Jenkins and Jackson were worth the wait.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ NFL Draft class of 2024 continues to show promise.
Rookie Kris Jenkins saw some serious action as the primary substitute on the defensive interiors. He played nearly half of all defensive snaps, making his biggest impact as the 0 technique nose tackle, lined up head up on the center. Jenkins should some juice as a pass rusher, but primarily ate up blocks in the run game. Jenkins had only a single tackle on the day, but made a much larger impact than that stat implies.
For a 330-pound rookie coming off an injury, McKinnley Jackson sure looks like he is in great shape he played 21 snaps, and he was flying around for all 21 snaps. He did not record a tackle, but he was a disruptive penetrator who caused problems for the offensive line. This is very promising, particularly since Jackson’s injury was so early in camp that he has barely even practiced in the NFL. Expect to see his snap counts steadily rise as the season goes on, particularly in the Bengals’ odd fronts.
Amarius Mims’ injury from a week ago did not stop him from taking every offensive snap this week. While he had a couple of notable errors, he had another strong showing and showed promise to be a foundational piece of this offense for years to come.
Erick All did not flash as he had in weeks before, but he continues to be a solid blocker from multiple alignments. Even with the offensive struggles, the passing game continued to run through Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Although he was the most productive tight end, All had only two receptions for 10 yards.
Ryan Rehkow is still here, despite some calling for his head after a bobbled snap preceded an Evan McPherson missed would-be-game-winning field goal vs. the Ravens. Rehkow looked good holding and great as a punter. He averaged 46.3 yards per punt on six kicks with one touchback and four balls landing inside the 20.
Fellow UFA Maema Njongmeta continued to see substantial action on defense, with 19 reps of special teams, but this week, he did not see the field on defense. Cornerback Josh Newton got five snaps on defense but also made his biggest contribution on special teams, playing 13 snaps.
Another rookie defensive back, Dejahn Anthony, played 11 snaps on special teams. Matt Lee added three snaps on special teams. The rookie center has seen regular action as a member of the field goal team.
You may remember being outraged this weekend when you heard that rookie wideout Jermaine Burton was inactive. The third-round pick made the trip but did not dress for the game. Defensive end Cedric Johnson and tight end Tanner McLachlan also saw no action.
