The Cincinnati Bengals are set to begin a brand new season in Seattle against the Seahawks and while this game has its fair share of stars, there are some players that aren’t as well-known that may factor into deciding this Week 1 battle.
WR Damion Willis
A.J. Green is obviously out for this game so it’s time to shine for the undrafted free agent out of Troy. Willis caught nine passes for 118 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. The Seahawks may focus more on Tyler Boyd, so Willis is going to have his opportunities. He’ll need to take full advantage of every single one if the Bengals are going to pull the upset.
OTs Andre Smith and Bobby Hart
With Cordy Glenn ruled out with a concussion, Smith and Hart are going to have their work cut out for them. Possibly more Smith than Hart, but both could potentially see their fair share of Jadeveon Clowney. It goes without saying that these two probably need the game of their lives so Andy Dalton can stay upright long enough to get the ball into Willis’ or Boyd’s hands on a consistent basis. Really, the entire offensive line needs to step up, but especially the tackles.
DT Poona Ford
On the other side of the ball, Poona Ford has quickly established himself as a terrific defensive tackle, despite his small stature. And he’ll get a chance to really showcase his skills in the early part of the season, as Jarran Reed is suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Ford started making a name for himself at the 2018 Senior Bowl and burst onto the scene during the season with the Seahawks.
WR DK Metcalf
We know the talent of Metcalf, but keep in mind this is his first NFL game and he was battling a knee injury during the preseason. But he wasn’t listed on the Friday injury report and is ready to go for Sunday. And the Bengals better be ready for him. Because if they aren’t, he will burn them. Metcalf wasn’t the smoothest route-runner or had the greatest numbers at the Combine, which led to him falling to the end of the second round. But he is quickly building a strong connection with Russell Wilson and the Bengals are a team that Seattle can really use to really kickstart their on-field relationship.
