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Cincinnati lost their second preseason game, in, well, a very Bengal fashion. After securing a touchdown with 2:43 left, the Bengals, who lost heartbreaking games last season, failed to tie the Giants with a two-point conversation.
As the preseason goes, this game ultimately won’t matter.
What will matter is how many of the players performed when called upon. Time and time again players stepped up and proved that they belong on this 53-man roster, a roster that’ll be finalized late next week.
Although the Bengals lost 25-23, they saw terrific performances from Damion Willis, C.J. Uzomah and Jake Dolegala. Even Ryan Finley was once again solid, completing 14 of his 20 attempts.
That said, let’s take a look at some of the best tweets from the Giants-Bengals Thursday night game at Paul Brown Stadium.
Let’s kick it off with some highlights. First on our list is the greeting of two franchise-changing quarterbacks.
Manning Dalton #NYGvsCIN pic.twitter.com/BSRfnZ7wtG
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 23, 2019
Secondly, we got to see a little touchdown dance from undrafted wide receiver Damion Willis, who seems more and more likely to crack the 53-man roster.
First TD for Damion Willis = TD celebration. #NYGvsCIN pic.twitter.com/aEd92WcCbf
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 23, 2019
Our third highlight-centric tweet was all about sixth-round draft pick Rodney Anderson. At Oklahoma, he made defenders miss, and he’s taking that talent into the NFL, fooling two New York Giants on this one play.
The rookie out of @OU_Football Rodney Anderson making 'em miss #NYGvsCIN pic.twitter.com/6FSvu7Eahw
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2019
Already, now, let’s get to some more analytical tweets about both the roster and how the team performed in their two-point loss.
The Bengals wide receiver battle is one of the most competitive on the team. With several set, Auden Tate might be the next to lock up his position.
Perfect example of an Auden Tate advantage, other than Green, you can't get that high sideline out pass to anyone else in WR room. Huge radius over the top.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 22, 2019
Also, this QB battle just got interesting.
Is Jeff Driskel a lock? Will the Bengals keep four quarterbacks? Dolegala, a name many aren’t familiar with, was 10-for-12 with two touchdowns and 94 yards. He made a case for that third spot as Driskel has underperformed so far.
Josh Malone with a late TD grab. Will help his case to make the 53-man roster. Also, this Jake Dolegala fella ain’t too bad.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 23, 2019
Now, it’s time for the funny tweets of the night.
Is the press box allowed to cheer for no OT? Asking for a friend. https://t.co/4v1NGUxJwY
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 23, 2019
Third preseason game tonight. Real football will be here before we know it. Just not tonight. #Giants #Bengals pic.twitter.com/J15NRsSEkT
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 22, 2019
When you’re flexing for the Bengals 600+ miles away in a bar full of Giants fans ...
— Joseph 유 (@The_Joey) August 23, 2019
Carl Lawson just sent Eli Manning Jr into another dimension
— Braves Bullpen Victim Advocate (@sheabooskyy) August 23, 2019
pic.twitter.com/jYx441sFfQ
try to guess c.j. uzomah's pff grade from last night
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) August 23, 2019
hint: it was 99.2
Second game in a row Wren has led the team in defensive snaps. The top three last night are all essentially rookies with Harris not playing a single defensive snap in 2018. pic.twitter.com/r3b4RjMPco
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) August 23, 2019
“That’s baby making music” - Ron Burgundy pic.twitter.com/DoNh3f0D9v
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) August 23, 2019
Damion Willis!!! My man! #WhoDey pic.twitter.com/idfaM6RS0D
— Caleb Pierson (@DFF_Pierson) August 23, 2019
Carl Lawson has to teach them pic.twitter.com/vlEHdiC8j8
— President of John Ross fanclub (@PatrickJudis) August 23, 2019
Jessie Bates is a breakout safety this year. Book that one. Very conversant in multiple coverages for a young player.
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 22, 2019
It was a fun night. Thanks, Twitter.