The Bengals took on the Rams in the preseason finale. After a long few weeks of camp, it was the final chance for bubble guys to make their push for a roster or practice squad spot. Let’s take a look at who helped or hurt their stock.
Winners:
– QB, Jake Browning
Browning finished off a surprisingly good offseason with possibly his best performance of the preseason. He went 19/24 for 173 yards and the team’s only TD. 12 yards rushing were also added. Beyond the stats, Browning was consistently able to handle pressure in the pocket and escape when needed to. His ability to use his legs outside the pocket were on display as he helped move the ball down the field.
– WR’s, Kendric Pryor, Trenton Irwin, and Kwamie Lassiter
Pryor looks like he cemented a position on the roster. Once again, he was able to win down the field, while also showing the ability to make tough catches. He finished the day with 5 receptions for 65 yards.
Trenton Irwin had his best game of the preseason. It might not be enough for a roster spot, but it should at least secure him a spot on the practice squad. He was a consistent target for both backup QB’s. His statline was 9 receptions for 93 yards.
Lassiter could be in the loser column just based on the other receivers doing so well. It seems his bid for a roster spot will come up just short. However, that doesn’t take away from his solid play. He made some nice grabs on important dives in this one. It should at least secure him a spot on the practice squad.
– S, Trayvon Henderson
Henderson usually performs well in the preseason, and this game was no different. He seemed to be well positioned most of the night. One one occasion, he jumped a route, almost coming up with the interception. On another, he forced and recovered a fumble. It is unfortunate for him, as the depth chart doesn’t seem to workout in his favour. But nevertheless, the good performance certainly can’t hurt him.
– LB, Tegray Scales & Keandre Jones
Scales is vying for a back-end roster/practice squad spot. This performance will put him into consideration. He was well positioned often to make plays, ultimately coming up with 6 total tackles. His forced fumble that the Bengals recovered was the highlight of his night.
Jones also looked pretty solid. He made some athletic plays throughout the contest. Jones finished with 9 total tackles against the Rams.
– DT, Zach Carter & DE Noah Spence
Carter wasn’t seen a ton in this game, but his flash is worth mentioning. He exploded right through the line and into the backfield, and then was able to finish off the play with a sack. The flashes from the rookie are encouraging.
Noah Spence picked up the team’s only other sack in this one. Whether or not he sticks with the organisation will come down to the numbers at the position, but his play didn’t hurt him. He has had a few good moments in this preseason.
– TE, Justin Rigg
The undrafted rookie has looked like a solid blocker thus far in the preseason. In the finale, he converted his only catch into a TD.
Losers:
– QB, Brandon Allen
His statline was pretty solid, but I didn’t come away very impressed when watching. His pocket management was very iffy and things seemed to break down when his first read wasn’t open. With Jake Browning outperforming him, it is fair to wonder if Allen’s backup position is less secure than we thought.
– G, Jackson Carman
Carman had some ups and downs in this one. It wasn’t a terrible performance, per se, but when you look at the competition he was facing, he should be near dominant. On that note, it is another game for Carman in the loser column.
– OT, D’Ante Smith
Smith’s preseason struggles continued. He struggled to contain his man around the edge. It has been disappointing after he showed a lot of promise early last season. He does get somewhat of a pass because he has spent much of this offseason recovering from his injury. That said, he’ll need to get it together soon.
– TE, Thaddeus Moss
Moss caught a TD in the first half, but had it called back due to offensive pass interference. Questionable call? Sure. But it still adds to his long list of penalties in the preseason. What really gets him on this list is the terrible drop he had later in the game. He was wide open up the middle but dropped what should have been an easy one. You have to wonder how much longer his name and college connection to Burrow can carry him.
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