Cincinnati completed its flawless preseason with a 30-13 victory over Philadelphia, showcasing offensive efficiency and defensive pressure in the finale.
The Cincinnati Bengals concluded their 2026 preseason campaign with a decisive 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night, finishing the exhibition slate with a perfect 3-0 record. The win highlighted Cincinnati’s offensive execution and defensive dominance, setting a positive tone as both teams prepare for the regular season opener. While Philadelphia struggled to find consistent rhythm on offense, the Bengals controlled the tempo through balanced rushing attacks and timely scoring plays.
Bengals Offensive Efficiency
Cincinnati’s offense operated with precision, led by veteran quarterback Josh Johnson. Johnson completed 12 of 19 pass attempts for 156 yards, demonstrating strong command of the passing game without turning the ball over. Although he did not throw a touchdown, his ability to move the chains provided the foundation for the team’s scoring output. The ground game served as the primary engine for the Bengals’ points, with running back Kentrel Bullock serving as the workhorse. Bullock carried the ball 14 times for 85 yards and secured the team’s only rushing touchdown on a 6-yard run. His performance ensured that the Eagles’ defense remained honest and unable to focus solely on the pass. Wide receiver Dohnte Meyers contributed significantly in the air, hauling in three receptions for 51 yards, providing reliable targets when Johnson needed to extend drives. The special teams unit also played a crucial role, with kicker Evan McPherson connecting on three field goals, including a long-range 58-yarder, to keep the scoreboard ticking even during offensive stalls.
Eagles Offensive Struggles and Standouts
The Philadelphia Eagles faced significant challenges moving the ball against a disciplined Bengals defense. Quarterback Andy Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown, but the overall production was limited by the Bengals’ pressure. Despite the loss, several Eagles players posted notable individual performances. Running back Dameon Pierce had a strong outing, carrying the ball four times for 44 rushing yards, showing flashes of explosiveness in a limited sample size. Receiver Carson Steele emerged as a key target, catching eight passes for 52 yards and scoring a touchdown on a 5-yard reception from Dalton. This connection provided one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult offensive showing for Philadelphia. Kicker Jake Elliott managed two field goals, including a 56-yard attempt, but the offense could not generate enough sustained momentum to challenge Cincinnati’s lead effectively. The Eagles finished their preseason at 0-3, ending their exhibition schedule with a need to address offensive inefficiencies before Week 1.
Defensive Pressure and Tackling
Both defenses made critical impacts in the contest, though Cincinnati’s front seven proved more disruptive. Edge rusher Isaiah Foskey applied consistent pressure on Andy Dalton, recording 1.5 sacks and disrupting the Eagles’ timing throughout the game. In the middle of the field, linebacker Bralyn Lux was a force, leading all defenders with nine total tackles, effectively shutting down running lanes and limiting short-yardage gains. For Philadelphia, the defense showed moments of resilience. Linebacker Mac McWilliams finished with seven tackles, anchoring the unit, while defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby recorded one sack. However, the cumulative effect of Cincinnati’s pass rush and running attack prevented the Eagles from establishing defensive stops that could have shifted the game’s momentum.
Turning Point
The decisive factor in the game was Cincinnati’s ability to convert opportunities into points while maintaining defensive discipline. The Bengals capitalized on their rushing advantage, with Kentrel Bullock’s touchdown breaking open the game’s dynamic. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offense, despite Carson Steele’s productive receiving day, could not overcome the deficit created by Cincinnati’s balanced attack. The Bengals’ special teams reliability, highlighted by Evan McPherson’s kicking, ensured that no points were left on the board during offensive droughts, a stark contrast to Philadelphia’s inability to sustain drives beyond the initial scoring bursts.
What It Means
This result provides valuable insights for both franchises as they finalize their 53-man rosters. For Cincinnati, the perfect preseason record validates their depth chart decisions, particularly at quarterback and edge rusher. However, the team faces injury concerns heading into the regular season. Several key contributors are sidelined or uncertain, including Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Murphy, Dax Hill, Eli Stowers, and Markel Bell. On the other side, the Eagles must address their offensive stagnation. The activation of outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard from PUP status offers a boost to their defense, but injuries to Grant Calcaterra, Jakorian Bennett, Ja’Quinden Jackson, and Ja’Sir Taylor on Injured Reserve will test their roster depth. Both teams now shift focus entirely to the regular season kickoff, with Cincinnati looking to maintain its winning form and Philadelphia aiming to break their losing streak against NFL competition.
- Cincinnati Bengals (3-0): Finished undefeated in preseason; Josh Johnson threw for 156 yards; Kentrel Bullock rushed for 85 yards and a TD.
- Philadelphia Eagles (0-3): Lost finale; Andy Dalton passed for 104 yards and 1 TD; Carson Steele caught 8 passes for 52 yards and a TD.
- Key Defensive Stats: Isaiah Foskey recorded 1.5 sacks for CIN; Bralyn Lux led with 9 tackles; Keyshawn James-Newby had 1 sack for PHI.
- Injury Updates: Multiple players questionable for CIN (Chase, Murphy); PHI deals with IR absences (Calcaterra, Bennett).
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