Cincy Jungle - 2018 Cincinnati Bengals player previewsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2018-09-08T18:12:18-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/173871232018-09-08T18:12:18-04:002018-09-08T18:12:18-04:00A.J. Green may be poised for his best season yet
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<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After a 2017 season which A.J. Green deemed to be a down one, he looks to prove that he’s Hall of Fame material.</p> <p id="6WyKpA">Since coming to the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> in 2011, <span>A.J. Green</span> has been a major reason as to why the team made five straight playoff brackets. He’s had six 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his seven years, and has been a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> nominee every year in the league. </p>
<p id="Y1Gj8W">He is constantly at the top of receiving statistics and is definitely one of the league’s best. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/14/17688688/nfl-news-bengals-a-j-green-hall-of-famer-wants-to-be-best-of-all-time">Green recently stated that he’s eyeing</a> the Hall of Fame as his next achievement. </p>
<p id="BTfJR0"><strong>Height:</strong> 6’4”</p>
<p id="4YEasM"><strong>Weight:</strong> 210</p>
<p id="LnI86N"><strong>College:</strong> Georgia</p>
<p id="kjM4hC"><strong>Hometown:</strong> Summerville, South Carolina</p>
<p id="N0ep9a"><strong>Years of experience:</strong> Eight seasons</p>
<h3 id="3d0r0J"><strong>Cap status:</strong></h3>
<p id="1A16Hr">Green is in the middle of a four-year, $60 million deal. The deal is set to expire after the 2019 season, and he has a <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/a.j.-green-7719/">2018 cap hit of $13.75 million</a>. </p>
<p id="90xK3i">There have been rumors that the Bengals are wanting to give Green another extension to remain in Cincinnati, but there hasn’t been much movement on that front. It has seemingly been put on the back-burner with mega-deals given to <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> and <span>Geno Atkins</span> this summer. </p>
<h3 id="ouVl4U"><strong>Background:</strong></h3>
<p id="ottPsU">To set the scene, the Bengals were in a major state of upheaval back in 2011. They were just coming off of a deplorable four-win season and their franchise quarterback, <span>Carson Palmer</span>, gave management a trade-me-or-I-quit ultimatum. </p>
<p id="Tsov7L">Cincinnati held the No. 4 overall pick and used it on Green, who has been worth every penny since his arrival. Ironically, the Bengals used their second round pick on quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> and they have become one of the league’s most prolific passing duos. </p>
<p id="UYsf8K">He’s been a pillar of consistency, averaging 1,173 yards and over eight touchdowns per season. And, as if that isn’t enough, Green is poised to become the team’s all-time leader in almost every major statistical category. </p>
<p id="Ax02nz">Here’s a look at his stats and where his ranks in Bengals franchise history:</p>
<p id="C3xTwv"><em><strong>Receptions:</strong></em> 8,213; second in franchise history</p>
<p id="keuQCD"><em><strong>Receiving yards:</strong></em> 556; second in franchise history</p>
<p id="2fFe9v"><em><strong>Touchdowns:</strong></em> 57; third in franchise history</p>
<p id="tO6wss"><em><strong>Reception yards per game:</strong></em> 80.5; first in franchise history</p>
<p id="s48KWS"><em><strong>Pro Bowls:</strong></em> 7; second in franchise history</p>
<h3 id="ZLS7dq"><strong>2018 outlook:</strong></h3>
<p id="L01uPM">Green seems to be on more of a mission this year than in years past. That’s not to say that he hasn’t been previously focused, but the frustrating year that was 2017 seemed to get to him. </p>
<p id="Maz1He">Whether it was evident in his exploding on <span>Jalen Ramsey</span>, or the fourth-lowest receiving numbers in his career, Green wants to have a gigantic season. And, even though the cupboard is stocked with weapons on offense to potentially take some stats away from him, he’s still the No. 1 option in the passing attack. </p>
<p id="2I19iY">If the Bengals are going to have a rebound season in 2018, the great all-around game Green presents as a receiver will need to be on the forefront of the offense. Given the fact that he has been targeted at an average of 136 times per season, we think he’ll put up the numbers we’re accustomed to—and then some. </p>
<p id="zcOINL">With the way this offense is construed to take attention away from Green, don’t be surprised if 2018 turns out to be his best season as pro. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/8/17827966/bengals-wr-a-j-green-may-be-poised-for-his-best-season-yetAnthony Cosenza2018-09-08T16:00:02-04:002018-09-08T16:00:02-04:00Is Bengals TE Tyler Eifert ready for a Pro Bowl year in 2018?
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<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After a rough stretch with injuries, the former Pro Bowl pass-catcher is back and finally healthy — for now. </p> <p id="nHeAOa">Once upon a time, it looked like <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> tight end <span>Tyler Eifert</span> was headed toward NFL superstardom. When he scored 13 touchdowns and made the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in 2015, he was being mentioned in the same breath as the league’s elite at the position, such as <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> and <span>Travis Kelce</span>. </p>
<p id="wEWfnI">However, an ankle injury suffered in that all-star contest and a subsequent back injury has forced <span>Eifert</span> to miss 22 games since his breakout campaign. He signed a one-year deal to return to the club, which is a “prove-it” contract to garner another long-term deal. </p>
<p id="M26YBK">But, he seems to finally be healthy and ready to contribute at a high level once again. Whether it’s in his comfort level in Bill Lazor’s offensive scheme, or the power of his new mullet, Eifert could be a huge factor in Cincinnati’s potential success this year. </p>
<p id="E01SZW"><strong>Height:</strong> 6’6”</p>
<p id="UhdyCU"><strong>Weight:</strong> 255</p>
<p id="usFeQF"><strong>College:</strong> Notre Dame</p>
<p id="HUsYGW"><strong>Hometown:</strong> Fort Wayne, Indiana</p>
<p id="nbjrbL"><strong>Experience:</strong> Six seasons</p>
<h3 id="Y5eyGr"><strong>Cap Status:</strong></h3>
<p id="P1j6G7">Eifert signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract to remain with the Bengals this offseason. <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/tyler-eifert-12301/">Per Spotrac</a>, he has a $4.625 million cap hit this year. While a one-year rental deal was a prudent move by the Bengals to retain Eifert, the position group has long-term questions. Three of the four players on the active roster at the position (Eifert, <span>Tyler Kroft</span> and <span>C.J. Uzomah</span>) are currently in the last year of their deals.</p>
<h3 id="99KWUC"><strong>Background:</strong></h3>
<p id="JJwqLA">Eifert was a first round pick in 2013, as part of a class with <span>Giovani Bernard</span> and Shawn Williams. He initially took a back seat at tight end to <span>Jermaine Gresham</span>, but stepped into the primary role in 2015 after <span>Gresham</span> left in free agency. </p>
<p id="xmb34P">As previously stated, Eifert scored 13 touchdowns in as many games played en route to a Pro Bowl berth. The following year, Eifert had five touchdowns in eight games played, but only played in two games last season. </p>
<p id="Jtk9YU">Even with the myriad of injuries and massive amount of missed time, Eifert still ranks top-six in Bengals history in most receiving categories among tight ends.</p>
