Bengals Top Eagles 30-13 in Preseason Finale

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 30-13 on Friday night, using a 14-point fourth quarter and steady production from quarterback Josh Johnson and running back Kentrel Bullock to finish the preseason unbeaten at Lincoln Financial Field.

In the final preseason tuneup before the games begin to count, Cincinnati turned a tight three-point contest entering the fourth quarter into a comfortable road victory. The Bengals improved to 3-0 in preseason play, while Philadelphia finished its exhibition slate at 0-3.

Bengals Finish Strong After Tight Three Quarters

Cincinnati established an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter, then took a 9-3 edge into halftime. Philadelphia found more rhythm after the break, outscoring the Bengals 10-7 in the third quarter and trimming the margin to 16-13 heading into the final period.

That was as close as the Eagles would get. Cincinnati answered with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter while its defense held Philadelphia scoreless over the final 15 minutes. The 14-0 closing run was the defining stretch of the game, giving the Bengals a 17-point win after a competitive first three quarters.

For a preseason game, the finish offered exactly what coaches want from depth players and roster hopefuls: execution late in the game, composure with the score still in doubt and an ability to finish drives when opportunities arrive. Cincinnati did that more consistently in the decisive final quarter.

Key Performers

Josh Johnson paced Cincinnati’s passing attack, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 156 yards. The available game data did not list Johnson’s touchdown or interception totals, but his efficient work moved the Bengals offense and helped set the tone in a balanced preseason victory.

Kentrel Bullock was Cincinnati’s leading rusher and one of the night’s clearest standouts. Bullock carried 14 times for 85 yards and a touchdown, providing the Bengals with dependable production on the ground and helping them control the game as the second half unfolded.

Philadelphia’s top receiving performer was Carson Steele, who caught eight passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Steele accounted for a significant share of the Eagles’ available receiving production, particularly during Philadelphia’s 10-point third quarter that briefly tightened the contest.

The game’s scoring sequence underscored how quickly preseason evaluations can change. Philadelphia had the better third quarter, but Cincinnati owned both the opening period and the finish. The Bengals scored six points in the first, then added 14 in the fourth; the Eagles scored 13 points across the middle two quarters but could not generate a late answer.

NerdSports Stat: Cincinnati outscored Philadelphia 20-0 in the first and fourth quarters, the two periods that framed the Bengals’ 30-13 preseason win.

What It Means

The Bengals leave preseason with a 3-0 record and momentum from a roster that showed late-game poise in Philadelphia. Johnson’s 12-of-19, 156-yard outing and Bullock’s 85-yard rushing performance gave Cincinnati useful evidence of its offensive depth before the regular season begins.

Philadelphia will look to carry its productive third-quarter stretch into the opener while finding more consistency over four quarters. The Eagles host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 13 at 1:25 p.m. PDT. Cincinnati opens against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. PDT, when preseason records give way to the AFC North and NFC East playoff picture.

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