Cincy Jungle - Bengals vs. Cardinals in Preseason Week 1: Everything to knowWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2022-08-17T07:00:00-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/230590052022-08-17T07:00:00-04:002022-08-17T07:00:00-04:00Kendric Pryor impressing Zac Taylor
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The Enquirer" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4-2y8sY_UYZPLEX-cc2xAyaXLDw=/1081x170:3294x1645/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71252180/usa_today_18785179.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pryor was called the “most improved player since the springtime.”</p> <p id="80xEnQ">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> still have several spots on the final 53-man roster up for grabs, and wide receiver Kendric Pryor, an undrafted free agent, has been making his claim for one of them. </p>
<p id="DyrFOQ">Pryor has impressed head coach Zac Taylor and put his hard work on display in the Bengals' first preseason game. Despite that being a blowout loss, down 36-9 entering the fourth quarter, Pryor had arguably the most impressive game of any Bengals. </p>
<p id="kfo2Ix">He ended the outing, getting thrown balls by Brandon Allen, Drew Pitt, and Jake Browning, with four receptions, 89 yards, and a touchdown. Pitt went 6-for-6 and had the only Bengals passing touchdown of the evening to Pryor. </p>
<p id="FNtQyi">“He’s been the most improved player since the springtime. What he did over the summer, I don’t know. Just making the most of his opportunities this training camp,” <a href="https://youtu.be/h3Y2QV_0tXA?t=70">Taylor said Monday</a>.</p>
<p id="Tlwe7b">The 5-foot-11 receiver was a standout at Wisconsin in six seasons with the Badgers.</p>
<p id="Zn4iKt">Pryor is unfortunately playing a position the Bengals are extremely deep at. Cincinnati arguably has the best three-man receiving trio in the NFL with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. </p>
<p id="vBlCRC">Michael Thomas should be a lock to make the roster as well given his special teams contributions. While Pryor had a great evening and impressed, Trent Taylor did as well. Stanley Morgan is another name to keep an eye on. </p>
<p id="qCLww9">However, from what Taylor has said, Pryor seems to be gaining traction with the coaching staff, and his athletic catches in the team’s first preseason outing are a clear reason why he may find himself after final roster cuts are made. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/17/23307485/kendric-pryor-zac-taylor-bengals-53-man-roster-newsNathan Beighle2022-08-16T13:55:32-04:002022-08-16T13:55:32-04:00The good, the bad and the ugly in Bengals’ 36-23 loss to Cardinals
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jIRDp84MTTgbqcpVLOY3MkbjnHI=/0x0:8640x5760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71249903/usa_today_18863028.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Albert Cesare / The Enquirer</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We look at some of the best and worst facets of Cincinnati’s 2022 preseason opening loss to Arizona. </p> <p id="JJusFo">There are specific things teams attempt to achieve in the preseason—particularly early in the summer. Giving significant snaps to rotational players and others grinding for a job is part-and-parcel of these games, as is prioritizing development over end scores. </p>
<p id="NIBhig">We saw a little bit of everything—bad and good—from the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> in their Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. Here are the best and worst facets from their 36-23 loss to the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. </p>
<h2 id="0K46dA"><strong>The good</strong></h2>
<p id="Q9brSo"><em><strong>Rookies, drafted and not, contributing early:</strong></em></p>
<p id="jzfssB">First-round defensive back Daxton Hill was extremely active on the evening, as his trial-by-fire continues with Jessie Bates III’s holdout. Zachary Carter made a couple plays and even dropped into coverage at one point, showing his versatility, while seventh-round pick Jeffrey Gunter notched a sack (his path to the final roster also got a little easier with Wyatt Hubert’s <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/13/23304363/bengals-wyatt-hubert-nfl-reserve-retired-list">retirement announcement</a>). </p>
