Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Has Strong Week 1 Debut Despite Empty Box Score Numbers
The Cincinnati Bengals started their season with a tight 17-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns, and while the win was the main takeaway, a closer look at the box score might not tell the whole story. For first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, his NFL debut was a perfect example of how a player can have a massive impact on a game without filling up the stat sheet.
While Stewart finished the game with zero tackles, zero sacks, and zero official stats to his name, his performance was anything but quiet. Advanced analytics and praise from his head coach reveal a player who was a disruptive force from his very first snap, offering a promising glimpse into the future of the Bengals’ defensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals Shemar Stewart’s Quietly Impressive Debut
On the surface, a box score with all zeros would seem like a disappointing start for a highly-touted rookie. However, the underlying numbers from Stewart’s performance against the Browns paint a completely different picture. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Stewart was one of the most effective players on the field for either team.
PFF credited Stewart with an impressive 83.2 overall grade, which was the third-best on the entire Bengals defense. He was a consistent menace in the passing game, generating three quarterback hurries and boasting a pass-rush win rate of 26.1%, the second-best among all rookie defensive linemen in Week 1. His ability to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback off his spot created opportunities for others, even if it didn’t result in a sack for himself.
His impact wasn’t limited to rushing the passer. Stewart also excelled against the run, earning a positively graded play rate of 41.7%. He played with discipline, held his ground at the point of attack, and consistently executed his assignments. This type of sound, fundamental football is exactly what the coaching staff wants to see from a young player, as it builds a foundation for future success.
Zac Taylor Praises Defensive Rookies
The impressive, under-the-radar performance did not go unnoticed by the Bengals’ coaching staff. After the game, Head Coach Zac Taylor praised the composure and readiness of his entire rookie class, with Stewart being a prime example.
“Yeah, very calm, collected. That’s what I saw,” Taylor said when asked about his defensive rookies. “It was not too big for any of them. That’s why they’re here, because they’re all built like that. And so we’re going to have to call on all these guys as the season progresses.”
Taylor’s comments highlight the poise Stewart displayed in his first NFL game. In a hostile road environment against a division rival, he played like a seasoned veteran. Stewart himself credited the team’s intense practices for his readiness, noting that facing Joe Burrow every day makes game days feel easier.
What Stewart’s Performance Means for the Bengals
Shemar Stewart’s debut is an incredibly encouraging sign for the future of the Bengals’ defense. It proves that the team’s front office made a wise investment with their first-round pick and that Stewart has the talent and mindset to become a cornerstone of the defensive line.
1. Depth and Versatility on the Defensive Line
Stewart’s ability to make an immediate impact provides crucial depth to a defensive line that already features stars like Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. His versatility allows him to be effective in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations, giving defensive coordinator Al Golden another powerful weapon to deploy. As the season goes on, expect Stewart’s snap count to increase as he continues to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
2. A Foundation for Future Stardom
While the box score was empty in Week 1, it won’t stay that way for long. A player who consistently wins his matchups and generates pressure will inevitably start recording sacks and tackles for loss. Stewart’s debut showed that he has the foundational skills—power, technique, and discipline—to become a dominant force. His high pass-rush win rate is a leading indicator of future sack production.
3. Immediate Return on a First-Round Investment
Drafting a player in the first round comes with high expectations, and Stewart has already shown that he is up to the challenge. His ability to contribute from day one, even in ways that don’t show up in traditional stats, is invaluable. He is already making the players around him better by commanding attention from the offensive line and disrupting the quarterback’s timing.
While fans may not have seen his name called often during the broadcast, Shemar Stewart’s Week 1 performance was a resounding success. It was a powerful reminder that in the trenches of the NFL, a player’s true value isn’t always measured by the box score.