<p id="AWhNNs"><em><strong>Receptions:</strong></em> 127; sixth-highest among tight ends in franchise history</p>
<p id="OtUDSA"><em><strong>Touchdowns:</strong></em> 20; tied, fourth-highest among tight ends in franchise history</p>
<p id="rE7hSE"><em><strong>Receiving yards:</strong></em> 1,537; sixth-highest among tight ends in franchise history</p>
<p id="jnRIv0"><em><strong>Receiving yards per game:</strong></em> 39.4; second-highest among tight ends in franchise history</p>
<p id="tlaf7L">While these don’t necessarily shout greatness at first blush, Eifert is sitting behind some prolific players in team history. Dan Ross, Jermaine Gresham, Bob Trumpy, Rodney Holman and Tony McGee are all guys who are in front of him in various capacities in these statistical areas.</p>
<p id="fRBIm1">Still, Eifert is a frustrating player to have on your team. You know what kind of explosiveness he can provide when healthy, he’s a quality locker room guy and he’s theoretically in the prime of his career.</p>
<p id="TVFYeU">But when you’ve missed more games than played (he suited up for just 41 of 83 total games, including the playoffs) and the amount of missed games (42) is more than double that of touchdowns you’ve amassed, that’s a problem. </p>
<p id="t8PnoW">In Eifert’s five NFL seasons, he’s had the following injuries:</p>
<p id="sbYJw3"><strong>2013</strong></p>
<ul><li id="GMgbvg">A shoulder stinger that caused him to miss one game.</li></ul>
<p id="o8FERF"><strong>2014</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="TUPUMQ">A shoulder labrum tear that caused him to miss three preseason games. He eventually had surgery to repair.</li>
<li id="3cqqrh">A dislocated elbow in Week 1 that ended his 2014 season.</li>
</ul>
<p id="FPplFT"><strong>2015</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="RWGiBe">A shoulder injury that caused him to miss a game.</li>
<li id="g6jmmX">A concussion that kept him out for two games.</li>
</ul>
<p id="Jyng7s"><strong>2016</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="1kUp93">An ankle injury suffered in the Pro Bowl in January that kept him out of action for the first six games of the regular season.</li>
<li id="SnM3Kq">A back injury that caused him to miss two games.</li>
<li id="bk6RlD">Another back injury that kept him out for the last two games of the season and later required surgery.</li>
</ul>
<p id="YlRmki"><strong>2017</strong></p>
<ul><li id="PsqPKH">Knee and back injuries that both required surgery and caused him to miss 14 games.</li></ul>
<p id="uAvncI">Now, Eifert is attempting to return from a nagging back issue after three back surgeries in his football career.</p>
<h3 id="VHTB79"><strong>2018 outlook:</strong></h3>
<p id="dUq8hz">Eifert will be relied upon in the offense, but a breakout campaign by <span>Kroft</span> in 2017 could eat into some of his snaps. The team will also tread lightly with the amount of snaps played by Eifert because of his injury issues, but he’ll undoubtedly be prevalent in red zone situations. </p>
<p id="Ejehrc">Still, the cabinet looks stacked for <span>Andy Dalton</span> on offense, now that a myriad of weapons are going to be available at his disposal. Back in 2015, <span>Dalton</span> had a number of pass-catchers back from previous injuries and he played at a near-MVP level. </p>
<p id="rSleGj">With Eifert back and looking to contribute, Dalton might be able to replicate a lot of his success from three years ago. And, if Eifert can once again prove he’s healthy and potent in the red zone, he’ll get a big payday in 2019. </p>
<p id="tII0rB"></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/8/17827776/is-bengals-te-tyler-eifert-poised-for-a-pro-bowl-year-in-2018Anthony Cosenza2018-09-07T06:00:02-04:002018-09-07T06:00:02-04:00Giovani Bernard could exceed expectations for the Bengals this season
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Joe Mixon gets the attention, but Gio will play a major role in this offense once more. </p> <p id="5JNUJH"><span>Bernard</span> has frequently found himself as the second option on the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> running back depth chart, despite often outplaying whoever has been in front of him. As a rookie, it was <span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span>, and over the past four years it was Jeremy Hill. Last year, it was also <span>Joe Mixon</span>.</p>
<p id="5reBwW">For his career, Bernard has taken about a 40/60 split with his fellow running backs with the rushing duties and often ceded short yardage and touchdown carries. Despite this, since joining the Bengals in 2013, Bernard has almost an identical yards from scrimmage as Green-Ellis, Hill, and Mixon combined, despite touching the ball 285 fewer times.</p>
<p id="7lxW7b">Bernard has gained over 2,000 receiving yards since being drafted which is good enough for tenth best in the entire 2013 draft class, even outpacing a trio of wide receivers and a tight end who were drafted in the first and second rounds, ahead of him.</p>
<p id="mV8MJi">What are his chances of making the roster, and where does he currently stand in the pecking order at his position?</p>
<h3 id="YzHIw8"><span><strong>Giovani Bernard</strong></span></h3>
<p id="KDLqOU"><strong>Height</strong>: 5’9”</p>
<p id="miyL7x"><strong>Weight</strong>: 205 pounds</p>
<p id="hAorOO"><strong>College</strong>: North Carolina</p>
<p id="UVVhcj"><strong>Hometown</strong>: Fort Lauderdale, FL</p>
<p id="bMZmgH"><strong>Experience</strong>: Sixth-Year Player</p>
<h3 id="NbMS2G"><strong>Cap Status</strong></h3>
<p id="Q8VWNm">Bernard has two years remaining on a 3-year, $15.5M contract that he signed with the Bengals which took effect after his original rookie contract. The deal will keep him in Cincinnati until 2020, when he is scheduled to enter free agency.</p>
<p id="YNZ00a">The annual average compensation of $5.167M per season makes Bernard the ninth highest paid running back in the NFL. Among the Bengals his average is eleventh highest on the team. </p>
<h3 id="DCvYpA"><strong>Background</strong></h3>
<p id="9M6zIg">Most of the self-appointed draft experts had Bernard near the top of their running back board, if not at the very top, for the 2013 draft. He joined the Bengals as a second round pick in the 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. With no running backs selected in the first round, Bernard was the top overall running back selected in 2013 and has arguably been the second most successful, behind the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>’ Le’Veon Bell who was drafted 11 picks later, at #48 overall.</p>
<p id="qLgYbB">Bernard was selected with pick #37 overall, which came to the Bengals as a package of two picks from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> in exchange for Carson Palmer. Bernard was actually one of two running backs that the Bengals drafted in 2013, selecting Nebraska’s <span>Rex Burkhead</span> in the sixth round.</p>
<p id="63arcZ">As a freshman at the University of North Carolina, he tore his ACL on the third day of practice and missed his entire first season. In his second season, his redshirt freshman year, he emerged as the team’s starter, compiling 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns on the group, as well as 362 yards and 45 receptions thru the air. </p>
<p id="gb18Ka">UNC changed their offense for Bernard’s redshirt sophomore season, but he still did well, rushing for over 1,200 yards and added 12 touchdowns. He also collected 47 receptions for 490 receiving yards and five touchdowns.</p>
