Bengals: 5 positives, 2 negatives from Week 1 of preseason

Positives from Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason opener

Joseph Ossai

This young man had an incredible game where he seemingly spent more time in the backfield than on his own side of the line of scrimmage. With the Bengals in desperate need of a pass rush, this was a breath of fresh air that perhaps a mid-round pick will pan out and become a regular starter.

Darius Hodge

Speaking of positive playmaking from the pass-rush, Hodge was a partner in crime with Ossai for much of the game. Needing a big preseason to solidify his spot on the roster, Hodge put together a compelling argument for why he should make Cincinnati’s final roster.

Third-String Running Backs

Both Chris Evans and Jacques Patrick made strong cases for earning some special teams playing time and staying on the team to help back up the running back position. Showing versatility and the ability to get into the end zone, both players saw their stock rise.

Coaching Staff

The Bengals coaches may not be on the hot seat yet, but they are sitting too close for comfort. Having gone through two difficult seasons, Zac Taylor needed a win and a solid outing in the preseason will at least keep the dogs at bay. Lou Anarumo saw his defense perform really well against the Buccaneers and give reason to believe the unit might be improved this year. Both coaches should be happy with their performances.

State of the Kicker

Evan McPherson and Austin Seibert are in a great underrated battle to become the team’s starting kicker. There has been little separation and both kickers were perfect on all attempts. It feels nice to know that the Bengals should enter the season with at least one reliable option at kicker.