<p id="42qUma">One player we’ve all been enamored with watching this preseason is Cordell Volson, who came in after Jackson Carman got the start at left guard and the rookie lineman held his own. And, finally for good measure, Kendric Pryor had a night, as there are seemingly a spot or two available at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart. </p>
<p id="uSYXwK"><em><strong>Some open back-end roster spots showing quality competition:</strong></em></p>
<p id="tG9zrn">As mentioned with Pryor, he impressed with a 22.3 yards per catch average, while Kwamie Lassiter II also continues to intrigue the staff with his versatility. They’re both gunning for a last spot in a talented wide receiving corps and answering previous depth concerns. </p>
<p id="P1lBmP">Some concerns about depth on the defensive line were also quelled with backups notching three sacks up front. There are other groups still needing to answer big questions, but seeing early progress from other certain position groups was a sight for sore eyes. </p>
<p id="FVhcq8"><em><strong>Money Mac:</strong></em></p>
<p id="AI3Lyy">What more is there to say? There’s no one-year wonder with this guy, that’s for sure. The second-year kicker amassed 11 total points on Friday, hitting both extra points and all three field goals—including a 58-yard boomer. </p>
<p id="kS5Qbi"><em><strong>Current concerns stemming from mostly non-starters:</strong></em></p>
<p id="XMDX4m">Few starters played on Friday, which is a wise decision for both this early in the season and because of how much of an impact roster health had on the Bengals last year. So while we nitpick on players and certain performances, the good news is the team that was on the field as starters or heavy rotators will not even closely resemble what we’ll see in a month against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>. </p>
<p id="1e3rKc">Really, again, it’s just a testament to how far this team has come in a few, short years. </p>
<p id="qtgfAm"><em><strong>The Chris Evans ascension project:</strong></em></p>
<p id="rLmus5">As mentioned in <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/12/23303831/bengals-cardinals-6-winners-4-losers-nfl-preseason-week-1">our Winners and Losers post</a>, the stat lines don’t do Evans’ performance justice. Bengals nation has been frothing at the mouth for a possible uptick in snaps for Evans this year and there were many glimpses of the electricity he’ll bring in 2022—even if some were called back on penalties.</p>
<p id="I3BEvu">We should see a lot of Giovani Bernard-type snap roles for Evans, with even a bit more kickoff returns as possibilities. Just give him the ball and let him do his thing. </p>
<p id="sChv4t"><em><strong>Efficient stats lines for the backup quarterbacks:</strong></em></p>
<p id="ZElrnh">The first preseason game is almost always filled with dry spells on offense and sometimes, painful outputs. While the Bengals didn’t get into the end zone until the final quarter, the collective stat line for the group of Cincinnati’s backup signal-callers wasn’t bad. </p>
<p id="DmXAXQ">A 67% completion rate (22-of-33), 277 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and a 105.0 rating were compiled by Brandon Allen, Jake Browning and Drew Plitt. Allen and Plitt didn’t miss a pass all evening (9-of-9). </p>
<p id="ISYJsQ">Yes, Browning fumbled and the average completion was 8.9, but we’ve seen much uglier in preseason debuts. </p>
<h2 id="vuRXsg"><strong>The bad</strong></h2>
<p id="Rkjw4a"><em><strong>Remaining depth questions at some other spots:</strong></em></p>
<p id="iEFIB0">The offensive line continues to fall in this category (more on that in a minute), as do the tight ends. Thaddeus Moss had a tough night with two penalties, but also had three catches for 29 yards. Converted wide receiver Scotty Washington added in two catches, but there wasn’t much else from the group. </p>
<p id="xnsArq">With Drew Sample continuing to be on the mend and Mitchell Wilcox leaving the game early, major questions remain in this group. </p>
<p id="7PA9f0"><em><strong>Some concerning news on Cam Taylor-Britt:</strong></em></p>
<p id="TzgLzT">Shortly before the contest, we learned of a core injury for Taylor-Britt that is <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/12/23303788/cam-taylor-britt-injury-bengals-news">supposed to keep him sidelined for a while</a>. When we interviewed him a few weeks ago, he was eager to climb up the depth chart, starting with special teams and earning niche roles on defense. </p>
<p id="6wXc30">With many rookies impressing in their debuts, it would have been nice to see Taylor-Britt joining the fray. While it sounds like he’ll be ready for the regular season, he will be missing critical ramp-up time. </p>
