Bengals vs. Eagles: MUST-WATCH Preseason Game Preview!
Get ready for some football! The Cincinnati Bengals kick off their preseason against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles this Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET, and you can catch all the action on the Bengals Preseason TV Network (Cincinnati's FOX 19).
New Faces in Stripes: A First Look
The Bengals have revamped their roster with several additions on both sides of the ball. This game offers the first glimpse of these players in their new Cincinnati uniforms. Key acquisitions include defensive tackle T.J. Slaton Jr., linebacker Oren Burks, guard Lucas Patrick, quarterback Desmond Ridder, and defensive end Taven Bryan. Also returning is halfback Samaje Perine, back for his fourth season with the Bengals after stints with Denver and Kansas City.
Slaton aims to solidify the defensive line, coming off a season where he led the NFL in run stop win rate. Draft picks making their debut include defensive end Shemar Stewart, linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., guard Dylan Fairchild, linebacker Barrett Carter, offensive tackle Jalen Rivers, and halfback Tahj Brooks.
Revamped Linebacker Corps
Keep an eye on Knight and Carter, key additions to a linebacker group that has been significantly re-tooled. Their performance will be crucial as the Bengals evaluate their defensive depth.
Eagles' Rookies Under the Spotlight
For the Eagles, this game is all about evaluating their rookie class. How will Jihaad Campbell handle defensive responsibilities? Where will Andrew Mukuba line up? These are key questions the Eagles coaching staff will be looking to answer. Campbell, in particular, has impressed early and could see significant playing time.
Burrow and Murray to Play
In other NFL news, Bengals' QB Joe Burrow and Cardinals' QB Kyler Murray are both expected to play in their respective preseason openers. Burrow is slated to play "several series" against the Eagles, while Murray will lead the Cardinals against the Chiefs. This is a significant development for both teams as they prepare for the regular season.
What to Expect
Preseason games are about evaluating talent and building team chemistry. Expect to see a lot of young players getting opportunities to prove themselves. While the results on the scoreboard aren't the primary focus, this game provides valuable insights into the Bengals' and Eagles' potential for the upcoming season.