The rookies are stepping up in a big way.
The Cincinnati Bengals continue to play a large number of rookies, with two taking every single snap.
One of those was right tackle Amarius Mims, who continues to impress. Mims had an impressive showing against none other than Micah Parsons. Mims prevented Parsons from making a single sack.
In fact, Parsons didn’t even make a tackle. Fellow rookie Matt Lee did not see the field. The backup center usually sees some action as an extra lineman, but that package did not make an appearance at Atoms Stadium.
Fifth-round pick Josh Newton played every snap on defense and seemed to bounce back nicely from a bumpy ride a week ago. The Bengals may have found something in Newton. He is a tough player with the right demeanor to make it in this league.
Defensive tackles Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson both had solid nights. Jenkins took 33 snaps and had two total tackles. Jackson played 18 and had three assists.
The top rookie skill player on Monday Night was not Jermaine Burton, who played a mere nine snaps. It was a tight end, but neither of the two tight ends they drafted. It was UDFA Cam Grandy who played 17 plays. Grandy was not targeted by Joe Burrow but made some key blocks in the run game.
Maema Njongmeta played three snaps on defense and continued to be a top special team performer. Njongmeta recovered the blocked punt to get possession back for the Bengals. Sixth-round defensive end Cedric Johnson played 15 snaps on special teams but none on defense.
Punter Ryan Rehkow had an off week, averaging only 40.3 yards per punt and never pinning Dallas inside of its own 20.