<p id="Zapyzz">In college, he was an elusive, shifty type of running back who could also serve as a good receiver. He was quick with good vision with the ball in his hands and operated well out in space. Essentially, his traits were that of a great third-down back who could be productive on first and second down, as well.</p>
<p id="Hdp33x">In hindsight, the 2013 draft was rather awful at the top. <span>Eric Fisher</span>, <span>Luke Joeckel</span> and <span>Dion Jordan</span> were the top three picks, with Barkevious Mingo, <span>Jonathan Cooper</span>, <span>Tavon Austin</span> and <span>Dee Milliner</span> also in the top 10. So, to find anything of value was a job well done, and the Bengals did a good job selecting Bernard.</p>
<h3 id="UtGxui"><strong>2018 outlook</strong></h3>
<p id="LfQOuo">Barring an unforeseen and abrupt retirement from the NFL, Bernard is essentially assured of a spot on the Bengals roster and a big role in the offense. The Bengals have little depth and experience behind him and <span>Joe Mixon</span>, so there is zero percent chance of Bernard being outplayed and losing his roster spot at any point – especially given <span>Marvin Lewis</span>’ penchant for favoring veterans to a fault.</p>
<p id="YtkoC8">Bernard is a good, veteran player at a position that doesn’t have a lot of depth on the roster. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/7/17593480/giovani-bernard-exceed-expectations-bengals-running-back-cincinnatiDeusVult2018-09-05T12:07:50-04:002018-09-05T12:07:50-04:00Comprehensive Bengals 2018 rookie preview
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Everything you need to know about the first-year players the Bengals decided to keep on the 53-man roster.</p> <p id="c0Qpro">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> are a young football team, <a href="https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-prep-for-opener-with-best-of-both-worlds">even if head coach Marvin Lewis doesn’t want to truly admit it</a>. </p>
<p id="bS9nLu">The return of defensive end Michael Johnson 24 hours after he was a part of last week’s final cuts bumped the team’s average age just above the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, but 30 teams remain older than Lewis’ 16th roster in Cincinnati.</p>
<p id="S1TzzL">After two straight losing seasons, it’s okay to be as excited as you may be nervous about that fact.</p>
<p id="8dNZhC">Despite the recent downturn of Bengals football, the draft classes of the previous two years are not to be faulted. 16 of the team’s 18 draft picks from 2016 and 2017 have made this year’s final roster, and eight of this year’s 11 draft picks will be making the trip to Indianapolis this weekend for the season opener as well. </p>
<p id="5bPXKx">Let’s review each one of those eight rookies, plus those who may be asked to play this year who aren’t currently on the 53-man roster.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="a5IDkr">
<h1 id="R4vFUa">The 2018 Draft Class</h1>
<h3 id="wSstoP">
<span>Billy Price</span>, C, first-round pick (21st overall)</h3>
<p id="EkiRo1"><span>Russell Bodine</span>’s replacement at center is heading into the beginning of his rookie season with expectations that he won’t be the liability his predecessor was. There’s more gray area in the world of player evaluation; players aren’t automatically true assets if they aren’t liabilities, and the intermediary space is where Price will likely reside this season.</p>
<p id="JJcZEf">Will we see him get bull rushed in pass protection multiple times a game? </p>
<p id="25u08L">No, nothing in his tape signals that being a likely scenario. </p>
<p id="t5IOff">Will his snapping issues from training camp re-occur when the snaps actually count? </p>
<p id="6sBdBS">There may be one or two unfortunate incidents but nothing to constantly worry about.</p>
<p id="eqE4W8">The facts regarding Price haven’t changed since he put down the scarlet and gray garb and donned the orange and black. He’s an agro-pile driver who is quick on the move and as cerebrally advanced as they come for being just 22-years-old. His aggression can and will lead to missed blocks due to overly-bending at the waist, and his hands have to reach his landmarks faster off the snap when reaching shaded nose tackles in zone concepts. </p>
<p id="tNWEqZ">These inefficiencies have to be cleaned up in order for Price to fully compensate for his lack of ideal length at the position, and they will pop up from time to time. But Price is still relatively new to the position, and progress should start to show the more he’s snapping to quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span>.</p>
<aside id="caTmLR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bengals depth chart: Alex Redmond to start at right guard in Week 1","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/4/17812688/bengals-depth-chart-alex-redmond-to-start-at-right-guard-week-1-michael-johnson-remains-starter"},{"title":"Film room: The time is now for Jessie Bates","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/23/17759098/film-room-jessie-bates-george-iloka"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="A1sRZl">
<span>Jessie Bates</span>, S, second-round pick (54th overall)</h3>
<p id="kdX2hs">Price was supposed to be the only rookie starter this year; at least that’s what everybody thought from outside the organization. He’s now joined by <span>Bates</span>, who is fully entrenched to start at free safety, among an extremely young secondary. Bates is the first Bengals rookie defender to start a Week 1 game since <span>Rey Maualuga</span> in 2009.</p>
<p id="8XJ2pP">At the start of OTAs, Bates was getting time next to <span>George Iloka</span> when <span>Shawn Williams</span> was sidelined with injury. From the very beginning he was exposed to the first-unit, but was still behind <span>Iloka</span> when <span>Williams</span> returned. But he wasn’t hidden, as the beginning of the preseason saw Bates come in for Iloka starting on the defense’s second series for the first two exhibitions. </p>
<p id="lZKB6J">Then, Iloka was released for what the team claimed as “financial purposes,” and all of the sudden, Bates became the guy.</p>
<p id="cO1D3p">If Bates proved to the coaches that he was going to be the starter over Iloka no matter what, then it made sense to do away with Iloka’s salary that recognized him as a starter. But it wasn’t obvious that Bates ever outplayed Iloka in practice or the preseason. </p>
<p id="8hvfaK">The confidence the Bengals have in the 21-year old is immense, and his skills as a rangy third level defender with clear ball skills is why the Bengals are rolling the dice with him.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="jIaZyn"><div data-anthem-component="aside:1067761"></div></div></div>
<h3 id="scniye">
<span>Sam Hubbard</span>, DE, third-round pick (77th overall)</h3>
<p id="4EsNdl">The Bengals’ other rookie Buckeye who will be dressed on game days this year must’ve thought he would be playing a lot more with <span>Johnson</span> out of the picture for just a day. With Johnson back and keeping the same roles he had last season, <span>Hubbard</span> should expect a workload similar to <span>Jordan Willis</span>’ rookie campaign last season: an average of 20 snaps a game, with most of them in the base defense defending the run.</p>
<p id="UqVk1E">An identical year to last year’s third-round pick would be acceptable for the 22-year old pass rusher. Hubbard comes into the league with an ability to win around the edge with quick and nuanced hand usage, but needs to nail those strikes to make up for a lack of elite get-off speed and explosion. We saw him have success throughout the preseason with his flexibility around the edge, but he’ll have to do it against much better competition now.</p>
