The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t play most of their starters during Saturday’s Week 2 preseason loss against the Chicago Bears.
But there were plenty of quick things to glean from the exhibition and some genuine surprises, too.
Quick Thoughts
- Jermaine Burton Watch: After hardly cracking the fourth team in the first preseason game, Burton wasn’t out there with the twos to start this game. He did get a chance on returns (and bobbled a punt). It’s probably a combination of making the rookie prove himself and simply needing new faces back there after Chris Evans was lost for the season.
- More big plays for the undrafted Maema Njongmeta. Feels like he’s a roster lock now.
- “Starters” Dax Hill and DJ Turner played two drives and looked good. One has to think Hill has the edge on the No. 2 corner spot.
- Kris Jenkins got his first sack. The second-rounder appears on the upswing after a rough debut.
- Former undrafted Jaxson Kirkland was getting looks at left tackle. That’s something to watch majorly over the next week. The team essentially demoted Jackson Carman on Saturday, so that roster spot might be up for grabs.
- Undrafted sleeper cornerback Lance Robinson seemed to suffer an injury while allowing a score, so it’s something to watch.
- The punter battle didn’t see any conclusion. There’s a chance they look outside the team if Brad Robbins can’t get back healthy very quickly.
Key Stat
11 for 123: The number of penalties and yardage coughed up by the Bengals as a result of those flags. Super sloppy, even for the preseason.
Game Balls
WR Kwamie Lassiter II: He did what he could while fighting for a roster spot, catching five of his seven targets for 33 yards.
LB Maema Njongmeta: He paced the team in tackles deep into the fourth quarter and made his case for the final score.
Top Takeaway
Progress: There were some nice surprise from the team, like Kirkland getting a chance at a promotion. And while the Burton situation is a little strange right now, he’s getting the ball in his hands with a chance to prove himself, so better than nothing.
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