The Cincinnati Bengals are embracing a new philosophy focused on achieving a fast start to the season, prompting a significant shift in their preseason strategy. After several seasons of slow starts, including beginning the season 0-2 or worse in the last three years, the Bengals are adjusting their approach to give quarterback Joe Burrow and other key starters more playing time during the preseason. This decision, highlighted in reports from The Sporting News and CBSSports.com, marks a departure from previous years and underscores the team’s commitment to a stronger opening to the regular season.
Preseason Strategy Shift
Head coach Zac Taylor has announced a clear change in the Bengals’ preseason plan. Joe Burrow and the starting offense are now slated to participate in “several” series during the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Furthermore, an even larger workload is anticipated for the second preseason game against the Washington Commanders. This represents a notable contrast to previous seasons where Burrow saw minimal, if any, preseason action. In prior years, the team often opted to rest starters or Burrow was sidelined due to injury concerns. This new strategy indicates a proactive effort to ensure the team is game-ready from week one.
Rationale Behind the Change
The Bengals’ decision is rooted in a desire to avoid the sluggish starts that have hindered their performance in recent years. The team believes that by providing starters with increased exposure during the preseason, they can achieve a quicker and more effective start to the regular season. This approach aims to prevent early deficits in the AFC standings, which can be difficult to overcome later in the year. According to CBSSports.com, the Bengals recognize the importance of establishing momentum early in the season to secure a favorable playoff position.
Risk vs. Reward: Weighing the Options
While the decision to increase preseason playing time for key starters is intended to improve the team’s performance, it also introduces an inherent risk of injury. Exposing players like Joe Burrow to more game-like situations during the preseason elevates the potential for injuries that could impact their availability during the regular season. However, the Bengals are seemingly willing to accept this risk in pursuit of a stronger start. The team’s management, as reported by The Sporting News, has carefully considered the potential downsides and determined that the potential benefits of a faster start outweigh the risks.
Prioritizing a Strong Start
The Bengals’ focus on a strong start is driven by their recent experiences of missing the playoffs despite Burrow’s strong individual performances. In the past two years, the team has fallen short of playoff contention, highlighting the need for a more consistent and impactful performance from the outset of the season. The team recognizes that early-season losses can create significant challenges in the competitive landscape of the AFC. This strategic shift underscores the organization’s commitment to maximizing their chances of success and making a deep playoff run. According to Coach Taylor, as quoted on CBSSports.com, the goal is to “build a rhythm and get the timing down” before the games count.
Quarterback Roster Implications
The change in preseason strategy also has implications for the Bengals’ quarterback depth chart. With the team expected to carry only three quarterbacks on the active roster for the regular season, the increased emphasis on preseason playing time for Joe Burrow could impact the future of undrafted rookie Payton Thorne. Thorne’s chances of making the final roster may be diminished as the team prioritizes getting Burrow and the other quarterbacks ready for the regular season.
Thorne’s Uncertain Future
The decision to limit the number of quarterbacks on the roster reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams often prioritize roster spots for other positions. While Thorne may possess potential, the Bengals’ immediate focus is on ensuring that Burrow and the other quarterbacks are fully prepared for the rigors of the regular season. The Sporting News suggests that Thorne’s performance in the preseason will be critical in determining whether he can secure a spot on the practice squad or if he will be released. The Bengals’ quarterback room now appears to be centered on Burrow, his primary backup, and a third quarterback primarily for emergency situations.
Avoiding Slow Starts
The Bengals’ revamped preseason strategy is a calculated effort to avoid the slow starts that have plagued them in recent years. By giving Joe Burrow and the starting offense more playing time during the preseason, the team hopes to establish a rhythm and build momentum heading into the regular season. While this approach carries inherent risks, the Bengals believe that the potential rewards of a faster start outweigh the concerns. The team’s management is committed to providing Burrow and the entire team with the best possible chance to succeed, and this strategic shift reflects that commitment.
Aiming for Playoff Contention
Ultimately, the Bengals’ goal is to compete for a Super Bowl championship, and they understand that a strong start is essential to achieving that objective. By avoiding early-season losses and establishing themselves as contenders, the Bengals can improve their chances of securing a favorable playoff seed and making a deep run in the postseason. As reported on The Sporting News, the Bengals are determined to learn from their past experiences and take proactive steps to ensure that they are ready to compete at the highest level from the very beginning of the season.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Bengals are making a strategic bet on a faster start by altering their preseason plans for Joe Burrow. This decision, driven by a desire to avoid past pitfalls, involves increased preseason playing time for key starters, balancing the inherent injury risks against the potential rewards of early-season momentum. The implications extend to the quarterback roster, potentially impacting the future of undrafted rookies. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but the Bengals’ commitment to a stronger opening is undeniable.
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