<p id="XQm5Ca">Hubbard’s value will come in run defense, as the Bengals have two quality edge rushers in <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> and <span>Carl Lawson</span>, and <span>Willis</span> looks primed to improve there as well. When <span>Dunlap</span> gets rest during the game, expect Hubbard to come in for him when Willis doesn’t. </p>
<p id="qCIERr">There’s also inside at the opposite 3-technique spot of <span>Geno Atkins</span> in the defense’s nickel personnel that Hubbard could get playing time at. He and Willis saw ample opportunity there in the preseason when Johnson was out of the game, and though Johnson figures to still man that role, Hubbard should see <em>some</em> time there as well as the year goes on.</p>
<h3 id="JRVd01">
<span>Malik Jefferson</span>, LB, third-round pick (78th overall)</h3>
<p id="m8nRxs"><span>Jefferson</span>’s collegiate production, athleticism and age (he won’t be 22 until November) gives him arguably the highest ceiling of all the Bengals draft picks from this year. The reason why he won’t be dressed on game days a lot, however, is because his floor is as low as his ceiling is high. And that reality was very much proven this preseason.</p>
<p id="LcoMG6">With the absence of linebacker <span>Vontaze Burfict</span>, <span>Jordan Evans</span> has taken hold of his starting spot at WILL linebacker, and Jefferson has been taking reps behind him on the second-team. He’s looked promising when tasked with matching up with running backs and slot receivers in man coverage. The explosion he exerts when clicking and closing is evident, but for every positive play he made, there was a condemnable error he committed. </p>
<p id="B2O8a5">Jefferson is not quite ready to contribute with significant snaps. His mental processing as a run defender is still a hindrance to his top-tier movement skills, and it’s plausible this reasoning is why second-year linebacker <span>Brandon Bell</span> got more playing time in two of the first three preseason games. </p>
<p id="fYZCae">But the investment the Bengals made in Jefferson and his massive potential is why he’s on the roster and Bell isn’t. Even with <span>Burfict</span> sidelined with a four-game suspension to open the season, don’t expect Jefferson to be active much, and if he does dress, expect more special teams usage than anything.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="IYVCi2"><div data-anthem-component="aside:1208012"></div></div></div>
<h3 id="DjNdR9">
<span>Mark Walton</span>, RB, fourth-round pick (112th overall)</h3>
<p id="shXWZ3">The decision to keep <span>Walton</span> was not a controversy among the team. The volume production of 22 carries and 21 yards this preseason was horrendous on paper for Walton, there’s no questioning that. </p>
<p id="bcvAUP">And Brian Hill’s play behind him made him the more attractive option to round off the running backs room. There was simply more to the story for Walton last month.</p>
<div id="hbZVs5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Among the 60 RBs with 20+ attempts this preseason, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a>' Mark Walton and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucs</a>' Ronald Jones rank 1st and 2nd, respectively, in percentage of carries where they've been contacted at or behind the LOS at 77.3% and 75.0%. <br><br>Any RB's YPC will suffer if this is the case.</p>— Austin Gayle (@AustinGayle_PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustinGayle_PFF/status/1035909118144512001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="gj9AHm">Walton experienced what running back <span>Joe Mixon</span> went through all last season: running with a line of scrimmage reset well into the backfield. The vast majority of Walton’s carries were busts from the beginning, and it’d be unfair to judge Walton on such a sample when his college tape showed true playmaking ability and the vision to create for himself at Miami.</p>
<p id="DPRGC2">The stigma that Walton will have to shake isn’t that he’s a better running back than Hill. He has to prove he was worth the investment of a fourth-round pick when the Bengals had ample talent at the position besides him, but still had major questions on the offensive line. Walton seemed like a luxury pick when he was drafted, and the preseason seemed to validate that.</p>
<p id="loEG7w">Regardless, Walton’s here to stay and should provide adequate depth for <span>Mixon</span> and Giovani Bernard. He’ll presumably be active to play on special teams, something the coaches specifically raved about him when he was drafted. </p>
<p id="BM3rMV">The nature of the NFL now is that successful running backs can be acquired anywhere throughout and after the draft, so to have a fourth-rounder just be a special teamer isn’t quite ideal. But he’s an injury away from being plugged into the offense full-time.</p>
<h3 id="HaPsOl">
<span>Davontae Harris</span>, CB, fifth-round pick (151st overall)</h3>
<p id="E8nMaF">After suffering a knee injury against the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> in Week 2 of the preseason, <span>Harris</span> missed the rest of the month and was destined for a place on injured reserve. But Harris made the initial 53-man roster, so he could be placed on injured reserve with an option to return later in the year. </p>
<p id="TlWBg0">Harris is the only player of the seven on the Injured/Reserve list who can play this year (which includes this year’s seventh-round pick OG <span>Rod Taylor</span>, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/7/26/17619362/bengals-ol-rod-taylor-carted-off-with-knee-injury">who was injured at the start of training camp</a>).</p>
<p id="XRHrZC">Even with that possibility, Harris may end up sitting the year out so he can come back stronger in his second year. Coming from Illinois State, Harris struggled early in training camp and the team would likely prefer if he could gain a little more strength to handle the physicality of the position. </p>
<p id="VBuCcU">If he does come back, he’ll be mainly a gunner on punt teams, and would likely be in that position because of other injuries forced him into the role.</p>
<aside id="JKyVuR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bengals announce practice squad","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/2/17811774/nfl-roster-cuts-2018-bengals-announce-practice-squad"},{"title":"6 things we learned from the Bengals roster cuts and practice squad creation","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/3/17812478/bengals-roster-cuts-and-practice-squad-creation-2018"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="Rqlgms">
<span>Andrew Brown</span>, DT, fifth-round pick (158th overall)</h3>
<p id="FhN9Bu">One of the two draft picks waived on Saturday (the other being seventh-round pick QB <span>Logan Woodside</span>, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/3/17814746/former-bengals-wr-brandon-lafell-qb-logan-woodside-sign-with-new-teams-raiders-titans">who has since signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad</a>), <span>Brown</span> missed most of August with a hamstring injury, and missed the first two preseason games and a ton of practice time as a result. The valuable time he missed put him in an unfavorable position. Despite that, his roster spot was still up for grabs until the very end with the release of defensive tackle <span>Chris Baker</span> coming a few days before he returned to the field.</p>
<p id="8B5zAk">The former five-star recruit and high school player of the year ultimately lost to fellow defensive tackle <span>Josh Tupou</span> as the final defensive lineman to make the roster, but we’re still talking about him because he went unclaimed on waivers and was signed back to the Bengals as a member of their practice squad. Brown can make up for lost time this year working on better pad level and getting more comfortable with play recognition. </p>
