The Cincinnati Bengals just wrapped up their preseason with a perfect 3-0 record, capped by a commanding 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. For years, the big question around this team was always depth, right? Well, that question looks totally different heading into 2026 because these guys have way too many players making a legitimate case for a spot. It’s not a perfect roster, no team is, but having more viable options than available spots? That’s the kind of problem every NFL team dreams of having.
Cincinnati’s Defensive Line Is Suddenly Stacked, And It’s Getting Crazy
Seriously, the defensive line might be the biggest “good problem” they’ve got. The Bengals were hurting for interior pass rush and overall depth up front last offseason, and they responded by bringing in some major veteran talent like Dexter Lawrence. On top of that, young guns like Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson kept developing, and then guys like Landon Robinson just flat-out emerged. It’s wild. Suddenly, they’ve got talented players fighting tooth and nail just to make the squad. You saw it against Philly, with Isaiah Foskey and Antwaun Powell-Ryland combining for a sack on the Eagles’ opening drive. Powell-Ryland got the credit, but the whole defense was disrupting Philly consistently, holding them without a touchdown deep into the second half. Foskey, man, he’s been making a huge case all preseason. This is the kind of fierce competition the Bengals absolutely needed. Last year, the worry was pass-rush depth and concerns in the secondary and offensive line. Now? The question is who *doesn’t* make the team. Way better problem to have.
Dohnte Meyers Just Blew Up The Practice Squad Plan
Talk about seizing an opportunity! Few players benefited more from preseason than Dohnte Meyers. The dude came into training camp as a relatively unknown player, trying to establish himself after playing in the CFL. But he’s leaving preseason looking like a player the Bengals would be taking a massive risk by trying to sneak onto the practice squad. Meyers played early on Friday night, making every snap count before exiting early. He snagged three passes for 51 yards on just three targets. That kind of efficiency and impact screams “roster spot,” and it makes the Bengals’ final cuts even tougher.
So, as the Bengals get ready to finalize that 53-man roster, you know there are some seriously tough calls ahead. Guys who absolutely balled out are gonna be on the outside looking in, and that’s just wild. It’s a brutal part of the game, but man, what a problem to have, right? This team is stacked, and watching how they navigate these cuts is gonna be fascinating.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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