The Cincinnati Bengals mercifully finished the preseason Thursday night with the Indianapolis Colts in town, leaving that contest 13-6 losers.
With cuts due Saturday, the individual performances within that exhibition were far more important than the outcome itself.
Before dominoes of moves start to occur over the weekend, let’s outline some brief winners and losers from the team’s final preseason game that could have a big impact on the shaping of the final roster.
Winner: Jake Dolegala
Who else?
Dolegala put on a show from the jump, whipping the ball with a wicked-strong arm and moving up and down the field. He finished with a 28-of-43 line with 254 yards.
This was another statement from the undrafted rookie, who might just force the Bengals to roster three quarterbacks for fear another team could poach him.
Loser: John Jerry
Jerry was out there early at left tackle instead of an interior spot and got beat, letting his passer get hit. More of the same in the third quarter.
That’s a big mark against Jerry, who has had the coaching staff talking up his versatility all summer. He was at tackle because Cordy Glenn is in concussion protocol and O’Shea Dugas is hurt, meaning the coaches weren’t going to risk Andre Smith.
Winner: Andrew Brown
The young defensive lineman was working at end for the new staff this summer and he showed up big there on a few running plays. His continued strong preseason showing might be the reason the coaches had a supposed starter like Andrew Billings out there early.
Loser: Stanley Morgan
Morgan couldn’t go for health reasons and had to watch from the sidelines as Ventell Bryant had a big game and both Cody Core and Josh Malone got reps on special teams and within the offense. That could be the difference between making the 53 and heading to the practice squad.
Winner: Darius Phillips
Phillips didn’t need the help — but he made the plays anyway.
Phillips had a pick early in the proceedings, turning around to locate the ball and plucking it out of the air. He also took back a punt for a touchdown that was negated by a flag. He’s secure as one of the first guys in a rotation at corner and behind Alex Erickson on returns.
