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Clayton Fejedelem has seemingly found a spot on the Bengals roster as their special team ace. He was even an alternate for the Pro Bowl as a special teamer last season.
Fejedelem added to his resume during the Bengals’ first preseason game of 2018 when the Bengals ran a fake punt around their own 20-yard line with the game ties at 14. Fejedelem had the ball snapped directly to him, and he followed his blockers along the left side of the field for a 49-yard run.
The Fejedelem 49 yard fake punt (2nd Q, 9:49). pic.twitter.com/QGZIJuSEmB
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) August 10, 2018
The reactions to this play were mixed. There was obviously some excitement over the gutsy call. It seemed to be a change in philosophy from Marvin Lewis, who during the Andy Dalton era, has earned the reputation of being conservative. Not to mention it was a very successful play.
Others seemed to feel the preseason isn’t the time to being showing off your bag of tricks.
In any case, it seems the call was actually made by Fejedelem himself.
Fejedelem said fake punt was his calls. Bears only had 10 on the field. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) August 10, 2018
It is good they allow Fejedelem the freedom to call a fake like that if he sees the matchup he likes, and clearly it all worked out. Plus, could you really resist not calling that play if you were in his shoes?
All told, it was a great play by Fejedelem that probably helped make him feel a little more secure about keeping his roster spot. It’s going to be tough cutting this position down with Fejedelem, Josh Shaw and Brandon Wilson all vying for spots.
But for now, it’s hard to see Fejedelem not being on the field in Week 1 when the Bengals face the Colts.