8 Things We Learned from the Bengals 23-12 Preseason Win over Tampa Bay

8 Things We Learned from the Bengals 23-12 Preseason Win over Tampa Bay

The Bengals beat the Buccaneers 23-12 on Friday night, but it is preseason so that means very little. Instead of talking about the game let’s look at the players that improved their stock on this team and the players who need to step it up before they have to find a real job.

1) The Best Defensive Lineman on the field was Chris Smith

Smith, who is often times a forgotten man on the defensive line for the Bengals, was dominant on Friday night. If he plays three more preseason games like this, he will be a lock to make the Bengals final roster. He was dominant against the pass and rush and was virtually unblockable the entire night.

2) Will Clarke and Michael Johnson are collecting paychecks

Clarke and Johnson were both terrible and with the new blood on the Bengals defensive line, I think at least one of these guys will be cut, maybe both.

3) Nick Vigil and Kevin Minter are both big upgrades for the Bengals

It seemed like Vigil was in on almost every tackle in the first quarter of the game, he is fast and athletic and plays down hill at break neck speed. Vigil has big-time instincts when it comes to tracking down the Ball. Minter played well in the middle and looks to be a huge upgrade for the Bengals in the middle of the defense.

4) Cedric Ogbuehi is still terrible

My biggest problem with Cedric other than the fact that the Bengals wasted a draft pick on him would be the fact that at the end of run plays he is just standing there watching! He is quick, but it doesn’t matter if you can not be aggressive at the point of attack and he is not. Right now he looks like a lazy soft left tackle and in the end he could damn near kill this season himself if he doesn’t step up.

5) William Jackson is a solid Cornerback

Jackson is basically a rookie after missing all of last season, but he did not play like a rookie Friday night. He has great hips, tackles well and has the inate ability to be in the right place at the right time.

6) A.J. McCarron needs to be traded, Jeff Driskel looked solid

I am not a big fan of McCarron and I think if the Bengals can get a second round pick for him, I say they take that deal. Driskel moved the team down the field with his feet and arm and played surprisingly well.

7) Jordan Willis is the real deal

Willis has great get off speed excellent bend and he is a finisher, this pick may go down as one of the greatest in Bengals history.

8) The Bengals are loaded at Running Back

Joe Mixon was a beast, but the story of the night may have been the production of Jeremy Hill. This looked like the Hill of a few years ago as he ran with confidence and did not hesitate. Remember Gio Bernard didn’t even play yet.

Download our app in the iTunes store!

Follow The Grueling Truth on Twitter @GruelingTruth and Like us on Facebook