Cashius Howell’s first Bengals preseason game gave Cincinnati exactly the kind of early edge-rush spark it needs.
The second-round pick came away with a fumble recovery that set up the Bengals’ only touchdown in a 16-14 win over Detroit, and he also had what looked like a half sack on the night, though it was oddly not credited. For a team trying to find pass-rush answers after the departure of Trey Hendrickson, that kind of debut stands out.
After the game, Howell told FOX 19’s Jeremy Rauch that the night felt like a strong first step.
"It was pretty fun to be able to get out there and have a positive contribution for the team. It was just great.
First game out there, still getting my feet wet, still room for improvement, but it was fun for sure," Howell said before commenting on the front as a whole. "It's definitely encouraging as a defense and as the overall defensive line.
It just makes us want to continue to be hungry and just chase some sacks and continue to try to have a positive contribution for the team."
Veteran defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence liked what he saw from the rookie, too, and said the young players have to keep stacking reps and working on the little things.
“A lot. Just helping them just breathe.
They’re going to get a lot of snaps, so just breathe in between plays. You’re going to be tired, but that’s a part of the game.
Just keep growing and make sure you use every snap to work on your technique," Lawrence said about his overall advice for the young guys before keying in on Howell. "He’s good man.
I’m excited about him. He’s high on the board, but still has things to learn.
But we all have something to learn.”
Cincinnati’s defense carried the night, even if it came in preseason against a Lions offense that did not feature any meaningful starters. Detroit is expected to have a top-10 unit this season, but in this setting Howell still had to win his reps in front of him - and he did.
For the Bengals, that’s the kind of encouraging start they were looking for.
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