The Cincinnati Bengals‘ offensive and defensive lines showed promise in their preseason debut, with several players making a strong impression. On the offensive line, rookies like Amarius Mims and Matt Lee stood out alongside veterans like Alex Cappa and Trey Hill. Mims, in particular, had a solid NFL debut, while Lee, a seventh-rounder, showcased his skills in pass protection with no pressures on 13 pass blocks. The competition between Lee and Hill for the center position is heating up, with both players showing their potential to contribute to the team’s success.
On the defensive side, Cedric Johnson emerged as a potential replacement for the injured Cam Sample, showcasing his versatility as an inside-out player. Johnson’s standout performance included a bull rush sack and a crucial run stop in the third quarter. With several starting defensive linemen sidelined with minor injuries, rookies like Kris Jenkins Jr. and Andre Carter got valuable playing time to showcase their abilities. Jenkins, a second-rounder, held his own with 23 snaps in his debut, while Carter made an impact with his strong play in the middle.
Among the edge rushers, Devonnsha Maxwell and Myles Murphy impressed with their pass-rushing skills, with Murphy hitting the quarterback twice in the game. Jeff Gunter continued his streak of preseason success with another half-sack, showing his consistency as a disruptive force on the defensive line. The defensive line as a whole showed depth and potential, with players like Travis Bell making plays in his Bengals debut with a sack, a crucial third-and-one stop, and three tackles.
Overall, the Bengals‘ offensive and defensive lines showed promise in their preseason opener, with rookies and veterans alike making their mark on the field. The competition for starting positions is heating up, with players like Mims, Lee, Johnson, and Jenkins making strong cases for significant roles in the upcoming season. As the team continues to evaluate their roster and prepare for the regular season, the performance of these young players will be crucial in shaping the Bengals‘ success in the trenches.