<aside id="GPzo6E"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Cam Taylor-Britt is going the extra mile to prepare for the 2022 season","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/7/20/23269598/cam-taylor-britt-is-going-the-extra-mile-to-get-prepared-for-the-2022-season"},{"title":"David Pollack believes in Joe Burrow and the long-term viability of the Bengals","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/2/23286137/david-pollack-joe-burrow-bengals"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="XrX1QG"><strong>The ugly</strong></h2>
<p id="naPX6M"><em><strong>Continued issues on the offensive line:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Mzo5WU">We’ll preface this that none of the big three offseason additions (Ted Karras, Alex Kappa and La’el Collins) played on Sunday, so extensive snaps were given to backup players. Even so, the Bengals plodded to 2.2 yards per carry (two big plays by Evans were negated by penalties) and the units teamed up to give up three sacks. </p>
<p id="oUIRst">Unfortunately, the lone starter on the line, Jackson Carman, played well under hopes and expectations. Others we’ve seen bounce around the line at different spots and as spot-starters continued to show a lack of development, as well. </p>
<p id="CsbkT4">While Volson looked promising and that was a good take away from this group, it seems as if the team would be wise to scour the free agency open market and monitor the waiver wire over the next few weeks. </p>
<p id="4i6ZKt"><em><strong>Major early/mid-game disparity favoring the opponent:</strong></em></p>
<p id="jANnsN">This may seem contradictory to some of the positive facets we pointed out, but the Bengals struggled to score points and were down 36-9 into the early parts of the fourth quarter. Browning and Plitt engineered back-to-back touchdown drives, but it was against the Cardinals’ preseason-opening, fourth quarter defensive units. </p>
<p id="ufi2B2">Cincinnati made it somewhat-respectable at the end, but this was a blowout in multiple ways throughout much of the game. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/analysis/2022/8/16/23304485/bengals-cardinals-nfl-preseason-the-good-bad-and-uglyAnthony Cosenza2022-08-16T07:00:00-04:002022-08-16T07:00:00-04:00Film Room: Jeff Gunter impresses in debut
<figure>
<img alt="Arizona Cardinals v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OCykCQ9GKGE8JPrDSOl4n5nw59c=/396x0:3000x1736/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71248106/1414530903.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The seventh-round pick turned some heads against the Cardinals.</p> <p id="spZwg2">With a ton of young talent, the defensive line is <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/3/23202643/bengals-defensive-line-2022-training-camp-joseph-ossai-tyler-shelvin-cam-sample">the most competitive group</a> in <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> training camp. </p>
<p id="Kcx0EA">On Friday night, Jeff Gunter did not make life any easier for those tasked with determining the final roster in Cincinnati. The team’s seventh-round pick this season, Gunter made some excellent plays for the Bengals defense. </p>
<div id="eA9LJN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gunter penetrating <a href="https://t.co/qlFRMGuWsM">pic.twitter.com/qlFRMGuWsM</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1558436128721670145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="S3LcQb"><em>Gunter is #93 at the bottom of the screen.</em></p>
<p id="zocmV1">Despite coming up short of making the tackle, Gunter made it extremely difficult for the Cardinals to execute on this run play. He immediately penetrated deep in to the backfield, giving the runner no choice but to head straight for the sideline. </p>
<p id="TQqa8s">Gunter has a great burst off the ball and was actually flagged for getting off the ball a little too quickly on one play.</p>
<div id="UJtPLG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gunter edge <a href="https://t.co/Xv2yLnCoWl">pic.twitter.com/Xv2yLnCoWl</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1558436477972975617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="X0hy4i"><em>Gunter is #93 at the bottom of the screen.</em></p>
