Cincinnati Bengals: 5 keys to successful Week 1 vs Cleveland Browns

The Cincinnati Bengals are infamous for his or her sluggish begins.

In truth, Zac Taylor is 7-15-1 within the month of September. This places the Bengals behind to begin each single season, they usually spend months digging themselves out of the opening. The crew could look good and begin successful large video games as one season nears its finish, however then their successful methods go full Wyclef Jean as a brand new season begins. Which is to say that they’re “Gone ’til November.”

Will this 12 months be any totally different? Sunday could not give us the entire solutions, however not less than it is going to not less than give us an concept.

So what do the Bengals have to do so as to go to Cleveland and convey residence a win?

Let’s not sugarcoat it. The Bengals protection held them again in 2024.

This 12 months, with the addition of Al Golden as defensive coordinator, there are excessive expectations, however within the preseason, the defensive unit was lower than inspirational.

The largest drawback was hole integrity. They gave up some explosive runs just because somebody was out of their hole.

In Week 1, they should present that they will play disciplined, sound protection, or the Browns will run for 200 yards on them. This can be a very primary expectation, however one that’s key to the crew’s success this season.

One other drawback that the Bengals protection had within the preseason, or extra to the purpose, the beginning Bengals protection had within the preseason, was a scarcity of fireside. They appeared unmotivated and uninspired.

They should discover a spark. They want somebody or one thing to get them going.

Each protection wants somebody who can do that. It could possibly be somebody on the sector or a coach on the sideline, however it’s a necessity of defensive success.

The Bengals want to determine who would be the emotional engine, who provides this piece to the protection on Sundays.

Possibly will probably be one of many defensive captains, like B.J. Hill or Trey Hendrickson, each of whom had been lacking in preseason motion?

You realize what would assist get them going? Some sacks in large moments.

You realize who is nice at getting sacks? Trey Hendrickson.

He is a big piece of the equation, however they want extra than simply Trey. In spite of everything, Trey main the league in sacks a 12 months in the past didn’t drag this protection out of the cellar.

There’s loads of expertise on the sting, and Joseph Ossai and Shemar Stewart each have the flexibility to kick it inside as effectively. Then there may be former first spherical decide Myles Murphy, who’s overdue for a breakout.

They should put strain on Joe Flacco and create alternatives for turnovers.

This can be the very best offensive line Joe Burrow has ever had, however it’s removed from good. Deal with seems to be fairly sturdy with Orlando Brown anchoring one aspect and Amaris Mims on the opposite. Ted Karras holds down the fort at heart. The potential weak spot is on the guard positions.

The Bengals will begin rookie Dylan Fairchild at one guard and embattled veteran Lucas Patrick on the different.

Fairchild has huge potential, however rookie guards face a steep studying curve, significantly when they’re enjoying towards this Jim Schwartz line of defense. He’ll face adversity and should reply.

Patrick will get the nod over newcomer Dalton Risner. The veteran was billed as a talented cross rusher however has handled damage and poor efficiency within the preseason.

This might be an actual take a look at for brand new offensive line coach Scott Peters, giving us a transparent image of the place his group is at.

It’s laborious to win video games early within the season.

There are two issues. You don’t know who they’re, and also you don’t know who you might be.

You don’t have a lot, if any, movie on the opposing crew, so that you by no means know what surprises they may throw your method. You will have seen the Browns earlier than, however you haven’t seen the 2025 Browns, so that you don’t know for positive what to anticipate.

In September, you might be additionally nonetheless determining who you might be as a crew. What’s your identification? How do you win video games?

If you are attempting to determine it out, you want your stars to step up.

They’re going to win this recreation as a result of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson step up and make the performs that matter at an important moments.