Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals: Studs, Duds & Reaction

Studs (Part 2)

Aug 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Jackie Battle
There’s always one running back who shines during preseason football. Jackie Battle has really taken advantage of his opportunity and appears like the perfect candidate to serve as Shonn Greene’s backup. Bengals second-team defenders had no answer for the battering ram, who had 12 carries for 58 yards.

Even if Darius Reynaud makes this team as a return specialist, coaches have to consider keeping battle as a fourth running back on the depth chart. I’d like to see Battle get some reps at fullback, possibly making Quinn Johnson more expendable.

Ryan Fitzpatrick-Damian Williams Connection
Closing out drives wasn’t as much of a problem for the second-team offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 9-of-13 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. As previously mentioned, Clay Travis tried to start a quarterback controversy debate immediately after Fitzpatrick left for the night. He didn’t get many followers from that.

Damian Williams and Michael Preston both had solid nights. Williams had four catches for 65 yards. Preston had a 46-yard touchdown reception when he was left all alone down the left sideline. Both guys made cases for those fifth and sixth spots at wide receiver.