<p id="Qv6Tkt">This clip is pretty typical of Gunter’s performance as an edge rusher against the Cardinals. He has a great burst off the edge, but isn’t able to get over the top. That’s okay, because that’s not how he wins. The Bengals have players like Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Joseph Ossai who can do that. Gunter is different. He is better on the move. His quickness will help him shoot inside gaps or loop inside to make the play.</p>
<p id="rTvURC">Let’s take a look at a couple of plays where he did just that.</p>
<div id="PkP6wz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Exactly how Gunter (93) should be used <a href="https://t.co/01pFWKQDzV">pic.twitter.com/01pFWKQDzV</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1558431849533378560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="OSxndi"><em>Gunter is #93 at the bottom of the screen.</em></p>
<p id="wi2JPX">Fellow rookie Zach Carter and Gunter run a twist on this play. Carter (95) lines up inside, but on the snap he runs wide into the B-gap and draws the block of the offensive tackle. </p>
<p id="89sj7U">Gunter takes two hard steps up field, then on his third step he cuts inside. The guard, who is attempting to release for a screen, trips him up a bit, but overall this is a well-executed stunt. </p>
<p id="Aj1jOd">This demonstrates exactly how defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can put Gunter in situations that he can win and make him a valuable rotational piece for this defensive front. </p>
<div id="TQrhKt">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gunter (93) <a href="https://t.co/9dNRAivErk">pic.twitter.com/9dNRAivErk</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1558438135255662596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="oB74ry"><em>Gunter is #93 at the bottom of the screen.</em></p>
<p id="cba6kB">This is another example of Gunter running a twist. </p>
<p id="nUd808">This time the guard picks it up, but watch Gunter’s feet. He taps his feet, almost like a wide receiver breaking on a route, as he cuts inside.</p>
<p id="sGLiNK">Gunter’s quick feet will make him an asset running this type of pass-rush stunt.</p>
<div id="Qjz9Ol">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rookie Jeff Gunter with a sack <br><br>Watch live at <a href="https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm">https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm</a> <a href="https://t.co/43Kt0TECo3">pic.twitter.com/43Kt0TECo3</a></p>— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1558255529566392322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="RKRzVK"><em>Gunter is #93 at the bottom of the screen.</em></p>
<p id="YSFLme">Gunter’s lone sack of the night did not come off a stunt. He was rushing to the outside, but when he saw the quarterback tuck the ball to run up the middle, Gunter disengaged and made the tackle. This was excellent awareness and hustle by the rookie.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CIvjUZ">
<p id="RjYQzx">His performance in the team’s preseason debut has created some buzz around Gunter. With a young and talented group of defensive linemen reporting to camp, making the final cut will be an uphill battle, but Gunter put his best foot forward under the prime time lights. He showed what he does best and how he can be a valuable and productive member of this defensive unit. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/16/23304146/bengals-film-room-jeff-gunter-nfl-preseason-highlightsMatthew Minich2022-08-14T13:06:56-04:002022-08-14T13:06:56-04:00Pooka Williams among 3 Bengals waived
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BpL05F1XgX3Iq5esvxjqo9F-PWk=/0x0:3773x2515/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71242370/usa_today_16598456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Williams briefly spent time on the gameday man roster in 2021.</p> <p id="Ao1QHu">Following their first preseason game, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> have waived cornerback Abu Daramy-Swaray, running back Shermari Jones and wide receiver Pooka Williams Jr.</p>
<p id="o3Aidl">Daramy-Swaray and Jones are both rookies who signed with the Bengals as free agents in May. Williams, a first-year player, originally was a college free agent signee of the Bengals in 2021.</p>
<p id="AvVfSV">Williams is the most notable player to be waived. As a rookie out of Kansas last year, he impressed enough to earn a spot on the practice squad. The former Jayhawk was even called up to the gameday roster in Week 13 vs. the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> and returned three kickoffs for 52 yards.</p>
