Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jets: Winners and Losers

Winner: Ryan Whalen

Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ryan Whalen (88) before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

While the wide receiver battle continues to rage on, especially in light of Marvin Jones’ foot injury, Ryan Whalen put his stamp on this battle at the opportune time.  Whalen had four catches (on six targets) for 31 yards after seeing little opportunity during the team’s first preseason game.  Whalen was clearly the best receiver on the field (amongst the reserves) and displayed a solid connection with Tyler Wilson, even though the young quarterback has only been with the team for a few days.  Whalen has always been an unheralded receiver and special teamer for the Bengals.  He clearly isn’t the most talented of the Bengals reserve wide receivers, but yet he consistently gets the job done when given an opportunity.  If Whalen continues in this fashion while the other reserves struggle to produce in the ways they are capable, expect Whalen to remain on the roster come September.