The Cincinnati Bengals completed a perfect 3-0 preseason with an emphatic 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday night.
Cincinnati controlled the game for long stretches, outgaining Philadelphia 420-210 and producing a dominant rushing performance. The Bengals finished with 208 rushing yards, while the Eagles managed only 70 on the ground.
The result gave Cincinnati a clean sweep of their three preseason games and provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the regular season. Philadelphia, meanwhile, finished the preseason 0-3, although the game was primarily about evaluating depth players and roster-bubble candidates rather than testing the teams’ projected starters.
Bengals 30-13 Eagles: Game Summary
Competition: NFL Preseason, Week 3
Match: Cincinnati Bengals 30-13 Philadelphia Eagles
Date: August 28, 2026
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Score by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 6 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 30 |
| Eagles | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 13 |
Cincinnati built a 9-3 halftime advantage before Philadelphia briefly reduced the deficit during the third quarter. The Bengals then produced a decisive fourth-quarter surge, scoring 14 unanswered points to pull away.
Bengals Establish Control Early
The Bengals did not need touchdowns to dominate the opening half.
Kicker Evan McPherson provided all of Cincinnati’s first-half points, connecting on field goals from 29, 58 and 34 yards.
His 58-yard kick was particularly impressive and helped Cincinnati establish a 6-0 lead in the opening quarter.
Philadelphia eventually answered through Jake Elliott, who converted a 45-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the first half.
That left Cincinnati ahead 9-3 at halftime.
The Bengals’ ability to repeatedly move into scoring range without turning the ball over early allowed them to maintain control despite Philadelphia’s defense preventing touchdowns.
Josh Johnson Gives Cincinnati a Strong First Half
Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson played a major role in Cincinnati’s impressive opening half.
Johnson completed 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards, averaging more than eight yards per attempt.
He did not throw a touchdown or interception, but his efficient performance helped Cincinnati sustain drives and keep the Eagles’ defense under pressure.
Johnson also connected effectively with wide receiver Dohnte Meyers, who caught three passes for 51 yards.
Meyers was especially productive on Cincinnati’s opening drive, catching three passes for first downs, including a 25-yard completion.
His strong preseason continued to strengthen his case for a roster spot.
Cincinnati’s Rushing Attack Takes Over
The Bengals’ ground game became one of the defining stories of the night.
Cincinnati finished with 208 rushing yards, averaging six yards per carry.
Kentrel Bullock led the team with 85 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Jamal Haynes produced 78 yards and a touchdown on only seven attempts.
Haynes was particularly explosive.
His 39-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter effectively ended Philadelphia’s hopes of a comeback.
Bullock also scored earlier in the fourth quarter on a six-yard run, helping Cincinnati turn a narrow advantage into a comfortable victory.
The performance demonstrated the depth available in Cincinnati’s running back room.
Ke’Shawn Williams Adds Another Touchdown
Quarterback Sean Clifford took over for Cincinnati later in the game and quickly contributed.
Clifford completed five of nine passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
His scoring pass went to Ke’Shawn Williams, who made a contested 11-yard reception to give the Bengals a 16-6 advantage early in the second half.
Williams finished with four receptions for 39 yards and the touchdown.
His performance added to Cincinnati’s growing list of preseason positives as the team prepares for final roster decisions.
Eagles Fight Back in the Third Quarter
Philadelphia briefly gave its home crowd something to celebrate during the third quarter.
Elliott converted a 56-yard field goal to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 9-6.
Then quarterback Andy Dalton led a long Eagles drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown pass to Carson Steele.
The touchdown brought Philadelphia within three points at 16-13.
For a short period, the game appeared to be heading toward a competitive finish.
But Cincinnati’s depth players responded immediately.
Bengals Explode in the Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Cincinnati.
Bullock scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown with 6:06 remaining, putting the Bengals ahead 22-13.
Less than two minutes later, Haynes broke through for a spectacular 39-yard touchdown run.
McPherson’s extra point made the score 30-13, effectively sealing the victory.
Philadelphia could not produce another scoring drive, allowing Cincinnati to close out the game comfortably.
The Bengals finished with 14 unanswered fourth-quarter points.
Andy Dalton Provides a Bright Spot for Philadelphia
While the final score was disappointing for Philadelphia, Andy Dalton offered one of the more positive individual performances.
Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown after taking over from Tanner McKee.
He looked more comfortable moving the offense and finished with a passer rating of 95.1 based on the available game statistics.
His touchdown pass to Steele gave Philadelphia its best offensive sequence of the night.
The performance could become relevant as the Eagles make their final decisions regarding quarterback depth behind Jalen Hurts.
Tanner McKee Struggles
The quarterback competition also produced a difficult night for Tanner McKee.
McKee completed 12 of 22 passes for only 55 yards, threw an interception and was sacked twice.
His passing average was just 2.5 yards per attempt, highlighting Philadelphia’s difficulty generating explosive plays while he was on the field.
McKee’s interception came on a play involving rookie receiver Makai Lemon, adding to a challenging night for the young wideout.
The Eagles now face difficult roster decisions with the regular season approaching.
Makai Lemon Has Difficult NFL Debut
Rookie receiver Makai Lemon was another player under the spotlight.
Returning from a hamstring injury that had limited him during training camp, Lemon was given an opportunity to gain game experience in the preseason finale.
However, he finished with only three receptions for three yards on five targets.
One of those targets resulted in McKee’s interception after a dropped pass. Lemon also had a muffed punt that he recovered.
The performance does not define his future, but it underlined the fact that Lemon may need additional time before taking on a significant role during the regular season.
Carson Steele Continues to Impress
One of Philadelphia’s brightest performers was Carson Steele.
Steele caught eight passes for 52 receiving yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 24 yards.
His receiving production was particularly notable because it gave Philadelphia a reliable outlet when the passing game struggled.
The Eagles’ official recap also highlighted Steele’s continued productivity, noting that he led the team in receiving yards for the second consecutive game.
His versatility could make him an important depth option when the regular season begins.
Bengals Defense Provides Encouragement
Cincinnati’s offensive production attracted most of the attention, but the defense also delivered important moments.
The Bengals recorded three sacks and an interception, while limiting Philadelphia to only 210 total yards.
Rookie defensive back Tacario Davis made one of the standout defensive plays of the evening when he intercepted a pass that was deflected after going through a receiver’s hands.
Davis returned the interception 15 yards and continued an impressive preseason that could strengthen his case for a role in Cincinnati’s defensive plans.
Cincinnati Finish Preseason 3-0
The biggest takeaway for the Bengals is simple: they did not lose a preseason game.
Cincinnati finished 3-0, completing an unbeaten preseason for the first time in 20 years.
The victories have also revealed considerable depth.
Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford both produced useful quarterback performances, while Bullock and Haynes showed that the running back competition is filled with explosive options.
The receiver group has also given the coaching staff difficult decisions, with Dohnte Meyers, Ke’Shawn Williams and others making strong cases for roster consideration.
Eagles Finish 0-3 but Focus on the Regular Season
Philadelphia’s 0-3 preseason record should be viewed in context.
Neither team used its projected starters in the final preseason game, and the primary objective was to evaluate players competing for roster spots.
The Eagles are preparing for a regular season in which the results will matter considerably more.
Still, the performance against Cincinnati highlighted areas that need attention, particularly offensive consistency and the battle for quarterback depth.
The Eagles’ regular season opener is scheduled for September 13 against the Washington Commanders.
Final Verdict
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 30-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles was a dominant finish to their preseason campaign.
Cincinnati combined a strong rushing attack, efficient quarterback play and timely defensive contributions to pull away in the second half.
Josh Johnson provided stability, Kentrel Bullock and Jamal Haynes supplied explosive rushing plays, and the defense made enough big plays to keep Philadelphia from sustaining momentum.
For the Eagles, Andy Dalton’s second-half performance and Carson Steele’s production provided some positives, but the offense struggled to generate consistent yardage for much of the night.
The preseason is now over for both teams, and attention turns toward final roster cuts and the regular season.
Final Score: Cincinnati Bengals 30-13 Philadelphia Eagles.
Commanders vs Ravens Match Analysis: Ravens Rout Commanders 41-3 in Lopsided Preseason Finale
Preview
The Bengals and Eagles close the preseason with roster battles, young players seeking opportunities and one final test before the 2026 NFL regular season.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles meet Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams, but this one will carry a different kind of pressure.