<p id="g5mOw8">However, Williams hasn’t been able to take the next step in his development thus far. He muffed his only chance to return a punt in the fourth quarter of Friday’s preseason loss to the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p id="fIVZD2">Cincinnati’s roster now stands at 87 players entering Week 2 of the preseason.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/14/23305377/bengals-roster-news-pooka-williams-abu-daramy-swaray-shermari-jonesJason Marcum2022-08-14T12:47:02-04:002022-08-14T12:47:02-04:00Bengals rookie report: Dax Hill’s stellar preseason debut
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: AUG 12 Preseason - Cardinals at Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3-m81acVWEabQZKNpIo3iYzeuIk=/0x0:2449x1633/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71242324/1242468877.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hill wasted little time to make an impact.</p> <p id="Gu1tTx">You know what a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> appearance does? It attracts 60,000 fans to watch a football game without any starters playing. </p>
<p id="8ozBED">60k for a <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> preseason contest is a wild concept, but it was the reality Friday night against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. With the entire starting lineup watching in street clothes, nearly two dozen first-year players took the field for the very first time in their careers. Less than half of them will make the Week 1 roster, and that’s where the drama lies with August football.</p>
<p id="NQ7LZd">Despite the 36-23 defeat, more rookies impressed than not. Let’s go overview those first.</p>
<h2 id="3kAzmQ">Stock Rising</h2>
<p id="BF4Cbz">With Jessie Bates looking on from the suites, <strong>Dax Hill</strong> got over the rookie jitters quickly and played as fast as his 40 time indicated. </p>
<p id="n8evuR">The highlights spoke for themselves. Hill nearly recorded a leaping interception on an overthrown ball in the end zone whilst defending a corner route. A couple drives later, it was his recognition from a deep alignment that allowed him to break up a third-and-three pass.</p>
<p id="9AQsv4">As one of the highest draft picks on the field, Hill’s talent and athleticism was extremely evident. His ability to break on the ball when he trusts his eyes is what makes him as versatile as he can be. And the Bengals made sure to put him in multiple spots. He was in the box, slot, out wide, and in a deep half for 42 total snaps. </p>
<p id="vo7nA2">Hill is starting as long as Bates watches from afar, but even when (not if) Bates returns, Hill is proving valuable enough to find the field.</p>
<p id="abLzIC">If you’ve been paying attention to training camp, you would’ve heard <strong>Kendric Pryor</strong>’s name being thrown around before Friday. The undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin has been turning heads with his high-pointing ability out wide. Maybe it’s a No. 19 thing.</p>
<p id="TWwt8h">Pryor validated the camp hype against the Cardinals with four receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown from fellow rookie <strong>Drew Plitt</strong> at the end of the game. He led the offense in all three of those categories as well as targets (seven). That obviously bodes well for him going forward, but the targets he hauled in were something special. From dragging his toes on the sideline, to going up with one hand after turning his back to the defender, Pryor put on a show in his first-ever game.</p>
<div id="h4BPIs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> WR Kendric Pryor had an impressive showing last night. Three of his receptions were highlight reel-worthy plays.<br><br>*7 Targets<br>*4 Catches<br>*89 Yards<br>*1 TD<br><br>The UDFA out of Wisconsin led the Bengals in all receiving categories. <a href="https://t.co/R9xZ8Hr37Z">pic.twitter.com/R9xZ8Hr37Z</a></p>— Steve Frederick (@SteveFrederick_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveFrederick_/status/1558461785786781696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="9OZb01">For as impressive Pryor was as a receiver, he’s not the first Bengals receiver to light up the preseason. We’ve seen this before many a time. It certainly doesn’t hurt his case by making plays on offense, but considering he isn’t in the mix as a returner, how fe fares on special teams will ultimately determine if he makes the initial 53. He recorded nine snaps with kickoff and punt units.</p>
