5 matchups to watch during Bengals preseason opener vs. Cardinals

Joseph Ossai vs Josh Jones

The Bengals only got a limited look at Joseph Ossai last year, and they liked what they saw. He hopes to stay healthy throughout the preseason and prove himself as a rotational pass rush weapon behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.

Ossai’s first test will be against a player linked heavily with the Bengals during the 2020 Draft. Touted as a first-round talent by some, the Cardinals were pleased to grab Josh Jones in the third. However, Jones has failed to cement a starting role, bouncing between guard and tackle.

He had another challenging year in 2021, posting a PFF grade of 46.7, allowing 29 pressures and four sacks. It’s fair to say that this year could be his last shot at a starting role. He will be penciled in to start at tackle on Friday evening, which means he could face Ossai.

The Bengals rusher will likely be licking his chops at the thought. The only thing that could save Jones is that former Raven Trace McSorley will be the quarterback and has some of the escapability traits of Cardinals’ first-string QB Kyler Murray.