Bengals lineup on Saturday confirms starting battle is over
Heading into Sunday's game there was one thing that was known about the Cincinnati Bengals' strategy. If you got a start against the L.A. Rams, it means you're not on the first team. That's why everyone had their eyes on the left guard position from the very first snap of the game. And sure enough, […]
Heading into Sunday's game there was one thing that was known about the Cincinnati Bengals' strategy. If you got a start against the L.A. Rams, it means you're not on the first team.
That's why everyone had their eyes on the left guard position from the very first snap of the game. And sure enough, we got the confirmation we were looking for. Jackson Carman got the unwanted start, which ironically means one thing:
Bengals fans, Cordell Volson is your Week 1 starter at left guard.
The news is far from surprising. During joint practices, Volson took the reps that mattered the most. The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. – who covers Cincinnati football – hinted at this on Friday.
"There was no rotation over the past two days. Jackson Carman didn't rotate through as the overhauled offensive line played together for the first time," wrote Dehner Jr. "Volson stood between Jonah Williams and Ted Karras for every snap when the first team went out."
The Bengals rookie will face a steep learning curve being thrown into the fire in the NFL but he's clearly the best option on the roster.
Fortunately for him, Cincinnati has a better unit in place to support him. Along with other offensive adjustments, he should be a part of a much better offensive line.
Not to mention, the Bengals have a quarterback that's quick to throw the ball and that extends plays really well. Volson will survive.
Featured image viaKatie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