<p id="8pkJ6m">Brown was my favorite pick of this year’s class, and it was unfortunate that he missed all that time with his injury. But there’s still a plethora of natural ability in him, and he should remain available in case anything bad happens to the defensive tackles on the roster.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="D14LcK"><div data-anthem-component="aside:1201762"></div></div></div>
<h3 id="MhyuWB">
<span>Darius Phillips</span>, CB/KR/PR, fifth-round pick (170th overall)</h3>
<p id="D1J2IP">After sporting No. 38 on his jersey for the entire offseason, <span>Phillips</span> officially switched to No. 23 after he made it through the final cuts. But his role this season should mirror the former No. 24 for the Bengals had last year. </p>
<p id="DIqbMy"><span>Adam Jones</span> had the option on the final year of his contract declined this offseason, and the Bengals needed a return man to challenge wide receiver <span>Alex Erickson</span> and depth at cornerback to compensate for Jones’s departure. Phillips will be expected to do both of those things. As of now, he’s <span>Erickson</span>’s backup at returner (though he took the majority of kickoff and punt returns this preseason) and <span>Darqueze Dennard</span>’s backup at slot defender. </p>
<p id="YrLjhd">Phillips looked like the better option for both return man duties, and that’s where he’ll be relied on the most. <span>Tony McRae</span> is likely the first cornerback off the bench ahead of Phillips, but Phillips could use reps this season with <span>Dennard</span> becoming a free agent next year.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="hoH6BU"><div data-anthem-component="aside:1231634"></div></div></div>
<h3 id="TrIh26">
<span>Auden Tate</span>, WR, seventh-round pick (253rd overall)</h3>
<p id="u3Bmzq">A receiver, not a tight end. On the roster, not the practice squad. The notion that <span>Tate</span> would be converted to a tight end was wishful thinking from the start, but his cumulative work from OTAs to the preseason paid off and forced the Bengals to keep seven receivers when nearly everyone who made a prediction had six as the number. Now the question is: what’s next?</p>
<p id="DSsvVL">The presumed battle was between Tate and <span>Cody Core</span>, and conventional wisdom stated that whoever won the battle would’ve earned it from performance on special teams. <span>Core</span> didn’t play after Week 1 of this preseason, giving Tate ample opportunity to prove he deserved his spot. Even still, Core was kept on because they continue to value his presence on special teams due to Tate’s less than stellar showing there. </p>
<p id="qdHj4l">Special teams was so important for Tate because if he couldn’t prove himself valuable there, his skills as a receiver wouldn’t be recognized on game day and he’d have to watch from the sideline as the team won’t activate all seven receivers. </p>
<p id="SzSvxa">And despite the flashes he showed in his three catches for 66 yards this preseason, Tate still has plenty to work in his route running and timing. He’s just 21, and the receiving room looks strong besides him, so there’s no need to rush him now that he’s on the team.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9BLew6">
<h1 id="r8qRyz">Undrafted free agents on the practice squad</h1>
<h3 id="RHchlO">
<span>Quinton Flowers</span>, RB</h3>
<p id="EjZtk2">The Bengals tried to get Hill back on the practice squad, but the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, the team who drafted him last year, won him over instead. The Bengals got <span>Flowers</span> on the mini-squad, though they would’ve preferred Hill.</p>
<p id="pnmmQP">There was buzz early in the offseason that <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/5/12/17345264/quinton-flowers-isnt-going-to-let-being-undrafted-or-changing-positions-hold-him-back-bengals-udfa">Flowers would be a surprise name to make the final roster</a> because of his versatility and special teams prowess, but the running backs room became too crowded when <span>Tra Carson</span> started showing out. Flowers was one of the odd men out, but his future with Cincinnati is still alive. And just like Carson, he’s talented enough to work his way up onto the roster eventually.</p>
<h3 id="eMO8mt">
<span>Jordan Franks</span>, H-B</h3>
<p id="2xOUcO">With the release of veteran <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> and with <span>Cethan Carter</span> being placed on IR, the Bengals opted to go without an H-back this year for the first time in recent memory. <span>Franks</span> was behind both at the position in the earlier depth charts released in the preseason, and just like <span>Hewitt</span> and <span>Carter</span>, Franks got time at tight end as well. </p>
<p id="BxN9E8">The team ended up rolling with four true tight ends, but if one of them goes down during the season, Franks may get called up to the active roster. If that doesn’t happen, Franks could be back and compete with a healthy Carter for a spot next year.</p>
<h3 id="pTY0c7">
<span>Brad Lundblade</span>, C</h3>
<p id="Obj8KI">The starting offensive line for the Bengals will trot out against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> this Sunday will feature four different starters from last year. The depth at each position features nearly all familiar names, but neither center from last year is still with the team now after <span>T.J. Johnson</span> was cut last week. It’s <span>Billy Price</span>, then <span>Trey Hopkins</span>, and then <span>Lundblade</span> on the practice squad.</p>
<p id="ZMMopk">Lundblade may sport the stricken No. 61 on his practice jersey, but he played well enough on the third-team at center to earn a call back to the Bengals practice squad. Hopefully, he isn’t asked to come up from it.</p>
<h3 id="pdidBy">
<span>Chris Worley</span>, LB</h3>
<p id="ZF2xwJ"><span>Brandon Bell</span> and <span>Junior Joseph</span> made reasonable cases for a spot on the practice squad at linebacker. In the end, it was <span>Worley</span>, who was used as a pass rusher more than anything, claiming the spot. </p>
<p id="21ziTV">With Worley, the three rookies the Bengals brought in from Ohio State this offseason all made the team in some capacity, and Worley’s development as a versatile stand-up edge rusher with open-field capabilities will be something to watch going forward.</p>
<p id="APRQv1"></p>
<aside id="oCWr5S"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"rise_n_grind"}'></div></aside>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/5/17805214/bengals-rookie-preview-billy-price-jessie-bates-sam-hubbard-auden-tateJohn Sheeran2018-09-05T10:15:03-04:002018-09-05T10:15:03-04:00Bengals LB Vincent Rey could be a value backup again in 2018
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/onxoeLtInZaE6MNxMISWh38FlcI=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61067883/usa_today_10408256.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Vincent Rey has been a very valuable backup linebacker over the past few seasons, but how much longer can he keep it up.</p> <p id="chjvIX"><span>Vincent Rey</span> has been around for awhile, and while he has never really gotten to the level of earning a starting role over other Bengals linebackers, he has served a very valuable role as a depth linebacker. The past few years with <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> in and out of the lineup have made that position especially important as <span>Burfict</span> routinely gets suspended or fined.</p>
