Cincinnati Bengals: Who’s Hot and Who’s Stuck in the Cold Tub
Brrr, is it getting cold in here? These five need to turn up the heat:
Aug 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs against Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Taylor Mays (26) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
T Dennis Roland – There are a three ways to look at a guy getting a lot of playing time in the preseason.
1. He’s a rookie and they want to see how they can hold up physically.
2. Injuries have forced a certain player to play more.
3. They want to see exactly what they have before they make the final decision to cut you. I believe that number 3 is happing to two guys, Donte Moch and Dennis Roland. Moch is making his case with solid play.
Roland…not so much. Roland has perfected one thing during his time in Cincinnati: The, “WATCH-OUT” block.
SS Taylor Mays – With Taylor Mays, what you see is what you get, there are a lot of good athletes out there and Mays is one of them. However not all athletes can play football. Mays is still overrunning plays and for a guy of his size he seems to play timid near the line of scrimmage when he has to take on or avoid blocks. It is clear already that four safeties will be kept and they will go heavy in another spot.
CB/KR Orlando McCalebb – Being one of my favorite guys, I was hoping they could find a spot for him because of his return skills. I just don’t think it will happen, but he should make it to the practice squad if the team chooses to sign him. I really wish they would have switched him to WR and let him develop his skills there.
C Trevor Robinson – As much as Robinson trended up last year, his play this year has left something to be desired. Veteran Mike Pollack took a lot of snaps at center along with TJ Johnson, who also got a look at guard. While neither Robinson nor starting center Kyle Cook have looked good, Cook is by far the leader to start the year at center.
LB Aaron Maybin – I am adding Maybin to the list because he has been quiet all offseason and is running behind undrafted free agents. Maybe the coaches aren’t giving him enough reps, but thus far, it looks like the former 1st round pick continues his fall and will be looking for another team.
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