The Bengals were unable to grab a win in week 2 of the preseason, after losing in week 1. However, they also didn’t lose, instead playing to a 13-13 tie against the Falcons. Some defensive starters got action on the first drive, while Jonah Williams was the lone offensive starter to see the field. For the starters and backups alike, there was a mix of good and bad performances that are likely to have an impact on roster and depth chart decisions.
Winners:
DE, Joseph Ossai
Ossai seems to have taken a step forward this preseason. He was consistently creating a disturbance when on the field. As well, he was able to intercept a pass that was tipped by Mike Hilton, as Atlanta was threatening to score.
OT, Jonah Williams
Williams was a lone offensive starter to play in week 2 of the preseason. Though he had seemingly won the RT battle by default, after Jackson Carman’s poor performance in the preseason opener, it was still good to see Williams in action and adjusting smoothly to the transition.
CB, Mike Hilton
Hilton has been making plays all offseason in camp, and continued that run in the game. His timing was perfect when he was able to tip Ridder’s pass. The tip led to Ossai’s interception.
DE, Cam Sample
Sample got some action with the first team in this one, and stood out as an impactful player. While the statsheet doesn’t stand out, Sample was able to beat his opponent multiple times to win off the edge, forcing the QB to go off script.
DE, Raymond Johnson
Raymond Johnson continues his impressive offseason, landing himself in the winners’ column for a second week in a row. In this game, he was able to put pressure on the QB, and was rewarded with half a sack for his efforts. As I have mentioned before, the numbers game makes it very tough for him to make it. However, it is getting to the point where the Bengals might seriously be looking at ways they can crunch those numbers to squeeze him in.
DE’s, Owen Carney & Jeffrey Gunter
Carney and Gunter both deserve a mention here. While they haven’t stood out as much as some of the other edge rushers mentioned, the flashes they have shown have helped keep them in the running. Gunter did well to get his hand up to tip a pass earlier in the game, before later recording half a sack. Carney, meanwhile, picked up a sack of his own later in the game. Though he is likely only in the running for a practice squad spot, this sack was a good attention grabber to stay relevant in this conversation.
G, Max Scharping
Scharping was again solid while playing with the reserve offensive line. Though he hasn’t been spectacular, by any means, the struggles of some of the other players have put Scharping in position to be the clear first man off the bench at both guard positions. As well, if this keeps up, he may just be that guy at C as well.
WR, Shedrick Jackson
With the QB struggles, opportunities haven’t always been there for the depth WR’s. However, Jackson seemed to have a good connection with Jake Browning, after the latter entered in the second half. Jackson made 4 catches for 42 yards, with his highlight going for 18.
WR, Charlie Jones
Jones wasn’t spectacular in this one, but he did contribute 4 catches for 36 yards in an overall solid performance. He makes the list after bouncing back from what was a concerning performance in the preseason opener. Given that he is playing through a shoulder injury, his first preseason game had people questioning whether or not he could legitimately be relied on to contribute, if needed. This past week against the Falcons was a positive step forward.
RB, Chris Evans
Opportunities were a bit more limited due to o-line play. However, Evans still managed to contribute 20 yards on 2 catches, was good in pass protection, and had a nice kick return for 35 yards. With Treyveon Williams missing both games due to injury, Evans has been taking advantage, and looks close to securing his spot on the 53 man roster.
P, Drue Chrisman
It is debatable whether Chrisman even has a better than zero chance of making the roster, barring an injury to Brad Robbins. That said, it was good to see him back out there after a medical incident caused him to miss some time. In his lone chance to punt the ball, Chrisman was able to pin the Falcons inside their own 10 yard line. A small sample size, but he played well, even if it is a showcase for other teams.
Losers:
QB’s, Trevor Siemian & Jake Browning
Ugly is one word that describes the backup QB situation. Trevor Siemian started the game and played in the entire 1st half. Outside of the field goal drive to end the half, the offence had a lot of trouble moving the ball with him out there.
Jake Browning looked a bit better, at least showing the ability to maneuver around the pocket and go off script. Though he did lead a TD drive, Browning still made some bad mistakes, including an interception thrown near the sideline. As well, his arm talent looks like a concern.
If choosing between the two, Browning might have taken the lead in the battle. Maybe on that note, he could have ended up in the winners’ column. However, I think most Bengals fans are still holding out hope that the team is considering outside help.
G, Jaxson Kirkland
Kirkland has had a poor preseason, multiple times getting out-muscled and out-leveraged by his opponent, leading to run plays getting blown up. Coming into the offseason, he was seen as someone who could challenge for a roster spot. But at this point, he seems to be fighting for a spot on the practice squad.
C, Trey Hill
Hill continues to struggle, while making very marginal improvements. Ben Brown is the only other true C on the roster, and it is hard to say if the Bengals are considering him as someone who can supplant Hill as the backup. However, given that Max Scharping is getting a decent bit of work at C, you have to think that Hill is at least on the bubble, after receiving little competition the last couple of years.
S, Nick Scott
Scott played with the first team, and is expected to start at SS this year for the Bengals. However, his first game action in stripes didn’t go so well. He bit multiple times on play action fakes, allowing Ridder to complete some easy passes down the field.
S, Jordan Battle
Battle is another S who didn’t fare as well in week 2 of the preseason. In addition to a couple of lapses in coverage, his redzone taunting penalty negated a 3rd down stop, and allowed the Falcons offence to return to the field. A learning experience for the rookie.
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