While the Bengals starters will rest in the team's final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday will still be a pivotal matchup for many players looking to make a strong impression.
Matt Lee's strong preseason rolls on
A seventh-round pick in 2024, center Matt Lee has done nothing but impress in Cincinnati's first two preseason outings. The former Miami Hurricane took every rep at center last week in Chicago and did not allow a pressure, despite facing the Bears starters early in the game. Lee will see the Colts starting defensive line for at least a drive as well, but he said Monday he feels like he matches up from a physical standpoint. Starting center Ted Karras has taken notice of the rookie.
"He's a guy that's done all the right things enough to play his way onto an NFL roster," Karras said after Monday's practice. "As a 31-year-old center with two years left on my contract, to have a guy in the pipeline has to be a relief for upstairs. As Bengals fans, I'd be thrilled to have a guy like that in the pipeline."
Thursday gives Lee one more opportunity to put a strong showing on tape as he attempts to carve out a role for himself on the 53-man roster.
As a team, the Bengals have the fourth-highest pass-blocking grade (79.1) in the league this preseason, per Pro Football Focus. They have also only allowed one sack in two games.
Special teams makes special teams
Kicker Evan McPherson is locked in until 2027 after signing a three-year contract extension earlier this week. As incumbent punter Brad Robbins deals with a hip flexor injury, Ryan Rehkow, a rookie from BYU, slides in as punter and placeholder for McPherson's kicks. Rehkow has logged nine punt attempts so far in the preseason, with a long of 59 yards, an average NET of 41.3 yards and one punt inside the 20.
Rehkow also has to adjust to holding the ball with one finger, McPherson's preference, instead of two like he did at BYU.
A moment for Maema
Another undrafted rookie making noise, linebacker Maema Njongmeta leads the NFL in solo tackles (13) this preseason and is tied for the lead in total tackles (17). Njongmeta is another player vying for a spot on the 53-man roster, looking to make space for himself in a crowded linebacker room. Bengals.com senior writer Geoff Hobson predicts the Bengals will keep five linebackers, and he believes Njongmeta is in a battle with Shaka Heyward for the final position.
Defensive dominance
Despite fielding mainly backups against the Bears, the Bengals defense had a strong showing against Chicago's starters. Cincinnati forced three consecutive three-and-outs to start the contest and limited first overall pick Caleb Williams to 75 yards, a 46.2% completion percentage and just a 64.4 passer rating. Per Pro Football Focus, Williams was pressured five times on 15 dropbacks. Rookie Kris Jenkins got home for the lone sack of the Heisman winner.
The Bengals look to improve upon last season's defensive performance, and depth is a critical piece to that success. The backups will have their hands full with the Indianapolis Colts starters, but a strong outing Thursday should inspire confidence into Who Dey Nation.
