Preseason Halftime Observations: Bengals Rally After Slow Start, Trail Packers 21-16

CINCINNATI — The Bengals trail the Packers 21-16 at halftime. Cincinnati didn't play any of their starters on offense and only a few on defense.

Here are some halftime observations:

Tycen Time

Second-year safety Tycen Anderson had the biggest play of the half for the Bengals, intercepting a Sean Clifford and returning it for a 43-yard score.

Anderson didn't take a regular season snap last season due to injury. Now he's healthy and already making an impact.

Good for Tycen Anderson. Pick Six👀

pic.twitter.com/lQCaA2UPil
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 12, 2023

Anderson followed that up with a second interception late in the second quarter. The 24-year-old clearly has the ball skills Lou Anarumo looks for in the secondary.

What Right Tackle Battle?

Jackson Carman got the start at right tackle. Meanwhile, Jonah Williams was inactive.

The other four starting offensive linemen were also inactive.

If Williams was still in competition with Carman, he would've gotten snaps on Friday night or at least be in uniform. Instead, he was doing his best Adam Sandler impression on the sidelines.

Jonah Williams aka the Water Boy🤣 pic.twitter.com/5JYeki8skO
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 11, 2023

Dax Flashes

Bengals safety Dax Hill is hoping to be a key contributor this season. He made a great play deep downfield on the Packers first drive.

Jordan Love tried to find Christian Watson deep downfield and DJ Turner II fell while guarding the Packers wide-out.

Hill ran across the field and batted the ball away at the last second. Watch the play below.

.@daxhill5 said NOPE.

📺: #GBvsCIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/qe6EOYcr29
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023

Jordan Battle also had a pass defensed and a big hit in the first half. Anderson, Hill and Battle all flashed their potential.

Quarterback Battle

Jake Browning got the start and played the entire first half. He completed 10-of-17 passes for 95 yards and one interception. He started 10-of-13, but threw four-straight incompletions and an interception to end the half.

Money Mac

Bengals kicker Evan McPherson appears to be in midseason form. He made all three of his field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder.

Cincinnati is hoping McPherson can solidify himself as one of the top kickers in the NFL this season.

Other Notes

Veteran cornerback Sidney Jones IV was beat multiple times in coverage. Romeo Doubs caught a 9-yard touchdown with Jones on him.

Third-year running back Chris Evans had the best run of the half: a 33-yarder that put the Bengals in field goal range.

Tight end Tanner Hudson leads the Bengals with four receptions for 29 yards. He suffered a concussion after making a 16-yard catch in the second quarter and won't return.

Joe Bachie (chest, questionable) and Yusuf Corker (hamstring, out) also left the game due to injury.

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