CINCINNATI BENGALS
Burfict locked down
The Bengals have found some hidden gems throughout the years, and when they took a chance on Vontaze Burfict out of college, they were highly criticized for keeping a player on their roster that had a well-chronicled history of off-the-field issues.
Those critics have been quieted over the past couple of years as Burfict has taken the AFC North by storm and has made an impact in seemingly every game he’s played in.
The team announced on Wednesday that they locked down their Will linebacker for another three seasons, signing him through the 2017 season.
Burfict had 171 combined tackles last year, including three sacks, a pair of fumble recoveries and an interception. His electricity is a welcomed part of the Bengals defense.
What needs to happen tonight?
Final roster cuts will take place before the Saturday deadline, and curtain call performances will take place tonight at 7 p.m. as the Bengals host the Indianapolis Colts in the most important preseason game on the schedule.
A big position to watch is at linebacker, where there are a hefty load of players batting for a spot. Here’s how Cincy Jungle broke down the competition:
Linebackers (6)
- Vontaze Burfict
- Emmanuel Lamur
- Rey Maualuga
- Vincent Rey
- Sean Porter
- Marquis Flowers
Analysis: The final two spots comes down to Porter, Flowers, Jayson DiManche and JK Schaffer. Flowers and Porter win out. If it’s even close, the Bengals have invested more in Flowers and Porter anyhow, and Marvin Lewis can probably slide DiManche and Schaffer onto the practice squad.
Potential Surprise: DiManche manages to crack the roster.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Gordon verdict in
The incredible story that has been Josh Gordon is officially on hold, as it was reported that the NFL upheld the receiver’s suspension on Wednesday.
Gordon was able to do some incredible things over the past two seasons, notching just under 2,500 yards and hauling in 14 touchdown passes with dismal quarterback play.
The 23-year-old Baylor alum will not see the field this season, leaving the Browns with some pretty shaky options at the receiver spot. Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin, and Travis Benjamin must step up in a big way for Cleveland.
Kirksey making his name known
Chris Kirksey was a bit underrated coming out of college, and he’s proving that he has what it takes to be dubbed “the real deal”.
He’s played at an extremely high level in the pre-season, and it appears the Cleveland media took notice in practices.
Kirksey was named the Maurice Bassett Award winner, an award that is given to the best rookie in training camp. He made his name known early, and is now expected to play a role in the defensive scheme in 2014.
Craig Robertson and Karlos Dansby will start at inside linebacker to begin the season, but Kirksey will be the next man up if the injury bug bites. Expect him to get playing time on rotations as the season rolls along.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Suspension coming for Bell, Blount?
Steelers’ running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were charged with possession of marijuana last week, and are reportedly at risk of suspension or being sent to the pine by Mike Tomlin.
Here are a few quotes from ESPN:
“Everything’s on the table,” Tomlin said.
Steelers president Art Rooney II indicated Monday that the Steelers would move deliberately when considering discipline for the pair.
“There are parts of this that are going to have to go through the legal process and the league review process,” Rooney II told ESPN.com on Monday. “We’ll just have to deal with it as that process unfolds.”
How many receivers will the Steelers keep?
There are four “locks” on the roster right now. Antonio Brown, Lance Moore, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant will all make the roster, but Justin Brown and Darrius Heyward-Bey could become the odd men out.
Dri Archer is technically a running back, but the Steelers could label him as a receiver and keep both Brown and Heyward-Bey off the team.
The final game against Arizona is going to be crucial. If Brown makes a big impact like he reportedly has in camp, he could leapfrog Heyward-Bey for one of the final spots on the depth chart.
