Cincinnati Bengals Football: 25 Things Learned Through Preseason Week 2

The Cincinnati Bengals are now 2-0 in the 2012 NFL preseason, and a variety of questions surrounding the young team have been answered. 

There are still two games to go and a plethora of questions remain, but so far, the preseason has been a revealing look at the 2012 Bengals. Some unexpected players, such as Vontaze Burfict, have turned heads, while others, like Jordan Shipley, have lost their jobs. 

More of the same will happen in the final two games, but let's take a look back at some of the most important takeaways from the Bengals preseason so far; 25 to be exact.

Jordan Shipley Wasn't Healthy Enough

It was clear by about the halfway point of the Bengals' second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons that Jordan Shipley's time in Cincinnati was at an end. 

Shipley hardly earned any playing time over rookies and was seen icing his knee he injured a year ago while on the bench. 

The Texas star didn't necessarily lose his job because he was not as good as other receivers on the roster, but because he simply wasn't healthy enough. 

The release of Shipley is a good move for both parties. The Bengals get to focus on the future while Shipley is allowed to focus on healing so that he can come back for another team—or even back to Cincinnati. 

Leon Hall Is Right on Track

Leon Hall has been participating in all practices and in both preseason games so far, which is nothing but a great sign for the Bengals. 

Hall has not looked outstanding by any means. But to see him running and cutting at full speed after suffering a torn Achilles tendon is likely inspiring a collective sigh of relief among fans and the organization alike. 

If Hall can stay healthy, it is a safe bet he can get back to his past form. Considering the plethora of injury issues enshrouding the cornerback position, Hall at his best would change everything. 

Dre Kirkpatrick Will See Action in the 4th Preseason Game

The Bengals selected Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft to shore up the cornerback position, but he has done the exact opposite to this point. 

Kirkpatrick injured his knee earlier in the preseason, which has set back his development in a big way. He missed the first two preseason games and will miss the third as well. 

The Alabama product will get his first taste of NFL action against the upstart Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck. How he handles the situation will be a telling sign of where he is at in terms of development and readiness. 

Andy Dalton Doesn't Lack for Arm Strength

The whole argument that Andy Dalton doesn't have enough arm strength for an NFL quarterback has finally been put to rest. 

Against the Atlanta Falcons, Dalton whipped a 50-yard pass into the arms of A.J. Green, who never broke stride and scored a touchdown. 

Dalton had this to say to his arm-strength critics:

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"Everyone’s going to say there is a knock on me and its going to be my arm strength," Dalton said. "Its not holding me back, its not changing the way I play the game. They can say whatever they want as long as we’re winning games, as long as I’m getting completions and getting the ball to our guys I’m not worrying about it. Seems like one person said it so everyone is saying it. Everyone’s going to find something."

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Dalton looks to have developed his game significantly in the offseason. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Was a Great Signing

When the Bengals signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis, it was obvious to all onlookers that Cincinnati wanted to bring in a great locker room presence from the New England Patriots.

Obviously, the team also brought him in for his skills on the field, which he has shown spectacularly so far this preseason in the games he has been available. 

Green-Ellis missed the Falcons game, but looked impressive against the New York Jets, and head coach Marvin Lewis has been impressed as well. It looks as if the Bengals have made another great free-agent pickup. 

Cedric Peerman Has Made a Serious Case for More Playing Time

Cedric Peerman has done his best to take advantage of the injuries to others this preseason to make his case for more playing time in the regular season. 

Peerman did not receive a lot of carries against the Falcons, but against the New York Jets, he rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown. 

It is no secret that Peerman may be the most important player on the Bengals' special teams unit, but the flashes he has shown rushing the ball could provide a spark to the offense in the regular season. 

Marvin Jones Is a Lock for the Roster

Entering the preseason, many thought Marvin Jones would be fighting for a roster spot thanks to the sudden depth of the receiver position in Cincinnati. 

That won't be the case. 

According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, Jones is virtually a lock to make the roster. 

Jones has looked great thus far, and is a serious deep threat down the field on every play. He won't win the starting No. 2 job (it doesn't look like anyone will) but he will be a very important piece in the passing game this year. 

Jermaine Gresham Will Miss the Rest of the Preseason

Jermaine Gresham figures to be one of the more important pieces of the Bengals offense in 2012 thanks to his great pass-catching abilities and his above average blocking skills. 

Unfortunately for Gresham, he will likely miss the rest of the preseason after suffering a knee sprain against the Falcons. 

