Postgame Observations: Joe Burrow Returns, Bengals Lose to Dolphins 29-26 in Preseason Finale

Cincinnati went 1-2 this preseason.

CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow is back, but he didn't play much on Sunday. The 24-year-old was on the field for three plays before being put on the shelf with the regular season opener just two weeks away. 

Burrow received a well deserved standing ovation from the fans. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee last November. He made it back in time for the start of the regular season, which was always his goal. 

Ultimately, the Bengals beat the Dolphins 29-26 in the preseason finale. Here are some postgame observations:

Drops Continue

Ja'Marr Chase had another drop on Sunday. This time on a bubble screen. Burrow hit him right in the hands with the pass, but Chase couldn't hang on. 

The rookie had one reception for 16 yards this preseason. He's dropped the last four passes that were thrown his way.

Rookie Shines

Chase's drop will be talked about all week, but another rookie showed off his hands in the first half. Chris Evans had a 29-yard touchdown reception in the first half. He's been electric throughout training camp and the preseason.

The Michigan product is a lock to make the 53-man roster. He has a chance to contribute at some point this season despite playing behind Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. Watch the touchdown here.

Money Mick

Rookie kicker Evan McPherson put on a show in his debut in front of the home crowd on Sunday. He made a 57-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the first half.

McPherson has been great throughout training camp and the preseason. Not only will be be the Bengals' starting kicker this year, but he could be the best kicker they've had in a long, long time. 

Kareem Flashes

Khalid Kareem missed the Bengals' first two preseason games due to injury, but the second-year player flashed on the first drive of the game. He deflected a pass and sacked Dolphins quarterback Reid Sinnett. He's expected to make the Bengals' 53-man roster.

Meanwhile, defensive end Noah Spence had a few nice rushes, but he was called for a horse collar tackle in the first half. 

Darius Hodge was called for an offsides penalty, but he also had a sack in the second half. He also had three tackles and a quarterback hit. He continues to flash his potential on the edge and could ultimately make the team. 

Moss Time

Tight end Thaddeus Moss made his presence felt on Sunday. He finished with five receptions for 44 yards. 

Moss is fighting for a roster spot behind C.J. Uzomah and Drew Sample. Mason Schreck and Mitch Wilcox are also in the mix. 

Ultimately, Moss' ability to play special teams will likely determine his fate. 

Up Next

The regular season is almost here. The Bengals open with the Vikings on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. ET at Paul Brown Stadium. Check out their entire schedule here.

Make sure you bookmark AllBengals for the latest training camp news, including exclusive interviews, highlights and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Watch: Joe Burrow Gets Standing Ovation in Return to Paul Brown Stadium

Ja'Marr Chase Could End Up Being a Fantasy Steal

Film Room: DJ Reader Shines Against Washington

Fantasy Focus—Bengals Expected to Have to Breakout Players This Season

Analyst Believes Bengals Will Finish Dead Last in AFC North for 4th Straight Year

Joe Burrow Set to Return in Sunday's Preseason Finale Against Dolphins

NFL Insider: Jessie Bates Will Play Out Final Year of deal Before Signing Extension

Watch: Practice Clips of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and Others

Mike Hilton Believes Joe Burrow Will be Comeback Player of the Year

Ja'Marr Chase and Penei Sewell Among NFL's Lowest Graded First-Round Picks

Blackout Over: Joe Burrow Pays Homage to Michael Scott

Colin Kaepernick With Higher Rating Than Joe Burrow?