<p id="5VMlX9">Luckily for <strong>Cordell Volson</strong>, offense is all that matters. And he brought it in his first game—even his first snap.</p>
<div id="2xzMap">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">67 -- LG <a href="https://t.co/MWrOfQ3Q2r">pic.twitter.com/MWrOfQ3Q2r</a></p>— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/1558627172591493122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lCQxsK">The traits we’ve heard about showed up for Volson in full force. There’s little wasted movement, plenty of grip strength, and doesn’t even let the whistle stop him. The sheer difference in pad level between him and Jackson Carman is staggering sometimes, and Volson is a taller person!</p>
<p id="IkWJJF">Volson looks like the better player, but he was also facing the bottom of the Cardinals depth chart. Relativity always matters, and for Volson, he’ll need to prove himself against tougher competition if he wants to solidify himself as the starting left guard. Fortunately for him, it may not take much with how Carman looks entering his second year.</p>
<p id="L3rm71">The scouting report for <strong>Jeff Gunter</strong> was on full display Friday night. A strong downhill rusher that is explosive off the ball, Gunter pushed the pocket and challenged the edge all night. Late in the second quarter, he stressed the right tackle vertically before disengaging and ending up with a sack. But his disruption exceeded beyond that play. Earlier in the quarter, it was his penetration on the outside that allowed Clay Johnston to register a tackle for loss. </p>
<p id="9d6oxT">Cincinnati seems to know what kind of player they have in Gunter as well. There’s not a lot of bend to his game, but the power is there in spades. This makes him an ideal piece to use for twists, and sure enough, this was how he notched his first pressure. Gunter recorded three pressures for the game. Only Noah Spence (four) was responsible for more.</p>
<p id="LK13xA">Gunter and <strong>Zach Carter</strong> make for a powerful duo. With his new playing weight at 290 pounds, Carter looked mighty strong at the point of attack, holding his gaps in the run game and made his presence known against the pass with a batted pass at the line. One of his two defensive stops came on a quarterback draw, where he caught Cardinals QB Trace McSorley just behind the line of scrimmage and drove him to the ground.</p>
<p id="03RyEg">Carter is on the right team for playing time. He finished with 61 snaps, the second-most on defense behind <strong>Allan George</strong> (66). That’s great for the development that comes with it, but considering Carter’s the main 3-technique behind B.J. Hill, there is a concern for exposing him to injury. We’ll see if his snaps decrease as the season draws near.</p>
<h2 id="eYWFJZ">Stock Falling</h2>
<p id="S6s0qY">When he was drafted, <strong>Cam Taylor-Britt</strong> was thought to be a true competitor to Eli Apple at cornerback. Through two weeks of training camp, it’s been clear that Apple is ahead of the rookie, and this supposed “battle” is now all but over.</p>
<p id="3FgAFO">Before kickoff, Taylor-Britt was declared out with a core muscle injury that will sideline him for the next few weeks. Both Alex Cappa and Samaje Perine have dealt with similar injuries this offseason and have ended up returning, but the timing of Taylor-Britt’s injury might put him out for the entire preseason. That’s not good at all for a rookie looking to make a case for playing time. </p>
<p id="wNLLBj">Taylor-Britt shouldn’t be worried about falling short of the 53 as a second-round pick, but his development has taken a step back for now. It’s Apple or nothing at cornerback once more.</p>
<p id="UYgLc8"><strong>Kwamie Lassiter II</strong> didn’t do anything to hurt his opening roster chances, but Pryor and Trent Taylor shining at receiver certainly doesn’t bode well for him. Lassiter is in a direct competition with Taylor at punt returner, and if Taylor is making plays at receiver and doing just enough on special teams, it’s going to take a herculean effort for Lassiter in the return game to flip the script. Thankfully for him, the preseason is far from over.</p>
<h3 id="o1Kao8">Other notes</h3>
<ul>
<li id="ZKBrpS">
<strong>Tycen Anderson</strong> was one of eight defenders to take 40 or more snaps for the defense. Half of those snaps came with him as a deep safety. He also ended up with 15 snaps on special teams and showcased the aggression that made him a special teams fiend for Toledo. </li>