Bengals fans should consider the injury a blessing because it looked much worse. Gresham should be ready to go when the regular season kicks off. 

Armon Binns and Brandon Tate Are Capable Receivers

There is not much to be said about Brandon Tate and Armon Binns anymore. Both appear to be locks for the final roster as the preseason wraps up. 

Tate did not see any time as a receiver last year, but primarily on special teams. Binns struggled to get off the practice squad. 

So far, both have impressed this preseason and are pushing the coaching staff toward utilizing a rotation at the position after A.J. Green. 

The unexpected development is nothing but good news moving forward for the franchise. 

Clint Boling Is Playing Fine as a Starting Left Guard

The Bengals made a point to upgrade the offensive line in the offseason by signing a new starting left guard in Travelle Wharton. 

That upgrade ended quickly when Wharton went down for the season with injury. 

Luckily, it seems as if the organization has found a fix for the problem already with second-year player Clint Boling. 

Boling was horrible in his rookie season after having to start right away in Bobbie Williams' place. However, he has looked like a drastically different player this offseason after having time to develop properly. 

Boling looks to be the new starting left guard in Cincinnati. 

Carlos Dunlap Is Injured Yet Again

In what is slowly becoming the norm, Carlos Dunlap is hurt once again. 

After missing significant time last year, Dunlap will miss the remainder of the preseason, and possibly some regular-season time this year after suffering a knee injury. 

It's an unfortunate turn of events for Dunlap. He could be one of the best pass rushers in the league if he could stay healthy. It's also an issue for the Bengals because the depth at defensive end is starting to look quite thin. 

Jamaal Anderson Is a Lock for the Roster

Thanks to the aforementioned injury to Carlos Dunlap and the injury to starting right defensive end Robert Geathers, free-agent acquisition Jamaal Anderson is all but a lock for the final roster.

Anderson was a promising first-round selection that never lived up to the hype, but most certainly has the ability to be a productive player in the Bengals' defensive line rotation next year.

Thanks to injuries and fitting the defensive scheme perfectly, Anderson will likely make the roster and see significant playing time in 2012. 

Devon Still Is a Force That Will Change Games

The Bengals selected Devon Still in the 2012 NFL draft with the hopes that he could be a solid rotational player and eventually be groomed into an every-down starter.

So far, so good for Still.

Still has looked dominant in practices and preseason game so far, as he disrupts the timing of the offense with his pass-rushing abilities. He has also shown a knack for swatting down passes with regularity.

Still could join Geno Atkins in passing situations to ruin opposing offense’s plans regularly in 2012. 

Vontaze Burfict Is the Real Deal

The Bengals decided to take a chance on undrafted free-agent Vontaze Burfict despite a horrendous path leading up to the draft.

That gamble could pay off in a big way.

Burfict has been the star of the preseason so far, turning heads around the league as his play has been stellar through practices and two preseason games.

At this point, Burfict is a lock to make the roster, and if Rey Maualuga is not careful, he could threaten for much more playing time sooner rather than later. 

Rey Maualuga Better Be Looking over His Shoulder

Thanks to Vontaze Burfict turning his life and career around, Rey Maualuga could be in some trouble.

Maualuga cannot stay healthy, and has already suffered another minor injury this preseason. Add in consistent issues with the law and he could fall out of favor with coaches quickly if his play drops off as well.

While Maualuga is a leader on and off the field, the linebacker spot is way too talented for him to continue having health and off-field issues, combined with his sometimes erratic play.

If Maualuga does not step up in a big way this year, things could get interesting. 

Dontay Moch Is Earning His Roster Spot Despite Suspension

Despite missing all of last season and being suspended for the first four games of the 2012 season, Dontay Moch is making his case for a roster spot.

Moch is a freak athlete who, if healthy, can use his elite speed and technique to get to opposing quarterbacks with ease.

In two games this preseason, Moch has tallied 2.5 sacks and countless pressures that have disrupted offenses. It could be the first time in a long time that Marvin Lewis has had a legit pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position. 

Dan Skuta Could Start Outside with Manny Lawson Seeing Time at Defensive End

Dan Skuta is one of the most talented players on the Bengals roster, being a special teams ace and having the ability to play every linebacker position on the field.

This preseason, Skuta is directly competing with Manny Lawson for a starting outside linebacker gig, and could very well win the competition.

Even if Skuta emerges the winner, Lawson will see plenty of playing time because Marvin Lewis has been using Lawson as more of a pass-rushing defensive end this preseason. Lawson can be effective from that position in certain scenarios, and it will allow the versatile Skuta to be on the field at the same time. 

