in the pecking order.
CB, Nate Brooks
Brooks was targeted nearly 10 times and gave up a reception on most of those targets. He was burned for over 100 yards on the day, largely against back-end players for the Colts. A disastrous day.
