Cincinnati Bengals: Winners and Losers vs. Colts

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals safety Danieal Manning (38) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Winner: Danieal Manning

Danieal Manning was a priority signing for the Bengals following his release from the Texans earlier this off-season.  He was brought aboard to fill the role of Chris Crocker and help mentor the Bengals’ young secondary.  He has experience playing under new secondary coach Vance Joseph, who also came to the team after having spent a few years in Houston.  Despite his leadership impact, Manning came into the game as a “bubble” player and left it having made a strong case for his spot.  Manning finished the game with four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception which he returned for a TD.

Manning’s veteran savvy can be a welcomed presence to the secondary’s youth while his kick returning experience can also help the Bengals in a pinch.  He’ll help the secondary transition to life under Vance Joseph while providing a spark off the bench the way Crocker did when the team suffered injuries to its secondary last year.  The Bengals have had success in the past reviving the careers of veterans, and after a down year in 2013 due to injury, Manning could be the team’s next success story.