The Bengals were in Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in the final preseason game, after playing at home in the first two. As expected, no starters. It was the depth guys who got an extended look as they attempted to make a late push for various positions.
Philly received the opening kick, but a combined sack for Isaiah Foskey and Antwaun Powell-Ryland saw the Bengals get an early stop. Their first offensive drive saw Dohnte Meyers make 3 catches for 51 yards. He was targeted early and often by Josh Johnson, as the Bengals marched down the field. But their drive also stalled out, leading to a field goal.
After the defence got another stop, a 31 yard pass from Johnson to Mitchell Tinsley got the Bengals out of their own end. But this drive also stalled, and McPherson kicked a 58 yard field goal.
6-0 Bengals.
On the next drive, we saw the continuation of a rookie on rookie matchup. Tacario Davis broke up a pass intended for Mekai Lemon earlier in the game. Now, he picked off a pass that bounced off of Lemon’s hands. With the ball back, Johnson hit rookie UDFA Noah Thomas twice for a combined 32 yards. But again, the drive stalled. McPherson added a third field goal. Jake Elliot would add one for the Eagles before the end of the half, and the Bengals went into the break with a 6-0 lead.
9-3 Bengals at the half.
Receiving the 2nd half kickoff, the offence went to work. But things were derailed by a Gary Brightwell fumble. This prompted a familiar face to take the field for the Eagles — former Bengals QB Andy Dalton. But they couldn’t get much going either, and settled for a field goal.
9-6 Bengals.
Sean Clifford came out for the Bengals for the 2nd half. On this dive, he quickly got the offence going, and was able to hit Charlie Jones twice for a combined 36 yards. Deep in Eagles territory, Clifford impressed with his command at the line, as he audibles multiple times. It seemed to work, as he was able to find Ke’Shawn Williams for an 11 yard TD on that play.
But Philadelphia quickly answered. Dalton was able to find some momentum, and strung together some downfield passes. The Bengals were playing a lot of 2 deep, and Dalton was working the middle of the field nicely. He capped off the drive connecting with Steele for the 5 yard TD.
16-13 Bengals.
Philly cut into the lead, but the Bengals drew off. Kentrell Bullock popped a run for 25 yards that set them up deep in opposition territory. A little later, he capped off the drive with a 6 yard TD run. And after a 4th down stop for the defence, Jamal Haynes showed off his speed and twitch, taking a handoff 39 yards to the house.
30-13 Bengals, final.
The preseason has now concluded. On Sunday, we will learn of some roster decisions. The initial 53 man roster will be announced, and we’ll see what options are out there on waivers to further bolster the squad.
