The Bengals took the field for the first time on Friday, as they faced the Cardinals in the preseason opener. Cincinnati lost the game, but it was an important part in evaluating each player that is battling for a higher spot on the depth chart, or just a spot on the roster or practice squad. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers from the preseason opener.
Winners:
WR, Kendric Pryor
Pryor was one of the UDFA’s that I had the most expectations for coming into the preseason. I think it is safe to say that he caught the eye of everyone. Pryor hauled in multiple downfield passes, in various ways. He made a spectacular toe tapping sideline grab, an equally impressive one handed catch, a catch in traffic, and a 25 yard TD catch. He did a bit of everything in the preseason opener, even contributing on special teams as a gunner. On a team that lacks a clear-cut WR4, Pryor certainly let the team know that he is someone to consider.
DE, Jeffrey Gunter
The rookie 7th round pick had an impressive preseason debut. He was able to record a sack, and penetrate the offensive line on multiple other occasions, one of which led to a batted pass. This game definitely helped his bid to make the roster, and Wyatt Hubert’s recent retirement only stacks the numbers further in his favour.
RB, Chris Evans
Evans is in a battle with Perine for the right to be the RB2. There was always an argument to be made that he should be the passing down back. However, he came in looking to prove that he can do it all. Well, if the preseason opener was any indicator, it is that he can. Evans ran well, showing good burst and vision to find running lanes and beat defenders around the edge. His stat line would have been a lot better, had it not been for two Thadd Moss holding calls.
RB, Jacques Patrick
Chris Evans wasn’t the only RB to have an impressive outing. The Bengals recently brought back Jacques Patrick, and it didn’t take him long to continue where he left off after last year’s great preseason. Patrick ran hard and with a purpose. He managed to power forward a number of times, despite inconsistent OL play. Patrick also added a long reception and a short yardage rushing TD. If he keeps this up, will the Bengals really be able to let him go for a second time?
DT, Zach Carter
Zach Carter is one of the most important pieces of this defence that isn’t being talked about a whole lot. Last season, having a good rotation at 3T with Ogunjobi and BJ Hill paid big dividends. With Ogunjobi now in Pittsburgh, the Bengals will need someone to fill that void. While you can’t rush to judgement after a single preseason game, Carter showed that he seems to be adjusting well to his more regular inside role (after playing inside and out in college). His rush moves were effective, and he was able to get into the backfield a couple of times, one of which allowed him to get a hand on a pass.
CB, Jalen Davis
The depth secondary didn’t perform all that well, but Jalen Davis was pretty solid. He didn’t get beat badly, to my recollection, and he had a nice pass breakup that was nearly intercepted. Davis has kind of been forgotten after some high upside UDFA’s have been thrown into the mix. However, after a good preseason last year, he continues to show why the Bengals have kept him around. More of the same should help him secure a spot on the roster.
S, Daxton Hill
Daxton Hill got significant playing time in the preseason opener, and he certainly flashed. While he did get beat in coverage a few times, Hill had some nice pass breakups, and almost came down with a nice interception in the back of the endzone.
G, Cordell Volson
Volson wasn’t spectacular, but he did have some really good reps. He showed off his strength against bullrushes, and did well blocking on the move, as well. I was most impressed with his ability to pick up stunts and rushers coming in late. Most important for him, is that he outperformed Jackson Carman and anyone else currently on the roster who could potentially go for the starting LG spot.
K, Evan McPherson
In all honesty, the point of this article is to critique guys who are battling for spots, not one who is locked into his position. However, I didn’t see any way I could leave McPherson off this list. After making a short field goal, he successfully made field goals from 58 and 56 yards respectively. He also made both his extra point attempts. McPherson has been near perfect in training camp, and was perfect in the preseason opener.
WR, Trent Taylor
Taylor didn’t go crazy by any means, but it was a solid outing. He hauled in 4 receptions, including a deep pass from Jake Browning in the earlier stages. As well, he still seems to be the frontrunner to win the PR job. With the thin depth at receiver, his already strong chances of making the team seem to have gotten stronger.
QB’s, Jake Browning and Drew Plitt
Browning started out with some solid play, showing poise and the ability to escape the pocket. He made some nice throws on the run and also hit on a couple of deep shots. While he did cool off a bit in the 2nd half, Browning did show more than I was expecting. That’s not to say that he was extraordinary, but his ball velocity and ability to push it downfield was better than I was expecting.
Drew Plitt completed all of his passes, and led a nice TD drive. While I am sceptical about his ability to sustain this kind of play going forward, he definitely needed a good showing in his limited opportunity. Had he not led that drive, it is possible that he would have been one of the recent cuts. But credit to him, he has earned himself another look.
Losers:
G, Jackson Carman
Carman went into the preseason leading the battle to start at LG. However, he did not have a good game. His technique looked sloppy and he was beaten far more than he should have been in any game, let alone a game against the opposition’s backups. As a result, Cordell Volson is getting more 1st team reps, and Trey Hill may even be a late entry into the competition. As well, Quinton Spain might not totally be out of the picture. All in all, not good for Carman.
OT, Isaiah Prince
Prince was the primary backup at RT last year, but didn’t inspire much confidence. His performance in the preseason opener didn’t do much to change that. Like Carman, he was beaten more than he should have been, especially given he was playing against backups. Due to the lack of depth, he’ll probably end up on the roster (barring a new addition or two), but his spot as the primary backup is definitely in question.
C, Trey Hill
I mentioned above that Trey Hill will likely be getting some opportunities to make a run at the LG spot. However, that is more to do with Carman’s poor play than anything else. Hill himself didn’t play very well. As it stands, he is the primary backup at C because the Bengals just don’t have anyone else who can fill in any better. But he’ll need to show improvement.
OT, Hakeem Adeniji
Adeniji wasn’t nearly as bad as the guys mentioned above. He could probably be put in the winners column just based on that. However, I don’t think he played great either, and he also had some penalty trouble, getting called for holding.
Most of 2nd and 3rd Team CB’s
Outside of Jalen Davis, it wasn’t the greatest night for the secondary. To be fair, a lot of rookies were getting their first game action in the NFL, so I am definitely willing to be patient. Radley-Hiles flashed at times, but was also picked on a bit. The same can be said about Allan George, who was called for a long pass interference penalty, and even Delonte Hood, to a lesser extent. I think it will be a good learning experience for the young UDFA’s. I am looking forward to seeing how they respond in week 2 of the preseason.
TE, Thaddeus Moss
An opportunity opened up for Moss when Mitchell Wilcox left early in the game with an injury. However, he failed to take advantage. Instead, he was called twice for holding, one negating a long Chris Evans run, and the other negating an Evans TD. At this point, it seems like he is battling for a spot on the practice squad.
