Running Back Competition?! Cincinnati Bengals RUN ALL OVER Philadelphia Eagles | Recap, Breakdown

The Cincinnati Bengals capped off an undefeated preseason on Friday night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 30-13 at Lincoln Financial Field. The victory marked Cincinnati’s first perfect preseason since 2006, wrapping up their summer slate at 3-0 while dropping the hosts to a winless 0-3 stretch. With regular season roster cuts looming, both coaching staffs rested their locked-in starters. The night instead turned into an audition for depth chart positions and final roster bubble spots.

------------------------------------

Check out our partners ⤵️

Braxton Taprooms are a great place to catch a Bengals game. Find the location nearest you at braxtonbrewing.com

Book your appointment at Richter & Phillips today: richterphillips.com/chatterbox

Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440

The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars

-----------------------------------

Cincinnati established dominance early through a highly efficient offensive display led by veteran quarterback Josh Johnson. Johnson operated smoothly in the first half, completing 12-of-19 passes for 156 yards. His primary weapon early on was wideout Dohnte Meyers, who solidified his bid for a roster spot by catching three passes for 51 yards on the opening drive alone. Though the Eagles' defense stiffened in the red zone, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson provided the early scoring punch, converting three first-half field goals—including a booming 58-yarder—to give Cincinnati a 9-3 lead at the break. Conversely, Philadelphia’s first-half offense sputtered heavily. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee struggled to settle into a rhythm, throwing an interception to Bengals defensive back Tacario Davis while leading five unproductive drives.

The action accelerated significantly in the second half as both clubs cycled deeper into their reserves. Sean Clifford took the quarterback reins for Cincinnati, continuing to pick apart the Eagles' secondary with a sharp 11-yard touchdown strike to Ke'Shawn Williams. The Eagles responded with their best drive of the game under veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who engineered a 14-play, 76-yard march culminating in a five-yard touchdown toss to Carson Steele.

However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Cincinnati's relentless ground game. The Bengals’ offensive line wore down the Eagles' reserve defensive front, unlocking explosive scoring runs. Kentrel Bullock extended the advantage with a hard-nosed six-yard touchdown plunge, before rookie Jamal Haynes sealed the game with an electric 39-yard touchdown scamper. Cincinnati's defense clamped down for the remainder of the evening, finishing with 420 total yards generated compared to Philadelphia's 210. With the final audition complete, the Bengals now shift focus toward their regular season home opener against Tampa Bay.