Bengals’ Winners And Losers: A UDFA Breakout And More
Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Bengals’ preseason home opener was a 17-14 defensive battle in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged victorious.
Who were the winners and losers from last night?
WINNERS
1. Maema Njongmeta
The Bengals’ rookies had a highly impressive night. However, no other rookie, particularly on defense, had a better night than an undrafted Wisconsin Badger Maema Njongmeta.
It would seem Maema Njongmeta has a real shot to make the team.
Out there with the 1s and 2s. https://t.co/JsiI3GjXWn
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) August 10, 2024
The linebacker, who was a Third-Team All-Big 10 member in 2022, totaled ten tackles (seven solo) in the preseason game, which by far and away led the team. He was also a contributor in the passing game, as he broke up two passes. Njongmeta, who emigrated from Cameroon with his family as a child, was extremely noticeable in his preseason debut. As thin as the Bengals are at linebacker, Njongmeta spelled out a convincing case as to why he should make the Bengals’ roster.
The most impressive player for me in last nights #Bengals game was Maema Njongmeta at LB , He was everywhere on the field making plays! Plays with tenacity & a ton of effort ! Every time I looked up he was by the football 🏈 really impressive player #NFL
— KD (@CincyKD513) August 11, 2024
2. Amarius Mims
At first glance, Cincinnati may have knocked the 2024 NFL Draft out of the park, as many of the Bengals’ draft picks came up big despite the loss. For instance, fifth-round pick Josh Newton came down with a leaping interception in the second quarter.
JOSH NEWTON. DROY🔜 pic.twitter.com/svQqcfJtbE
— Barstool TCU (@BarstoolTCU) August 11, 2024
Third round pick Jermaine Burton did Jermaine Burton things and caught a deep touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Jermaine Burton.
What a route. What a ball. Going to be a problem for years to come.
LET’S GOO!!!
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) August 11, 2024
Even some of the later picks were impressive, as sixth-rounder Cedric Johnson came up with a sack, and Matt Lee came in and played effectively center on the Bengals’ lone touchdown drive after the beginning of the second quarter. However, the biggest winner among the drafted rookies was, without question, Amarius Mims.
Amarius Mims stock continues to rise.
The rookie was fantastic in his first action protecting Joe Burrow last night!!
Franchise right tackle incoming.
(🎥 edit – @gameonjmoney) pic.twitter.com/8nKqxelnsy
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) August 11, 2024
The stud right tackle picked up right where he left off and showcased his ability to be a franchise offensive lineman. Mims was the starting right tackle and played a grand total of fifteen snaps in the Bengals’ first two offensive drives. In those two drives, he did not allow a sack and did not have any penalties. It was a highly impressive debut for the stud offensive lineman. He has a good chance to be the starting right tackle heading into the regular season and be a stalwart protector of…
3. Joe Burrow
As expected, the moment Joe Burrow stepped on the field for the first time since last November, Paycor Stadium erupted. Soon after those cheers died down, he effortlessly led the Bengals down the field for a touchdown.
I can’t get over how easy it was for Joe Burrow to march down the field and put up 7 points last night.
This man is locked in. pic.twitter.com/XvxA2lgu1S
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) August 11, 2024
In a swift and widely expected move, Zac Taylor took Burrow out of the game almost immediately after that touchdown.
“It was good to be back out there with the guys,” Burrow said in his postgame press conference. “Nice to get some reps in the game that didn’t count towards our record. Still some work to do. It’s nice to get back out there.”
Burrow still thinks he needs a few reps in the preseason before
“Maybe once before anything,” Burrow said. “Just get hit one time before getting out there for the first game.”
If he wants to get hit, here’s a really good idea as to who should play left tackle…
LOSERS
Jackson Carman's performance tonight:
Twice flagged for holding and a false start.
It's an annual rite of summer around here to have to document how Carman's disappointing in a preseason opener.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 11, 2024
*cracks knuckles*
Jackson Carman has been far and away the worst draft pick of the Zac Taylor era. Jackson Carman makes Hakeem Adeniji look like Anthony Muñoz. Jackson Carman makes referees look like their main job description is to turn on a microphone and say “Holding, offense. Number 79. Ten yard penalty. Repeat first down.”
Carman’s three penalties do not even include a holding penalty that was declined in the third quarter, giving him a total of four infractions on the night. For context, Orlando Brown Jr. committed four penalties in all of 2023. Jackson Carman committed his four penalties in a single half.
Jackson Carman Preseason Week 1 pic.twitter.com/QEB5J1jD0N
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 11, 2024
Carman was already on the roster bubble before last night’s game, and last night’s debacle did him absolutely no favors. He has, for the most part, been a major disappointment since being taken in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He saw the inactive list for a good portion of games in 2023, and has played a grand total of 24 snaps, eight of which were on special teams, in the last two seasons combined (as opposed to 38 snaps in last night’s preseason game alone).
I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted someone to be a Bengal less than Jackson Carman.
— Bridget J (@CincyBridget) August 11, 2024
At this point, keeping Carman on the roster, even as a depth piece, is doing the team a disservice.
2. Defensive tackles
The Bengals have a crowded defensive tackle room, and several youngsters who are looking for significant regular season snaps in 2024 struggled.
Second and goal from the 5 was not exactly an encouraging rep for the young DTs.
Kris Jenkins got flattened and Zach Carter washed out of the way to clear a massive hole for an easy Bucky Irving TD run.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 10, 2024
Kris Jenkins is a rookie and obviously has room for improvement, but Zach Carter is on a much shorter leash. Carter, a third-round pick in 2022, has not lived up to expectations since he was drafted. Carter logged two tackles on the night (one solo) and Jenkins registered a single assisted tackle. In the AFC North, where the ability to play in rough and tough defensive slugfests is of the highest importance, run-stoppers are essential. Carter and Jenkins will need to improve their play in that area of the game ahead of the Bengals’ second preseason matchup on Saturday against the Chicago Bears.
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