Bengals Preseason: Burrow & Chase Shine, Defense Struggles vs. Eagles

Описание: Welcome to Episode 196 of Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics! In this episode, your host Joe Goodberry provides an in-depth analysis of the Cincinnati Bengals' first preseason game, a 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. While the final score indicates a close contest, the game revealed both promising strengths and significant areas for improvement as the Bengals gear up for the 2025 season.

Joe kicks off the discussion with a look at the first-team offense, which was a major bright spot. Quarterback Joe Burrow looked to be in mid-season form, displaying incredible poise, quick decision-making, and pinpoint accuracy. His connection with star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was electric, with the duo connecting for several key plays, including a touchdown. Burrow's ability to navigate the pocket, extend plays, and deliver the ball with anticipation was on full display, offering a hopeful glimpse of what's to come.

The running game also showed flashes of potential, thanks to a strong performance from Chase Brown. The running back appeared explosive and decisive, hitting the holes with speed and demonstrating the contact balance that makes him such an exciting prospect. His performance not only boosted the run game but also highlighted his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield, with a near-touchdown on a checkdown pass.

Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, the first-team unit had a more challenging outing. It's important to note that the Bengals were without several key starters, including Dax Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt, B.J. Hill, and Trey Hendrickson. The defense struggled to contain the Eagles' offense, giving up a long touchdown drive to start the game. Issues with run fits and man coverage were apparent, with the defense allowing a big run early on and struggling to cover Eagles receiver Jahan Dotson.

Joe dives into the specifics of the defensive scheme, noting the frequent use of stunts and slants along the defensive line. While this aggressive approach can lead to big plays, it also leaves the defense vulnerable, as seen in the Eagles' early success. The performance of rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his disruptive potential with a tackle for a loss and a quarterback pressure, but also demonstrated the need for continued development in his technique and hand usage.

The episode also provides a thorough evaluation of the backup players on both sides of the ball. The backup offensive line struggled, with Jalen Rivers having a particularly tough night at left tackle. This raises concerns about the depth of the offensive line and the need for improvement in pass protection.
The quarterback situation behind Burrow was also a significant topic of discussion. Jake Browning's performance was underwhelming, as he appeared slow and indecisive in the pocket. In contrast, Desmond Ridder came in and provided a spark, leading the team on a scoring drive and connecting with Tanner Hudson for a touchdown. However, Ridder also showed some inaccuracies and a tendency to throw high, indicating that the backup quarterback competition is far from settled.

On the defensive side, the backups continued to struggle, with DJ Ivy having a particularly rough game in coverage and on special teams. The episode highlights the need for better discipline, as the Bengals were plagued by costly penalties throughout the game, especially on special teams.
Despite the loss, there were several positive takeaways from the Bengals' preseason opener. The performance of the first-team offense was incredibly encouraging, and the flashes of talent from young players like Chase Brown and Shemar Stewart provide reason for optimism. However, the struggles on defense and the inconsistent play from the backups highlight the areas that need to be addressed before the regular season begins.

Join Joe Goodberry for this comprehensive breakdown of the Bengals vs. Eagles preseason game and get his expert insights on what to expect from the team moving forward. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and takeaways in the comments below.