Bengals See Room for Improvement as Preseason Opener Reveals Strengths and Weaknesses

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener on Thursday night provided a mixed bag of results. While the team’s star players flashed the talent that has defined their recent success, a series of costly mistakes and defensive lapses highlighted the areas in need of immediate attention. The game, a key part of Cincinnati’s strategy to cure its perennial slow starts, served as a valuable learning experience for both the veterans and the young players fighting for roster spots.

A Nearly Flawless Start for the Offense

The good news for Bengals fans was the performance of the first-string offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow. In his second extensive preseason action of his career, Burrow looked sharp and confident, guiding the offense on two scoring drives in the first quarter. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, with his only incompletion being a self-described “bad throw” early on.

His connection with All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was on full display, a sign that the duo’s chemistry is as potent as ever. Even when a chop block penalty on right guard Lucas Patrick negated a potential touchdown, Burrow was able to find tight end Tanner Hudson for a 12-yard score later in the same drive. The early offensive success provided a clear positive for a team hoping to build momentum before the regular season begins.

Penalties and Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

While the offense showed flashes of brilliance, the Bengals’ defense and special teams struggled with consistency. The team committed eight penalties for 68 yards, a number that frustrated both players and coaches. Two penalties in particular had a direct impact on the scoreboard:

• A costly offside penalty on cornerback DJ Ivey negated a missed Eagles field goal, giving Philadelphia a second chance to score the three points.
• An unnecessary roughness call on defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson gave the Eagles a fresh set of downs, leading to a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Compounding the problem was the defense’s inability to stop explosive plays from an Eagles offense led by quarterback Tanner McKee. This, coupled with the fact that the Bengals’ first-string defense was on the field, raises questions about the unit’s readiness, even with the team running a simplified defensive scheme for the exhibition game.

A Familiar Challenge for Coach Zac Taylor

Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the game. “Those are all things that as a team, we can’t tolerate,” he said, emphasizing the need for better “team football.” The frustration is understandable, as the Bengals have a history of slow starts to the regular season, with just one combined win in Weeks 1 and 2 since Taylor’s first season in 2019.

The team is using the preseason to find a cure for this recurring problem. By having key players like Burrow on the field, the Bengals are hoping to work out the kinks and build rhythm, a departure from the traditional approach of resting all starters.

The Path Forward

With a two-year postseason drought to end, the Bengals are banking on a healthy and productive Joe Burrow, who has shown signs of his MVP-level form since recovering from a season-ending wrist injury in 2023. Though he was successful on Thursday night, Burrow’s own self-assessment of his performance as “average” and his commitment to being “a little better next week” shows a team that understands it has a lot of work ahead. The preseason is not just about wins and losses; it’s about preparation, and the Bengals have a clear list of improvements to make before their regular season journey begins.