Bengals' Offense Explodes Behind Big Days From Burrow, Higgins and Chase

Watch: Highlights from Monday's Practice, Including a One-Handed Grab by Chase

Dez Bryant Defends Ja'Marr Chase, Believes the Rookie Will Figure it Out

The Latest on Ja'Marr Chase and the Offensive Line

Joseph Ossai Expected to Miss Entire Season

Ja'Marr Chase's Drops Have Officially Become an Issue

Postgame Observations: Bengals Lose in Washington 17-13

Film Breakdown: In-Depth Breakdown of the Bengals' Offensive and Defensive Lines

An In-Depth Look at the Bengals' Wide Receiver Battle

A.J. Green Continues to Impress at Cardinals Training Camp

Injury Roundup: The Latest on Joseph Ossai, Trayveon Williams and other Injuries

Joe Burrow Gives Details on Rehab: "Every Workout to Me was Life or Death"

Bengals Undrafted Rookie Darius Hodge is Ready for the Moment

How Jamal Adams' Contract Impacts Jessie Bates' Negotiations With the Bengals

Watch: Joe Mixon Blocks Ndamukong Suh in Pass Protection

Bengals Rookie OL D'Ante Smith Continues to Push for Starting Job

Training Camp Report: Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Burrow Shine Bright in Practice

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals' Offense Shine in Team Drills

Analyst Believes Bengals' AFC North Rival is a Darkhorse Super Bowl Contender

Two Bengals Make NFL's Top 100 List

Bengals Waive Three Players Following Preseason Win Over Buccaneers

Snap Count Breakdown From Bengals' Win Over Buccaneers

Postgame Observations: Bengals Beat Bucs 19-14 in Preseason Opener

Watch: Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson Sack Tom Brady

NFL Insider: The Bengals Are Going to be One of the Most Exciting Teams in the NFL

Film Room: How Taylor & Pollack Can Use Wide Zone to Beat Modern Defenses

Look: Bengals 2021 Jersey Schedule Revealed

The Bengals Don't Have Any Margin For Error When it Comes to Bates' Future

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase, Jessie Bates Make Big Plays During Practice

Jessie Bates Gives Blunt Answer When Asked About New Contract

Three Bengals That Have Flashed Their Potential This Week

Joe Burrow Feeling Comfortable in Pocket After Slow Start

Watch: Highlights of Burrow, the OL and Secondary

Joe Burrow on AFC North: "We're Coming to Challenge the Division"

Elizabeth Blackburn: "We Have High Expectations" This Season

Report: Jessie Bates and Bengals Not Close to Long-Term Agreement

Duke Tobin on Jackson Carman: "He's Gotta Get Himself in Peak Shape"

Duke Tobin Not Concerned About Ja'Marr Chase Despite Talk of Slow Start

Ricardo Allen: Joe Burrow Reminds Me of Matt Ryan

Joe Burrow Keeping Expectations in Check as Recovery Continues

Joe Mixon Bullish on Bengals' Offense: "Everybody Should Be Excited"

A look at Frank Pollack's Wide Zone Scheme and How it Will Impact Joe Mixon

Watch: Highlights From Wednesday's Practice Include Battle in the Trenches

Vonn Bell Praises Bengals' Defense, Likes What He's Seen From Ja'Marr Chase

Watch: Joe Burrow Connects With Ja'Marr Chase Deep Downfield

Watch Practice Highlights of Jessie Bates, Ja'Marr Chase and More

Bengals Legend: Joe Burrow is "Better Than I Ever Was"

Watch: Video Breakdown from Bengals Training Camp

Watch Highlights from Day 4 of Bengals Training Camp

Watch Highlights from Day 3 of Bengals Training Camp

Film Breakdown: Why Ja'Marr Chase Has a Chance to be Special

Day One: Three Observations From Bengals Training Camp Practice

Mike Brown Bullish on O-Line: They're Going to "Surprise People"

A Breakdown of the Bengals Toughest Games on the 2021 Schedule

Three Down Look: Bengals Defense Under Pressure to Create Pressure

Ken Anderson Has Big-Time Praise for Joe Burrow

Film Breakdown: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Left Tackle Jonah Williams

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly From Vonn Bell's First Season in Stripes

Film Breakdown: DJ Reader Should Be an Impact Player for the Bengals

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on AllBengals all the time!

Subscribe to the AllBengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow AllBengals on Facebook