Josh Johnson helps Bengals conclude perfect preseason with 30-13 win over Eagles

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Veteran Josh Johnson threw for 156 yards in the first half, Evan McPherson kicked a 56-yarder for one of his three field goals and the Cincinnati Bengals capped a perfect preseason with a 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.

Ke’Shawn Williams had a touchdown catch for the Bengals (3-0).

“A lot of the things we've been preaching have really showed up over the last three preseason games,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “I thought our team really came together.”

Andy Dalton completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles (0-3).

Neither team played its starters in the final tuneup for the regular season, but there were some roster spots up for grabs.

Tanner McKee struggled in the competition with Dalton to back up Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts. McKee completed 12 of 22 passes for 55 yards with an interception in five ineffective first-half series. Dalton took the snaps after halftime and looked better.

“Wish we would've executed at times better and specifically me,” McKee said.

Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni said afterward he was pleased with both quarterbacks throughout the preseason.

“I feel good about both guys,” he said.

Also struggling for Philadelphia was rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon. The wide receiver was targeted five times by McKee, making three catches for 3 yards. McKee’s interception came on a drop by Lemon, who is an important piece for the Eagles with the departure of disgruntled star A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. Lemon has missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and returned to practice this week.

While the Eagles' offense was sputtering in the opening half, the Bengals looked sharp. Johnson, who is behind starter Joe Burrow and backup Joe Flacco on the depth chart, connected with Dohnte Meyers for three first downs on the opening drive, including a 25-yard completion.

“(Meyers) ran great routes like he's been doing all camp,” Johnson said. “Great protection. My job was to stand and deliver. That's all I was focused on, getting these guys the ball and letting them make opportunities and they've been doing a great job.”

Meyers, an undrafted free agent out of Division II Delta State who played the last two seasons in the Canadian Football League, continued his strong preseason. After making three catches for 51 yards on the opening drive, his night was done. He entered with a team-best 191 all-purpose yards in the preseason.

“He's trying to take advantage of the opportunity. He's done a great job of that,” Taylor said.

The kicking game was strong for both teams.

McPherson converted all three attempts in the first half, and the Eagles' Jake Elliott made both of his tries, including a 56-yarder at the end of the first half.

After Williams’ 11-yard reception from Sean Clifford put the Bengals up 16-6 early in the second half, Dalton led a 14-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Carson Steele.

“Felt really comfortable out there,” Dalton said.

Kentrel Bullock then scored on a 6-yard scamper for the Bengals with 5:59 remaining, and Jamal Haynes had a 39-yard TD run with 4:31 to play.

Bengals: TE Jack Endries went to the locker room early in the third quarter after falling awkwardly and appearing to injure his leg.

Eagles: S Andre' Sam was carted off the field late in the third quarter with an apparent left leg injury. ... CB Isaiah Bolden limped off the field in the fourth quarter.

Bengals: Host Tampa Bay in their season opener on Sept. 13.

Eagles: Begin the season by hosting Washington on Sept. 13.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Cincinnati Bengals' Kendall Milton runs the ball during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Tacario Davis intercepts a pass thrown by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee intended for Eagles' Makai Lemon during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Carson Steele (34) is stopped by Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Tacario Davis (20) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles' Erik Ezukanma tries to get past Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Bralyn Lux (21) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) looks to pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Dream star forward Angel Reese avoided a one-game suspension when the WNBA rescinded her eighth technical foul that was assessed Friday night in a loss to Portland.

As a result of the ruling that came a few hours after the game, Reese will be available for the Dream's game against Minnesota on Sunday.

Reese was tangled up in the paint with the Fire's Carla Leite as Dream guard Rhyne Howard made a 3-pointer from the right corner during the fourth quarter.

Leite was facing the basket and trying to box out Reese, who was directly behind her. Leite had both arms extended backward in an effort to contain Reese, who pushed herself free after Howard's basket went down. Reese protested the call on the court.

Earlier this month, the WNBA rescinded a technical foul called against Caitlin Clark, sparing her from what would have been a automatic one-game suspension for her eight technical of the season.

The Fire beat playoff-bound Atlanta, 101-83, with Leite scoring 26 points.

See AP’s full sports coverage here

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and guard Allisha Gray (15) react in the second half of an WNBA basketball game Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) defends against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts in the second half of an WNBA basketball game Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)