The Bengals took on the Philadelphia Eagles in the final preseason game. It was the last opportunity for the fringe guys to make a push for a roster/practice squad spot, and for some backups to secure a higher spot on the depth chart.
Winners:
WR, Dohnte Meyers
Meyers surely secured his spot. An early 3 receptions for 51 yards, and he looked the part too. The Bengals then pulled him from the game after that drive, which probably tells you he didn’t have anything left to earn.
DE’s, Isaiah Foskey & Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Both DE’s were noticeable as pass rushers for much of this game. The level of competition is worth noting, but the pair has been quite good throughout the preseason. A sack and a half for Foskey in this one, while Powell-Ryland had one of his own.
CB, Tacario Davis
Davis was matched up often against rookie 1st round pick Makai Lemon, who made his preseason debut. Davis held him to basically no production, and picked off a pass that deflected off his hands.
RB’s, Jamal Haynes & Kentrell Bullock
Bullock popped a run for 25 yards, and then ran in a 6 yard TD shortly after. Not to be outdone, Haynes then took one 39 yards to the house, one a play where he showed both twitch and speed to get out of trouble and then draw off. In terms of skill set, Haynes was the one who really impressed me. But both of these guys have put themselves in the conversation for a roster or practice squad spot.
WR’s, Ke’Shawn Williams & Charlie Jones
The two might be battling for one spot. I thought Williams has had the better preseason, but both had their moments in the finale. Williams caught a TD pass from Johnson and totaled 39 yards on 4 catches. Jones was solid in the return game and also contributed 36 yards on 2 catches.
QB’s, Josh Johnson & Sean Clifford
Johnson looked well in command of the offence, and his arm looked much more lively than it did in week 1 of the preseason. He finished 12/19 for 156 yards. Clifford was only 5/9 for 53 yards, but he also tossed a TD. Although he had less opportunity, his command at the line also stood out. He called a couple of audibles on the play that resulted in a TD. If not for the Bengals, he put on a good showcase for someone.
C, Jacob Bayer
Bayer played a lot at both C and G, and was rock solid. Sure, against back-end depth. But he has been good throughout the preseason. His consistency has put him in position to earn a spot.
OT, Javon Foster
Foster has been shaky this preseason, but was better in this one. He needed a good performance to remain in the conversation. And with Cody Ford out of the picture, he probably has, at the very least, given himself a chance.
CB, Josh Newton
Newton also was in desperate need of a bounce back. He had been falling behind, but was better in coverage in the finale. On his lone target, he had a nice pass breakup.
Losers:
RB, Gary Brightwell
Brightwell was only able to manage 17 yards on 5 carries. Further, his fumble might have put him at the very bottom of the pecking order.
RB’s, Tahj Brooks, & Kendall Milton
Brooks and Milton didn’t fumble like Brightwell did, but neither one particularly impressed. Milton, at best, is hoping for a practice squad spot. Brooks is still in play at RB3, but he’ll have to contend with Haynes and potential waiver wire pickups.
CB, Jalen Kimber
Kimber was targeted several times and gave up 5 receptions for some long gains. He also had a couple of missed tackles, which doesn’t bode well for his attempt at a practice squad spot with the Bengals.
Thumbnail Image Via: Tennessee Titans (CC)