The Cincinnati Bengals likely will start three rookies Sunday when they play the Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
They are guard Clint Boling, wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton.
The Broncos also are expected to start three rookies in Week 2 — offensive tackle Orlando Franklin, outside linebacker Von Miller and safety Rahim Moore.
Denver and Cincinnati had 4-12 records last season. That performance gave the Broncos the No. 2 overall pick (Miller) in this year’s NFL draft. The Bengals had the No. 4 pick (Green).
“There were basically two or three players that we felt could come in and make an impact and two of them will be on the field this weekend,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.
In Week 1, Miller forced a fumble on the Broncos’ first defensive play and Green’s only catch for the Bengals went for a 41-yard touchdown.
With defensive end Elvis Dumervil battling a shoulder injury, Miller will have to be a bigger part of the Broncos’ pass rush. On passing downs, Miller may have to take on the left tackle on the opponent’s offensive line. That would be a difficult task for a rookie.
Green, meanwhile, could be a big-time playmaker for the Bengals. The former Georgia star was one of the biggest (6-foot-4, 207 pounds) and fastest wide receivers on this year’s draft board.
“A.J. can go over ’em. He can go under ’em. He can go through ’em,” Lewis said. “That’s why he’s such a great prospect.”
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
