The Bengals concluded their season with a loss to the Cleveland Browns in week 18. On that note, we have reached the final edition of this article until next year. Unlike a number of other games from earlier in the year, this one was actually a defensive battle. While they still went home with the loss, some of the younger players turned in a performance that they will hope to build on, going into next season.
The Winners:
LB, Demetrius Knight
Knight’s best performance of the season arguably came in the season finale. He racked up 2 sacks, a couple of stops, and did not give up anything in coverage. Going further, it is not just the stat sheet that looks good. He was thinking the game at a quicker pace, and his positioning was the best I have seen it. Cleveland’s offence isn’t exactly anything special, so that is something to factor in. But hopefully this game can be a confidence boost that he takes with him into the offseason, and uses to help further his development for next season.
DE’s, Cam Sample & Cedric Johnson
The rotational guys were both able to make an impact to close the season. For Sample, it has been a rough year, so closing it out like this was great for him. 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and a handful of run stops.
As for Johnson, he was able to put up 4 pressures, also getting home for a sack on Sanders.
DT’s, BJ Hill & TJ Slaton
It was a very solid game for the interior guys as well. They generated a decent amount of push, and each generated a sack. The pair also combined for 8 run stops.
WR’s, Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins
Chase, once again, led the Bengals in receptions. When being targeted down the field, passes were being completed quite easily. He totaled 8 receptions for 96 yards and a TD.
Higgins also had a good day behind him, going for 67 yards and a TD on 6 catches. His TD was especially impressive – a one hander with a defender obstructing his arm.
CB’s, DJ Turner & Daxton Hill
Cleveland’s passing attack wasn’t exactly known for being potent, but they still have some deceptive weapons at the receiver position. Turner and Hill, covering each boundary, allowed very little, in terms of both separation and yards allowed. Both are looking at possible contract extensions this offseason. The Bengals will have to get going on those negotiations.
P, Ryan Rehkow
Rehkow was called upon 5 times, and was able to pin the Browns inside the 20 on 4 of them. His ability to keep them consistently backed up helped the defence allow just 6 total points. It was also impressive that he came away with a long of 58 and an average of 44.4 yards per punt.
The Losers:
TE, Noah Fant
Fant only made a single catch – one that went for 5 yards. The lack of production on its own is disappointing, but his fumble at the end of that play was costly. It was returned for a TD, making that the third time this season that a Fant fumble was returned all the way by the opposing defence.
S, Geno Stone
It actually wasn’t the worst game from Stone. He didn’t give up much in coverage, and also didn’t have any tremendous gaffs as a tackler. Of course, like many of the others, he benefitted from playing against a bad team. He loosely makes this list after dropping a couple of would-be interceptions.
HC, Zac Taylor
Another one that Taylor let slip away. Of course, I’m happy because at this point, the better draft position meant more than a meaningless win. But he wasn’t training to lose the game. However, his uninspiring, vanilla playcalling and scheming might have had you believing otherwise. Not to mention, the 4th & short punts.
K, Evan McPherson
It has been a great year for McPherson, but he missed 2 extra points in the season finale. In fairness, the first one was tipped. However, he came out and missed the second one in what ended up being a tight 2 point loss for the Bengals.