<p id="aHyOWd">Last year was one of the more important years for Rey. He started 11 games as linebackers fell like flies due to injury. He also was tasked with helping along young linebackers like <span>Jordan Evans</span>, Hardy Nickerson and <span>Brandon Bell</span> who ended up playing more than anticipated.</p>
<p id="uxCjMA">It was very much a humbling year for Rey, though as his age is starting to show. He will turn 31 in early September, and we saw several examples of athletic play makers taking advantage of Rey. Can he still hold his spot as the depth linebacker?</p>
<p id="5bgxuv"><span><strong>Vincent Rey</strong></span></p>
<p id="bsdbHw"><strong>Height</strong>: 6’</p>
<p id="KjljUs"><strong>Weight</strong>: 250 pounds</p>
<p id="qqHbPo"><strong>College</strong>: Duke</p>
<p id="9irYAw"><strong>Hometown</strong>: Brooklyn, NY</p>
<p id="Y5zUJz"><strong>Experience</strong>: Eight seasons</p>
<h3 id="7oIitV"><strong>Cap status</strong></h3>
<p id="21NFrY">Rey has one season left on his contract. He is set to make $2.25 million this season while carrying a $2.725 million cap hit, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/vincent-rey-7589/">according to Spotrac</a>. Considering the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> situation at linebacker it would be fairly surprising to see the team extend or re-sign Rey for next year. The only way would be if he signed a contract that was heavily based on him making the roster for the 2019 season, but even then the Bengals will likely be content to move forward with their youth at the position.</p>
<h3 id="T3TwUj"><strong>Background</strong></h3>
<p id="FBqp0l">Rey is probably the poster child for undrafted free agents with the Bengals. Of course Burfict followed a similar route, but he was considered much more likely to be a contributor based on talent. Rey was almost an afterthought. He had to fight his way onto the roster, and he worked his way into an eight year career that isn’t over yet.</p>
<p id="GcM86Y">The only two seasons Rey didn’t play in all 16 games was his rookie season and the 2017 season. That is the kind of dependability that will keep you on a roster. He exploded onto the scene in 2014 when he started 13 games and recorded 121 tackles, which is a career-high.</p>
<p id="yea50R">Rey has also played just about every linebacker position as well as contributed heavily to special teams. He really did just about anything the team asked him to do. </p>
<h3 id="VLseVd"><strong>2018 outlook</strong></h3>
<p id="aol8b9">Rey will have to fight to hold his position as the first linebacker off the bench, and we will learn early on if he remains to hold onto that position with Burfict set to miss the first four games of the season due to suspension.</p>
<p id="Vxp2qF"><span>Nick Vigil</span> (who started last year) and <span>Preston Brown</span> will likely be the starting linebackers with Burfict, but until his return we will likely see either Rey or <span>Evans</span> filling. For now, Evans has won the job. </p>
<p id="IeRlEh">One of the things that could hurt Rey keeping his position on the depth chart is new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin coming in and giving everyone an equal shot at competition. A guy like Paul Guenther may have valued Rey’s knowledge of the system more. Plus the fact the defense is changing puts all the linebackers on more of an even paying field, although Rey’s experience is still invaluable.</p>
<p id="VxHkJV">Rey will probably end up being the first guy off the bench, and we will likely see plenty of him on defense and special teams.</p>
<aside id="i4xm9w"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"rise_n_grind"}'></div></aside>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/5/17635332/bengals-lb-vincent-rey-could-be-a-value-backup-again-in-2018PatrickJudis2018-08-30T13:30:02-04:002018-08-30T13:30:02-04:00What to expect from the Bengals’ running backs in 2018
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rBlvFCW8Yazx09EgfPkdGPbQ2mU=/0x0:3283x2189/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61068083/usa_today_10509349.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Even though the Bengals are undergoing a bit of transition at running back, there is still a glut of talent in the group. </p> <p id="kCqwKg">Though many positions on the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>’ roster is being questioned in this very important offseason, running back isn’t one necessarily under the microscope. </p>
<p id="OSipGd">Since 2013, the Bengals have used three second-round picks on the position, as well as another fourth rounder in 2018. </p>
<p id="gWlrX4">It’s not a big surprise, given the fact that the team relied on a myriad of backs since 2009, but reliance on a single back as “the workhorse” hasn’t been the M.O. under <span>Marvin Lewis</span> in recent years. </p>
<p id="JrCy77">What should we expect from the position in 2018?</p>
<h3 id="AJdLtx"><strong>Comings and goings:</strong></h3>
<p id="r4BVtu"><em><strong>Departures:</strong></em> Jeremy Hill</p>
<p id="Mq3VPx"><em><strong>Additions:</strong></em> <span>Mark Walton</span> (2018, round 4), <span>Quinton Flowers</span> (UDFA)</p>
<h3 id="aP1lLy"><strong>The Cast:</strong></h3>
<p id="kLfPdb"><em><strong>Starters:</strong></em> <span>Joe Mixon</span>, <span>Giovani Bernard</span>, <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> (H-Back)</p>
<p id="zm6Sl1"><em><strong>Rotational players:</strong></em> <span>Mark Walton</span></p>
<p id="EmJfFo"><em><strong>Grinding for a roster spot/special teams:</strong></em> <span>Jarveon Williams</span>, <span>Brian Hill</span>, <span>Tra Carson</span>, <span>Quinton Flowers</span></p>
<p id="xb46oo">Though he had an outstanding rookie season back in 2014, <span>Hill</span>’s decline in production paved the way for his departure. <span>Joe Mixon</span> will get the lion’s share of the carries in 2018, but <span>Giovani Bernard</span> will get also receive a good amount of touches as well. </p>
<p id="u0LLUx">Walton is a roster lock too, but it’s unclear exactly what his role will be—particularly on offense. The Bengals usually carry four running backs on their roster, outside of their H-Back/fullback, so Flowers and/or <span>Williams</span> will need to show some sort of special teams prowess. </p>
<p id="3YQHxB">If you’ve followed the Bengals in the preseason over the past few seasons, you would have seen some underdogs make the club after great in-game summer performances. Flowers is a guy who could kill two birds with one roster stone, but he’ll need to show a lot of upside during the month of August. </p>
<h3 id="bbpwiD"><strong>2018 outlook:</strong></h3>
<p id="ivF7EO">With Hill gone, Mixon is suddenly propelled into a higher-profile role. And, with a revamped offensive line, the second-year back could have a breakout year with increased touches in 2018. He seems to be responding well, given his shedding of about 10-15 pounds and his ridiculous touchdown catch in the preseason opener. </p>
<div id="XospGf">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Mixon ...<br><br>Played every snap on the first drive<br>Broke some tackles (43/47 in PFF Elusive Rating last season)<br>Scored while lined up as a true WR <a href="https://t.co/Wuq0Ul2IFS">pic.twitter.com/Wuq0Ul2IFS</a></p>— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ihartitz/status/1027931645968613376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="IioOtg">Meanwhile, Bernard will seemingly maintain the role he has held since joining the Bengals, though he might see a few more touches than last season now that Hill is out of the picture. It’s going to be interesting to see just how much and in what ways Bill Lazor will use Bernard in his first full season as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator. </p>
