The Cincinnati Bengals took a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first week of the preseason.
Yet the result was never going to be as important as the minor wins and losses on the roster itself. With positional battles underway, jobs up for grabs and cuts looming, several winners and losers emerged from the exhibition.
Winner: Auden Tate
Tate pulled his best A.J. Green impression on a deep ball during the offense’s first drive, hauling it in after adjusting, all while battling a defender.
It is the little things with Tate at this point. He’s obviously a big threat and it’s good to see the new coaching staff using him early like this. The attack lulled the Chiefs into focusing on Tyler Boyd on that drive before looking Tate’s way.
Loser: Shawn Williams
Williams was the defender on a big allowance during Kansas City’s first drive. On first viewing, it didn’t even look like he knew the pass had been caught by Travis Kelce.
That wasn’t the only time the Chiefs made a point to go after Williams either. And perhaps above all else, this was the Bengals defense once again struggling with opposing tight ends.
Winner: Trey Hopkins
It didn’t take long for Hopkins to get on the field.
In fact, Hopkins replaced Billy Price at center early in the second quarter and didn’t look back.
This may mean nothing — but who knows? Hopkins is the guy, after all, who can play all three interior spots and started at center last year when Price was out. If he’s playing great, would the Bengals consider starting him at left guard or moving Price off center?
Loser: John Jerry
Jerry had two penalties through the midway point of the second quarter after getting the nod at left guard.
That’s obviously a big problem for Jerry considering he spent some time out of football before landing in Cincinnati to assist line coach Jim Turner.
With so many guys fighting for the spot at left guard, Jerry might’ve already fallen behind. There are reasons such as swapping out quarterbacks that he might be struggling, yes, but he was a clear weak point.
Winner: Ryan Finley
Remember when the rookie quarterback was struggling in the spring?
So much for that.
Saturday, Finley hit the game running, completing his first 10 passes in a row and ending with a 13-of-18 line with 109 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
While Finley was doing his damage against a third-string defense, he was poised and sharp, which could have him facing second defenses soon enough.
Loser: Darius Phillips
Phillips, a draft pick last offseason, has some incredible physical traits and could end up being a long-term answer at cornerback.
If he can show some versatility and keep a roster spot.
Phillips didn’t do that Saturday, muffing two punts while deployed on returns. That’s a red flag and he might not get another chance to show what he can do back there.