<li id="znQ1Pz">
<strong>Desmond Noel</strong> and <strong>Ben Brown</strong> played well next to Volson with the second team o-line at right guard and center, respectively. Brown was able to generate solid push in the run game, and Noel, a Cincinnati native, graded out with an 81.4 in pass-blocking from Pro Football Focus.</li>
<li id="2mT1Kj">
<strong>Clarence Hicks</strong>, the edge-turned-linebacker, got to showcase his rushing skills and ended up with a fourth-quarter sack as a stand-up A-gap blitzer.</li>
</ul>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/14/23304141/bengals-rookie-report-dax-hill-cardinalsJohn Sheeran2022-08-13T07:00:00-04:002022-08-13T07:00:00-04:00Kendric Pryor just continues to impress
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Is0TBuur5VP7npP9uXimX1tfb8c=/0x0:2100x1400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71239199/usa_today_18862599.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kendric Pryor | Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former Wisconsin receiver passes first test</p> <p id="EjZje5">Don’t look too hard for information on <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>’ undrafted free agent pickup Kendric Pryor. Because you are not going to find much. </p>
<p id="oOS3iy">In fact, there is not even a Wikipedia entry on the former University of Wisconsin wideout.</p>
<p id="teSuIU">But maybe that’s a good thing. Pryor, at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, is pretty good at flying under the radar — flying, as in a 4.37 second 40-yard dash time. Not to mention a 69-inch box jump.</p>
<p id="OFbjvO">And, if there was any question about Pryor’s abilities, Friday’s night’s preseason opener against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> should have answered them once and for all.</p>
<p id="JOiZsN">“He started slow in OTAs in the spring, just trying to get his footing, but he’s really made a lot of plays this summer,” <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3498218%2F2022%2F08%2F11%2Fbengals-cardinals-preseason-dax-hill%2F%3Fsource%3Demp_shared_article&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2022%2F8%2F13%2F23303933%2Fkendric-pryor-cincinnati-bengals-wisconsin-badgers-football-news-nfl" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">said Bengals’ wide receivers coach Troy Walters</a>. “So I want to see it transfer to a real game situation against different defenders.”</p>
<p id="t6z8ss">Pryor got the evening started with a 22-yard toe-tapping reception from quarterback Jake Browning to open the second quarter. Then, at the beginning of the third quarter, Pryor went over the middle and into triple coverage to snatch an 11-yard dart from Browning. But the best was yet to come.</p>
<p id="sdhJ1H">With just over three minutes left to play, Pryor ran a go route down the right sideline as quarterback Drew Plitt lofted a pass that seemed destined to float harmlessly out of bounds. Instead, Pryor stretched his left arm out and made a ridiculous one-handed catch that resulted in a gain of 28 yards. Less than two minutes later, Pryor streaked past his defender and made an easy over-the-shoulder grab for the Bengals’ second touchdown of the day.</p>
<p id="sNpGKC">Pryor finished the day as Cincinnati’s leading receiver with 89 yards on four receptions and a touchdown. And he continued a camp that has seen him catch just about everything thrown in his direction.</p>
<p id="vNSr3j">“Whenever my number’s called, just take advantage of the opportunity,” Pryor said after the game. “Just keep doing my job. Just keep working, keep working and every time I get in just try to show them something. Today, just going out there and showing what I can do.”</p>
<p id="sa3Jdc">Clearly, the Bengals saw something in Pryor that few other teams did. His results at Wisconsin were hardly overwhelming as he finished with 99 receptions for 1,265 yards and seven touchdowns through his five-year career. As a senior, he caught just 32 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns.</p>
<p id="hGRg1T">“I know like the type of player I am,” Pryor said. “Numbers may not have shown that in college but just getting that opportunity now, and I made it to where I want to be, just continue to show that I can make those plays at the highest level. If they keep calling my number, I keep making plays.”</p>