<p id="iDNowa">If the Bengals wish to get cute, in terms of their packages and formations, employing Bernard and Mixon at the same time in a “wishbone-like” formation could be something the team should explore. Even so, Mixon will be used in a couple of different ways, while Bernard will also likely remain a multi-faceted outlet for <span>Andy Dalton</span>. </p>
<p id="Rv7xfq">Believe it or not, this writer believes that Walton will have a bigger impact in Year 1 than some others do. That isn’t to point to ineffectiveness or unavailability of other backs, but rather in Walton’s promise and upside. </p>
<p id="QC7kpw">Walton entered the first preseason game earlier than expected. After Mixon dazzled everyone with a great touchdown reception and Bernard had a couple of highlight-worthy touches, the rookie came in. Walton had just 13 yards on seven carries, but was also behind a patchwork offensive line, which has continued through the other two preseason games. </p>
<p id="WrrIzo">However, the real intrigue with this position in the regular season may come in the lead blocker. For years, the Bengals relied upon a stout fullback to lead the way for their talented running backs, but the usage of the position has varied in more recent times. </p>
<p id="9FQokx"><span>Hewitt</span> signed a lucrative contract a couple of offseasons ago, and rightfully so, given his skill-set. However, the offense’s usage of his services has been more-than-fickle since that extension. </p>
<p id="CYxi44">It’s unclear exactly what Bill Lazor is planning with Hewitt, but the Bengals run the ball effectively with a true fullback in front of the runner. While that’s one of the strengths of Hewitt, one has to wonder if the team isn’t fully utilizing his versatile skill-set. </p>
<p id="Q3fVC2">Regardless, with the additions of <span>Billy Price</span> and <span>Cordy Glenn</span>, Mixon, Bernard and Walton should have increased success this year. We’ll see if the improvements on paper come to fruition this fall. </p>
<aside id="GegkHH"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"rise_n_grind"}'></div></aside>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/30/17584860/what-to-expect-from-the-bengals-running-backs-in-2018Anthony Cosenza2018-08-29T16:30:02-04:002018-08-29T16:30:02-04:00The Bengals’ quarterback unit has plenty to prove this season
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kOdoIFZX0bWYjxdnr3szgAoez4U=/0x0:3513x2342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61067287/usa_today_10894827.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals have an established starter at their most important position, but can Andy Dalton get the team over the playoff hump? What’s the overall status of the position group behind No. 14?</p> <p id="LCOcUA">Before Marvin Lewis arrived in Cincinnati in 2003, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>’ quarterback position was a mess. After Boomer Esiason was pushed out of the door in the 1993 offseason, Cincinnati experimented with David Klingler, Jay Schroeder, Jeff Blake, Neil O’Donnell, <span>Akili Smith</span>, <span>Jon Kitna</span> and Scott Mitchell under center. </p>
<p id="5UKkaw">Yikes. </p>
<p id="ut4Jwf">Since that time, the Bengals have relied on just <span>Carson Palmer</span> and <span>Andy Dalton</span> at the position over the past 15 years. Yes, Kitna ably manned the position in the 2003 transition season, while <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> and <span>AJ McCarron</span> stepped in for spot starts because of injuries to Palmer and Dalton, respectively, but stability has largely been a part of the quarterback position under Lewis. </p>
<p id="zmmCdX">Though Dalton helped lead the team to five straight postseason berths from 2011-2015, the team and more than anyone, himself, have fallen far short of expectations the past two seasons. With a resurgence of new weapons surrounding him and some stability at offensive coordinator, could this be the year we see the best from Dalton?</p>
<h3 id="cMPULW"><strong>Comings and goings:</strong></h3>
<p id="Dc0VNf"><em><strong>Departures:</strong></em> <span>AJ McCarron</span></p>
<p id="2m32Cy"><em><strong>Additions:</strong></em> <span>Matt Barkley</span> (free agency), <span>Logan Woodside</span> (draft, round 7)</p>
<p id="Vsa7mi">In short, McCarron gambled on himself this offseason. Yes, he won an arbitration with the league to become an unrestricted free agent, but the market was very quiet for his services. He signed a two-year deal with Buffalo after <span>Tyrod Taylor</span> was shipped to Cleveland, but with <span>Josh Allen</span> being selected No. 7 overall, McCarron’s supposed starting spot is now in jeopardy with the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>. </p>
<p id="tJZokT">McCarron’s potential replacements have shown to be less than stellar thus far. After a great college career at USC, Barkley never cemented himself as a viable NFL starter. However, he’s had starting experience in the league and could be a decent band-aid for the Bengals, should Dalton miss a short period of time. However, his showing in the preseason hasn’t exactly enhanced his case.</p>
<p id="qiJcOx">Woodside is another story altogether. He had a productive collegiate career at Toledo, but a couple of issues are following him to the NFL. One is his slight stature (6’1”) and lack of arm strength, but another is a recent arrest for DUI in June. Woodside was held out of the beginning of training camp and has taken minimal in-game reps this preseason, so his uphill battle for the backup spot became even more difficult when the pads came on. </p>
<aside id="FMmdBl"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Bengals’ 3 deepest positions entering training camp","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/7/17/17575798/the-bengals-3-deepest-positions-entering-training-camp"},{"title":"Which Bengals player would be worth the franchise tag in 2019?","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/7/16/17574532/which-bengals-player-would-worth-franchise-tag-in-2019"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="u2IIqz"><strong>The Cast:</strong></h3>
<p id="frAyrM"><em><strong>Starter:</strong></em> <span>Andy Dalton</span></p>
<p id="dpNjWq"><em><strong>Backup candidates:</strong></em> <span>Matt Barkley</span>, <span>Logan Woodside</span>, <span>Jeff Driskel</span></p>
<p id="DaMg75">Looking at Barkley and Woodside, the Bengals not only didn’t bring in anything resembling competition for Dalton, they seemingly diminished the quality of the position room as a whole. But there is one more quarterback to be mentioned.</p>
<p id="x3EuE1"><span>Driskel</span> is an interesting player in this group. Even though they have traditionally kept just two quarterbacks on the active roster in recent years, Driskel has made his way on the final list in 2016 as an addition post-final cuts, but was placed on Injured Reserve last year. The Bengals like his raw athleticism and upside, but the question of his reaching of his possible potential is still under question. </p>
<p id="84txfx">Last preseason, we saw Driskel make special plays in his time with the third-team, enough to where the Bengals decided to carry him onto the roster. This year, he’s continued to showcase his ability to work out of the pocket and make throws on the move. A stellar performance in Week 1 against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> essentially bumped him up to second-string over Barkley for for a week, until Barkley took those reps from him in Week 3 against the Bills.</p>
