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9 things to watch in Bengals' preseason game against the Washington Redskins

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CINCINNATI -- This year’s third preseason game -- the Dress Rehearsal -- comes in prime time for the Bengals when the go to Washington to play the Redskins on Sunday.

As you might expect from a team coming off a 6-9-1 season and undergoing a bit of a youth movement, the club has a lot of questions to answer before the Sept. 10 opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

The young players have fared well so far.

“I’ve been pleased with -- however you slice it -- the 12-14 guys that are new,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “Plus, a couple guys from a year ago that are expanding, so that’s good. And guys who got an opportunity to play more last year, whether it was their second year or first year, now have come into this season more mature and more prepared to seize the moment. You see that in the way they carry themselves, and particularly when the lights have been on.”

Here’s nine things to key on while watching Sunday night:

TDs, GOT TO HAVE ‘EM

The first team offense did not score a touchdown in the first two exhibition games. Quarterback Andy Dalton starts the answer to pretty much any question about the offense with: “We’ve got to score touchdowns.”

Given the red zone problems last year, it’s a legitimate concern. With tight end Tyler Eifert, he of 13 TDs in ’15, healthy, the Bengals should be better at converting touchdowns.

WILL DRE, GIO AND GEORGE PLAY?

Lewis would probably not give an illuminating answer to an injury question if under CIA interrogation.

Lewis was his usual cryptic self when asked if cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, running back Giovani Bernard and safety George Iloka will play Sunday. Kirkpatrick and Iloka pronounced themselves fit and ready to go.

It's unclear whether cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will play Sunday. (Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

“It’s important for guys to have an opportunity to play,” Lewis said. “But if they don’t, they don’t. After three or four plays, it isn’t going to matter anyway on Sept. 10.”

JACKSON CORNER

William Jackson, the first-round pick who missed all of last year with a chest injury, will likely start the opener because of Adam Jones’ suspension. The Redskins, who were second in the NFL last year in passing yards, will be a good test for Jackson.

“It’s a chance for show what I can do,” Jackson said.

TACKLE FOOTBALL

Offensive tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher have kept rush off Dalton and backup quarterback AJ McCarron for the most part this preseason. For the offense to be good, that’s going to have to continue. 

Ogbuehi and Fisher struggled at times last year. This is a critical position for the Bengals with stalwart Andrew Whitworth gone.

WILL ROSS DEBUT?

Top pick and the NFL’s fastest man John Ross has not played because he’s coming off of shoulder surgery.

“I feel really good,” Ross said. “I’m leaving it up to the doctors.”

See Lewis' answer about Kirkpatrick, Bernard and Iloka.

RUNNING GAME

The Bengals have only averaged 3.7 yards per rush in the first two games. The longest run from a scrimmage was an 18-yard scramble by third-team quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Rookie Joe Mixon has shown flashes, but it would be good to see Mixon or starter Jeremy Hill show a bit of consistency Sunday.

NEW DEFENSIVE ENDS

Rookie Jordan Willis and trade-pickup Chris Smith have three of the team’s five sacks. They’ve also brought the most pressure.

Rookie Jordan Willis has provided an effective pass rush through the first two preseason games. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Pro Bowler Carlos Dunlap isn’t going anywhere, but Willis and Smith could work their way into the rotation, particularly on third down.

TREY’S SPOT?

Trey Hopkins has started both games at right guard, although Andre Smith is sill listed No. 1 on the depth chart and he’s healthy (he played as a backup).

Hopkins is in his third year with the Bengals, but most of that time was on the practice squad or injured reserve.

“He’s someone that I didn’t really know too much about,” Lewis said. “But since he’s been here with us, he’s demonstrated that he’s smart, physical and has the length of an offensive lineman that can end up being successful in this league.”

KICKER DUEL?

It’s hard to say if rookie Jake Elliot or holdover Randy Bullock is leading the kicking competition. Both have been good in games.

Lewis isn’t tipping his hand.

“I just know we have to make a decision,” Lewis said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of decision it is, I just know it is likely that we won’t keep two. I’ll give you that hint.”