Bengals head coach Zac Taylor's first Opening Day roster reflects his era.
It's always been a young man's game, as Paul Brown would say, but they're getting there faster and faster. The average age of Taylor's 53-man roster, given a few fractions as it gets finalized in the next 48 hours, is 25.2, more than a year younger than the group head coach Marvin Lewis put together for the 2003 opener in his first year. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that club that went 8-8 averaged 26.6 years old. Yet Taylor's guys are slightly more seasoned, averaging 4.09 NFL years of experience compared to the 3.9 of that '03 team.
Then when Lewis and the Bengals re-booted with the 2011 team, the age began to drop, (26.2 according to Elias) with the experience staying relatively the same at 3.8 years. Fast forward to last year and Elias says the Bengals were even younger at 25.9 year old with a 3.9 seasoning.
So while Taylor's team is younger, it's also more experienced. That 2018 team that opened with a win in Indy but finished 6-10, had seven rookies and 14 other players with two years of experience or less. This team has nine rookies, but just six with two years or less of experience. Compare that to the Ravens, a team that according to profootballtalk.com has 22 players that are rookies or second-year players.
But, as Taylor said Saturday in a media conference call, they're not there yet. Everyone is buzzing about the move to keep undrafted veteran rookie quarterback Jake Dolegala on the 53 and Taylor gave him praise ("He's certainly got a bright future. So we felt like he had earned himself a spot"), but there are more pressing issues for Seattle.
Here's a look at all the Bengals players on the 53-man roster. Check out some of the best action photos.
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) watches his field goal attempt during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Mo. (Greg Trott via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ryan Finley (5) drops back to pass during an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 in Landover, Md.
Bengals quarterback Jake Dolegala (7) throws a pass during the first half of the team's NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Damion Willis (9) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Bengals punter Kevin Huber punts the ball in the second quarter pinning the Cleveland Browns inside the 20 yard line.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (15) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Alex Erickson looks on pregame before the Bengals host the Oakland Raiders in the regular season finale.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL Football game against Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Receiver Auden Tate runs a route in the second half against the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Pittsburg Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 in Cincinnati. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darius Phillips (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback B.W. Webb (24) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals' Giovani Bernard (25) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (27) in coverage during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates following his touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Oh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Tony McRae (29) on the field during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 in Cincinnati. (Ryan Meyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 in Cincinnati. (NFL Photos via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) walks in the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Cincinnati. (NFL Photos via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Brandon Wilson (40) in coverage during a week 4 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Atlanta. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Clayton Fejedelem (42) during an NFL regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Mo. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers' DJ Moore (12) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals' Clark Harris (46) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Jordan Evans (50) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, September 30, 2018, in Atlanta. The Bengals won 37-36. (Paul Abell via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Preston Brown (52) in coverage during a week 4 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Atlanta. Cincinnati won 37-36. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Center Billy Price surveys the field in week one against the Indianapolis Colts.
Linebacker Hardy Nickerson is in pursuit of making a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) in action on defense during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) runs around the edge during a week 2 NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 34-23. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Linebacker Nick Vigil runs out in pass coverage in a game against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Michael Jordan (60) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 38-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Trey Hopkins (66) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, September 30, 2018, in Atlanta. The Bengals won 37-36. (Paul Abell via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman John Miller (67) blocks during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Bobby Hart (68) blocks during a week 14 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 9 in Carson, Calif. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard O'Shea Dugas (70) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 in Landover, Md. Cincinnati won 23-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith (71) blocks Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) celebrates with defensive end Jordan Willis (75) after the Bengals recovered a Washington Redskins fumble during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Landover, Md., Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. The Bengals won 23-13. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Bengals defensive end Jordan Willis (75) hits former Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the second half of Cincinnati's week five game.
