Winners and Losers from Bengals' Preseason Victory Over Bears

The young players continue to make big plays!

Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young (86) catches a pass for a touchdown against Chicago Bears cornerback Dontae Manning (27) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Bengals moved to 2-0 at home this preseason after a 27-9 win against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.

Many of the Bengals' young players strengthened their cases to make the final roster and earn a larger role during the team's week-two preseason win over the Bears. That said, there are those who also struggled against Chicago and must now show standout improvement as the end of training camp and the preseason.

Here are four winners and two losers from Week 2 of the Bengals preseason.

Winner: Landon Robinson

Aug 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Landon Robinson (96) reacts after a play in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Robinson has strung together back-to-back strong performances. Following a half sack and two QB hits against the Lions, Robinson got to Bears quarterback Miller Moss for 1.5 sacks, a batted pass, and a tackle for loss.

Robinson looked sharp and showed good speed on a stunt, where he blasted Moss before he could try to get away. He has built a strong case to make the roster over this offseason and proven to be a strong competitor to both Kris Jenkins and Mckinnley Jackson as depth at defensive tackle.

Loser: Cody Ford

Dec 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Cody Ford (61) on the sidelines before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ford continued to dig himself into a deeper hole by committing penalties on the team's first two drives of the game.

He struggled once more at guard, and with him losing his job as a swing-tackle, it feels as though Ford is now on borrowed time in Cincinnati. He took a pay cut this summer and has not shown that he can be relied on.

For what it is worth, Jalen Rivers did not have a great night either. While lined up at left tackle, he committed a false start on the team's opening drive and looked overwhelmed.

The Bengals' swing tackle does not look to be currently on the roster.

Winner: Josh Johnson

Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Johnson looked every bit like the 18-year NFL veteran that he is. The 40-year-old quarterback was surgical against the Bears, dicing them up for 15/23, 156 yards, and two touchdowns en route to a 113.7 passer rating.

Joe Flacco is the backup to Joe Burrow this season, but Johnson can surely be reliable as the team's emergency third-string QB.

Loser: Josh Newton

Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker (9) catches a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After being presumably in the coaching staff's doghouse throughout much of training camp, Josh Newton looked to be turning the corner and getting on the field more often.

That string of good play ended, though, against the Bears as Newton gave up a big play deep to Jahdae Walker for 36 yards. Newton must show that he can recover nicely following this showing, or he could find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to making the roster.

Winner: The Receiver Depth

Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young (86) catches a pass for a touchdown against Chicago Bears cornerback Dontae Manning (27) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This may be the deepest receiver room of the Joe Burrow era. Colbie Young, Dohnte Meyers, and Mitchell Tinsley each had great games against the Bears. Young caught three balls for 48 yards and a touchdown, and Meyers totaled six touches for 50 yards and had 88 yards as a returner. Tinsley meanwhile caught two of three targets for 21 yards, including a solid 17-yard catch to extend the team's first touchdown drive.

Charlie Jones and Ke'Shawn Williams also had good games, with Jones notching two catches for 35 yards and Williams totaling three catches for 42 yards.

Cut down day will be rough for the receiving room, as worthy talent will fail to crack the 53-man roster. It is worth noting that Noah Thomas hauled in a remarkable 20-yard touchdown pass from Sean Clifford.

Winner: Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals place kicker Evan McPherson (2) celebrates a field goal in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Another game, another strong performance by Money Mac. McPherson nailed all of his extra point attempts and field goal attempts on the evening, including a 58-yard attempt that sealed the game early in the fourth quarter.

McPherson looks every bit like the kicker who sent the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021, and he looks primed to help put games away for the Bengals once again.

Landon Robinson with another snap… and another sack. pic.twitter.com/f6hMbX4o2u

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 23, 2026

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