4 Big Takeaways for the Bengals After Week 4 Loss

Here are four major sticking points from the Colts game for the Bengals to consider when making their roster decisions in the next few days.

The Bengals lost to the Colts yesterday, but not everything was negative from the game. There were definitely some strong individual performances yesterday, and with final roster cuts coming, there was no more important time to put those on. Let’s take a look at the biggest positives from the loss to the Colts.

Jeff Driskel is the real deal

If there was any doubt in the Bengals’ mind about who their backup quarterback should be, there shouldn’t be anymore. Driskel was in the game much of the first half for the Bengals and played excellently. He completed 14/20 passes for 116 yards and 1 touchdown, which was far better than any other quarterback in the game.

This isn’t an anomaly for Driskel, either. He’s been phenomenal each preseason game this season, and dating back to last season, he hasn’t had a bad preseason game. Although Driskel hasn’t seen significant regular season action, it’s clear he has NFL skills. The Bengals shouldn’t think twice about this and keep Driskel as the backup QB.

The Bengals will keep a UDFA

At this point, it would be a surprise to see the Bengals not keep at least one UDFA. Most likely, it will be Trayvon Henderson, who had a massive game yesterday. He recorded six tackles and an interception, which was the only pick of the game. Last week, Henderson also had a sack.

It seems like he’s a pretty safe choice for the fourth or fifth safety – he could be a great rotation player to force interceptions. Junior Joseph still has an outside shot to make the team as well. He had four solo tackles yesterday and has been a real asset on special teams. The odds are against him, but it’s a possibility still.

Auden Tate makes a great final statement

Tate has been the center of many roster controversies, as his last couple games haven’t been great. He hasn’t made the big plays that all reporters have caught on video during practice, and he has been noticeably quiet during games. Last week against Buffalo, he didn’t record a catch. Yesterday, though, Tate caught 2 passes for 33 yards, reminding the Bengals and fans what he can do when he plays. As a big play threat, he should beat out Cody Core to make the final roster.

Jon Brown is a starting NFL kicker

It seems all but certain that Brown will not make the Bengals’ final roster, but his play this preseason has been very strong. With Randy Bullock’s excellent week last week, Brown was already in trouble. Although he has been perfect on field goals in the preseason, he missed an extra point yesterday.

He won’t be on the Bengals this season (unless Bullock gets hurt, theoretically), but other teams should consider signing him. Brown has serious power and finally has nailed down NFL technique.