This is a small rookie class for the Bengals, but an important one with a lot of upside. While some of the rookies are starting to show their potential, others have been stagnant in their development.
We knew he was going to be a bit of a project and has been slowed a bit by injury, but it’s disappointing that we have not seen Shemar Stewart step up in the last two weeks. Trey Hendrickson was out last week and much of this week. The Bengals needed some type of pass rush, but they just didn’t get it.
With the lack of development from Myles Murphy, their previous Round 1 defensive end, it is natural to feel impatient and anxious about Stewart. The Bengals really need Stewart to pan out. Hopefully, Stewart can stay healthy and we can see him develop as a pass-rusher this season.
Much like the rest of the defense, the story for the rookie linebackers has been all about missed tackles. Unfortunately, that is not something they were able to shake this week. However, Demetrius Knight did lead the team in total tackles with 12. He also made a lot of false steps. Knight’s development seems to have plateaued at this point. They need to get him back on the right track.
Barrett Carter does seem to be on the right track. He has made a mistake here or there, but he appears to be getting a little better every week and not repeating the same mistakes twice. The Bengals have trusted him to call their defense and given him 100% of defensive snaps over the last three weeks. He has a long way to go, but he looks like he will be a key part of the defensive rebuild.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bengals started rookies at both guard positions. Jalen Rivers played every single snap at right guard, and Dylan Fairchild played all but one snap at left guard. The pair did admirably. Pro Football Focus continues to be unkind to them, but I am seeing a lot of good things, particularly from Fairchild. The interior pass protection has improved; in fact, it is generally better than that on the edge. The Bengals have finally found their run game, and these two have been a big part of opening up holes for Chase Brown and Samaje Perine.
One person they are not opening up holes for is rookie running back Tahj Brooks. He once again saw significant action on special teams, but none on offense.
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