It turns out that the first preseason game of the summer will be the most important for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Those Bengals will play starters against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for at least one series — due to the multiple upcoming joint practices with other teams.
Given that, here are some key things to watch on Saturday night.
Joe Burrow
Burrow never plays in the preseason, so this is a rarity and may only last a single series. He’s looked good in camp, with little sign that the wrist might be bothering him.
But how does that change in live action — and without Ja’Marr Chase? It’s probably going to be very short, safe throws and call it a night, but how he looks and how the offensive line in front of him holds up will speak to the overall progress.
Wideouts
Which receiver will emerge? Chase won’t play and Tee Higgins will get a series at best. Charlie Jones is hurt. So will this be the Andrei Iosvias show?
How about Jermaine Burton? If he’s as hyped as he deserves and shouldn’t have fallen as far as he did, can he dominate against backups with Jake Browning throwing him the ball?
And what about the battle for the sixth and seventh spots? Will this be the Kendric Pryor show? How about the UFL force that was Hakeem Butler?
Safety
Let’s see how the first-team safeties line up and play now that Geno Stone, Vonn Bell, and Jordan Battle are all in the mix.
Plus, keep an eye on rookie “corner” Josh Newton, one of camp’s most impressive first-year players. And don’t forget one of the other most impressive rookies, late-round pick Daijahn Anthony. He’s well on his way to the final 53 already, but if can keep his interception-happy ways going, he might just secure it in his first pro game.
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