There is a ton of talent in the Battle of Ohio. Everyone knows about Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Garrett, and Denzel Ward.
Football games can often be won from plays made by less heralded players. Let’s take a look at a few players who could be in line to have a huge impact on the outcome of the game this week.
Charlie Jones is entering his third season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had his best training camp to date. Staying healthy has been an issue for Jones through his first two seasons. He is my first under-the-radar player that could have an impact on the outcome of the game this week.
Charlie Jones’ biggest impact in this game is likely to come as a returner. He is penciled in as both the starting kick returner and the starting punt returner. He has a touchdown in each spot over his career, including a kickoff return touchdown against Cleveland last season.
Jones has also seemed to develop some chemistry with Burrow through camp. There is a possibility he earns some offensive snaps in this game. If he does so, I could see him making a couple of chain-moving first downs in critical moments throughout the game.
The second player I want to highlight is the Bengals special teams ace, Tycen Anderson. Anderson has consistently made plays over the years that help the Bengals flip the field, with excellent play as a gunner on punt coverage. He could also see snaps on defense for the Bengals in this game. Geno Stone is expected to play in the game after dealing with injuries. He saw limited action during the preseason. If he has any setbacks, Anderson is likely to be the next man up. Anderson could find a way to make his mark on this game in either phase.
The third player that could be an under-the-radar impact player for this game is Mike Pennel. Pennel was just signed to the Bengals practice squad this week, but is expected to be called up to the active roster on game day soon. That could come against the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals signed T.J. Slaton as a defensive tackle in free agency this year. Even with that addition, they have still been searching for another big-bodied run stopper. They may have found that in Pennel. His 62.4 run defense grade would have been second on the team at defensive tackle last season, behind only B.J. Hill (69.2). Stopping the run and forcing the Browns to win this game through the air will be crucial for the Bengals..
What other under-the-radar players do you think can help the Bengals pull out a victory this week?
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