There may be no extended Joe Burrow-Jalen Hurts showdown. Cincinnati has already confirmed that its starters will sit out the preseason finale, meaning the Bengals will turn the night over to their backups, young players and veterans fighting to secure roster spots. For the Eagles, the final exhibition game presents a similar opportunity: one more chance to impress the coaching staff and personnel department before the roster is reduced for the regular season.
That makes the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles game about more than the final score.
Every preseason snap can matter at this stage of the calendar. A receiver can make the final catch that earns him a place on the 53-man roster. A young offensive lineman can prove he is ready to provide depth during the regular season. A defensive player can turn one pressure, one sack or one forced turnover into an opportunity that changes his immediate future.
Cincinnati enters the game with a 2-0 preseason record, while Philadelphia is 0-2. The Bengals have defeated Detroit and Chicago, while the Eagles have lost to Baltimore and New England. But preseason records can be misleading, especially when playing time is shaped more by roster evaluation than by a coach’s desire to win.
Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field will provide a final look at which teams have developed the most reliable depth—and which individual players can make a convincing final case before the regular season begins.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Game Information
Game: Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: CBS
Preseason Records: Bengals 2-0, Eagles 0-2
The game will be the third and final preseason contest for both teams. Cincinnati’s unbeaten start and Philadelphia’s winless record provide some context, but the personnel on the field will be far more important than the standings.
Bengals Starters Will Sit, Opening the Door for Roster Battles
The most significant development for Cincinnati is already known: Zac Taylor will not play the Bengals’ starters.
That means Burrow and the team’s established first-team players will be spectators rather than central figures. Cincinnati will instead use the game to evaluate players who could fill reserve roles, earn practice-squad consideration or attract attention from other teams around the league.
The decision also takes additional significance after wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase missed practice this week following a hyperextension of his left knee. Chase indicated he believed he could have played if necessary, but Cincinnati had already planned to keep its starters out of the preseason finale.
For the Bengals, that shifts the story toward depth.
Quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford have handled preseason opportunities behind the established starters, while several younger receivers, linemen and defenders still have work to do before Cincinnati makes its final decisions.
The final preseason game can be particularly valuable because playing time is often more extensive than it would be for those players during the regular season. A player who receives 40 or 50 snaps Friday may receive only a handful of meaningful opportunities once September arrives.
That makes execution essential.
Cincinnati’s Offensive Line Depth Is One of the Biggest Storylines
One of the clearest Bengals competitions involves offensive-line depth.
Cincinnati released veteran Cody Ford earlier in the week, creating an opportunity for younger players to strengthen their cases. Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster both received substantial workloads in the Bengals’ preseason victory over Chicago, with each playing 53 offensive snaps.
The Bengals’ official preview specifically identified the offensive-line competition as one of the major storylines entering Philadelphia. Rivers spent much of his time at left tackle, while Foster worked on the right side. Their ability to handle pass protection and execute consistently in the run game could help determine how Cincinnati structures its offensive-line depth.
That battle is important because preseason offensive-line evaluation goes beyond sacks and rushing totals.
Coaches will examine individual assignments, communication, penalties and how players respond when defenses change their fronts or bring pressure. A lineman can have a quiet night statistically while still producing excellent film. Conversely, one missed assignment can become difficult to ignore when the coaching staff reviews the game.
The Eagles’ young defensive front should provide a meaningful test.
Bengals Enter the Finale With Momentum
Cincinnati has won both of its preseason games and enters Philadelphia after a 27-9 victory over Chicago.
The Bengals have received productive work from their reserves, and the offense showed improvement against the Bears. Backup quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford combined for 282 passing yards and three touchdowns in that game, while Cincinnati also received contributions from several players competing for positions behind the established starters.
Johnson’s experience and Clifford’s developmental upside make the quarterback situation worth monitoring, even if neither player is competing for the starting job.
The bigger question is how Cincinnati will distribute snaps Friday night.
If one quarterback receives an extended opportunity, it could offer insight into how the Bengals view their depth chart heading into the regular season. The same applies to the skill positions, where every reception and every special-teams snap could influence a difficult roster decision.
