Bengals linebacker Seizes Final Play
Shemar Stewart entered the game late in a 43-36 win against the Titans, recording a key defensive snap after starters were injured.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shemar Stewart recorded his most impactful defensive play of the season on Sunday, helping secure a 43-36 victory over the Tennessee Titans in the final moments of the game.
With the Titans facing a fourth-and-three situation, Bengals head coach Al Golden called a timeout after receiving information on the opponent's defensive alignment. Golden described the moment as a 'Kodak moment' where the team adjusted its strategy. Upon returning to the field, the defense substituted in Stewart, replacing linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. The unit utilized a specific pass-heavy package consisting of five defensive linemen, one linebacker, and five defensive backs, a formation the team had employed only eight times against the pass this season.
Stewart contributed to a five-man rush that pressured quarterback Cam Ward, resulting in a thrown pass that concluded the game. It marked Stewart's sixth defensive snap of the contest and his first meaningful action since missing the entire preseason due to a knee injury sustained during training camp.
The opportunity arose from a combination of strategic roster management and injury. The Bengals placed receiver Mitchell Tinsley on the inactive list to create a roster spot for Stewart. When starters Cashius Howell and Ced Johnson suffered injuries during the game, Stewart was available to fill the void. Howell underwent wrist surgery and is expected to miss weeks, while Johnson is listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue.
Head coach Zac Taylor noted that the team's depth in the defensive line room allowed them to offset the loss of Howell. Taylor stated that the team trusted Stewart to perform after observing his preparation. Stewart has accumulated three tackles and one quarterback pressure in 22 total defensive snaps this season. He has spent much of the year behind Howell, Johnson, and Kris Jenkins on the depth chart, including a stint as a healthy scratch in Week 7.
Stewart emphasized his commitment to readiness during his limited playing time. He has increased his film study and practice drills, working closely with senior defensive lineman Boye Mafe on pass rush circuits. Stewart noted that his versatility requires him to know assignments across multiple positions on the defensive line. The player acknowledged the gap between his first-round draft status and his current rotational role, with 15 defensive linemen in his draft class currently holding more career sacks than his two.
Stewart finished the game having covered kick returns on special teams in addition to his defensive duties. He plans to continue his current preparation methods to maximize future opportunities as the Bengals navigate the rest of the season.
