The Bengals took on the Washington Commanders in the preseason finale. It was the final chance for all of the bubble players to fight for their spot, and for the established depth players to inch their way a little further up the depth chart. Despite losing the game, there were plenty of standouts for the Bengals, and with some poor performances to go along with them, it seems as though some positional battles are settled.
Winners:
DE, Raymond Johnson
Johnson has been a disruptive force all preseason, and kept it going in the finale. Though the stat sheet didn’t light up for this game, his tape has propelled him from a potential practice squad candidate to someone who they might have to crunch the numbers for to squeeze him onto the roster.
DE, Owen Carney
In a loaded DE room, he is unlikely to make the roster. However, Carney has shown enough pass rushing flashes to earn a place on the practice squad, or potentially get claimed by another team after final cuts.
DT, Domenique Davis
Davis has been another one of the standout DL this preseason. He put up a good amount of pressure in the finale, while also tallying 8 total tackles and a sack. From looking at the numbers game, the practice squad is his most likely destination (assuming he doesn’t get claimed), but based on his play, you could say that he deserves a roster spot.
TE, Tanner Hudson
Hudson came in with momentum from the preseason opener, and kept it going in this one. With that, it seems as though he has made the roster, barring some intriguing options being added via the waiver wire. Hudson hauled in 4 passes for 42 yards.
WR, Shedrick Jackson
Jackson has been arguably the most impressive of the bubble receivers, even when factoring the busted coverage that resulted in his long TD catch from Reid Sinnett. With that play included, he totaled 3 catches for 54 yards in the finale.
WR, Malachi Carter
Carter is fighting for a practice squad spot, and made a few catches that might put him into consideration. He made 3 catches for 37 yards, and out produced the rest of the bubble receivers.
WR, Andrei Iosivas
Iosivas continues his stellar preseason. His ability to make back shoulder catches has been on display throughout the preseason. In this one, he totaled 3 catches for 35 yards and a TD.
QB, Jake Browning
Browning completed all 6 of his pass attempts in this one, for 42 yards and a TD. When factoring in the entire preseason, you would have to think that the Bengals are at least considering outside options for the backup role. However, if the decision is still firmly down to Browning and Siemian, Browning has clearly beat him out.
K, Evan McPherson
McPherson isn’t battling for his spot, but his perfect preseason and 58 yard field goal deserves a shout out.
Losers:
QB, Trevor Siemian
Siemian never looked great this preseason, and didn’t stand out in the finale. He did attempt to push the ball downfield more than we’ve seen in the past, but it still didn’t yield much success. Whether or not the Bengals add outside help is irrelevant for him, as it seems as though he has lost out to Jake Browning anyways.
C, Trey Hill
Hill has had a rough time, struggling in pass protection on a pretty consistent basis. Ben Brown has looked a little better, and with Max Scharping getting a lot of work at C, Hill’s time on the roster might be coming to an end.
TE, Devin Asiasi
Tanner Hudson’s performance severely hurt Asiasi’s chances of making the team. Mitchell Wilcox, meanwhile, also suited up, and was solid as a blocker. Asiasi hasn’t stood out and, at best, might have to settle for a practice squad spot.
WR, Stanley Morgan
Morgan failed to show anything as a receiver in this game, which is consistent with his entire tenure as a Bengal. Though his value comes on special teams, younger guys like DJ Ivey have shown to be capable. Morgan is likely on the bubble.
WR, Kwamie Lassiter
Lassiter was looking destined for a practice squad spot, but didn’t do much in the finale. With Malachi Carter making a few catches, you have to wonder if that changes things.
S, Jordan Battle
Battle had a missed tackle early in the game, and also had some struggles in coverage. The rookie has also shown flashes, but will need to limit the mistakes before he can be trusted in the regular season.
DT, Tautala Pesefea
Pesefea got a good chunk of snaps, but was part of the reason why Washington was able to run the ball with so much success. Additionally, he failed to stand out as a pass rusher, while others at his position have been more impressive.
DE, Jeffrey Gunter
Gunter did get a sack in this one, but he is in a position battle where the numbers make it very tough for several of these guys. Raymond Johnson has outperformed him, and you could make that argument about Owen Carney as well. At this point, Gunter’s best hope seems to be the practice squad.
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