Cincinnati’s defense has also produced encouraging preseason results. The Bengals allowed only 11.5 points per game through their first two contests, although preseason statistics must always be viewed in the context of opponent personnel and playing time. Still, the group has created enough positive moments to make Friday another important evaluation opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles Looking for a Stronger Finish
The Eagles are 0-2 entering the preseason finale, but Philadelphia’s focus will be less about avoiding an 0-3 record than identifying which players belong on the opening roster.
Philadelphia opened preseason play with a 24-7 loss to Baltimore before producing a more competitive performance in a 24-21 defeat against New England.
The improvement against the Patriots gave the Eagles’ young players more positive film to build on. Philadelphia generated more offensive production and received useful contributions from its reserve players, particularly in the running game and along the offensive line.
The Eagles now have one more opportunity to evaluate those players under game conditions.
Philadelphia’s official game preview described Friday as a final chance for players to make their case for roster spots. That could make the game especially important for players competing at wide receiver, along the offensive and defensive lines, in the secondary and on special teams.
For teams with championship ambitions, depth matters. The regular season is rarely completed without injuries, lineup changes and unexpected opportunities for backups.
The players who make the roster as No. 45, No. 50 or No. 53 can eventually become important contributors.
Friday is part of the process of finding those players.
Eagles Quarterback Situation Will Be Worth Watching
The Eagles’ quarterback rotation adds another layer to the game.
Tanner McKee has produced efficient preseason numbers, throwing for 208 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions through the first two games. Veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Cole Payton also give Philadelphia multiple options as it evaluates the position behind Hurts.
Preseason quarterback evaluation can be complicated.
Statistics matter, but coaches will also evaluate command of the offense, decision-making, pocket awareness and the ability to move the team after an early mistake. A quarterback who completes a short pass on third-and-long may have a better performance on film than the box score suggests if he correctly identifies pressure and avoids a turnover.
McKee’s preseason efficiency makes him one of the most interesting Eagles players to watch if he receives significant playing time.
Payton, meanwhile, represents another developmental option who could benefit from an extended opportunity.
The Bengals’ reserve defense will provide a useful test.
Makai Lemon and Philadelphia’s Young Talent
Philadelphia also has young skill-position players fighting for opportunities.
First-round wide receiver Makai Lemon has been working his way back from a hamstring injury, and his availability has been one of the storylines surrounding the Eagles’ preseason finale. The Eagles are also evaluating several receivers competing for depth roles.
At tight end, rookie Eli Stowers is expected to miss the game because of a hamstring injury, according to preseason reports.
The Eagles’ young defensive players will also be under the spotlight.
Players such as edge defender Joshua Weru and others competing for depth positions have an opportunity to show they can create pressure and contribute beyond the preseason. Philadelphia’s final roster decisions may come down to which players offer the best combination of immediate special-teams value and long-term upside.
That combination often separates players at the bottom of an NFL roster.
Key Bengals Players to Watch
Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford
With Cincinnati’s starters unavailable, quarterback play becomes central to the Bengals’ offensive evaluation.
Johnson provides experience, while Clifford is looking to establish his value within the organization. The number of snaps each receives could offer clues about Cincinnati’s thinking at the position.
The quarterback who best protects the football and keeps the offense moving should give himself a strong final preseason statement.
Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster
The offensive-line competition is one of the most important individual battles in the game.
Rivers and Foster both received major workloads against Chicago, and another strong performance could improve their chances of securing valuable depth roles.
Against Philadelphia’s developing pass rush, their performance in one-on-one situations could be particularly important.
Dohnte Meyers and the Wide Receiver Competition
Meyers has created opportunities for himself during the preseason and received first-team practice reps after Chase’s knee issue.
With the Bengals’ starters sitting, Friday could provide another extended opportunity for receivers who are competing for limited roster spots.
For players in this position, it is not simply about making catches. Route discipline, blocking and special-teams value can all influence the final decision.
Landon Robinson and Cincinnati’s Young Defensive Front
The Bengals have also received attention-grabbing preseason contributions from rookie defensive tackle Landon Robinson.
Pressure, quarterback hits and disruptive plays can make a significant difference for young defensive linemen competing for roster security. Cincinnati’s depth along the front could make the competition especially interesting Friday night.
The Strategic Matchup: Can Cincinnati’s Depth Handle Philadelphia’s Pressure?
Without the established stars, this game will be decided largely by execution.
