Previewing Thursday’s Game Against the Bengals
By Matt Urben
After Friday’s win in Pittsburgh, the Lions come home to play the Cincinnati Bengals in their second Preseason game.
The Lions got off to a good start last week, but not because they won the game 30-17. The starting units looked good, including former Bengals receiver Marvin Jones. Some bubble guys made a name for themselves, including Dwayne Washington and Jace Billingsley. Some struggled, such as rookie left tackle Taylor Decker, which was expected. And of course, the “Jake Rudock is Tom Brady” bandwagon got going quicker than anyone could have anticipated. Nonetheless, Rudock earned some praise and so did Anquan Boldin, Andre Roberts and Devin Taylor. So, lets move on to this week’s game and what to expect when the Cincinnati comes to town…
Preseason Game 2: Cincinnati Bengals
Thursday: 7:30 E.T. at Ford Field on Fox 2
The Bengals, like the Steelers last week, are another Playoff team from the AFC. They have one of the most talented rosters in all of football on both sides of the ball. Despite losing receiver Muhammad Sanu, as well as Jones, they return one of the league’s best in A.J. Green. Andy Dalton has given them stability in recent years at the QB position. Their defense includes play-makers at every level, particularly the physically-imposing linebacker, Vontaze Burfict. The 2nd Preseason game is traditionally one of two where starters will play a few series, rather than just one. Let’s examine three areas to focus on in Thursday’s Preseason home opener.
Wide Receiver Battle
As we witnessed last week, there is some serious competition for the 4th and 5th receiver spots. Anyone who watched the game saw Anquan Boldin solidify the 3rd spot with his 30-yard catch and run through numerous Steelers defenders. Andre Roberts — who some had forgot about with Boldin’s signing — had 3 catches for 57 yards and an impressive touchdown. Jeremy Kerley responded from a bad drop early to catch his next five passes. He has some speed and like Roberts, looks like a good fit in Jim Bob Cooter’s offense. Jace Billingsley’s performance jumped him from the third team to the second team according to the latest depth chart. He showed some burst and elusiveness, despite being a smaller receiver. Undrafted free agent, Jay Lee didn’t get much of a chance but look for that to change in week two. There are some hungry receivers on this team and that’s without mentioning Golden Tate and Marvin Jones.
Running backs Dwayne Washington & Zach Zenner
7th-round pick, running back Dwayne Washington, made the most electrifying play of week one. His 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was a thing of beauty. It wasn’t just that one play that is getting fans excited, however, it was his speed and power that popped off the screen. He had just three touches but totaled 27-yards. Without getting too far ahead of myself, I can’t help but think he reminds me of Terrell Davis. Davis, who led John Elway to multiple Super Bowls before retiring early, was also a 6th-round pick. Davis came into camp as the 5th halfback on the depth chart but first got noticed on special teams. Of course, it’s just one Preseason game, but Washington plays the way he did, he’ll surely earn more time. That leads me to Zach Zenner, last season’s Preseason phenomenon. Zenner had another good showing, doing a little bit of everything. He even had a key block that sealed Washington’s lane on the touchdown return. Zenner continues to run hard and the Lions need that to complement scat-backs Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick.
Offensive line’s progress
The Lions invested a great deal of resources to increase the competition along the offensive line. Taylor Decker, Detroit’s 1st-round pick, was the biggest of those investments. He had some shaky moments in his first start at left tackle. He also showed some really positive signs. Most fans will only remember him getting burned to give up Stafford’s sack fumble. But he generated some push in the run game and a learning curve should have been expected, as Jeff wrote earlier this week. Graham Glasgow also had mixed results but needs this Preseason to prove he belongs before he can challenge center Travis Swanson for a starting job. Rookie Joe Dahl had an up-and-down first showing at guard. Riley Reiff moved over to right tackle and has a lot to play for this year if he wants a long-term role in Detroit. Laken Tomlinson has still yet to prove worthy of his 1st-round status, but flashes elite power at left guard. As I wrote during the off-season, Larry Warford had a great year as a rookie, but needs to get back to that level. Fans should make sure to watch the guys in the trenches against the Bengals’ talented defensive linemen.
Also keep your eye on..
- Linebacker depth including Antwione Williams
- Rookie safety Miles Killebrew
- Backup defensive end battle
- 2nd-round pick DT A’Shawn Robinson
- Cole Wick at tight end