<p id="O4qIMR">The competition between the two has been neck-and-neck, but it’s been the flashes from Driskel in preseason games that have made it that way.</p>
<h3 id="Hjoea9"><strong>2018 outlook:</strong></h3>
<p id="HeXaml">With the returns of <span>Tyler Eifert</span> and <span>John Ross</span>, coupled with more touches for <span>Joe Mixon</span> and a revamped offensive line, Dalton could produce like he did back in 2015, when he was a dark horse MVP candidate. But with seven years under his belt, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from now—large amounts of solid-to-great play, with sporadic and inexplicable bouts of terrible performances in the biggest of games. </p>
<p id="UncvCZ">Regardless of one’s feeling for Dalton, he’s the guy for 2018. If the team really wanted to supplant him, they had a No. 12 pick to use in a quarterback-heavy draft and opted to go with what is essentially two offensive linemen in trading for <span>Cordy Glenn</span> and picking <span>Billy Price</span> at No. 21 overall. </p>
<p id="qongCi">What happens behind Dalton in 2018 is the true enigma. Common knowledge has Barkley as a reliable veteran backup, as the Bengals usually prefer the safe option over the riskier/higher upside player. </p>
<p id="3s3t5P">Still, Barkley hasn’t impressed in training camp or the preseason, while Woodside has had the aforementioned off-field issues and seems destined for the practice squad. Driskel flashed that backyard football-type of play in the preseason opener with a touchdown pass to <span>Auden Tate</span>, and has continued to perform more consistently since. </p>
<p id="xG56iX">Whoever is backing up Dalton, it ultimately won’t matter if he has to play significant snaps. But Driskel seems to have given a better case for the job, and after two years in the system, the backup spot should be his and his alone.</p>
<p id="eIW4xR"></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/29/17582596/the-bengals-quarterback-unit-is-shaky-heading-into-2018Anthony Cosenza2018-08-26T11:00:02-04:002018-08-26T11:00:02-04:00Jordan Willis looking to become a household name
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lB_RLM-I_FxmJ0GjIIpQvFSa2Tk=/0x0:4796x3197/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61021321/usa_today_10206414.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan Willis was overshadowed during his rookie season, but he is hoping to change that in 2018.</p> <p id="O4FpDb">While <span>Carl Lawson</span> spent his rookie season chasing the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> rookie record for sacks, <span>Jordan Willis</span> spent his first year just fighting for snaps. </p>
<p id="gHq59e">Though he was drafted one round before <span>Lawson</span>, <span>Willis</span> showed he had a much longer way to go as a pass-rusher and didn’t get the limelight Lawson earned as a sack artist. But the third-round pick still impressed with his own strengths in his limited playing time.</p>
<p id="7gKl9P">With a year under his belt, and a role already established on a talented defensive line, Willis is ready to show us he’s taken the next step.</p>
<p id="4c8N1b"><span><strong>Jordan Willis</strong></span></p>
<p id="bsdbHw"><strong>Height</strong>: 6’4”</p>
<p id="KjljUs"><strong>Weight</strong>: 260 pounds</p>
<p id="qqHbPo"><strong>College</strong>: Kansas Sate</p>
<p id="9irYAw"><strong>Hometown</strong>: San Diego, CA</p>
<p id="Y5zUJz"><strong>Experience</strong>: Entering his second season</p>
<h3 id="S5v9SE"><strong>Cap status</strong></h3>
<p id="0Z0epM">Willis is in the second year of his rookie deal worth roughly $3.6 million. He will make $628,000 in 2018 while carrying a cap hit of $678,300, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/jordan-willis-21815/">according to Spotrac</a>. He will be a free agent following the 2020 season.</p>
<h3 id="o1HdYu"><strong>Background</strong></h3>
<p id="fQuwol">The Bengals selected Willis 73rd overall pick in 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. He was a Big 12 defensive player of the year and was named a third team all-american in 2016, when he led the Wildcats with 17.5 tackles for a loss with 11.5 sacks. He earned the acknowledgment of being “the epitome” of Kansas State football by Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder.</p>
<p id="h8Egds">Despite this, Willis didn’t see immediate success in the NFL. He played in all 16 games only starting once, recording 17 tackles and one sack on the season. He did only play about 31 percent of the snaps, which was the lowest of any rotational defensive end including Lawson and Chris Smith.</p>
<p id="MiBHQ0">Of course Willis wasn’t just playing at defensive end. He often filled the role of defensive tackle on obvious passing downs as well. The Bengals did this with Michael Johnson and mainly Smith. He still struggled to pressure the quarterback regardless. </p>
<p id="v4feAT">Willis’ value wasn’t found rushing the passer, as he was more impressive against the run.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordan Willis (#75) was good against the run as a rookie. Played 59% of his snaps against the run. The only Bengals DE that saw more run plays than pass. <a href="https://t.co/sB3JjzmIOI">pic.twitter.com/sB3JjzmIOI</a></p>— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/1002007944664403968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="YO4g8n">Willis shows a great ability to play with leverage, heavy hands that allow him shed blocks and chase down running backs. He understands how to set the edge and force the running back inside so others can fill in the gap and make a stop. It is really impressive how often he gets off his block just in time to fill what seems like an opening.</p>
<h3 id="g4pXkN">
<strong>Roster </strong><strong>odds</strong>
</h3>
<p id="qRLnN9">Willis should have a firm grip on his roster spot. He is only in his second season and showed plenty of promise during his rookie season. One coach even said <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/5/22/17381904/unnamed-bengals-coach-jordan-willis-on-field-more-2017">Willis should’ve seen the field more</a> during his rookie season.</p>
<aside id="ndjeRi"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Jordan Willis makes a statement in Bengals’ win over Cowboys","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/19/17755380/jordan-willis-makes-a-statement-bengals-win-over-cowboys"},{"title":"Weekly Lineman: Lawson battles; Hubbard and Willis shine","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/21/17761004/bengals-weekly-lineman-carl-lawson-sam-hubbard-jordan-willis"}]}'></div></aside><p id="J0VXRn">Willis also won’t have much competition for his spot. Smith left during free agency, and the team replaced him with <span>Sam Hubbard</span> in this year’s draft. With Johnson all but on the way out after this year, and <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> still not under contract beyond this season, Willis should be viewed as a clear contingency plan at the position, and should be prepped for major playing time in 2019.</p>
<p id="SEdE9e">But with Johnson still here for the time being, Willis will be asked to rotate in and out with him and occasionally <span>Dunlap</span>. If he progresses like expected, Willis could be viewed as an integral piece of the future under new Bengals’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. </p>
<p id="AWqtu1">One thing is for sure, Willis could make some noise if he gets the majority of snaps like he should.</p>
<p id="aWkn6d"><strong>Roster odds: </strong>90 percent.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/8/26/17607858/jordan-willis-looking-to-become-a-household-namePatrickJudis