The Cincinnati Bengals are now halfway through their preseason games. Leaving a few mixed impressions while on the road. Yet, showcasing some glimmers of hope in their opening exhibitions.

Cincinnati ultimately split their first two preseason games. Losing the first game 38-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs last Saturday. Then beating the Washington Redskins Thursday in Landover, Maryland 23-13. The Bengals showed signs of improvements in the second game compared to their first. Cincinnati’s defense had a good second half against Washington. The offense showed some signs of life in the second half. Plus, more rookies and veterans had standout moments compared to the preseason opener.

The Bengals began their second preseason game though on a sour note. Andy Dalton gave up an interception in the first drive of the game. That interception was returned for a 96 yard touchdown run by Montae Nicholson. Cincinnati’s offense was dormant through the entire first quarter. Rookie Drew Sample later snapped their scoreless drought in the second quarter.

Sample received a Ryan Finley pass for a touchdown. This touchdown tied the game at six points each. Finley himself had a standout performance against Washington. Following up a good debut for him last Saturday in Kansas City. Finley collected 150 passing yards and 20 of his 26 pass attempts were completed against Washington.

Later, an Auden Tate touchdown and the following extra point tied the game at 13 all. Cincinnati’s special teams unit came through in the fourth. The Bengals took a 16-13 lead in the fourth quarter through a field goal from Tristan Vizcaino. Later, Alex Erickson ran a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown. The successful extra point afterward effectively closed the books on this exhibition.

Cincinnati’s first preseason game in Kansas City produced three main lessons. First, Cincinnati’s defense still has some issues to contend with. The Bengals defense recorded just one sack against Kansas City.That lone sack came through defensive tackle Andrew Brown. Hardy Nickerson snagged the Bengals lone interception last Saturday.

Outside of those moments, the Bengals were thoroughly outpaced by the Chiefs. A team that had one of the NFL’s best offensive units last year. Kansas City’s defense also came to play on Saturday night. Keeping the Bengals out of the endzone in the second and third quarter. Fortunately for the Bengals, their defense looked better against Washington.

Second, the backup quarterback job could be Ryan Finley’s to lose. Finley completed 13 of his 18 pass attempts last Saturday. He was the only Bengals quarterback to throw for a touchdown. Connecting with Jordan Ellis for a ten yard touchdown in the fourth. That pass was part of his team-leading 109 passing yards.

By comparison, last Saturday was a rough night on the field for Jeff Driskel. He threw more incomplete passes than any quarterback in the game. Throwing 11 incompletions and compiling a team-low 79 passing yards. He was also sacked more than any other quarterback. On a good note though, Driskel fared better Thursday against Washington.

Third, the Bengals offense basically left for the bus after the first quarter. Cincinnati had four turnovers compared to just one from Kansas City. The Bengals scored just three points in the second and third quarters combined. Jordan Ellis was in many ways the most offensively productive Bengal. With a touchdown and a game-leading 44 receiving yards from five receptions.

Ultimately, the Cincinnati Bengals still look like a team with significant problems. Their offense and defense still seem sluggish at certain points. The biggest preseason test for Cincinnati is now less than a week away. Cincinnati will face the New York Giants next Thursday in Cincinnati. Next Thursday’s game will be perhaps the most accurate preseason eye test for the Bengals.

The third preseason game is typically the active one for first string players. After many of those players were only in the first two games for a quarter or two. Kickoff from Paul Brown Stadium next Thursday is set for 7 PM Eastern time.