Cincinnati Bengals: 3 things we learned in 38-17 loss at Kansas City
By Steve Rivera
There is little to no fear that the quarterback depth chart for the Cincinnati Bengals will pose a challenge for veteran Andy Dalton. Both Jeff Driskel and rookie Ryan Finley got extended time after the incumbent was pulled early in the first quarter, with neither raising an eyebrow.
Dalton finished 7 of 9 for 80 yards, with zero touchdowns and zero turnovers. Absolutely pedestrian, but in a preseason opener, no news is good news. Dalton is and will be the unquestioned starter and that is good for Bengals fans.
As for the other two, Driskel was unimpressive and didn’t show anything to get even the most casual of fans excited. His night finished with him going 8 of 19, for 79 yards and one interception. It’s hard to find anything in his work that gives him an edge over the rookie, but with three exhibition games to go, he’ll get a chance to show something.
As for Finley, there is optimism. He completed his first 11 passes, finishing 13 of 18 for 109 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In a game where perception can be everything, Finley had a great night and will keep Driskel looking over his shoulder.
Taylor won’t have a quarterback controversy on his hands. His room of signal-callers is good enough to keep jobs, just not good enough to move the needle.