The Cincinnati Bengals open the preseason on Thursday with the Detroit Lions in town.
There, Zac Taylor and the Bengals plan to play starters for a bit in the exhibition, making the opener a little more interesting than it usually is each year.
Still, while Joe Burrow, Dexter Lawrence and the rest will spotlight the opening moments, most of the game will be about position battles and the final 53-man outlook.
Here are some quick notes and players to watch during the game.
Bengals players and storylines to watch
Cashius Howell
The Bengals’ first pick this year has received some interesting usage in camp. Otherwise, he’s flashed in the expected ways. With Shemar Stewart out with an injury, he might get an even bigger chance for reps in live action. Thursday will show where he’s at in adapting to the pros…and hint at how the team might really use him when the games matter.
The shape of the defense
While it’s been true for a few years, it’s even more dramatic now: The Bengals aren’t a typical 4-3 defense. The archaic depth chart says as much. But Al Golden’s unit is a multiple look with 3-4 fronts and otherwise. The preseason is usually vanilla looks only, but it’ll still be interesting to see who lines up where and why. Defensive ends kicking inside or dropping into coverage and which defensive backs are first off the bench to fill extra slots, such as free-agent signing Kyle Dugger, will hint at how coaches view the final roster.
Colbie Young and the No. 3 wideout battle
The third wideout spot behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Cincinnati is a little odd. Tight end Mike Gesicki is a big slot receiver. Running backs get looks there, too. But fourth-round rookie Colbie Young is making a serious push behind Andrei Iosivas. There’s reason to believe he won’t fully steal it, but a few live-game explosives and some more Iosivas drops could change things in a hurry.
The overall wideout battle
Receiver is just stacked. Behind the mentioned four above, Charlie Jones is still a strong returner. Mitch Tinsley has majorly flashed in the base offense. So has Kendric Pryor. The Bengals brought on Ke’Shawn Williams on waivers last year to push Jones on returns. And both Dohnte Meyers and Noah Thomas have been highlights of camp so far. It’s going to be a brutal cut-down process, with preseason reps and production and film really mattering, starting Thursday night.
Jalen Davis
The clubhouse leader for the third/nickel corner role at one of the bigger positions of need the Bengals seemingly didn’t address, Davis’ chance to prove himself starts Thursday. How he does in the starting slot, even briefly, could say much about his continuing to lead. Names like Ja’Sir Taylor, Josh Newton and Bralyn Lux could remain in the mix.
Boye Mafe
Dexter Lawrence’s impact on the entire defense is obvious. Perhaps more interesting might be usage and impact for big free-agent signing Boye Mafe. They’re hoping he will experience a big leap on a new team just like Trey Hendrickson did the first time he signed in Cincinnati. Mafe’s ability to flash in his new defense, even on Thursday night, could be a sign of things to come.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 6 Bengals players and storylines to watch in preseason vs. Lions