<p id="ALxhyw">And Friday night, the rest of the football universe got a look at just what kind of an athlete and receiver Pryor truly can be.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/13/23303933/kendric-pryor-cincinnati-bengals-wisconsin-badgers-football-news-nflJohn Acree2022-08-13T06:00:00-04:002022-08-13T06:00:00-04:00Jeff Gunter among bright spots in Bengals’ preseason opener
<figure>
<img alt="Arizona Cardinals v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MRKc9JLhVXIRmrmdaw5-Kp2CLyo=/670x68:3000x1621/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71239127/1414530903.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bengals may have snagged a seventh-round steal.</p> <p id="RSGBhE">No one is quite saying that Jeff Gunter is the second coming of Trey Hendrickson, but the seventh-round pick out of Coastal Carolina put on a show during the first game at Paycor Stadium. </p>
<p id="nFxTQA">Gunter was impressive in the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>’ loss to Arizona. Down 36-9 entering the fourth quarter, it is positive to find any takeaways, and in Gunter’s first NFL action, he certainly helped solidify his spot on the 53-man roster.</p>
<p id="6ShBoX">Here is his most impressive play of the night from the standout rusher. Gunter stuck with the play and ensured the Cardinals quarterback, the shifty Tracy McSorley, didn’t escape the pocket.</p>
<div id="6Mmh34">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rookie Jeff Gunter with a sack <br><br>Watch live at <a href="https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm">https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm</a> <a href="https://t.co/43Kt0TECo3">pic.twitter.com/43Kt0TECo3</a></p>— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1558255529566392322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wD7ltR">It wasn’t just the one sack for Gunter though, but his pass deflection and tackle also showed potential for the 6-foot-4 23-year-old defensive end. He’s going to be able to add depth to the Bengals defensive line. </p>
<p id="EyGprp">Gunter totaled 18 career sacks at Coastal Carolina. As for his play in the game, his motor and size should’ve been seen as the most impressive takeaways from his performance. </p>
<p id="9Bv73W">The Bengals lost 2021 third-round pick Joseph Ossai for the entire 2021 season, so they’ll be getting Ossai back into the lineup along with potentially having a rising and ready rotational player in Gunter waiting behind him. </p>
<p id="4RdaU9">The name of the game is depth and skill. Gunter, even in his rookie season, should be able to help add a capable body on the defensive line while also improving his technique and continuing to show off why the Bengals used that late pick on him.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/13/23303890/jeff-gunter-bengals-preseason-2022-cardinalsNathan Beighle2022-08-12T23:49:13-04:002022-08-12T23:49:13-04:00Quinton Spain tweets picture of Cincinnati while Bengals lose to Cardinals
<figure>
<img alt="Super Bowl LVI - Cincinnati Bengals Arrival" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tUbuC9vUKVVaZ_ofQTAnkZ6R204=/0x0:4536x3024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71238884/1369410869.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Spain saw his chance and he took it.</p> <p id="pqS7E2">As the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> on Friday night in their first preseason game, one former player saw the opportunity to show he is still available.</p>
<p id="sV1dh9">That player is Quinton Spain, who played the last two seasons in the Queen City. According to his Twitter, he had downtown Cincinnati on his mind during tonight’s game.</p>
<div id="aDSIeE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/qdTSHawCed">pic.twitter.com/qdTSHawCed</a></p>— Mr. Undrafted (@quinton_spain) <a href="https://twitter.com/quinton_spain/status/1558262168222572545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="r1crvi">After a rough performance from the offensive-line tonight, some fans might be wanting to see Spain suit back up in the orange and black, especially after a rough performance from Jackson Carman. The 2021 second-round pick struggled in the first preseason game as he was hoping to lock down the starting left guard spot. </p>
<p id="c6rkH8">With the other offseason additions to fix the offensive line, Zac Taylor will be looking for that piece to make sure the front five starters are as solid as they can be to protect star quarterback Joe Burrow.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/8/12/23303862/quinton-spain-cincinnati-bengals-cardinalsEthan DeWitt