ClutchPoints
The Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason opener didn’t end with a win. However, for several players fighting for roster spots, the 34-27 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles was a valuable showcase. From key touchdowns to impressive blocking and disruptive defense, a handful of roster hopefuls proved they’re ready to contribute when it counts.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ first-team offense wasted no time making a statement. They sliced through the Eagles’ backup defense on two possessions for a pair of touchdowns while averaging nearly 10 yards per play. Of course, Philadelphia countered behind backup quarterback Tanner McKee. He threw for 252 yards in just over a half to lead the defending Super Bowl champions to a preseason-opening win Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
Burrow connected with All-Pro wideout Ja’Marr Chase and tight end Tanner Hudson for scores. Meanwhile, running back Chase Brown chipped in 48 all-purpose yards on eight touches. A 32-yard punt return from Jermaine Burton set up Evan McPherson’s 36-yard field goal to trim the deficit to 27-17 in the third quarter. Cincinnati kept pushing late. A Joe Giles-Harris interception led to another McPherson field goal, and Desmond Ridder found Hudson for his second touchdown of the night to pull within seven. Still, the comeback fell short when the Bengals turned it over on downs inside the final two minutes.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Cincinnati Bengals roster hopefuls who improved stock after game vs. Eagles.
With Mike Gesicki entrenched, Drew Sample secure, and newcomer Noah Fant on board, Hudson’s roster spot is far from guaranteed. On Thursday night, though, he made a compelling case to stick around. Hudson played nearly the entire game, even after taking a hard hit that briefly slowed him. He produced both the Bengals’ opening touchdown in the first quarter and a late fourth-quarter score to cap the rally.
His chemistry with both Burrow and Ridder stood out, as he found soft spots in coverage and used his size to shield defenders at the catch point. Hudson’s ability to finish plays in the red zone could give him an edge over others competing at the position’s lower tier.
If Hudson keeps stacking performances like this, he’ll put real pressure on Tanner McLaughlin and Cam Grandy in the battle for the final tight end spot. Thursday proved he’s not going away quietly.
The Bengals didn’t draft Dylan Fairchild to be a developmental project. They essentially handed him the starting left guard job on draft night. The team also made it clear they expect him to do more than just hold the spot. They want him to set a tone. Against Philadelphia, he took a solid first step in delivering on that mandate.
Facing the Eagles’ deep, versatile defensive front, Fairchild posted the team’s highest run-blocking grade (84.9) and third-best pass-blocking grade...
