NFL Week 3 Bengals snap count distribution: Depth at receiver falls short in A.J. Green’s absence

The Bengals fell in a tough loss Sunday. The Panthers were able to do pretty much whatever they wanted offensively, and their defense came up with some opportune turnovers to help shift the tide of the game.

The Bengals also had quite a few injuries, which isn’t an excuse for their loss. It does, however, mean that some younger players got a chance to get out there and play meaningful snaps. Some players were even active for the first time all season including Josh Tupou and Cody Core. How did they end up doing?

Here are the Bengals’ Week 3 snap count takeaways:

• The first thing most people want to do after the loss is bench John Ross (31) for his part of allowing an interception late in the game. However, other receivers got a chance on Sunday and failed to make even the slightest impact. Josh Malone (29) caught one pass for 10 yards on three targets, and Alex Erickson (7) and Cody Core (6) both failed to even get targeted in their first offensive snaps of the season. What happened with Ross was frustrating, but who are you replacing him with?
• It is also worth noting that the Bengals opted to activate Core over Auden Tate. The rookie wide receiver made a name for himself this offseason as a huge target in the red zone, but it seemed this move was more special teams driven as the team was down to two active running backs without Tra Carson (who was waived and then put on IR) and Joe Mixon. To Core’s credit he did down a punt at the one-yard line on Sunday.
• As far as total snaps go, it was far closer than you’d expect of a game where Cincinnati had four turnovers to Carolina’s zero. The Bengals ran 65 plays while the Panthers ran 67. The Bengals did an okay job at getting Carolina off the field on third down considering their usual rate. The Panthers were six of 13 on third downs and even failed to convert a fourth down as well.
• The Bengals need Preston Brown or Vontaze Burfict back in the worst way. Hardy Nickerson Jr. played 56 snaps while Jordan Evans kicked in 41, but neither looked like they should’ve been starting against this Panthers offense that ran for 230 yards. It got to the point that even Vincent Rey played two defensive snaps. Those were his first of the season. It should also be noted that Nick Vigil (67) was the only player to play every defensive snap.

• The Bengals love playing their tight ends. Tyler Eifert (42) still leads the bunch, but C.J. Uzomah (35) is close behind, and he ended up catching the touchdown for the tight ends on Sunday. Eifert had his most productive day with six catches for 74 yards, though. Tyler Kroft also kicked in 21 snaps, but it is clear he was the third man on the totem pole before he left the game with injury.
• Due to several injuries along the defensive line Josh Tupou (20) ended up playing a fairly significant amount of time in the first game that he was active during the season. Rookie running back Mark Walton (7) was also active for the first time. His debut was slightly disappointing as we thought we’d see more of him since it was just him and Bernard at running back. However, he only had one impressive run that was called back by holding. Christian Westerman was also active for the first time this season, but only saw snaps (4) on special teams.
• Jake Fisher and Sam Hubbard saw three offensive snaps, all in Cincinnati’s goal-to-go jumbo personnel. Many fans are probably hoping Fisher gets a chance to start soon, but for now, Bobby Hart is holding down the spot at right tackle.