Bengals left tackle Cordy Glenn blocking in pass protection against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone (80) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Cethan Carter runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs during an NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 in Carson, Calif. The Chargers won, 26-21. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) catches the ball for a touchdown over Buffalo Bills strong safety Bacarri Rambo (30) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) goes up for a catch during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 in Cincinnati. (Ryan Meyer via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. The Bengals won 23-13. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou working around the edge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 8 of the regular season at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Andrew Brown (93) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) celebrates a touchdown on a fumble return against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (NFL Photos via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Renell Wren (95) jogs to the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. The Bengals won 23-13. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) reacts prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Atlanta. Cincinnati won 37-36. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Geno Atkins looks back at the line of scrimmage during a pass play against the Oakland Raiders.
Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow (98) in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Andrew Billings (99) during an NFL regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Mo. (Ric Tapia via AP)
He pointed to offensive line and running backs as potential spots where moves are to be made in the next 48 hours. Both are spots where they kept one fewer player than usual (eight and three, respectively) and they're both hamstrung by injured rookies, tackle O'Shea Dugas (knee) and running back Trayveon Williams (foot).
It was originally thought Williams, a sixth-round pick from Texas A&M, would be out the first two games. But the Bengals kept only him and regulars Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard. Plus, they cut guard-tackle John Jerry, the only other experienced back-up tackle besides Dugas and Andre Smith.
Yet, Taylor said it's about moving pieces.
"There could be some movement here in the next two days. We feel comfortable with the direction we're heading there," Taylor said of the offensive line. "We keep seeing the progress that Trayveon's making, and we'll see what his timeline is here in the next couple days. Certainly that doesn't mean it has to be set in stone the way that we've got it for this next Sunday. We'll keep making progress this weekend and make some decisions next week."
They'll also need to replace one of their more reliable special teams players for the past few seasons with the release of fourth-year wide receiver Cody Core. It apparently came down to Core or Josh Malone for the seventh wide receiver spot and Malone seems to offer more speed and length at receiver.
"Not easy. Cody's done some great things for us, so it's just the decision we made. We came to it and Josh just had a good training camp. Cody had done some good things. Wasn't an easy decision. But I felt like Josh earned an opportunity there," Taylor said. "He's got good speed. He's done a nice job. He's made some plays for us this preseason. But one thing he does is have is he's got good size, he's got good speed. Like I said, he's shown up a couple times this preseason making some plays."
Taylor says he's OK going with a surplus of defensive linemen (11) and a shortage of linebackers (five), but that could also hinge on some other moves. Although it seems like they don't mind the number of players at those spots, they could be in the market to claim a fourth running back, a ninth offensive lineman or a fifth backer. And, maybe, a sixth cornerback.
But, like Taylor said, they have to weigh bringing in a new player cold and teaching him the system, compared to turning to an internal player that knows the playbook and has been with them since spring.
"It's a case by case basis on who the player is and who the player is replacing," Taylor said. "We certainly feel like if it's an even swap or just a slight tick upgrade, then you have to look at the position and how much does it matter, along with the reps we've invested in that player. I think that certainly plays into the scenario."
It also looks like the injury cloud around Taylor is slowly starting to lift. It had been a miserable start for him. Dean of the offensive line Clint Boling's retirement. No. 1 pick Jonah Williams' shoulder injury. His best player, A.J. Green, dealing with torn ankle ligaments. Then Thursday night rookie running back Rodney Anderson tore his ACL.
But on Saturday the Bengals put Williams on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) in the hopes he can make his NFL debut in December after it was originally thought he couldn't play at all this season. And Taylor confirmed they have no intentions of moving Green to injured reserve-recall on Sunday. They've seen enough that they don't believe he'll hit the worst case scenario and not play for the first eight weeks.
"We feel like we're going to get him back in the first eight weeks. We're just going to continue to carry him on the roster," Taylor said. "We don't get daily updates on him because everything's progressing along as we hoped. Once we get into the season, I think we really start getting into, OK, what's the projection for him when he's coming back? But right now, everything's been on schedule and we intend on him coming back the first half of the season."