Taylor Mays Is as Reckless as Ever

Taylor Mays has had a reputation since college as a safety that goes for big hits and sometimes blows up his own teammates in the process.

He did just that against the Atlanta Falcons as he put his head down for a big hit and knocked out teammate Vontaze Burfict for the remainder of the game in the process.

Mays has all the potential in the world to be a great safety in the NFL. Little things such as not putting your head down too early will make all the difference in whether he keeps a starting job or not. 

Kick Return Game Should Be a Strong Point

The Bengals did not have much of a kick return game to brag about last season. That could all change in 2012.

Cincinnati has a variety of candidates for the kick return game that could fare much better than Brandon Tate did a year ago. Marvin Jones, Cedric Peerman and Andrew Hawkins are all exciting prospects who could make a big difference fielding kicks.

When it comes to punt returns, there aren’t many better in the NFL than Adam Jones. If he can stay healthy, it is a safe bet the job is his—and he will have a massive impact on the field position game. 

A.J. Green Is Still Unstoppable

File this one under the “too obvious” section. A.J. Green is still one of the best receivers in the NFL, and has even improved in the offseason.

So far this preseason, Green has caught two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown, including a 50-yard bomb from the now strong-armed Andy Dalton.

Green is not getting much attention in the preseason as the team attempts to find valid options to play across from him, but it still must be reassuring to know that he can score at will if the ball is thrown in his direction. 

Adam Jones Still Battling Injuries

Adam Jones goes from a starter last season to critical depth this year for the Bengals. We can’t emphasize the critical part enough.

Outside of being a solid option at cornerback when needed, Jones also happens to be one of the best punt-return men in all of football.

That is, if he can stay healthy.

Jones has missed a large chunk of football over the past two seasons, and has missed some time this preseason as well, as he recovers. It would be a large blow to the defense and special teams if Jones battles injuries all season long. 

Pass Defense Could Be a Major Issue...

Even with a healthy Leon Hall, the Bengals' pass defense could have some issues in 2012. Matt Ryan of the Falcons had his way with the Bengals, and that could be a preview of things to come.

There is always a chance Hall injures himself again, as could Adam Jones. Dre Kirkpatrick is a rookie who is behind in development thanks to injury, and veterans Nate Clements and Terence Newman have lost so much speed that there is talk of moving them to strong safety.

If there is one weakness on the team that has already been exposed this preseason, it would be the pass defense. Depth is suddenly an issue, and the starters have not exactly opened any eyes yet. 

...but Run Defense Will Be Elite as Always

Then again, the Bengals should have no issues stopping the run in 2012. This should sound familiar as most Mike Zimmer defenses in Cincinnati have had no issues defending the run.

Domata Peko is still a force at plugging holes, and Geno Atkins next to him can do the same. The linebackers behind the deep defensive line rotation will play a big part as well, especially whoever mans the middle and the criminally underrated Thomas Howard.

If there is one thing Taylor Mays is good at, it is stuffing the run. Reggie Nelson next to Mays is someone who excels as well.

The Bengals' defense is once again perfectly suited for AFC North football. 

Balanced West Coast Offense Will Be Successful

So far this preseason, Andy Dalton has had no issues spreading the ball around in a playbook that has been expanded thanks to the absence of a lockout this offseason.

The West Coast offense employed by Jay Gruden relies on short passes that can make up for the absence of a running game if need be.

Cincinnati’s roster is perfectly suited for this offense with running backs that can catch passes and a crop of wide receivers that can play multiple spots on the field. Add in talented and versatile tight ends and it makes sense why the Bengals have had a great offense so far this preseason.

An ideal goal for Dalton and company this year would be to score more often in the red zone rather than settling for field goals. An offense is finally in place that will allow them to do so. 

Marvin Lewis Has Everyone on Board

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the preseason thus far is the unity of the team under Marvin Lewis.

For once, it feels like Lewis is content, and more importantly, in control of everyone and everything. It’s his team.

It is no secret that Lewis has had a bigger hand in crafting the roster than in recent years. It would be wise to assume he likes his role and the direction of the club after signing an extension.

Lewis has one of the youngest and talented rosters in all of the NFL, and they are all buying into what he is selling. There are no me-first, second-rate reality stars on the roster.

The team is following Lewis’ lead, and how far he can take them remains to be seen. Either way, this time, it is Lewis’ way.  

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