Cincinnati’s reserve offense must protect the quarterback and avoid negative plays. Philadelphia’s young defensive front will look to create pressure and force mistakes.
That places particular importance on early downs.
If the Bengals can run the football effectively and avoid repeated third-and-long situations, their quarterbacks should have more manageable opportunities. If Philadelphia wins on first and second down, the Eagles can become more aggressive with pressure and disguise.
The reverse will also be true.
Philadelphia’s quarterbacks must make quick decisions against a Bengals defense that has performed effectively through two preseason games. Cincinnati will look to continue creating pressure without exposing young defensive backs to unnecessary risk.
Neither team is likely to reveal a complete regular-season game plan.
That means individual fundamentals may be more important than elaborate strategy.
Special Teams Could Have an Outsized Impact
For some players, special teams may be the most important phase of the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles game.
A player who is fifth or sixth on a positional depth chart can still make an NFL roster if he provides consistent value on coverage units. Coaches pay close attention to whether players maintain lane discipline, defeat blocks and make tackles in space.
Return opportunities also matter.
One explosive return can change the field position battle, but decision-making is equally important. A player who consistently makes sound choices can be more valuable than someone chasing a highlight on every touch.
Kicker Evan McPherson has already shown his range during the preseason, connecting on long field goals, giving Cincinnati another reliable weapon even when drives stall.
In a preseason finale featuring backups, special teams could easily influence the final score—and potentially a few roster decisions.
Five Things to Watch
1. Who Controls the Quarterback Battle?
Watch the efficiency of Cincinnati’s Johnson and Clifford and Philadelphia’s McKee, Dalton and Payton.
The most important statistic may not be passing yards. Turnovers, third-down execution and decision-making under pressure could tell the bigger story.
2. Can Cincinnati’s Young Offensive Linemen Protect the Quarterback?
The competition involving Rivers and Foster deserves close attention.
Philadelphia’s pass rush will give the Bengals a final opportunity to evaluate their tackle depth under live-game pressure.
3. Which Eagles Young Players Make Their Final Statement?
Philadelphia has emphasized the importance of roster competition.
The Eagles’ young receivers, linemen, defenders and special-team contributors will all have opportunities to change their standing with a strong performance.
4. Does One Big Play Change a Roster Decision?
The final preseason game can be unpredictable.
A long touchdown, interception, sack or forced fumble may not guarantee a roster spot, but a major play can reinforce what a coaching staff has already seen throughout camp.
5. Which Team Has the Better Four-Quarter Depth?
The starters will not decide this game.
The outcome will likely depend on which team receives more consistent execution from its second- and third-string units. That makes this a useful test of organizational depth as much as individual talent.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Prediction
Preseason predictions come with more uncertainty than regular-season forecasts because playing time can change without warning.
Cincinnati enters with better preseason results and has received steady contributions from its reserve units. The Bengals are also coming off a convincing win over Chicago.
Philadelphia, however, is playing at home and showed offensive improvement against New England. If the Eagles give McKee significant playing time, they could have an advantage through the air.
The deciding factor may be Cincinnati’s consistency across the roster. The Bengals’ reserves have played well through two games, while their defense has limited opponents to relatively low scoring totals.
Prediction: Bengals 20, Eagles 17
Expect a competitive game with neither team treating the night like a regular-season contest. The fourth quarter could be especially important as players deeper on the roster receive their final opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles preseason finale may not feature the star power normally associated with these two franchises, but that does not mean Friday night lacks importance.
For Burrow, Hurts and other established starters, the focus has already shifted toward the regular season.
For the players taking the field, however, this could be one of the biggest games of the year.
Some will be playing for a place on the 53-man roster. Others will be trying to earn practice-squad consideration. And for players on the edge of the league, one strong performance could create an opportunity with another NFL team.
That is what makes the preseason finale compelling.
The final score will eventually become part of the story, but the larger picture will be revealed in the days that follow. Who made the roster? Who earned a larger role? Which young players emerged as legitimate contributors?
Once the game is complete, this article can transition naturally into a full postgame report by updating the opening with the final score and adding sections for the scoring summary, key moments, top performers, team statistics and postgame analysis.
The preview is the first chapter.
Friday night’s result—and the decisions that follow—will complete the story.
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