Now more than ever, the Bengals need this rookie class to hit and hit fast. Unfortunately, Week 2 brought some setbacks for the Bengals’ class of 2025.
Although he did not flash as a pass rusher the way he did a week ago, Shemar Stewart at least made the stat sheet with two tackles. Unfortunately, he also made the injury report and looks to be out for the next two to three weeks. This is an unfortunate setback for the promising rookie who needs pass-rush reps and to improve his tackling. It also goes without saying that the Bengals really need to have all hands on deck to survive with the absence of Joe Burrow.
Linebacker Demetrius Knight was all over the field in Week 1, but in Week 2, defensive coordinator Al Golden decided to cut down his reps. Did he feel Knight was in over his head, or did he just like what he saw out of Oren Burks and want to utilize him more? It is hard to say, but Knight split time with the veteran Burks this weekend. Knight still managed to post five tackles on the day.
The Bengals’ offensive line is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Jaguars brought all kinds of exotic and unexpected pressures, which were more than the unit could handle early on. The injury to Burrow has reignited long-existing criticism about the offensive line and the Bengals’ ability to identify, acquire, and develop talent at the position.
In spite of this, Dylan Fairchild has given up zero pressures. The third-round pick out of Georgia was a great pass protector in college, and that continues in the NFL.
Barrett Carter, Jalen Rivers, and Tahj Brooks saw no action on offense or defense this week.
Carter and Brooks both played large roles on special teams (along with rookie long snapper William Wagner). Brooks made a great special teams tackle for the second consecutive week. This time it came as the wing on the punt team, not the gunner, the wing. This was very impressive.
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