Bengals vs. Titans Rookie Report

The pipeline is strong.

Eleven rookies took snaps for the Cincinnati Bengals vs. the Tennessee Titans, four of which were starters. A Day 1 pick started on offense, a Day 2 and a Day 3 pick started on defense, and a UDFA started at punter.

The Titans may have been on the other side of the field, but Amarius Mims was the one who looked like an unbeatable giant out there. Mims has looked respectable vs. the likes of TJ Watt and Micah Parsons this season, so it should come as no surprise that he makes the likes of Harold Landry look like a JV player.

The Titans could not do anything against him as Mims gave up zero pressures on 38 pass-blocking snaps.

Mims has looked incredible this season and solidified himself as a major piece of this team moving forward.

On the defensive side of the ball, another big man stood out. McKinnley Jackson had two tackles, including a tackle for a loss, but it’s most likely that what you noticed was his forced fumble. While Tony Pollard was credited for the fumble, Jackson got into the backfield so fast that he actually attacked the mesh between the running back and the quarterback. He didn’t so much take the ball away from Pollard as prevent him from ever fully possessing it.

Jackson bursts through the line, beating the down block and somehow even getting inside of the second puller.

His performance earned him an impressive 87.5 grade from PFF. Jackson’s 26 snaps is a mild increase, but I would expect that number to continue to grow.

Kris Jenkins started at defensive tackle and took 42 snaps. Although he only had one tackle on the day, he continues to show development.

Cornerback Josh Newton took nearly every defensive snap and was very impressive. He broke up three passes and had an interception.

Cam Grandy had two catches for 12 yards. Not bad in only eight offensive snaps, particularly for a blocking tight end. Wide receiver Jermaine Burton took only three snaps on offense and was never targeted. He did have a 32-yard kickoff return, though.

Offensive lineman Matt Lee saw a bit of action, taking five offensive snaps.

Defensive end Cedric Johnson was a bit more involved this week, playing 10 defensive snaps and making one tackle. He also played 12 special teams snaps. With Sam Hubbard’s injury, Johnson could see even more snaps going forward.

Linebacker Maema Njongmeta played five snaps on defense, recovering a fumble along the way. He also continued to play a large role on special teams, taking 16 snaps.

Safety Daijahn Anthony didn’t play on defense but took 12 special teams snaps. Punter Ryan Rehkow only had one short punt, but it pinned the Titans inside the 20.