Bengals' Preseason: 3 Standouts, 3 Strugglers, 1 Questionable

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Washington Commanders 31-17 in a preseason game on Monday night. This win was significant for the Bengals as it was their first preseason victory since 2022, ending a streak of seven winless games. The game highlighted the performance of certain players, particularly wide receiver Mitch Tinsley, who stood out with impressive plays, including two touchdown receptions.

Tinsley's contributions were praised by coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow, who expressed confidence in Tinsley's abilities. Another standout player was Charlie Jones, who secured a spot on the team with his strong performance, including a touchdown reception. Additionally, Barrett Carter made an interception showcasing the defensive team's focus on turnovers.

However, the Bengals' first-team defense faced challenges during the game, struggling to contain the opposing team's offense. Players like Jordan Battle and Lucas Patrick had moments of difficulty, raising concerns about the team's defensive performance. Despite some shortcomings, the Bengals remain optimistic about addressing these issues before the regular season begins.

Joe Burrow's performance during the game was closely watched, with the quarterback experiencing some challenges but also showing moments of skill and resilience. Burrow also commented on teammate Trey Hendrickson's contract situation, expressing confidence that a deal will likely be reached closer to the start of the regular season. Overall, the Bengals are focused on improving their performance and addressing key areas of concern as they prepare for the upcoming season.