Cincinnati Bengals: Winners and Losers vs. Colts

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Margus Hunt (99) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Chandler Harnish (5) during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Winner: Margus Hunt

The second-year uber-athletic defensive end was already a roster lock, but this game showed his ability to be dominant, albeit largely against reserve players.  But nonetheless, Margus Hunt performed as he should’ve, according to Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis:

"“He’s just continued to strive and push hard and get better.  He should dominate in a game like this and he did.”"

Hunt is looking to fill-in the hole left by Michael Johnson when he chose to sign in Tampa Bay.  This preseason he’s done much to give hope to that notion.  Hunt finished the preseason with 10 tackles, four sacks, six TFLs, and four QB Hits.  Prior to this game, ProFootball Focus had him graded as one of the top performing 4-3 defensive ends of the preseason and I have to assume that this performance only helped boost that standing.  If Hunt continues to do his job, it seems realistic that he could have a very productive season. Using his strength and quickness to ward off blockers will go a long way in helping him to produce quality numbers, and, like Johnson, he’ll also enjoy the benefit of having All-Pro Geno Atkins and a fellow defensive end Carlos Dunlap flush quarterbacks his way during the regular season.  Hunt looks ready and capable of filling in the hole left by Johnson’s departure.